User:Thamersley23/sandbox

Mission
The American Youth Foundation (AYF) is a Nonprofit organization that aims to aid the youth in discovering themselves and making a difference in their communities. The mission of the American Youth Foundation is to inspire 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 communities and in the wider world.

History
The American Youth Foundation has been operating programs to help youth reach their potential since 1925. The American Youth Foundation has grown along with the world by tackling head on the issues of women in leadership, diversity, cultural and religious acceptance, and the protection of the environment. Our rich history was forged by incredible leaders who dared us to be the great steward of youth and that tradition continues today.

There are two locations for The American Youth Foundation. One is located in Miniwanca, Michigan and the other in Merrowvista, New Hampshire. 

Motto
The motto for AYF is "My own self, At my very best, All the time." The hope of AYF is that every person that is immersed in the American Youth Foundation experience will carry this motto of "Best Self" with them throughout their lives and share this gift with others as well.

Core Values

 * Best Self: We seek to develop excellence in people by motivating them to discover and develop their personal best.
 * Balanced Living: We believe that balanced living is an integral part of everyone's life personally and professionally. We encourage people to attain balance in mental, physical, social and religious / * spiritual pursuits.
 * Safety: We commit to providing a safe environment in which people can take emotional and physical risks.
 * Respect: We seek to involve people from diverse cultures, values and perspectives, and to impart respect for others.
 * Responsibility: We strive to instill responsibility to act for the good of others and for a sustainable environment.
 * Stewardship: We commit to the long term health of our organization.

American Youth Foundation Experience
The American Youth Foundation is a unique experience whether you are a camper, a volunteer, an alumnus, a friend, a parent, a school, or a general supporter. The organization strives to go well beyond a traditional “camp” experience. The mission is for positive change, self-discovery, and respect for our environment and those around them. The AYF believes in playing hard, because life is too short not to enjoy it. The organization believes in challenges, because life has many trials that we should dare to meet head on. They also believe believe in making a difference in our communities, because true meaning can be found in selflessness.

Programs
There are various types of programs that the American Youth Foundation has to offer.

Summer Camp
The summer camp program at AYF is a program for ages 5-18. It is also one of the most busy programs for the organization. They welcome thousands of youth from around the country to participate at the sites.

Community and School Programs
Throughout the academic year, The American Youth Foundation serves thousands of youth, educators, and youth advocates through our Community and School Programs. These programs are designed to enhance not only participants’ skills but also their confidence in themselves and their future. American Youth Foundation programs help participants develop their character and their connections to the wider world.

National Leadership Conference
The National Leadership Conference is an 8-day conference for high school and college students, held in June at Miniwanca in Shelby, Michigan. Bringing hundreds of participants from across the nation, NLC offers a dynamic and diverse community that inspires people to discover and develop their personal best. Using time-tested curriculum relevant to today's young people, you will participate in large group and small group activities. These activities are specifically designed to provide you with an opportunity to both learn and practice leadership skills essential for any of life's vocations.