Leadership Summer Programs in Oregon, California & Massachusetts

Youth Empowered Action:
Youth Empowered Action (YEA) Camp is a unique and inspiring residential summer leadership program in Oregon, Massachusetts and California for youth 12-17 years who want to make a difference in the world. There will be two sessions in Oregon at Camp Adams in Molalla, Clackamas County. In Massachusetts, YEA Camp will be held at the beautiful Hilltop space of Nature's Classroom in Charlton, Worcester County. Our northern California camp will be held at the beautiful Quaker Center in Ben Lomond, Santa Cruz County, about two hours drive south of San Francisco.

Residential Summer Leadership Program in Oregon, Massachusetts and California (1 week):
At a week-long sleep-away program in a beautiful camp setting, YEA campers choose an issue of importance to them (for example, some have chosen climate change, racism, homophobia, homelessness, or animal rights) and they build the knowledge, skills, confidence, and community to take action on that issue once they get home.

DAY ONE is all about getting comfortable, and making friends:
Top priorities for Day 1 include everyone knowing everyone else’s name and making it “cool to care.” We play lots of fun getting-to-know-you games, do our first CIA (Compassion into Action) about food, and have our first of YEA’s signature circles.

DAY TWO - campers connect with what is important to them:
Campers choose an issue they care about, learn and share about actions our community has already taken to make a difference, practice sharing about that issue with others, develop an understanding of the issues other campers care about while cultivating friendships.

DAY THREE - campers see more examples of inspiring activists:
From youth currently doing amazing things to historic activists we may have read about in history books – and learn more about what is involved in bringing about social change.

DAY FOUR is a day to think more strategically about your issue:
Why is it the way it is? Who makes decisions that keep it in place? What can be done about it? It’s also a day to practice talking about your issue more thoughtfully. How do we inspire others — especially those with the most power and influence — to take compassionate actions?

DAY FIVE - campers learn key activist skills:
Campers learn how to start and have an effective school club, how to plan a campaign, how to get signatures for a petition, and more.

DAY SIX - campers create an action plan:
Campers come up with an action plan for making a difference when they get home, and they get practice presenting and talking about their issue with others.

DAY SEVEN:
Day seven is a celebration of accomplishments and our community.

Free-time Activities:
Free time is what it sounds like — you have the time free to do your own thing. Free time is time to take a nap or hang out with new friends or do nothing — or to do fun activities you or others organize, like basketball, art, hacky sack, games, or going for a hike.

Evening Activities:
Evening activities are whole-camp activities that always put a fun or inspiring cap on the day!