Miniwanca

Miniwanca Miniwanca offers summer camp, leadership conferences, and community and school programs on the shores of Lake Michigan.

The American Youth Foundation inspires people to discover and develop their personal best, to seek balance in mental, physical, social and spiritual living, and to make a positive difference in their community and in the wider world.

Our Four Trails staff have arrived! They will spend the next three weeks working on their wilderness first aid, lifeguar...
06/01/2026

Our Four Trails staff have arrived! They will spend the next three weeks working on their wilderness first aid, lifeguarding, backpacking, paddling and cycling skills! We are so happy to have such experienced staff from all over the world ready to give their best to our campers this summer.

Miniwanca is committed to serving youth of ALL ages, including the young at heart! Spark is a 4-day retreat for adults 2...
05/22/2026

Miniwanca is committed to serving youth of ALL ages, including the young at heart! Spark is a 4-day retreat for adults 21+ focused on reflection, connection, and rejuvenation. We welcome anyone who wants to experience Miniwanca, whether you are returning to camp or joining us for the first time.

Spark 2026 will run September 17-20. Registration is open now at ayf-spark.campbrainregistration.com. Spots are limited, so sign up today!

One of the biggest worries before camp?“What if I don’t make any friends?”The funny thing about camp is that friendships...
05/20/2026

One of the biggest worries before camp?
“What if I don’t make any friends?”

The funny thing about camp is that friendships happen when you least expect them.

You’ll find people to laugh with at meals, sit next to on the bus, stay up talking with in the cabin, and make memories with all summer long. Before you know it, camp starts to feel like home because of the people around you.

Swipe through for just a few of the friends you might meet at camp this summer.

Tag the camp friend you still keep in touch with today!

As calendars start filling up with end-of-school events, graduations, sports, and summer plans, here’s something special...
05/18/2026

As calendars start filling up with end-of-school events, graduations, sports, and summer plans, here’s something special to look forward to at the end of August 💙

Join us August 27–30 for Alumni & Family Camp Weekend at Miniwanca! Whether you’re reconnecting with old friends, introducing your family to camp traditions, or making brand new memories together, this weekend is a chance to slow down, laugh, play, and celebrate community. It's the perfect chance to connect before the school year begins and schedules fill back up.

Enjoy waterfront activities, beach time, climbing, nature hikes, Community Circle fires, the Annual Family Cup competition, and so much more ✨

Registration is now open online — we can’t wait to welcome you back home to camp. Sign up at miniwancaalumniandfamily.campbrainregistration.com!

We are wrapping up "CSP Superbowl Week" here at Miniwanca! This week we had the joy of welcoming FIVE different programs...
05/16/2026

We are wrapping up "CSP Superbowl Week" here at Miniwanca! This week we had the joy of welcoming FIVE different programs to our site. Students went canoeing, explored the dunes, and played lots of games. We also got to partner with our friends at Oceana Conservation District for another successful Tree Lab, where students propogate and plant White Pine trees, learn what it takes to be a tree climber, and see how drones can help with conservation efforts! Thank you to our partners at Whitehall District Schools, St. Helen Catholic School Chicago, Illinois, Montessori Children's House of Lansing, Stepping Stones Montessori School in East Lansing, and Pentwater Public School for being part of such a busy and rewarding week! If you have a group that would love to participate in a Community and School Program, learn more at https://ayf.com/programs/michigan-programs/.

DC-area friends: Gear up for summer at the S'mores & Swap, hosted by the AYF Washington DC Regional Action Network on Su...
05/09/2026

DC-area friends: Gear up for summer at the S'mores & Swap, hosted by the AYF Washington DC Regional Action Network on Sunday, May 17! 🔥 RSVP to AYFDC[at]ayf.com for the location.

Join other Miniwanca and Merrowvista families from 3 to 5 p.m. to swap and share gently used camp essentials like hiking boots, water bottles, and sleeping bags.

No gear to trade? No problem! Come for a s'more and great conversation with AYF friends. Details here: https://ayf.com/events/smores-swap/

05/08/2026

Adventurer is where confidence grows and comfort zones stretch.

As part of Miniwanca’s Four Trails program, this 3-week trip challenges 10th graders to build new skills, form strong connections, and discover what they’re capable of—while exploring the beauty of Michigan’s Au Sable River.

At the end of April, Miniwanca welcomed over 100 volunteers to our annual Volunteer Weekend! Youth of all ages came out ...
05/06/2026

At the end of April, Miniwanca welcomed over 100 volunteers to our annual Volunteer Weekend! Youth of all ages came out to roll up their sleeves and get camp in tip-top shape for our 2026 programs. Projects included raking leaves in the cabin areas, removing the snow fence from the beach, cleaning and organizing the West Camp kitchen, and more. We are so grateful for all the wonderful friends who made this weekend a resounding success!

Some of the first staff to arrive each summer are our Four Trails crew! They kick things off in early June with nearly a...
05/06/2026

Some of the first staff to arrive each summer are our Four Trails crew! They kick things off in early June with nearly a month of intensive training—earning or renewing their Wilderness First Responder and Lifeguard certifications, sharpening backcountry skills, and building the strong co-leader bonds that carry them through the season.

We’re so excited to welcome back so many familiar Four Trails faces this year!

Drop a comment with your favorite Four Trails trip and the year you went—these adventures truly become some of the most unforgettable camp experiences.

04/23/2026

We loved partnering with the Boys & Girls Club of the Muskegon Lakeshore for our first-ever Spring Break Camp! Participants spent their days playing games, climbing, hiking, making s'mores, and enjoying a few unlugged days outdoors before heading back to school.

It was a fantastic start to our spring Community & Schools Program season, and we're excited to welcome more groups to Miniwanca each week. Have a group that could use some time at camp? Learn more at https://ayf.com/programs/michigan-programs/

Address

8845 W Garfield Road
Shelby, MI
49455

Telephone

+12318612262

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Miniwanca posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share

Category