2015 - American Youth Foundation

2015
“My own self, At my very best, All the time”
Aspire Nobly, Adventure Daringly, Serve Humbly.
INSIDE
Letter from the President......................... 1
The Importance of Place........................... 2
The Mission in Motion................................ 4
The AYF Impact............................................. 6
Alumni Spotlight: Dave Young. . ............... 7
In Motion, On Mission Update............... 8
Girls Camp Reunion 2015......................... 9
Seeking a Real Home. . ............................... 10
Miniwanca: Building a Camp.. ................. 11
Time Flies in the AYF................................ 14
Shirley Shearman Legacy......................... 16
Summer Seminars for Women............. 18
YLTA Conference....................................... 18
Living the Four Fold Way........................ 19
AYF by the Numbers. . ............................... 20
Annual Report. . ............................................ 21
Honor Roll..................................................... 22
Memorials.. ..................................................... 27
Save the Dates. . ............................................ 28
Songs of Founder Fire............................... 28
Share the Magic: Summer 2016.. ........... 29
A letter
Ask my children where they feel most at home and they will say camp.
Yes, camp, despite the fact that our family lives 9 months of the year in a “real
house” in a charming little town in Southern Maine, where the schools are
great and the neighbors are kind. Our house is insulated, rodent free, enjoys
good water pressure, high speed internet… and still, camp, in its simple rustic
form, wins the title of home every time they are asked. Am I really surprised?
They like who they are and where they are for more hours of their days when
they are at camp. They recognize and value that their strongest, healthiest
friendships have formed among the trees, wild berries and waters of their
summer home.
FROM THE PRESIDENT
Our research finds that even brief experiences of awe, such as being amid
beautiful trees, lead people to feel less narcissistic and entitled and more
attuned to the common humanity people share with one another. In the
great balancing act of our social lives, between the gratification of selfinterest and the concern for others, fleeting experiences of awe redefine
the self in terms of the collective, and orient our actions towards the
needs of those around us.
Just think, by simply walking about in the beauty of creation, paddling a lake,
gazing at the stars, we risk becoming even better versions of ourselves. Might
we all awaken to better days and better actions if we get out and into the wonder
of our natural world more often? Unfortunately, we cannot all wake each day at
camp. But fortunately, we have been blessed with a plethora of other beautiful
options to choose from.
There is ample evidence that the loving, respectful interactions youth share
with staff and fellow campers in our programs are the most significant
ingredients for enabling their sense of security. This in turn leads to a healthy
self-concept and more positive relations with others. Kindness is key in the
land of best self. Another key is the very land itself.
In this issue of the Founder Fire we celebrate that the camps the founders
sought and built still stand. We celebrate that so many have joined in the noble
effort of caring for the AYF’s awe inspiring programs and properties by
participating in our In Motion, On Mission campaign. And we applaud those
that have gone forward from Merrowvista and Miniwanca, leaving a trail of
good selfless actions in their wake.
Those of us who have been fortunate enough to spend time at the AYF camps
understand Miniwanca and Merrowvista possess great powers not only as
programs but as places. One only needs to walk the campuses to know they
are on sacred grounds, in settings of awe. Our sites are stunning, and their
beauty – a catalyst for quotidian nobility!
In that first whirlwind year in the life of the AYF, the founders set out on a quest
for what they called a “real home” for the camp-conference programs. I believe
they met their objective.
I recently read of a research study that measured the positive impact settings
of awe have on our actions with others. It confirmed what many of us have
sensed for a long time. Psychology professors Paul Piff and Dacher Keltner have
found that individuals who reported experiencing more awe in their lives, who
felt wonder and beauty in the world around them, were more generous towards
others. In the words of Piff and Keltner;
For too long I have thought of sharing a summer cottage with moisture,
squirrels and mice as awful – when really, it has been an awe-filled home all
along. Seems I just need to follow my children’s lead and get out a little more.
I hope you will too.
We have sought to understand why awe arouses altruism of different
kinds. One answer is that awe imbues people with a different sense of
themselves, one that is smaller, more humble and part of something larger.
Welcome Home!
ANNA KAY VORSTEG
PRESIDENT, AYF
1
OF PLACE
This past summer I had the opportunity to tour two alumni around camp. These sisters
had not been to Merrowvista in decades, and they enthusiastically talked of their time as
campers and staff. As we walked, they had a list of places they wanted to return to. Their old
villages, the waterfront, the Bahn, the chapel, the eating lodge, and, of course, the council
circle. Walking into each space brought back specific memories of not only what they did
there and with whom, but also the learning inspired there. Almost like walking back in time,
the return to the trails and buildings of camp reconnected them to all they had achieved and
discovered years before. In the few hours we spent walking through camp, it was clear they
were reconnecting with their “Best Self”.
In the AYF we are blessed with a powerful and important mission that serves as the
foundation for our programs. That afternoon tour in the middle of summer was a wonderful
reminder of how important our buildings and open spaces are in delivering that mission.
The work of learning to live a balanced life, and of discovering, developing and being our
own best self (all the time!), is made easier in these unique places. The buildings nestled
in the dunes and mountains provide the framework for our young people to create
a community filled with discovery, which allow our communities to “come to life.”
The places you hold sacred from your own AYF years continue to inspire campers and staff.
We asked them to fill in the blank for the following prompt:
“When I am in this place, I feel…”
ISINO LODGE
– Christopher Alexander
MIN
“Architecture can bring life to a community… indeed it is
necessary in order to help a community come to life.”
K I N J I S H RI N E
O F TH E D U
RCH
NE
U
S
CH
By: Heather Kiley
U P PE R TI P I
T H E I M P O RTA N C E
H
IT
E
U
MO
NTAINS EATING
LO
DG
E
W
3
BAY CABIN
G
S
MBLY BUILDIN
0
10 - 4
SE
AS
Y C ABI N S
D - BA
HO
OK CHAP
EL
L AKE WATERFRO
LBRO
Y
ON
T
S
NT
THE MISSION IN MOTION
RVULLO
A
M
Y
N
O
H
ANT
NDER
AMY SK ALI
My name is Anthony and I am a writer/editor in New
Hampshire. I was on Merrowvista staff from 2010 to 2013,
and I was pretty good at being the lunch emcee.
I can’t say enough about the impact the AYF has had and
continues to have on my life – it gave me the foundation for
the way I try to lead and live.
So much of my time is spent writing or thinking about
writing that I’ve incorporated balanced living into my
routine. Often, writing starts as an M-fold or R-fold activity.
I’ll reflect alone, and I have to decide where my narrative
should go. Sometimes I have an idea, sometimes I don’t,
and sometimes an idea will come to me without having
been invited in the first place. A lot of writers try to explain
this phenomenon – the random spark of an idea – but none
of us knows how it works! I think there’s something
religious or spiritual or divine about it, and it makes me
excited to share my work with others.
It’s no accident that I’ve spent most of my professional
career working in non-profit organizations, serving youth
and families with programs that empower people and help
them learn and grow. I am currently the Executive Director
of Angles, a non-profit that works with teens and young
adults around issues related to sexual health and identity.
What I learned from the AYF helps me each day as I seek
to inspire my staff team, facilitate meaningful programs,
and serve others to the best of my ability.
ALU
Outside of work, I’m raising two daughters, serving as the
captain of my women’s ice hockey team, leading a Girl Scout
troop, and singing in two classical choirs. The idea of
balanced living has stayed with me through the years, and
although it can be difficult sometimes, I think we can find
balance in unexpected ways if we just pause to recognize
it. For example, singing and playing hockey both bring a
clear head and a sense of spiritual renewal – of connecting
with some higher aspect of myself – along with the more
obvious mental, physical, and social benefits.
When I’m ready to have an audience, I’ll share my writing
with a trusted friend, or the internet. The S-fold has always
been my weakest fold because I am an anxious guy and
it takes a lot to find the courage to share. Writing is the
easiest way for me to engage with the world and so it
becomes my primary S-fold activity.
But sometimes my mind is blank and I’m tired of sitting in
front of my computer or notebook. That’s when I’ll engage
my P-fold and go for a run or do a 30-minute core-blaster
workout DVD. My head will clear up and maybe I’ll have a
new angle for my work. I’ll sit down and reset my routine.
Living as one’s best self is an ongoing challenge that we
can carry with us every day, throughout our lives. There’s
a resilience in this idea, an understanding that we can use
our skills and gifts to persevere, that each day brings a new
opportunity to be who we want to be. As a parent of two
current campers, I am thrilled beyond words to see my
daughters take up this challenge, this dare, in their own
lives as they experience Miniwanca today.
4
N
ALUMNI OF THE AYF
ABER
CAROLYN F
SON
REESE JOHN
When I started my AYF journey in 1978 I never realized
what a difference it would make in my life. I came as a shy
17-year-old to Older Girls Conference and left 3 years later
as a more confident young adult. Perhaps what has shaped
me more than anything is the 25 years I have spent on staff
at the National Leadership Conference. Leading young
people to live the AYF mission and motto is a way that I
constantly keep myself in check with my own values and
beliefs. It’s the constant learning through leading that
shapes my journey and, in turn, allows me to have a small
part in shaping the journey of others.
After countless summers on the sand dunes of
Miniwanca, with stints as a camper, seasonal staff, and
year-round staffer, I am currently living in Cincinnati, Ohio,
with my incredible wife Hollie (another Miniwanca alum)
and our two daughters. We enjoy getting back to the
grounds every year, but the concept of balanced living is
something I try to have in my life every day. As a consulting
engineer there are always many responsibilities vying for
my attention at work. As a husband and father of young kids
there are always many things going on at home, too. Plus,
I like to be involved with our church. There is never a
shortage of things to do! However, I’ve learned that I’m at
my best when I’m keeping it all in balance: going for a run
in the morning, prioritizing at work, getting home for dinner
with the family, reading a story at bedtime, and finding
a couple moments somewhere to reflect and be grateful.
It’s not easy, and I’m far from perfect! It would be a lot
easier to focus on one thing or the other, but in my
experience, imbalance leads to unhappiness.
MNI
As a critical care nurse for the past 22 years, I have had the
privilege of caring for people during an incredibly
vulnerable time in their lives. Whether it’s a patient
undergoing open heart surgery, or helping a family make
critical decisions concerning end of life care, I find that my
AYF teachings are always relevant to what I do. The mission
of helping others develop their own personal best can
mean teaching a patient and their significant other how to
best care for each other post operatively, or how to live a
full life when the outcome is not as positive. Sometimes
I’m ministering to them on a physical level (P) by bringing
a cup of coffee when caffeine is needed or encouraging
them to take a break. At times I’m helping them network
with other care providers or home health agencies that will
make transition easier (S). Educating them so that they
better understand what is happening and how to get
through this event (M) is a big part of what I do as well.
Meeting people where they are religiously (R) is probably
one of the hardest parts of my work because many times
during crisis there can be separation from belief. It is my
job to accept where they are and aid when appropriate.
I’m about mid-career right now and have worked in several
different sectors: private, public, not-for-profit, government
and military. I’ve seen people achieve the pinnacle of
wealth or power in their field and what I’ve realized is that
it always comes at a cost to something in their life. Not
worth it, in my book. The AYF showed me the vision of
a perfect life as one that is in balance, and that is what
I strive for every day.
5
F
Y
A
E
H
T
T
C
A
P
IM
By: Dr. Bob Dvorak and Rob Schumacker of Central Michigan University
WHAT IT MEANS TO BE NATIONAL LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE STAFF
The AYF has partnered with Central Michigan University to conduct research on our programs
and their perceived outcomes. This article introduces the reader to our new project in 2015.
