Youth Empowered Action (YEA) Camp is a summer camp for social change. A week-long overnight leadership camp, YEA Camp has trained over 600 teens and tweens to make a difference on a cause they care about.

Even though YEA Camp has been going strong for 9 years, it may as well have been designed for the countless young people across the country who are currently freaking out about the new political climate, which has taken the need there already was to get active on important causes – issues like racism, poverty, women’s rights, LGBTQ equality, immigrant rights, the environment, animal rights, and more – to a whole new level.

There is so much we can all do to make a difference, and we need all hands on deck to get active!

To be clear, YEA Camp does not push campers to support any particular issue, party, or candidate. That is for them to decide based on their own passions and beliefs. But, to give an indication of where YEA Campers stand, when, on July 4 last summer, campers held a special mock debate and election, not only did the current president not win the popular vote. He literally didn’t get any votes. And the camper portraying Donald Trump literally apologized for the things she was about to say in character.

The day after the election, many of our campers (and many people all over the world) were truly alarmed. They felt the new administration poses serious threats to the issues they deeply care about. We held a group call that night to talk through people’s fears and brainstorm what people can do, and campers from across the country came together to support one another in moving forward.

YEA Camp helps young people get active on causes they care about in so many different ways, and, since the election, YEA Campers have been responding in force.

Here are 10 ways YEA Camp can help the change-making teen in your life cope with and make a difference in the age of Trump.

1. Meet like-minded friends and inspiring staff role models. Some YEA Campers report being the only person they know who cares as much as they do about their cause. Some even experience bullying because they have taken a stand for what they care about. Being surrounded by peers and mentors who also care deeply helps us feel that we are not alone, that we have people we can rely on for help, and that we are part of something bigger than ourselves.

2. Build resilience and learn how to deal with the sadness and anger we feel about the injustices of the world. Through powerful activities designed to safely experience and share our emotions about the world, YEA Campers find healthy ways to express and process emotions, practice self-care, and strengthen their relationships

3. Learn about the history of social movements and how we each fit in and can do our part. It may seem like today’s problems are worse than they ever were, or like we are up against the impossible, but learning about activists who came before us who literally helped end slavery, gave so many of us the right to vote, led to environmental protections, and so much more helps us see that change takes time but that we can and must win.

4. Deepen understanding of racism, sexism, homophobia, and other forms of oppression. Through interactive workshops and activities, YEA Campers examine various forms of privilege, how injustice is institutionalized, and how it can be disrupted. We can all find ways to leverage our privileges and be allies across movements. These organizations have some great resources to get more educated and active.

5. Learn specific things you can do in your everyday life to bring about change. Sometimes it can feel overwhelming to figure out how to get involved, or to know if one person can make a difference, especially at a young age. Thankfully, from improving your school’s recycling or cafeteria food, fundraising for your favorite cause, making or sharing Youtube videos, speaking up when you hear someone being bullied, and so much more, the things young people can do to make a difference are endless. Check out these great organizations and get connected with (at least!) one working on a cause you care about.

6. Get involved with policitcs, even if you’re too young to vote. Voting is important, yes, but it makes far less of a difference than influencing other voters or our leaders directly. And we can all do that, even if we don’t have the right to vote (yet). Check out the Indivisible Guide, Swing Left, CTZNwell.org, and our YEA Camp Guide for Kids Too Young to Vote to get started.

7. Build skills to make a difference at your school, like starting a club, grassroots outreach, or planning a campaign. How about improving the food in your school cafeteria, getting better recycling at school, or starting a school fundraiser for a local shelter or launching an anti-bullying initiative? At YEA Camp, you’ll learn how to do these things, and more.

8. Improve your communication skills, especially when speaking with people in positions of authority and people who disagree with you. (Or both at the same time!) We do a lot of this at YEA Camp, but the best thing we can advise here is to observe people who you feel are being persuasive or whom you respect, and practice.

9. Strengthen your self-confidence and find your voice. Through powerful activities to overcome limiting beliefs, as well as developing your skills, expanding your knowledge, and being surrounded with an incredibly supportive community of people who will be cheering you on like you have never experienced before, you will leave YEA Camp fired up and ready to go make a difference.

10. Have fun! These are tough times for many of us, and we need to take care of ourselves and enjoy our lives! While YEA Camp is focused on making a difference, it is so fun! From silly games and a dance party to a talent show and free time to just hang out with new friends, YEA Campers often describe their experience as the best week of their life!

We could go on, but how many reasons do you really need?

If you or someone you know is a 12-17 year-old who wants to change the world, check out the dates, locations on both coasts, and details on YEACamp.org and get registered to join us for a life-changing experience at YEA Camp this summer.

Think you’re too old for camp? You’re not! We now have a YEA Camp for Adults!

The curriculum of YEA Camp’s training (and the list above) is based on developing 4 core needs for activists of any age: knowledge, skills, confidence, and community. Which of those would make a difference for you?

