One-of-a-Kind Summer Camp For Youth Activists

SAN FRANCISCO, CA, June 11, 2011 (Press-News.org) There are summer camps for children who enjoy playing volleyball or music and even those for kids who want to lose weight or have asthma. But what about a camp for idealistic, ambitious kids who want to change the world or make a difference in their community?

Whether a child is a vigilant recycler, a passionate vegetarian, or concerned about racism or budget cuts for education, Youth Empowered Action (YEA) inspires teens to take action. With a curriculum based on developing knowledge, skills, confidence, and community, a week at YEA Camp means choosing an Issue of Importance, practicing effectively communicating about the issue, thinking strategically about the root causes, seeing inspiring examples of how other young people are bringing about solutions, learning how to run a successful school club and to organize events, and more.

"YEA Camp recognizes the power each of us has to make the world a better place. We encourage our campers to pursue the issues they care about, to become informed, and then to stand up for what they believe in," said camp director and founder Nora Kramer. "When people are validated for caring, and are given the support and tools to make a difference on issues they are passionate about, they accomplish amazing things."

Now in its third year, the YEA team is proud of what many of their young alumni have already gone on to achieve. Having experienced a supportive community of peers and staff mentors, and leaving with a new sense of confidence and purpose, campers have started school clubs, organized a call-in to Congress, led beach clean-ups, spoken at community hearings, and even held fundraisers to pay for their tuition to return to camp this summer.

"This camp has truly changed my life," said Bianca Verlangieri, a 15 year old from San Bernardino County. "You have inspired me to believe in myself and to not just say 'I'm just a kid, what can I do?' Because of you, I have been able to actually make a difference."

Positive feedback from parents also shows the impact a week at YEA camp can have. "I want you to know how vital YEA Camp was for our daughter. She came back with a sense that she can make a difference in the world. I am confident that she will be able to draw from this experience for years to come," said Mike Boss, parent of 13-year-old Jesse.

YEA Camp has three week-long sessions in 2011, held in Ben Lomond (near Santa Cruz), CA, from July 23 to 29 and July 30 to August 5, and near Portland, OR, from August 7 to 14. Each session costs $925, but some sliding scale scholarships are available.