The American Youth Foundation has placed
great emphasis on fostering positive youth
development and inspiring youth to make positive
differences in their communities. However, the
influence goes beyond program participants. Each
year, talented individuals donate their time and
talent as staff members for AYF’s numerous
camps, conferences, and school programs. The
experiences delivered by these individuals impact
the participants, but also the staff themselves. Staff
return to their communities where they have the
opportunity to impact those around them as
professionals who strive to be their “best self.”
This leads us as researchers to inquire how being
staff at the National Leadership Conference
influences these individual’s professional lives.
How do volunteer staff live the mission of AYF
and what does their best self look like? To answer
these questions, we began conducting new
research that further examines and describes
those individuals who have worked as National
Leadership Conference staff.
PROCESS
WE WANT YOUR THOUGHTS
In June 2015, we conducted seventeen informal
interviews with National Leadership Conference
staff. The purpose of these interviews was to pilot
a variety of questions to determine how best to
examine the values, motivations, and perspectives
of NLC staff. Individuals were asked what motivates
them to return each summer as staff, what barriers
exist to their participation, and suggestions for
changes in the program. Respondents provided
a diversity of answers, including the importance
of giving back to the next generation, the benefits
of being part of the National Leadership Conference
community, and the opportunity for self-reflection
and restoring themselves. Changes in the program
and traditions were discussed, along with ways
to continue developing the program for future
participants.
Over the next several months, these responses will
be reviewed and analyzed to create an expanded
survey for National Leadership Conference staff.
This survey will be delivered online to current and
past staff members to reach a greater diversity of
participants. Keep an eye out in your email inbox
and on the American Youth Foundation website
(www.ayf.com) later this year for more information
on participating in this research.
Results from this study will assist the American
Youth Foundation by informing them of the values
and motivations of their staff, how the work of the
AYF influences individual’s daily lives, and what
being “my own self, at my very best” means and
looks like for staff. As researchers, we thank you all
for your hard work, commitment, and participation
in these programs, and for the information,
reflections, and personal meanings you share in
this study.
Rob Schumacker and Bob Dvorak are faculty members at
Central Michigan University. For more information on this
study, contact them at schum1rj @ cmich.edu
and dvora1rg@cmich.edu
6
DAVE YOUNG
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
By: Anthony Marvullo
SERVING HUMBLY IN NEPAL
AYF Alumnus Dave Young was teaching trauma care to embedded “I had never been in a place like this,” said Dave over the phone. He described
journalists when a 7.3 magnitude earthquake hit Nepal in April. An emergency the 8–10 tremors per day, how the ground moved and shook like a passing train
room physician at the University of Colorado Hospital and former NLC with no scheduled stops. “It made for some nervous sleeping,” he said. But
participant and Four Trails leader, Dave had visited Nepal before, for a research when he left Nepal after treating hundreds of people, he thought back on his
project in the Himalayan foothills, and he enjoyed the country and its people. formative experiences in AYF programs, how they shaped his beliefs and made
And he knew, from his firsthand experience with Nepal’s infrastructure and it an easy decision to serve a population on the other side of the world, and to
provide disaster relief.
government, that an earthquake would severely hurt the country.
It did. The earthquake was the biggest disaster in Nepal since 1934, when one
of magnitude 8.4 occurred in the country’s eastern region. The April 2015
earthquake’s epicenter was east of Nepal’s Lamjung district, nearly the middle
of the country. It triggered an avalanche on Mt. Everest, and it dramatically
increased the risk for landslides. It is predicted that the region will continue
to experience aftershocks for years to come.
“The AYF absolutely changed my life,” he said. “My first year in the National
Leadership Conference, I was shy and unsure, but the experience changed me
and I became more certain. I learned about our greater roles, greater purposes,
and how to become a good citizen.”
“It made me want to push harder,” he said. “It’s strange to think about, but I’ve
spent half my life connected to the AYF in some way. I still draw upon the
memory of NLC and Merrowvista and Miniwanca. I know that it changed me,
and I feel so privileged.”
Dave decided to return to Nepal, and he connected with NYCMedics, an
organization that, per its website, “deploys teams of health care and disaster
relief professionals to alleviate human suffering and distress in the aftermath
of a catastrophe.” With a team of twelve physicians, nurses, and paramedics,
he flew to Kathmandu. Prior to leaving, he told CBS4 in Denver during a
television interview that he “anticipate[s] going to a region that is difficult
to reach.”
Dave Young is completing a Wilderness Medical Fellowship in Colorado.
You can learn more about NYCMedics at http://www.nycmedics.org. And you
can watch Dave’s CBS4 Denver interview here: http://denver.cbslocal.
com/2015/04/29/colorado-doctor-travels-to-nepal-in-aftermath-of-earthquake/.
Young and his team traveled to the hillside village of Jharlang in the Dhading
district via helicopter, since land travel had become nearly impossible. Over
nine days, the medics treated 600 people. After the initial quake, Dave explained,
people were afraid to sleep indoors, and so they rested outside, exposed to
the elements. And for some patients, this was the first time in their lives they
had seen a doctor. Many primary care issues had never been addressed, and
were exacerbated by the quake.
In the village, there was capacity for more patients, but the nature of the
farming communities—spread over the region’s miles and miles of rice, corn,
and soy fields—made the journey difficult for people to travel. After the second
day, when the lines subsided and there were few people to treat, the medical
team grew restless and decided to hike to outer villages and provide outpatient
care where possible.
7
IN MOTION, ON MISSION CAMPAIGN UPDATE
WHERE WE ARE BY THE NUMBERS (September 30, 2015)
We are so pleased that to date over 1,100 individuals have made gifts to the AYF during this campaign window, over 30% of whom
are first-time donors. And we are excited that 85 supporters have made multi-year pledges. This generous action has resulted in the
positive numbers reflected below. If you have not yet given to our campaign, we hope you will consider making a pledge.
YOUTH
„ Scholarships and Operations
Pledges and gifts to date
$2,400,000
GOAL
$2,500,000
The “Y” in AYF shapes all that we do.
Your contributions are enabling new
„ and diverse groups of young people to
discover their Best Selves at Miniwanca
and Merrowvista!
TRADITION
„Facilities Restoration
Pledges and gifts to date
$655,000
GOAL
$1,500,000
Our camp spaces are the canopies of
Best Self – housing laughter, learning
and life changing experiences. We need
„ to
repair and enhance our existing
structures. Your gifts are restoring and
protecting these spaces!
LEGACY
„Eternal Flame Society
Pledges and gifts to date
$3,600,000
GOAL
$4,000,000
As part of the In Motion, On Mission
Campaign, we are inviting you to become
„ part of the Eternal Flame Society by adding
the AYF to your will, estate, or trust. Let’s
build a Legacy together!
While there has been an outpouring of support, as you can tell from the numbers
above Miniwanca and Merrowvista still need your help in meeting our Traditions goal.
Please contact Scott Myers (smyers@ayf.com) if you are interested in making a pledge
toward facilities restoration.
8
Girls Camp Reunion 2015
by Liz Marshall
REUNION BY THE NUMBERS
„„Over 100 returning campers attended
the reunion
„„More than 50 campers stayed in cabins
„„The oldest camper in attendance was
86 years old
„„Roll call of the states: 29 states + Canada were represented
„„8 decades of campers were represented going back to the 1940’s
„„All living Girls Camp Directors were
in attendance
„„The longest a camper stayed away from Miniwanca before returning was 38 years
The sounds of laughter, cheers and songs rang
throughout Girls Camp as the reunion attendees
put on tribal t-shirts and fully embraced the chance
to live as campers once again. Campers rose each
morning at the bell and ran to Lake Michigan for
Polar Bear, continuing through the day with set-ups,
meals, discussions, classes and many free time
options for swimming, boating and exploring.
Spiritual Insight groups offered the chance to
explore values and direction in our lives around
themes such as “One Hundred Women Who Care”
and “The Art of Decluttering.” Interest Group
offerings had us moving and creating, with projects
ranging from Craft House favorites such as Copper
Enameling and Beadwork, to nature hikes and
exploration, to discussions on current events and
issues in our world.
Evening brought us back to sunsets on the beach
where we shared Vespers, beginning with
reflections from the Directors on the way that
lessons from Miniwanca inform our every day,
pushing us to bring balance and connection to our
9
lives. On Saturday night, two mother-daughter
pairs shared deeply moving personal stories of
loss and growth as we watched the sun set over
Lake Michigan.
In the Something Sacred gathering in the Church of
the Dunes on Sunday Morning, we heard from a
range of voices about seeing the divine in each
other and creating a supportive atmosphere to
encourage all to grow towards their very best.
For many, a highlight of the reunion was Candlelight
Sing held in the Eating Lodge, where Barb Michael
led us through favorite Kodaya Rounds sung by
members of the Leader Octet, a performance from
the hand bell choir and many familiar favorites sung
with soaring harmonies by campers of all decades.
We hope that you will join us in 2020 for another
powerful reunion experience that connects us with
past and present in the beauty of a place we hold
sacred.
Seeking “A Real Home”
for the American Youth Foundation
In the past two Founder Fire issues, we described the origins of the Four-Fold philosophy and the launch of the first campconferences in 1914. This year we’re turning back the pages of history to 1924, as John L. (Kinji) Alexander describes the journey
to find a real home for the American Youth Foundation’s programs in the Middle West and New England in The Four-Folder.
“Wadjepi (Preston G. Orwig) and I have traveled much and far afield
during the Autumn days just passed, and always with the thought of finding a
place beautiful and big enough to be a real home for all our Camp traditions,
ideals and dreams. We have listened to the crash of the Inland Sea upon sunset
incarnadine sands and have seen the falling of leaves touched with the magic
of the snows. Together we have climbed hills and sand dunes and explored leafy
paths and ancient Indian trails. The flow of running waters and the tinkle of
tumbling waterfalls have filled our ears. In our imagination as we viewed new
sites, we have seen athletic fields, brown tents, war canoes, study rooms,
assembly places, sunset trysts, council circles, and the equipment and
placement of an enlarged camp life. And always it has been in the making.
We have journeyed far and wide and have examined many places, and we have
sought the best into which you might build yourself and your camp-ideas in the
days that are to come.”
Both camps were built and began programming in the summer of 1925. This
issue of the Founder Fire tells the story of finding and building Miniwanca. Our
next edition will tell the story of the rise of Merrowvista.
10
The Vision of Kinji-Gissis
Miniwanca: Building a Camp
by Sarah Forbes Orwig
The following paragraphs describe finding and building Camp Miniwanca, as told by Wadjepi (the Nimble One) in the 1924
and 1925 issues of The Founders’ Four-Folder.1 He understood that campers, leaders, and sponsors were curious about what the
summer of 1925 might hold for them—and for the newly formed American Youth Foundation. To build enthusiasm for the
coming summer, Wadjepi starts with the founders’ vision for this camp.
“A CAMP THAT IS DIFFERENT”
Now that the announcement has been made of the
location of the new central-west Camp, we can
share with you some of the many interesting
experiences incident to the selection of the site
on Lake Michigan and Stony Lake. First of all,
we pictured in our minds an
ideal setting for a camp of
the type we want to build.
There had to be the element of
remoteness—a real camp, away
from civilization and the
distractions of town and city
life; a place where real camp
atmosphere and traditions
could be developed without fear
of being hemmed in on all
Preston G. Orwig – “Wadjepi”
sides by the encroachments
of subdivision developments and the influx of
great crowds of visitors and sight-seers.
The second consideration was wonderful Lake
Michigan. We wanted the hundreds and thousands
of campers who will attend the Camp in the years
to come to revel in the enjoyment of the broad
sandy beaches, the tumbling surf and the matchless
sunsets of the Eastern Shore of this most beautiful
of Inland seas.
The third consideration was an Inland Lake, where
we could have plenty of space for swimming
instruction, boating, canoeing and general aquatic
sports. Beyond these few simple specifications we
of course kept in mind the many other essentials
that had to be considered in the building of a
camp that is different.
“THE QUEST FOR THE BEST”
With this ideal before us, Kinji and I made our first
pilgrimage to Muskegon, Michigan, in November
and the quest was on. We were assured by many
that the place we sought did not exist, or at least
was not available. A glance at the map of the west
coast of Michigan will show how nearly correct
was this statement. So we looked at inland lake
properties in the entire regions from Benton
Harbor to Pentwater, and yet we clung to our ideal.
1 So yes, the quest was on, but in fact it had been
going on since summer’s end, if not longer. Bear in
mind that it was now November 1924, that the
weather was cold and stormy, the skies were dark,
and the newly formed American Youth Foundation
would be opening its first summer camp conference
in just seven months—somewhere. Kinji, Wadjepi,
and the realtor were rain-soaked and ready to call
it quits. The founders had not found their ideal. And
then, just as he and Kinji resolved to leave Michigan,
Wadjepi reached into his pocket, pulled out a piece
of paper, took one last look at it, and asked the
realtor, “What is S Lake? Do you know anything
about it?” In fact, he did not, but the realtor
promised to investigate. Wadjepi’s story continues:
Pottawatomie Trail
11
Article continues on next page u
So we returned from our exploration trip keenly
disappointed over our failure to find what we had
been looking for. But our Stony Lake suggestion
proved to be a providential leading for within the
next week a letter from our real estate friends
announced that they had made a trip to Stony Lake,
that it was a wonderful place, that there was only
one piece of property fronting on Lake Michigan
and backing on Stony Lake and that they had gone
ahead and secured the option on the site. So up we
dashed and—well now I’ll tell you, we’ll just stop
here and continue the story in our next and then I’ll
let you know whether or not we found our ideal, and
perhaps I’ll have a few pictures to show you. Won’t
that be nice?
a hard gravel road which led to Stony Lake and
the Camp property.
Equipped with heavy galoshes and wool socks we
sallied forth in the snow to “view the landscape
o’er.” Our first water view was that of Stony Lake –
1800 feet of the camp property abuts on Stony Lake.
This is about three-fourths of the entire western
end of the lake. We discovered an old trail nearby
and through it we passed into the heart of the
property.
matchless sunsets. Real “ocean” bathing here, and
oh, the fun we are going to have on that beach!
Indoor baseball, volley ball, water baseball—for
one can wade out the distance of a full city block
from the shore—beach games and well, let your
imagination go to the limit—I’m stumped. And
think of the unlimited water frontage for our group
parties—each group can have a beach of its own—
and think of the treasure hunts on the acres of dune,
and woods, and beaches—and, well, FounderComrades, I’ve got to stop—the half has not been
1 He makes it all sound so simple! In fact they
were in a mad scramble to build a camp in five or
six mostly wintry months. As luck had it, there was
one substantial structure in the area we now call
Main Camp: a large cottage known as Sunset View.
This building served as the office and center of camp
operations from 1925 into the 1950s. But Sunset View
was just the start. Yet to be built by the summer: a
dining hall, the tent villages (now called cabin bays),
all the infrastructure needed to support hundreds of
summertime campers, and a road. But before any
of that work could begin, they needed to construct
one crucial piece: a bridge across Stony Creek. And
so hammers, plows, pile drivers, saws, shovels, and
engineering skills shifted into high gear. The bridge,
completed in the winter of 1924-25, opened the way
for creating Main Camp.
Throughout the demanding construction schedule,
Wadjepi captured the imaginations of campers and
leaders with his vivid descriptions of each new
development. Here, in a late winter issue of the
Four-Folder, he documents a wintry ascent up Old
Baldy and a brisk traverse across the snowy
landscape of the newly named Miniwanca. It may
have been winter, but he could already see the
potential for beach games, vesper services, athletic
contests, and classes in each direction he looked.
.CAMP MINIWANCA – A STORY OF
EXPLORATION AND DISCOVERY
Arriving at Muskegon at seven o’clock in the
morning, we dashed into a cafeteria for a bite of
breakfast, checked our grips at the hotel, and within
a half hour after our arrival we were hitting a fortymile pace in our Dodge sedan on Michigan’s famous
M-11 Pike – a magnificent paved road stretching
from Chicago to the Straits of Mackinac. At the town
of New Era, we clicked off eight miles due west on
The new Stony Creek bridge, right alongside the old footbridge
We progressed along the trail and saw ahead of us
way up above the tops of the trees a giant “moving”
sand dune which we estimated to be fully 200 feet
in height. From the top of this great dune one can
view practically the entire property, with Stony
Lake in the rear, wonderful Lake Michigan in front,
and below and beyond on every hand we saw one
succession of ridges and “draws,” many of sufficient
size in which to play Indoor Baseball2 and Volley Ball.
Now we cross several ridges till we come to the
banks of Stony Creek. Shall we follow the ridge or
the “shore trail,” which runs from Stony Lake to
Lake Michigan? The shore trail it is, so off we go,
winding around with the stream until we come to
beautiful old Pottawatomie Trail—(you’ll be
fascinated with it)—finally to emerge at Sunset
View Cottage, and before us Lake Michigan with its
broad sandy beaches, its tumbling surf, its
12
told and will not be until you complete the story
yourselves.
This is to be your camp. It’s an alluring prospect, is
it not? Now comes the pioneering, the blazing of
new trails, the establishing of camp traditions—
the transfusion of your wonderful Founder spirit
into Camp Miniwanca (Big Sea Camp). You will be
there of course to have your name written on the
Pioneers-Founders page of Camp-Conference
history. Have you reserved your place? Better do so
at once. Attendance will be limited this first year.
1 By the spring of 1925, as the AYF counted
the final weeks before camp, Wadjepi recounts
the final checklist of preparations, always mixing
work with fun:
A LOOK-IN ON CAMP MINIWANCA
I wish you could see all that is going on at the new
camp. The place is a beehive of activity. The roads
have been built, the bridge completed, concrete
foundations have been laid for dining room and
kitchen, tent platforms are going up like hotcakes,
the well has been drilled (a great flow of pure,
sparkling water), the sanitary system is nearing
completion, two big septic tanks installed, the big
concrete water storage tanks have been built, and
now the final rush is on for the completion of the
superstructure of the dining room and kitchen.
Over the course of many years, Miniwanca was
built—but not overbuilt—into the camp we
recognize today, with much of it intentionally
managed as open and unbuilt space. Pottawatomie
trail easily could have become the main road into
camp, but the founders left it untouched. Why?
Because sometimes the more circuitous route is the
best one, or because the trail was something best
left undisturbed. As Wadjepi emphasized in his very
first paragraph, the founders sought a camp
distinguished by water and wilderness. Maybe they
knew what contemporary research is confirming:
The dock and swimming area on Stony Lake
The south side of the Eating Lodge under construction
Then will follow the finishing touches—the
swimming dock with a chute-the-chutes (Oh boy!),
the rigging up of tents, setting the equipment,
unpacking the kitchen and dining room equipment
and getting everything organized and all set for the
fellows when they arrive on [June] 29th and later
the girls on July 13th. And the camp grounds! You’ve
never seen anything prettier and more fascinating
in your life… when we hit camp this summer, we’re
going to have the best two weeks of our lives. Come
on, sign up, quick, and get in the swim. (P.S. Bring
a small hand axe if you have one. There are scores
of trails to be laid out.)
1 So there you have it – a glimpse of this quest
for a camp, a story of a piece of paper in a pocket
that bore the words “S Lake,” and the heroic
planning and labor that made the very first season
possible. Among the unsung heroes are two we must
name: John C. Huey, who sold the land to the AYF
and served as a crucial advisor on community
relations, and John’s son Harold Huey, who led the
construction of the very first buildings with skill
and ingenuity.
Sunset View before its purchase by the American Youth Foundation.
that time spent away from buildings, under trees,
and in a natural landscape can contribute to mental
sharpness and emotional well-being, and foster
better decision making. Their vision of a “camp that
is different” continues to work for us today, so much
so that anyone who has attended an AYF program
will understand the sentiment Wadjepi expressed at
the conclusion of one camp season:
The next morning came the final handshakes, and
cheery goodbyes, as the fellows scattered to the
four corners of the Continent, and above all could
be heard the oft repeated, enthusiastic call, “So
long, Kinji, so long, Dad, so long, Wadjepi, we’ll see
you next year.” Oh, say, isn’t this a great old world?
One of the “draws” where beach volleyball was played. Kinji is on the right.
Simultaneously, the founders were securing
a spot on Danhole Pond in New Hampshire.
In the next edition, we will explore the
founding of the 700 acres of Merrowvista.
Although most of Wadjepi’s paragraphs are copied word-forword from the 1924–1925 issues of the Four-Folder, in some
cases sentences were shortened or removed. The section
headlines are his, as are the words he italicized for emphasis.
1
2
If anyone can explain what Indoor Baseball is, could you
please let us know?
13
TI M E FLI
7:00 am
prepping
P olar Bears ke
on Stony La
7:15 am
Splash!
8:35 am
12:45 pm
1:30 pm
MV Odyssey women reach the
peak! This marks the end of
their 100 mile wilderness trek.
full of
Lunch is alwa ys
enkindled spirits!
Pioneer Boys head out for
their first overnight.
nd to get
Volunteer Weeke
p read y”!
both sites “ca m
It’s Leadershi
time at
lag Raising
Reflections at F
r the da y.
set the tone fo
12:30 pm
4:15 pm
9:30
What are y
2:00
In March, Ca m
ta kes on the c
5:00 pm
6:00 pm
A turn under the parachute
during free time.
A moment to ac
k
goals accomplisnohewled ge
d.
14
Thing
Loyo
I ES I N TH E AY F
9:45 am
10:00 am
Riders celebrate
the completion
of their 1, 30 0 m
ile journey.
Camp Meridian solves
Da Vinci’s bridge
0 am
ip Development
t NLC.
you doing?
0 pm
mp B lue S ky
climbi ng wall.
8:00 pm
gs get a little goofy when
ola Academy plays in the
Wanca Olympics!
2:40 pm
at N LC
Afternoonsst
G ro ups;
mean Intereanyone?
Zumba
10 :30 am aroline
other C
Students fromplorMe the wetland
Academy ex he Beaver Da m.
ecosystem at t
3:30 pm
Winter ca mpers
test their
outdoor survi val
skills.
4:00 pm
High School students from
Codman Academy get ready
for some high ropes.
10:00 pm
9:30 pm
Evening Reflection creates
space to share personal values.
U ntil next t
15
ime.
Shirleys
L I V I N G L EGACY
by Jenn Hockema
Shirley Shearman embodied the mind, spirit, and heart of the AYF
philosophy. She was influenced by Camp Miniwanca at a young age, and in turn,
left her influence on Miniwanca. Shirley cultivated a spirit of balanced living
and charity in her family, which was passed down for generations. It continues
to inspire all those who come in contact with Miniwanca, including members
of Shirley’s family, as they carry on her legacy with AYF programs.
generation of campers will be packing their trunks to head to Miniwanca
in the next few years.
Shirley was a constant presence at Camp Miniwanca while her children and
grandchildren attended. Even at 80 years old, she was volunteering to lead
physical activities with the campers, constantly spotted down at the waterfront.
Even though she was incredibly fit for someone her age, it was her spirit that
kept her so young. She left a positive impact through her interactions with young
people, but also on the site itself as she donated the majority of funds to
construct Jack’s House, the Health Center at Miniwanca. Jack’s House was done
in honor of her grandfather, father, and brother, all of whom were physicians
named Jack. Last summer through the collective efforts of AYF alumni Shirley
had met and with whom had recently become friends, a flag pole was erected
outside the door to the Mills Center at Miniwanca in her honor. The plaque
reads: Shirley Tope Shearman. A Founder Friend in Heart and Deed.
A Younger Girls camper in the 1930s, and thereafter a YG Leader, Shirley learned
about goal setting, balanced living, and how to be her Best Self. She discovered
her faith, and was inspired to make a positive difference in the world. It was
these life changes that pushed Shirley out into the world to be the best version
of herself that she could be, and what a vision that was! Starting at home in the
Chicago suburbs, Shirley volunteered at Northwest Settlement House and Infant
Welfare in Chicago during high school. After marrying her husband John J. Tye
in 1942, and having three children – John, Richard, and Kimberly – Shirley
continued to be an active volunteer in schools, church, Brownies, Girl Scouts,
Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts.
Shirley passed away at 95 years old in late January 2015, and the long-term
impacts Miniwanca had on her life were still present. Shirley became a
Christian, strove for a balanced life, and volunteered wherever she could due
to the philosophy instilled in her at a very young age.
The desire to teach others the AYF philosophy never faltered in Shirley. Soon
after she and John were married, they sent John’s younger sister Lucy to
Miniwanca to share in the experience. And as the young Tye children grew up,
the family summered at Stony Lake. As they became camp-age, Shirley sent
each of her children to Miniwanca as campers, knowing that she wanted her
children to have the same life-changing experiences she did. It worked. Years
later, when John, Robert, and Kimberly had families of their own, the AYF
philosophy and experiences they shared inspired them to send their children
– Shirley’s grandchildren – to camp.
True to form, the mission of Best Self, Balanced Living, and Positive Community
changed the way that this legacy family had begun to live their lives away from
camp, too. Kimberly recalls she and husband Buz McOmber talking about living
a balanced life with their three children (Lindsay, Trevor, and Emily “Katie”)
long before they were old enough to attend camp. After they attended camp
like their grandmother, the McOmber children went on to learn Latin, play
varsity sports, and play instruments—because they had been encouraged to
be well-rounded, or “balanced.” And as the tradition continues, a fourth
Shirley and her children from (L-R) John Tye, Kimberly Tye McOmber, and Richard Tye.
16
Lindsay McOmber Morton and her mother Kimberly in front of Jack’s House.
Lindsay, Kimberly, Lucy Tye Vandenburgh, Shirley, John, Emily McOmber Bostrom, Trevor McOmber, and Richard.
Last fall, Shirley Shearman sat down with her daughter, Kimberly Tye McOmber,
to write a thank-you letter. Shirley had been writing thank-you letters
since she was young, after her mother had instilled in her that showing
gratitude was important. But this letter was different; it was intended as her
final letter. This letter was written to express her gratitude for the blessings
she had received, the people in her life, and the communities and activities she
had taken part in.
She finished her letter with the motto she had kept close to her heart ever
since that first year at camp in 1932, and her own dare to those around her.
17
By: Jill Schantz
SSW
Summer Seminars for Women
Summer Seminars for Women, or SSW, is an
intergenerational gathering of women from all
walks of life who come together to share the
invigorating experience of living in community for
four days at Camp Miniwanca.
This year’s theme was “Light for the Journey,” with
morning seminars led by AYF Executive Director
Anna Kay Vorsteg, the Rev. Karen Knodt, and Dr.
Linda Smith, DC. These sessions are facilitated
discussion and activities around the theme from
the perspective of each of the Folds (M,R,P). The
Social Fold is covered all day and each afternoon
with optional activities (high ropes, boating, hiking
Old Baldy, crafts, and field trips to area attractions
or the beach!).
Each day closes with an evening program: a portrait
of a woman of distinction, candle lighting to
remember and celebrate women mentors and
friends, evening reflections and bonfires – and, of
course, the beach at sunset. Social time continues
with snacks and intelligent conversation into the
night. We leave relaxed, reinvigorated and inspired
to reimagine our personal best, seek balance and
embrace Four-Fold Living and to create a positive
difference in our communities and the world.
SSW is an open enrollment program for adults.
YOU can JOIN the fun! Mark your calendar for
SSW 2016!!! Watch www.ayf.com for details, and
connect with us on Facebook at Miniwanca Summer
Seminars for photos and updates.
YLTA CONFERENCE
The Youth Leadership Through Adventure
(YLTA) Conference is a collaborative November
program that the AYF creates alongside longtime
partner Sean O’Brien and his groups of intrepid
youth partners. YLTA is a voluntary extracurricular
program that is distinguished as a Promising
Program linked to statistically significant changes in
youth substance abuse in New Hampshire. O’Brien
has started something of a movement in NH; there
are YLTA groups in over 16 schools across northern
New Hampshire, and that number is growing.
Merrowvista co-creates both middle and high
school conferences with the regional student
leaders of YLTA each year, which are generously
sponsored by the American Youth Foundation and
the NH North Country Health Consortium. These
dynamic gatherings bring together over 180 active
and prospective youth leaders from middle and
high schools around the northern region of New
Hampshire seeking to make powerful impacts on
youth culture and diminish substance abuse in their
school communities.
By: Jiin Cruz
YLTA groups work and meet after school throughout
the year to plan community and prevention initiatives
in their schools and towns, and to develop their own
leadership skills. In addition to their local efforts, an
outstanding group of students comes together as a
regional team to bring the YLTA Conferences and
other programs to life with the partnership of the
Merrowvista Community & School Programs team.
After a few school visits by Merrowvista staff and a
dense two-day preconference training and visioning
period, youth leaders and MV facilitators co-lead
every aspect of the conference, from meal-running
to small-group facilitation.
The YLTA conferences develop youth investment and
skills in leadership and school climate over the
course of three days. A beautiful community culture
is created over the course of the conference, giving
participants the sense that they are connected to a
thriving, powerful movement. In the intimate setting
of family groups, students connect with each other
and discuss their experiences and solutions to
common and unique issues in their lives. They also
gain hard and soft leadership skills through dynamic
workshops and put those skills into practice in
project teams that plan and commit to carrying out
service projects in their communities. After all,
there is an undeniable sense among these students
that they can make a meaningful impact on the world
around them. The team at Merrowvista is very proud
to contribute to the growth and work of these young
people enkindling spirits across their state.
A YLTA participant steps off the bus at Merrowvista,
welcomed by the excited facilitators.
18
LIVING
THE FOUR FOLD WAY
The Remarkable Life of James P. Orwig
by Peg Craig and Anne Weatherholt
On January 9, 2015, James (Jim) P. Orwig, son of AYF Founder Preston
G. Orwig, passed away at the age of 95. Jim was the last living witness to the
original AYF camp program in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. In every facet, his life
reflected the motto of the AYF and the Four Fold Way.
Once World War II ended, Jim went back to school on the GI Bill, earning a
master’s degree in philosophy at the University of Wisconsin, Madison in 1947.
He followed that with a Doctor of Education degree in 1953 from (then)
Michigan State College. During the years that he was in school, Jim and Kay
spent the summers at Miniwanca, where Jim’s father, Preston Orwig was the
camp director.
Jim was born in Philadelphia on May 30, 1919, to Preston G. Orwig (Wadjepi)
and Helen Forbes Orwig. The family already had deep ties to the AYF—not
only was Wadjepi one of the four founders, but Wadjepi and Helen had first met
while the AYF was holding camps at Lake Geneva. Thus, Jim and his siblings,
older brother David and younger sister Betty Ann, grew up connected to the
program. The family spent most summers at Camp Miniwanca, where Jim
attended both the Younger Boys and Older Boys Camp Conferences for
Christian Leadership. He also served as a camp leader and director of the
waterfront. In his spare time he lent his design and handcraft skills to the
building of the camp, including the entrance gate at Girls Camp.
In 1955, Jim was hired as the Dean of Men at Berea College in Berea, Kentucky.
The family, which now included three young daughters, Margaret (Peg),
Elizabeth (Betsy) and Anne (Annie), moved to the college town that would
remain Jim’s home until 2012. They soon began construction on a unique
redwood house with a butterfly roof, which Jim helped design and build. The
family moved into the house, known as “Treetops,” in 1963. Though Jim now
lived far from the shores of Lake Michigan, the teachings of the AYF and the
Four Fold philosophy continued to be the foundation of both his professional
and personal life. He guided his students with great care and continued to study
and teach philosophy. As a member of Union Church, he served on committees
and boards, helped with many outreach projects and decorated the church
sanctuary each year for Christmas. He also participated in faculty sports,
maintained a personal regimen of daily exercise, and skied until the age of 75.
He served on the AYF Board of Trustees from 1969 to 1978.
After graduating from high school, Jim moved to Appleton, Wisconsin, to attend
Lawrence College. He earned his bachelor’s degree in philosophy in the spring
of 1941. In September of that year, Jim joined the U.S. Army, first as a clerk, then
as a technical sergeant. He attended both Non-Commissioned Officers School
and Judo School before joining the prestigious 10th Mountain Division Ski
Troops. He was later awarded the Purple Heart, the Good Conduct Ribbon, the
EAME (European-African-Middle Eastern) Ribbon with two Bronze service
battle stars, and the Combat Infantry Badge. He also earned a Bronze Star for
meritorious service, which was awarded after he assumed command of a
weapons platoon in the absence of a platoon leader.
Following Jim’s retirement from Berea College, he and Kay spent three years
overseas with the United Board for Christian Higher Education in Asia, first in
Hong Kong, then in Chiang-Mai, Thailand. In addition, Jim served as an
educational consultant for the AYF. In 1972 he became part of the Council of
Chiefs and was given the name “Wohoda,” meaning “the Loyal One.” All three
of his daughters attended YG and OG. In recent years, two grandchildren and
one great-granddaughter attended Miniwanca, making this a five-generation
camp family.
In June of 1943, just before Jim deployed to Italy, he married Katharine (Kay)
Cook. The couple first met at Camp Miniwanca, where Kay was a leader and
naturalist in YG and attended OG. Both Jim and Kay were also chiefs in the
Older Camps. It was only fitting, then, that the couple wed in the Church of the
Dunes—the first wedding held in the newly built church. Because of wartime
gas rationing many of their friends could not attend, so Jim and Kay invited the
entire Younger Girls camp to the ceremony. The reception took place in the
rose garden of Maplecrest, the family summer home of Preston and Helen,
which is still located across from the West Camp (Girls Camp) entrance.
While it is impossible to summarize or even encapsulate a life so richly lived,
it is easy to recognize Jim as an example of the influence of the AYF at its finest.
He was, to the end, his own self, at his very best, all the time.
19
AYF
BY THE NUMBERS
In 2014, AYF served
6,661
People
from
and
46
12
States
Countries
at Miniwanca,
Merrowvista
and St. Louis
2014 ANNUAL REPORT
MINIWANCA SUMMER CAMP:
NATIONAL LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE:
During the six weeks of camp, Miniwanca runs single gender camps for boys
and girls in grades 3 – 12. Once a camper enters seventh grade he/she can join
the 4-Trails program and go on out-camping trips, including a 23 day cycling
tour from Merrowvista to Miniwanca!
664 Campers
Based on a four year progressive curriculum, NLC is an 8-day conference for
high school and college students from across the country. First Year
participants are between 15 – 18 years of age. The curriculum focuses on
tangible leadership skills while continuously addressing the notion of best self,
balanced living, and positive community.
285 Participants
MERROWVISTA SUMMER CAMP:
VOLUNTEER WEEKEND:
Set on over 600 acres of the Ossipee Mountains in New Hampshire, Merrowvista
offers 1 – 4 week opportunities for campers 8 – 17 years old. The younger
campers take part in the in-camp program, while campers in rising 9th – 12th
grade take part in the 4-Trails program.
530 Campers
A FREE weekend filled with service to the camp and games with friends.
Volunteers come together to help ready the site for the upcoming program
season while also having a chance to play on the high ropes course and take
part in the first Polar Bear Plunge of the year.
Miniwanca: 90 volunteers
Merrowvista: 72 volunteers
DAY CAMP:
A week long program, Day Camp is geared towards rising 1st – 6th graders. This
is a great way for young campers to experience everything Miniwanca and
Merrowvista have to offer!
Miniwanca: 35 Campers
Merrowvista: 23 Campers
EPIC:
An evening of zany camp games geared towards adults, the Second Annual EPIC
Games was held in St. Louis in November. Imagine the Amazing Race, Double
Dare, and Minute to Win It all mashed up together. It’s a truly EPIC event helping
raise money for scholarships.
80 participants and volunteers
COMMUNITY AND SCHOOL PROGRAMS:
CAMPAIGN KICKOFF EVENTS:
Throughout the academic year, Miniwanca and Merrowvista serve thousands
of students and educators through CSP. Students come from across the
Midwest and Northeast to experience a 3 – 7 day program that is specially
formulated to their group’s needs, outcomes, and objectives.
Miniwanca: 2,054 students from 30 different schools/organizations
Merrowvista: 2,587 students from 46 different schools/organizations
The In Motion, On Mission campaign kicked off with various events across the
country with AYF alumni. We made pizza, drank wine from across the world,
and tested our trivia knowledge!
Boston: 32 attendees
Chicago: 18 attendees
Cleveland: 44 attendees
St. Louis: 27 attendees
Washington, DC: 10 attendees
20
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | Operating Actuals: January 1 to December 31, 2014
REVENUE
Breakdown of 2014 Revenue
Program Fees (Camps, Conference, Schools)
$ 4,148,934
Contributions (Grants, Donations & Other)
$
757,672
Releases from Restriction: Construction
$
318,413
Endowment Draw
$
562,761
5%
10%
Program Fees
Contributions
13%
Endowment Draw
72%
TOTAL REVENUE, SUPPORT & DRAW:
$ 5,787,780
EXPENSES
Breakdown of 2014 Expenses
Program Operations
$ 4,014,125
Individual Scholarships Awarded
$
664,329
Facility Maintenance & Construction
$
514,957
Administrative
$
359,943
Alumni Relations & Fundraising
$
234,426
TOTAL EXPENSES
$ 5,787,780
6% 4%
David G. Danforth
Chairman of the Board
Christopher Danforth
Vice Chairman of the Board
D.D. Danforth Burlin, Esq.
Donald Danforth III
William H. Danforth, M.D.
Glenn E. Davis, Esq.
Pamela R. Evans
Kevin J. Hunt
Jeffrey McDonnell, CFA
Daniel Miller
Jason Purnell
A. Neil Sweeny
Elizabeth Mulcahy Telthorst
Andrea Van Cleve
Program Operations
9%
Alumni Relations & Fundraising
12%
Scholarships Awarded
69%
Facility: Maintenance & Construction
Administrative
If you would like more information about our financial statements, our annual audit
and annual IRS Informational Return Form 990 are available to the public. A copy can
be obtained by visiting our website and clicking on “About AYF” and following the link
to the financial reports.
*The above numbers do not reflect all activities related to the IMOM Campaign.
See page 8 for additional Campaign Information.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Releases from Restriction
As a nonprofit organization, the American Youth Foundation is deeply committed to broadening
the reach of the important mission with which we are charged. Thanks to contributions from our friends
and alumni, 81% of AYF campers and 51% of Leadership Conference participants received financial
assistance and discounts through our scholarship funds. The stories in this magazine spotlight the AYF’s
commitment to year-round programming and the life-time journey that is becoming your Best Self.
Please continue to support and share our mission with others. The work of the AYF goes well beyond
the camp experience and we hope that the core values of four-fold balanced living will reach tens
of thousands of young people in future generations to come. We invite you to be the strength of
the organization, the heavy lifters: our volunteers, our donors, our camper parents, our recruiters…
our Founders.
ADVISORY MEMBERS
Kay Bell
Jean Booker
J. Patrick Mulcahy
Marie Oetting
21
HONOR ROLL | Campaign and Contributor Donations, from January 1 to December 31, 2014
The American Youth Foundation
extends our deepest gratitude
to the following individuals, corporations and foundations for their
generous support of our programs
and the children we serve.
Every effort has been made to
ensure the accuracy of this list.
Please accept our sincere apologies
for any errors or omissions.
FOUNDERS CIRCLE
($10,000+)
The Albers/Kuhn Family Foundation
Jane Brock-Wilson
Dorothy Danforth-Burlin and
Johannes Burlin
The Dalton Family
Mrs. Donald Danforth, Jr.
David and Christina Danforth
John and Sally Danforth
William H. Danforth, MD
Hanes
Dan and Diana Henry
Mr. and Mrs. J. Patrick Mulcahy
JoAnn Mulcahy
Elizabeth Mulcahy Telthorst and
Dean Telthorst
O’Brien Family Foundation
Deborah A. Seidel
Janet G. Strube
Andrea and Peter Van Cleve
The Weaver Family
Charlotte A. Conaway
Linda Slagell and Family
Jane Koten
Alice and Richard Dickinson
Donald and Susannah Danforth
Cody and Carrie Smith
William and Pamela Kuehling
Peter DiGasbarro
Ms. Elizabeth G. Danforth
Jeff and Ellen Steinwachs
Kuhn Foundation
Derek Filcoff
Glenn and Susan Davis
Stifler Family Foundation
Wayne and Margo Gagnon
Alice Dekker
The Stone Family
Martha MacMillin and
George Plesko
W. Joseph Deuble
Barbara W. Strawn
Elizabeth C. Marshall
Edman and Virginia Gray
Dr. Chandlee Dickey
Mary Struckhoff
Donald Danforth Plant
Science Center
William C. Stude, Jr.
Heather McPherson
Catherine Dugan
The Swanson Family
The Chris & Melody Malachowsky
Family Foundation
Laura J. Mohr
The Montie Family
The Daniel & Henry Company
Karen Moxon
The Pillsbury Foundation
Susan M. Mulcahy
The Shepherd Foundation
Network For Good
Michael and Jennifer Trippeer
Bill Nicholson
John Hecker and Family
U.S. Trust, Bank of America
Private Wealth Management
Meg Nystrom
HeplerBroom LLC
The Unangst Family
Cathy and Graham Hill
Thomas and Carolyn Vaughan
Orchard View Middle School
Sarah Knight Hindle and
Winston Hindle
Anna Kay Vorsteg and
Vicki Boyd
Kristin Day-Hinken
Walmart
John R. Woods Foundation
Washington University Athletics
Patricia Cobb Jones
Kristy Weber
Karpel Solutions
Whitehall District Schools
Kent Precision Foods Group
The Witheford Family
Ward and Carol Klein
Laura Young
Emily and Dennis Knuth
Zarnick Family Foundation
Electronic Arts Matching Gifts
Program
Pamela Evans and Diane Radford
The Fiorello Family
Jerry and Connie Fritz
Graphic Packaging International
The Lanphier Family
Harold and Susan LaPine
Thomas Liao and Beverly Sha
Jeffrey Libson and Family
Logan University
Melinda Love and Sean Bryant
Allen Mahler and Family
DIRECTORS CIRCLE
($5,000+)
Andy and Nancy Marr
Anonymous
The McDermott Family
Christopher and Molly Danforth
John Drew
Kenneth and Bonnie Hargreaves
Kevin and Jana Hunt
Kennelwood Village Inc.
Lakewood Board of Education
Jeffrey and Jennifer McDonnell
Nestle Purina PetCare Company
Marie P. Oetting
Cynthia and Robert Prather
Eleanor and Ed Shaheen
Barbara J. Washburn
ADVENTURERS CIRCLE
($1,000+)
Philip and Meredith Anson
Mrs. Melvin C. Bahle
The Bailey Family
Kay and Harvey Bell
Kathleen Beyerman and Rick
Hawkins
Teresa S. Bowers
Missi Bowman
James Carrington
The Mason Family
Kip and Carol McGilliard
The McIntosh Family
Vanette McKinney and Family
Clara McLeod
Malcolm McPherson and
Deborah Hoover
Microsoft Matching Gifts Program
Daniel and Anne Miller
George and Irene Minich
Mona Shores Middle School
Michael and Lynn Mulcahy
Muskegon Middle School
New Hampshire Electric Co-Op
Foundation
North Hampton School District
North Muskeegon Middle School
The O’Bannon Family
Sarah Forbes Orwig
LEADERS CIRCLE
($500+)
James W. Abshagen
Photeine Anagnostopoulos
Carolyn Anderson and
Barry Edwards
Joe Baty
Gary J. Bloomfield, Ph.D.
Christena Bolton
Jean Booker and
Geraldine Thompson
Stacy and Doug Bratcher
The Buchta Family
Louis and Rochelle Cain
Daniel Cassidy and Family
Susan Chandler
Louise Orcutt Cleveland and Family
The Cobin Family
Commerce Bank of St. Louis
James and Patricia Cook
David and Megan Dietrich
Kimberly and Brad Earnest
Marjorie Goetzke Entorf
Deana Fox
Barbara Pierson
Marian Reineke
James and Mary Roberts
Gerard Oprins and
Cindy Christensen
Charlie Rosenbury
Harriet Collier
Anne E. Sheline
Shirley T. Shearman
John and Nancy McMillan
Patrick O’Hagin
Margaret Ride Peterson and Family
Dr. Richard and Ethel Phillips
Jeff Prince and Beth Firmin
Stephen Frost and Family
Fusion IT LLC
Monica and Mark Hatfield
Robyn Huffman and Family
Patricia Johnstone
Alan Jones
Kaspick & Company
Sandra P. Kirkbride
Amy and Nathan Kostal
22
Chris Gregg
Karen and Jesse Gwidt
D. Won and Myung Hahn
Mrs. Barbara Henrichs
Elizabeth Howland
The Hughes-Livingston Family
Jennifer Hull
The Humphrey Family
Impressions Direct
The Jones Family
The Karr Family
Heather and Douglas Kiley
Dr. Jennifer Kittle
Lisa Kralina
Barbara S. Queal
Thomas Marshall and
Judith Marshall Jobbitt
John Reichenbach and Family
Douglas McAlister and Family
The Schantz Family
Paul McClure
Phillip and Mary Schenkenberg
Julie and Steve Meadows
James and Kristen Shanahan
Dean and Pat Messinger
Carolyn A. Sharp
Christopher Miller
Steve Shorney and Lisa Iliffe
Kate Montgomery
St. Louis Christmas Carols
Association
Mother Caroline Academy
& Education Center
Santha S. Stall
Motorola Foundation
Robert Steiger
Brooks and Amy Murphy
Summit Distributing
Catherine Okhuysen and
Anne Williamson
Mark Tapper
Bob and Nancy Wagoner
Michael and Donna Warren
Steven Parker and Family
William and Debra Patterson
Nancy and Robert Weed
Stephen Perepeluk
Phyllis Carrington Wertime
and Family
Amanda Perkins
Karl and Doris Pierson
Dickson and Ann Whitney
Mary Sue Pollitt
Astrid Wielens and Bridget Stearns
Catherine Powell
Matt Ziemianski
James Redmond
PATHFINDERS CIRCLE
($250+)
William and Dorothy Achor
Thomas and Hunter Bailey
Beaumont Consulting, Inc.
Georgia Binnington
Karen Potter Bohuski and Family
Lisa and Barry Boucher
The Bowers Family
E.Chandlee Bryan
Mary K. France
Tom and Shirley Fleming-Oxtoby Jeffrey Giles
Robert and Cynthia Grimm
Don Pace
The Palomaki Family
Paul Martin
Dave and Laura Grabowsky
Susan J. Buckley
Mark and Heidi Carter
James Cartiglia and Martha Allard
Theodore Christner and
Claudia Trautmann
John and Kay Clark
Marshal and Mary Ida Compton
Conway Elementary School
Lara Cooper
The Craun Family
Crescent Lake School
Jeffrey T. Currah
Janet Reece
Chloé Risto
Josiah J. Robertson
Mallory Rusch
Marilyn R. Scheerbaum
Elyn S. Schmitz
Bill Skosky
St. Louis Home Health, Inc.
J.E. Stuckenschneider
The Thompson Family
The Tobin Family
Fred Turner and Family
Elizabeth and Gadalia Vainer
Jean Van Buskirk
Alan and Mariette Ward
Mark and Marta Ward
Robert and Margaret Watson
Linda and Nicholas Wenri
Anne Westerhold and Family
Charlie Wheeler
Aaron Wright
HONOR ROLL | Campaign and Contributor Donations, from January 1 to December 31, 2014
CHALLENGERS CIRCLE
($100+)
Mark and Cindy Adams
Kristine Alster
Sally and Robert Anderson
Susan Arnold
William Atwater and Family
Ann Austin
Jane Austin
Phil and Kathy Baggett
Nancy Baldwin
Reverend and Mrs. A. Otto
Baumann, II
Nicholas Benner
Terri Bennett
Neil and Anna Bergstrom
Thomas J. Blanke
Laura Bliss
The Bodenbender Family
Kregg Bodily
Ann and Gregory Boren
Steven Borgelt
John Ford Bowyer
David Forbes and Elizabeth B.
Orwig Memorial Fund
Paul M. Gross
Jory and Calvin Johnson
Bill Morris
Helen Davis
The Grubb Family
Ethan Jones
William Morris
Sally and Joseph Grube
Patricia Jurgens
Willie L. Mount
Christopher Gueno
Aaron Kabb
Anne Mueller
Thomsa E. Haas
Nancy and Charles Kaelber
Judy Muhn
Shannon Dickerson
Joeanna Hancock and
Karen Furlong
Carl and Marybeth Kantner
Ed and Barb Mumford
Ayn Dietrich
Michael and Judith Hannah
Janet Karr
Barry Nocks and Family
Dan and Juan Doelger
David E. Hanpeter
The Killough Family
Fred and Mary Ann Noel
Louis and Rosemary Doerr
Dorothy Hanpeter
The Kinchla Family
Paul and Sheila Nollen
Hallie Dovich
Dan Harbaugh
Robert and Molly King
Carl and Shannon Ohnmeiss
Mark Drew
Robert Harlan and Family
Pat and Lucy Kirby
Annie and Todd Oliverio
Wayne Duckworth and Family
Norma B. Harlow
Paula Klotz
Mr. Brian O’Loughlin and Family
The Dulle Family
Kathryn Mellis Harper
Randy and Laura Kniffen
Dorothy K. Parker
Elizabeth Early
Brooke M. Harrington
Chandler Koglmeier
Carol Paronis
Martha B. Ebeling
Adolph and Veronica Harris
Camilla and Linda Kropf
Bonnie and Evan Pearson
Tom Evans and Susan Moser
Dolores and Robert Harris
Dominic Lambek
Perinatal & Pediatric Services, Inc
Eye Health Services
Robert and Sally Harrison
Jana Lane and Family
Margueritte and David Perkins
Faye Feltner
Jennifer and Kenneth Harrop
Brent Lange
Lois Perry
Benton Ferguson
Todd Havens
Mariann Laue Baker
Steven and Frances Piesbergen
Daniel and Katherine Ferriss
Ellis Hay
The Lemaire Family
Suzie Gordner Pollak
Frank and Eileen Field
Justin and Maggie Head
Patricia A. Lintala
William Poston
Francille and John Firebaugh
The Hegarty Family
Robert and Joan Lohrey
Brian Pratt
The Defoe Family
Kim Denney and Michael Doyle
Lisa Dennison and Mary Bradley
Jason and Amanda Purnell
Janice Biggs Braswell
Ms. Jan Queal
Al and Ann Braun
James and Helen Randels
Vincent and Jill Bresch
Phillip Ranney
Katherine Brokaw
Kimberly Reed
Jane Brown
Nancy Reed
Jay R. Brown
Caroline Reinstadtler
Larry and Debbie Brown
The Resch Family
Will T. Brown
Jane A. Reynolds
Reba K. Bullen
David H. Rhoades
Richard Burst
John and Nancy Rianhard
The Bushouse Family
Sandra Nelson Richardson
Clay Callander
Charles Rimmer
Sally Callander
Ms. Roy B. Rinehart
Alan S. Campbell
James Ringwald
Amy Campbell
Frank Roberts
Meg Campbell
Lisa Roelle
Christie Cange
Elizabeth B. Roghair
Isabel Carreras
Arlene S. Chamberlain
Clarence Nursing Home
District, Inc.
Peter Claybaker and Kelley Mahar
Ruth Cleveland
Anne and Dan Cocci
Karen Coker
The Compton Family
Sally H. Connell
James and Martha Cook
Dr. Margaret H. Cooper
Covidien Employee Matching Gift
Program
Tom Cowan
Ross Ann Craig
Helen M. Crawford
The Creighton Family
Jay Crosson
Charles and Nola Crowe
Beverly Crute
Jiin Cruz
Doris and Wray Darr
Nathan Daugherty and
Jamie Daugherty
Donor names in bold have made
a multi-year pledge to the In Motion,
On Mission Campaign.
Colonel and Mrs. Jack D. Fisher
Katherine D. Hein
C. Michael Lowrey
Michelle and John Flynn
The Hemmelgarn Family
Elizabeth Lupfer
Dona and Thomas Foerster
Catherine Campbell Henn
and Family
Kaylene Lyons
Carissa and Douglas Hensley
Chuck Maggiorotto
Missy Foote and Family
Dan and Rita Forbush
Byron and Suzy Foster
Foster Family Foundation
Richard and Barbara Fox
Nancy and Donald Fraser
Henry Hess and Marla Feinstein
Alix B. Hill
Nancy and Raymond Hill
Richard Hill
Lafayette and Antoinette
Frederick
Susan and Allan Hinton
Tracy and Leslie Fritzsche
Sandra Holcombe
Dr. Gail Gamble and Family
Nicole and Dan Holmes
Sarah Garner and Family
Shirley Ann Holt Hale and Family
Laurie Geisel
The Howland Family
Lucy Gintz
Susan and Dave Huffman
Brian and Rebecca E. Goldstein,
Esq.
Helaine R. Hunscher
Larry and Nancy Goodlund
Mary and Ronald Husted
Douglas Goodrich
Jeanne E. Goodwell
Barbara J. Greig
David and Debra Grimm
Darrell and Deb Gritter
Leslie and Bruce Hoffmeister
Kathryn R. Hunter
Craig and Katherine Hyland
Jonathan and Sarah Igoe
Joan and Richard Innis
Eileen and Sindelar Ivan
23
Mary Lou Mackin
Will and Annie Malan
Peter and Kathryn Malia
Byron and Marianna Martin
Chris Martinez
The Maxeiner Family
Carolyn C. McCollum
Catherine McDonald
Hugh McLaughlin
Susan H. McLeod
June A. Metro
Carolyn M. Meyer
Beverly C. Miller
Marjorie Miller
Paul and Kay Miller
Jill and Michael Millis
Scott and Jane Molden
William and Martha Monroe
Scott Moriearty and Family
Richard and Victoria Rubin
Steve Ruether
Sarah Ruiz
Margaret Rush
Adam Russell
Harry and Jennifer Ruth
George Satkowski
Thomas and Carole Sawa
Brian and Sara Schneidewind
Steven Schrepper
James Schultz and Lela Ivey
Thomas and Kathleen Schweich
Steve and Carol Sewsil
Harry Shapiro
Manoochehr and Maryann Sharifi
Bailey Sheats
Victoria Sherman
Sarah and Richard Sigel
Bill and Peggy Sly
Linda Smith
Leslie R. Snyder
Laura K. Spence
The Stemmler Family
Julie and Donn Stengele
HONOR ROLL | Campaign and Contributor Donations, from January 1 to December 31, 2014
Stony Lake Property Owners
Association
Barbara and Douglas Berry
Carol Davidson and David Dick
Ellen Greer
Ann and Lionel Kreamer
Carri Strauss
James and Jan Besl
Beth Davis
Anne Grothe and Family
Samuel and Lelah Krog
William and Jill Beute
Dell Giving / Your Cause, LLC
Christopher and Carla Grundy
Travis Krous
Lana Bichsel
Betty J. DeWitt
Janet Gum
Riley Kundtz
Lisa Pace Birnbaum
Barbara Ruhl DeYoung and Family
Laura Haas
Robert Lam
Ric and Amy Bishop
Marcella L. Deysher
Suzanne Halm
Kimberly Lamb
Christy L. Bland
Janet and J. Edward Diamond
Lois Kay Halsted Greenleaf
Liza Lanphier
Janet Blatt
Ardath Dixon
Brian Hamblen
Hiram Larew
Elizabeth Blew
Ellen Dixon
Dawn Hammersley
Elizabeth and Stephen Lazowski
Meghan Bliss and Family
Natalie Dohr
Linda Hammett
Elizabeth Learmont
Richard and Margueritte Bliss
Carl and Annette Donath
Teri Hampson
Meredith Lee-Clark
Lynn H. Bradley
Joann M. Donham
Jennifer A. Hampton
Phyllis E. Lerud
Tucker Branham
The Drew Family
M. Kay Hannah
Max Leslie
Mark and Tracy Brant
Frederick and Nancy Eckfeld
Ingrid Aguirre Happoldt
Shirley and Jerome Leslie
Johanna Breed
Thomas and Colleen Egan
Mary Hardy
Steve and Cathy Leuenberger
Cindy Brewbaker
Scott Evans
Jill Lewis
Daniel and Jana Brookshier
Alison Ewing
Bob Harmon and
Carolyn Metzger Harmon
Julie S. Brown
George H. Faber
Marty and Jim Harris
Julie Lilly
Molly Browning and Family
Charles Fahs
Laverne Bunting
Kristy Falcon
Nancy E. Burke
Chris Farrar
Mark Burns
William and Patricia Feiler
Valboni Bushi
Alan B. Feltmarch
Sandra and John Butler
Evelyn Ferguson
Kevin Byerley
Suzanne Lilly Ferrall
Noble Carpenter
Lynda Fitzgerald
John and June Carter
Lorraine Flemm
Laurel Clayson
John and Anne Foltz
Richard and Anne Coe
Carol and Loren Ford
Penny Perkins Coffin
Robert and Sylvia Frank
Lisa Cohen-Dumani
William and Carol Frederick
Bradley and Mary Collins
Ceanna Fried
DARERS CIRCLE
($1+)
Dr. and Mrs. Thomas D. Collins
Caleb Frost
M.G. and Nyla Conrad
Kim and Brent Gaines
Tom Ackerman
Bill Cooper
Fred and Vicki Gatling
Peggy Mill Copeland
Emily Giberson
Stacey and Phil Corcoran
Katie Goldkamp
Elizabeth Cornelius
Milt and Maggie Gonzales
Luella Swisher
Piroska L. Szabo
Terri W. Taylor
Michael Tchou
Kenneth Thames
The Glore Fund
Matthew Towne
Mark J. Twentyman
The Twiddy Family
Fred Vahle
David and Tami Vannoy
Betsy Vicente and Family
The Voss Family
Stuart Walker
Sherry Walls
Dr. Charlotte Ward
Chad Warner
Anna Weber
Craig Welch
Joann and Arthur Whipple
P. Cooper and Debbie White
Frank L. Whitington
Brad Whittaker and
Caitlin Hughes-Whittaker
Mary Jane Wiseman
Nancy and William Wittkamp
John and Erika Wood
Gordon and Lana Yaney
James H. Yemm
Deborah K. Ahrens
C. Toney and Kathleen Aid
Carol S. Alexander
Kurt and Dana Harvey
Elizabeth Hauck
Bruce Head
Catherine P. Alexander
Deborah Allick
Barbara J. Anderson
Bob and Lucy Anderson
Harmon and Doris Andrews
The Heininger Family
The Herklotz Family
Alfred Heston
Mrs. Eftichia H. Macris
Shane Hinde
David Magoon
Ruth Hintz
Richard Marshall
Frederick S. Hird
Jacob Martensen
Jennifer Hockema
Judy Martin
Kathryn Hodgdon
Diane and Ronald Mason
Margot Hoerner and Family
J. Mark and Ann Mason
Elaine Hoffman
Randy and Vickie Mason
Dale Hood and Family
Jay Todd Max
Michal T. Horace
Emily Max
The Jaeger Family
Joseph and Marlene Mayer
Roberta and Curtis James
Barbara Cosner McCabe
Melvin Jenkins
Herschel and Mardell McClurkin
Douglas and Beverly Jensen
Charles B. McField
Colleen Campbell Jersild
and Family
Emily McIntosh
Terri and John Johnson
Donna and Robert Meagher
Jay Aronson and Family
Jennifer Keller and
Mary DeBisschop
Shirley Arthur
Mary Kelman
Albert and Brenda Azinger
Mary Kennedy
Jeffrey and Ann Bach
Hannah Kennedy
Elizabeth Bach
The Keren – Taylor Family
Virginia M. Bader
Tony and Joyce Killen
Judy Baker and Barry Baker
Faith Killough
Heidi Baker
Flora E. Kitzman
The Ball Family
Jim Knight
Shannon Banks and LK Gagnon
Karen Baratz
Bonnie Barenholtz
John Bear
Eva Bednar
Richard and Barbara Bell
Jim and Donna Belt
Catherine E. Cox
Grace Goodman
Gerald and Rebecca Crouse
Nancy and Steven Gorbics
Rachel Dallman
Jane and David Gossard
Marie Dalton-Meyer & Les Meyer
Pamela Goudy
David Daniel and Family
David E. Gray
Colleen Daum
Lee Gray
The Davidson Family
Greater St. Louis Community
Foundation
Andrew Koch
Judy and Michael Koehl
Jim and Jan Kohler
Clarence and Marilyn Kohring
Sara and Richard Kopacz
24
Matthew Loper
Lyndsey Lunsford
Aleta Keel
Jessica Arnold
The Litwiller Family
Calista L. Hillman
Kimberly Karr
Judson and Kathleen Armstrong
Christopher Litterio and Family
Misty and Calvin Hewitt
Emily Jurgens
Benjamin Applebaum-Bauch
Jeanne D. Lischer
Jean Ann and Charles
Luckhardt
Eli Judge
Hayley Anson and Family
Eileen Dressel Lischer
Kathryn and John Hewitt
David Jolley
Robert Andrews
Mrs. Geneva Lewis
Rich Koulouris
Alisa and Robert McKenrick
Vernon Miller
Ellen Miller
Emily Milliman
Joseph and Kathryne Mitchell
Erin S. Monolo
Mary Morningstar
Lynn Morris
Michael and Joan Mullen
Stephen Murrill and Family
Mary Cooper Nelson
Marty Neuman
Christopher Nibeck
Tanya Nikituk
Andy Nyblade and Susan Brantley
Erin Oakley and Samual Scalfano
Carolyn Ohle and Todd Cooper
Sarah and Katsuo Okuma
Mary Olch
Patty O’Leary
Mary Tess O’Sullivan
Sara and Matthew Ottman
Donor names in bold have made
a multi-year pledge to the In Motion,
On Mission Campaign.
HONOR ROLL | Campaign and Contributor Donations, from January 1 to December 31, 2014
Nora Parsons
Ronald and Jane Scholl
Norma Jean Vavra Klein
Barbara Marsh Patten
Andy Schroeder
Diane Verhoff
Bill and Deb Patterson
Judy Schultz
Sarah L. Paugh
Bruce and Connie Schwada
Charlie Walch and Diana
Beckman
Rebecca and Jason Pawelczyk
Ann and Jody Schwartzwalder
Susan Payne
Henry and Gayle Sedgwick
Debby Walder
Robert and Kathey Wallace
In memory of Thomas P. Bowlus
Robert Harlan and Family
In memory of Susan Lee Bowyer
John Ford Bowyer
In memory of Ming Djang and
Chung Kuo Liao
Catherine Dugan
Thomas Liao & Beverly Sha
and Grace Liao
In memory of Virginia “Wink” Dunn
Anne and Jack Palomaki
In memory of Sallie Ekern
Linda Smith
In honor of Sallie Ervin
Judy Martin
In memory of Talia Ewing
Alison Ewing
In honor of Karen Gwidt
Eric and Jackie Wright
In honor of Sarah Hampson
Katie Schiavone
In honor of Meredith Hauck
Elizabeth Hauck
John and Vicki Waller
Mary Pendleton
George and Sarah Seidel
Heidi Perham
Mary Margaret Sequino
Edward Peters and Joan Fowler
Scott Seyfried
Stuart and Debbie Pettitt
D & G Seymour
Jesse and Ann Pittman
Raymond and Carol Shanabruch
Alexandra Prather
Matt Shaw
Donna A. Price
Billie Shelton and Family
James Price
Jean A. Shelton
Emily Prince
Will Shelton
Martin and Mary Proudfoot
Linda S. Shirk
Sarah Putsavage
Brad Shively
James Quinn
Janet Silvester and Family
Sharlyn and Stephen Radcliffe
The Sittner Family
Tim and Milly Rash
Samantha Sloan
Nancy Ratliff
Carey Smith
Kristin and Michael Reck
Mary Jane Smith
Karen Redfearn
Ross Smith
The Reed Family
George Snyder
Brent Repp
Edie and Charles Spencer
Kenneth and Judith Rhoads
Christopher Spiek
Lucy J. Rich
Kurt and Susan Stedje
Donald and Deborah Riley
Megan H. Stifel
Dr. Betts Rivet
The Stillman Family
Caroline and Wilbert Robertson
Sarah Stillman
Donna Robillard
Scott and Carol Strawn
Paul and Susie Robillard
Dona and James Sutherin
Marty and Ann Robinson
Salisa Suwanprathip
Holley Young
Al Rother
Pamela and Stanley Switlik
Darius Rucker
Jean E. Tanner
HONOR/MEMORIAL
Gary Ruggiero and Family
Carol E. Thom
Mrs. Peggy Harvey Rule
Bets and Christopher Thomas
Scott Ruppert
Margaret Thomas
Jim Ryan
Brian and Shana Lou Threlkeld
Clare and Frank Sanford
Amrine Tomlinson
Helene Saunders and Family
Dr. Margaret E. Towner
Brian Sawrun
Tom and Sharon Trafton
Julia Schenck
United Way Silicon Valley
Kristie Scherrer
Margaret Van Cleve
Katie Schiavone
Elizabeth VanWormer
Cinda Lou Walton
Waring School
Rachel Watson
Dr. and Mrs. Donald L. Weaver
Stephen Webster
Gene Weeks
Margaret and Samuel Weingart
Virginia Welles
Patrick and Kim West
West Mound Investors
Katherine Westgate and Family
Ruth and Charles Whiteman
N. Jane Whitton
Richard and Bert Wigton
Ann and Glenn Willard
James and Tamla Williams
Wendell and Mary Williams
Louise and Kenneth Williamson
Doug and Nida Willson
Katherine Wissman
The Wolf Family
Helen Woodruff
Eric and Jackie Wright
Robert and Pamela Wunder
Shane and Christy Yost
In Memory of Margaret Ann Ahrens
Shirley Arthur
Janet Blatt
Richard and Anne Coe
Mary Jane Smith
Richard and Bert Wigton
Ann and Glenn Willard
In honor of Bruce Barmby
Kip and Carol McGilliard
25
In memory of Wendell Herring
Eileen D. Lischer
In honor of Captain Ron Johnson
Ethan Jones
In honor of Bartie Jones
Judy Muhn
In honor of Patricia C. Jones
William and Pamela Kuehling
Phillip and Mary Schenkenberg
Anna Kay Vorsteg and Vicki Boyd
Bruce Head
Justin and Maggie Head
Roberta and Curtis James
Tony and Joyce Killen
Samuel and Lelah Krog
Camilla and Linda Kropf
Larry and Laura Mason
J. Mark and Ann Mason
Randy and Vickie Mason
Diane and Ronald Mason
Susan M. Mulcahy
Erin Oakley and Samual Scalfano
Annie and Todd Oliverio
Emily Prince
Tim and Milly Rash
Harry and Jennifer Ruth
Bruce and Connie Schwada
Victoria Sherman
Salisa Suwanprathip
Brian and Shana Lou Threlkeld
C. Toney and Kathleen Aid
David and Tami Vannoy
Robert and Kathey Wallace
Doug and Nida Willson
Shane and Christy Yost
In memory of Mary Ellen McCarthy
Louis and Rosemary Doerr
Douglas McAlister and Family
Patty O’Leary
Charlie Walch and
Diana Beckman
In memory of Rev. Mary Lou McClure
Laverne Bunting
In honor of Erin Karr O’Brien
Dennis and Sharon Karr
In honor of Elliot Kastner
Stifler Family Foundation
In memory of Dorothy J. Kerr
Amy Campbell
In memory of Helen Braedhorst
Krumboltz
Billie Shelton
In honor of Meredith Lee-Clark
Nora Parsons
In memory of Florence L. Mahler
Allen Mahler
In memory of Jennifer Mason
Bob and Lucy Anderson
Jeffrey and Ann Bach
Elizabeth Bach
Jim and Donna Belt
Neil and Anna Bergstrom
Lana Bichsel
Ric and Amy Bishop
Daniel and Jana Brookshier
Clarence Nursing Home
District, Inc.
M.G. and Nyla Conrad
Gerald and Rebecca Crouse
Carl and Annette Donath
Kim and Brent Gaines
Joeanna Hancock and
Karen Furlong
Kurt and Dana Harvey
In honor of Dean Telthorst and
Elizabeth Mulcahy Telthorst’s wedding
Pamela Evans and
Diane Radford
Dan and Diana Henry
Patricia Johnstone
Fred and Mary Ann Noel
Jason and Amanda Purnell
In memory of Earnest Ohle
Carolyn Ohle and Todd Cooper
In memory of James Preston Orwig
Sarah Forbes Orwig
In honor of William, Debra and
Margaux Patterson
Phillip Ranney
In memory of Ilamae Randall
Barbara Marsh Patten
HONOR ROLL | Campaign and Contributor Donations, from January 1 to December 31, 2014
In memory of Shirley Shearman
Willie L. Mount
In honor of PJ Smith
Tucker Branham
Katherine Brokaw
Dr. Stan Bushouse and
Judy Bushouse Staebler
Jory and Calvin Johnson
Karen and Jesse Gwidt
Lois Kay Halsted Greenleaf
Vanette McKinney
Ellen Miller
Marty and Ann Robinson
Linda Slagell
Linda Smith
Janet G. Strube
In memory of Jack C Swisher
Luella Swisher
In honor of Ann Tarr
Hugh McLaughlin
In honor of Ticaga Class of 1959
Patricia Jurgens
In memory of Lee Tidball
Susan Payne
In honor of Anna Kay Vorsteg
Jane Koten
Cynthia and Robert Prather
In honor of Anna Kay Vorsteg and
Vicki Boyd’s wedding
Susan Arnold
Terri Bennett
Lisa and Barry Boucher
Lisa Dennison and Mary Bradley
Pamela Evans and
Diane Radford
Lynda Fitzgerald
Michelle and John Flynn
Missy Foote
Jennifer A. Hampton
Kathryn Hodgdon
Meredith Lee-Clark
Peter and Kathryn Malia
Elizabeth C. Marshall
Kate Montgomery
Susan M. Mulcahy
Catherine Okhuysen and
Anne Williamson
Sarah Forbes Orwig
Stephen Perepeluk
Donna Robillard
Ann and Jody Schwartzwalder
Sarah and Richard Sigel
Julie and Donn Stengele
Astrid Wielens and
Bridget Stearns
Nancy and William Wittkamp
In memory of Martha Toot Wasson
Photeine Anagnostopoulos
Bonnie Barenholtz
Noble Carpenter
Janet and J. Edward Diamond
Eye Health Services
Fred and Vicki Gatling
Pamela Goudy
Dave and Laura Grabowsky
Suzanne Halm
Joan and Richard Innis
Eileen and Sindelar Ivan
David Magoon
Perinatal & Pediatric Services,
Inc
Raymond and Carol Shanabruch
In memory of Madeline Wermuth
Dona and James Sutherin
In honor of Genie Zavaleta
Jane Koten
13TH ANNUAL
DONALD DANFORTH,
JR. MEMORIAL GOLF
TOURNAMENT
CHALLENGE HOLE
SPONSOR
EAGLE SPONSOR
Beaumont Consulting, Inc.
Theodore Christner and Claudia
Trautmann
Commerce Bank of St. Louis
Marshal and Mary Ida Compton
Jerry and Connie Fritz
Impressions Direct
St. Louis Home Health, Inc.
Christopher and Christy Thompson
Mrs. Donald Danforth, Jr.
William H. Danforth, MD
Jack and Sally Danforth
Kennelwood Village Inc.
Nestle Purina PetCare Company
BIRDIE SPONSOR
Kent Precision Foods Group
PAR SPONSOR
Christopher and Molly Danforth
Donald and Susannah Danforth
Donald Danforth Plant Science
Center
The Daniel & Henry Company
Graphic Packaging International
HeplerBroom LLC
Kevin and Jana Hunt
Karpel Solutions
Logan University
Deborah Seidel
U.S. Trust, Bank of America Private
Wealth Management
Peter and Andrea Van Cleve
Washington University Athletics
GOLF CART SPONSOR
Commerce Bank of St. Louis
Fusion IT LLC
BEVERAGE CART
SPONSOR
Kuhn Foundation
JoAnn Mulcahy
26
David and Sara Bailey
HOLE SPONSOR
FUND-A-NEED
DONATION
David and Sara Bailey
Mark and Heidi Carter
Theodore Christner and Claudia
Trautmann
Peter and Andrea Van Cleve
David and Christina Danforth
William H. Danforth, MD
Peter DiGasbarro
Dan and Juan Doelger
John Drew
Derek Filcoff
Jerry and Connie Fritz
Jeffrey Giles
Dan Harbaugh
Patricia Cobb Jones
Brent Lange
Chuck Maggiorotto
Paul Martin
Christopher Miller
Bill Nicholson
Don Pace
Pamela Evans and Diane Radford
Donor names in bold have made
a multi-year pledge to the In Motion,
On Mission Campaign.
Josiah J. Robertson
Mr. Steve Ruether
J. E. Stuckenschneider
Dr. Dean Telthorst
Elizabeth Mulcahy Telthorst
Anna Kay Vorsteg and Vicki Boyd
Goodwill Donor
Christie Cange
Elizabeth Cornelius
Helen Crawford
Kaspick & Company
Travis Krous
Margueritte and David Perkins
Summit Distributing
Betty and Timothy Vicente
Memorials
Martha Toot Wasson passed away January 5,
2015, in Canton, Ohio. She is survived by her
brother, Joseph Toot; her children, Martha W.
Magoon, Barbara W. Strawn, Paul Wasson, and David
Wasson; and 12 grandchildren.
Her family remembers three pillars that shaped her
life: her days at Miniwanca, as a camper and later
seeing her children and grandchildren live the
Miniwanca magic; her college years at Northwestern
University, where she was a member of Kappa
Kappa Gamma; and her family. Martha had a deep
love for her family and cherished moments together.
Martha’s children loved going to Miniwanca and
sharing their adventures with their mother.
Lifelong friendships were developed at camp. They
remember how their mother and aunt chaperoned
a bus of family and friends to camp. Stops for ice
cream at the Goody Goody after the closing
ceremony and singing all the way home were also
fun memories! Martha believed in the principles
of four fold living, which she learned at camp and
instilled in her family.
Many of her grandchildren followed in her footsteps,
coming to Miniwanca as campers and leaders, and
internalizing the four fold way of life that she so fully
embodied. They appreciated and related to their
grandmother’s photographs and stories—while
some things change, the heart of the American
Youth Foundation has not. Across the generations,
their stories are shared stories. Just like their
grandma, they too have met close friends, learned
balanced-living values, and made some of their best
memories on the sand dunes of Miniwanca.
The family has chosen to remember Martha through
the American Youth Foundation because she would
want others to dare to be their best selves.
Helen Bartholomew Sheidler, died on
September 17, 2015 at age 101. Older sister of
Elizabeth “Bartie” Jones, Helen was a Miniwanca
leader for four wonderful summers in her youth.
Born July 7, 1914 in Lansing, Michigan, Helen grew
up in the Mansfield-Lucas Ohio area and graduated
from Tiffin High School. After graduating with a
degree in Physical Education and English from
Miami University in Oxford, Ohio in 1936, she
became a Physical Education and Health teacher to
high school girls. She married fellow teacher Robert
Guy Sheidler, with whom she had son Thomas and
daughters Barbara and Rebecca who were also
Miniwanca campers. She was an avid photographer,
loved the outdoors especially walking the beaches
of Lake Michigan and Florida. Helen was deeply
touched by her experience on the sand dunes of
Miniwanca and often spoke of the importance of
her years at camp.
27
Louis (Lou) Wollermann, (MW Work Staff,
Younger Boys, Older Boys, 1948-1951) passed away
June 1, 2015, at the age of 88. A graduate of the Older
Boys Camp, he met his sweetheart and wife of 63
years Joann “Jolly” at Miniwanca. They participated
in Family Camp for many years. Lou was a retired
Industrial Food Chemist, active in Boys Scouts for
many years, and a poet.
Jacqueline “Jackie” (Grosse) Vosbrink passed
away peacefully at her home in California on
November 17, 2014, after a courageous battle with
pancreatic cancer. Born in St. Louis on September
18, 1933, Jackie taught physical education for over
35 years in Missouri and California. Her teaching
experience served her well at Miniwanca, as she
served on Younger Girls staff for 11 summers over
the span of 1964 – 1980. She is survived by her
husband, Dr. Charles Vosbrink, who was a Younger
Boys camper in the late 1940s. Jackie truly lived the
AYF mission of creating a positive difference in her
community through her teaching, her work with
children and animals, and delivering Meals on
Wheels with her husband.
2016 Save the Dates
MERROWVISTA
VOLUNTEER WEEKEND
May 13 – 15
For registration info contact Bailey Sheats,
bsheats@ayf.com
MINIWANCA
VOLUNTEER WEEKEND
April 22 – 24
For registration info contact Will Shelton,
wshelton@ayf.com
ST. LOUIS
GOLF TOURNAMENT
Monday, May 9
For registration and sponsorship info
contact Dan Seymour,
dseymour@ayf.com
SUMMER SEMINARS
FOR WOMEN
July 27 – 31
For registration info contact Jill Schantz,
jschantz@ayf.com
SUMMER BUS CHAPERONES
(St. Louis/Shelby)
Multiple dates from June – August
To volunteer contact Jill Schantz,
jschantz@ayf.com
MAKING A GIFT TO THE AYF
To set up a monthly donation or one-time
online gift: Visit www.ayf.com/donate
To send a gift through the mail, remit to:
6357 Clayton Road, St. Louis, MO 63117
To learn more about the AYF In Motion,
On Mission campaign:
Visit www.ayf.com/campaign
For any questions about AYF events,
donations, or other information
call 314-719-4343
or email development@ayf.com
Excerpts from a rap performed by Fourth Year NLC participant Asher Abrahms at the annual Variety Show.
Songs of Founder Fire
“YOU AND ME”
It’s you, me, now it’s we
From NLC to the farthest seas.
When I’m with you, I can hardly breathe.
Think you could be the one to set me free.
Okay, picture this: a kid in his room,
Wants to do something great.
Then remembers a place,
And writes a letter to show.
Puts the pen to the page,
And then thinks to himself
Now is the time,
Here’s how it goes
I will not lie to you,
Feel I can fly with you,
Be the one I cry to,
You know I’ll try for you.
Never think “why?” with you,
Man I would die for you.
Never think “why?” with you,
Man I would die for you.
Dear Miniwanca, where do I start
When you changed my heart?
These years go by,
Oh how time flies!
Used to not know you that well,
Then I could just tell
After that first year,
Never felt fear here
So Miniwanca, thank you.
Thank you for the good times,
Spill my heart with these night rhymes.
These are the times of our life,
I can feel it
Tonight is the night.
This just feels so right.
My own best self
You helped me master.
Thank you all. Sincerely,
28
ASHER
To listen to the full song, visit:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WPvqI5n3_O4
SHARE THE MAGIC OF MINIWANCA AND MERROWVISTA!
Miniwanca Summer Camp
June 26 – August 5, 2016
www.ayf.com/miniwanca
Questions? Email
miniwancacamps@ayf.com
2016
National Leadership Conference
Merrowvista Summer Camp
June 11 – 18, 2016 at Miniwanca
www.ayf.com/nlc
Questions? Email
miniwancaconferences@ayf.com
June 26 – August 12, 2016
www.ayf.com/merrowvista
Questions? Email
merrowvistacamps@ayf.com
“And when you have dared to develop this ability to share with others you
have discovered the meaning of an abundant life… our physical, mental, social,
and spiritual selves multiply many times over when they are shared.”
William H. Danforth
Share the gift of an AYF experience
with a young person you know.
WORDS OF THANKS…
I just can’t stop smiling or hold back my joy when I
think of this amazing place and those loving people
who gave me the opportunity to come…
Thank you so much for making it possible to go to
such a wonderful place. Here’s to hoping I can
come back next year!
STAY CONNECTED
WITH THE AYF
ALL YEAR:
www.ayf.com
AMERICAN YOUTH FOUNDATION
29
Sign up for the AYF Directory
NONPROFIT ORG
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
ST. LOUIS, MO
PERMIT NO. 5283
American Youth Foundation
Development & Alumni Relations
6357 Clayton Road
Saint Louis, MO 63117
314-719-4343
www.ayf.com
Merrowvista
147 Canaan Rd.
Center Tuftonboro, NH 03816
603-539-6607
Miniwanca
8845 W. Garfield Rd.
Shelby, MI 49455
231-861-2262