The post 10 Ways This Unique Summer Camp Will Help Teens Resist Trump appeared first on YEA Camp.

This week’s Women’s March was inspirational to many, and it was especially so for us because so many of our campers and staff attended marches around the country.

We love sharing updates from our former campers, who are doing such great things! Paula attended YEA Camp 6 summers ago, and was a counselor in training for us the following summer. We are thrilled to still be in touch with her and that she is sharing her story with us of attending her first rally. 

By Paula Orrego
Former YEA Camper

When I attended YEA Camp as a 17-year-old in 2011, I learned about the issues facing women today beyond what I was experiencing in my day-to-day life. I learned about the “glass ceiling” and how women make less than 80 cents to a man’s dollar, and even less if she is a woman of color or has a disability. I learned about modern female slavery and how it exists today. Because of YEA Camp, I gained not only new knowledge of gender equality, but also the confidence to go out into my community and take a stand for my rights.

Paula attending her first march, at the Women’s March in San Jose, CA.

Being a woman in a Western society is a blessing but can be emotionally exhausting as well. On the one hand, I am proud to be a woman. Many generations of women fought for the rights I have today, including the right to vote and have a say in my government. The struggle has been and continues to be long and hard, and I am grateful for the women of my past.

However, being a woman can be exhausting because we as a society still have ways to go to reach gender equality.

Starting at the age of 12, I have been catcalled and whistled at by older men. I remember the first time I was stared at by men–my mother and I crossed the street to a doughnut shop, and on the other side, my mother told me to quickly walk into the shop because she did not like the way the men at the corner were eyeing me.

Now that I am older, I am aware of other awful things that could happen to me as a woman. I could get shot at for not accepting a guy’s advances. I could make friends with a seemingly nice guy, only to find out later he is a threat to me and my family. Many women, even at my age, have experienced these atrocities.

This is one of the reasons I went to the Women’s March on January 21st. I am tired of living with anxiety over the men I meet in my life.

I was not expecting to see so many single men at the march. I knew husbands and fathers would be coming to the march with the women and girls in their lives, but I had never expected so many single men coming because they supported and respected women in general.

These men did not come to pick up women, either. They came with their signs and marched alongside me, for me and all women.

Marching with people of different races and gender identities for the rights of a minoritized group I belong to was a touching moment in my life. My first rally ever was a reminder of how many people care about the same things I do, and I am so happy there are so many men who believe in gender equality just as much as women do.

You inspire us, Paula!

Do you know a 12-17 year-old who attended the march would love YEA Camp? Register this week, by Sunday Jan 29 at midnight, and get 10% off tuition! Go to www.YEACamp.org for the dates and details and to register, and use the code “WomensMarch” for the discount.

The post How My First March Restored My Faith in Gender Equality appeared first on YEA Camp.

YEA: You’re not yet old enough to vote, yet you’ve been very active in trying to make a difference in this election. What inspired you to get involved in this type of activism? Why are you supporting Scott Peters?

Ana: When I left YEA Camp I had few intentions to pursue politics as part of my action plan, but there is a lot at stake in this election. Rep. Scott Peters is an advocate for women, students, and minorities and has a voting record I am confident representing. He has a 100% endorsement from the Sierra Club, the Humane Society, Planned Parenthood, and the Human Rights Campaign. To me this internship is not simply a way to earn community service hours or expand my resume, but rather truly make a difference in this election.

YEA: What are some of the things you are doing in your role on the campaign?

Ana: I live and breathe this election. In the office I phone bank, ID voters, and do miscellaneous jobs. I also canvass precincts. I am lucky I don’t get abused as an intern. No coffee runs or foot massages. Outside of the office I work on informing people about the election. Many are pretty oblivious to what’s going on. I also have registered people to vote. It’s super easy, and you can even do it online.

YEA: Youth under 18 don’t get to vote and so don’t have a direct say to influence our leaders. Yet, what responsibility do you think our government has to young people?

Ana: So many of the policies Congress creates will impact my generation the most. From college loans, to choice legislation to taxes, Congress is drafting the bills that could potentially change the way we live. While I am fortunate to work alongside a TON of youth, it’s pretty discouraging how inactive my peers are in politics. If we aren’t our own voice, who will be?

YEA: What have you learned about our political process or activism in general from your experience on this campaign?

Ana: I have learned so much this campaign. I have found people who spend their lives advocating for the very causes I want to spend my life fighting for. I spend my days in an office with activists, advocates, and students. It’s pretty great.

YEA: What other types of activism have you done or do you do?

Ana: I do a lot. My issues of interest focus around human/labor rights, animal rights, women’s/reproductive rights, and environmental issues. If I am not protesting, I am working on one activism cause or another. I actually got this internship by talking to people at a protest.

YEA: What would you say to other people considering getting involved in activism?

Ana: Activism has given my life so much purpose and it brings me so much joy. Activism is making intentional changes to help make changes in our world. It isn’t all or nothing.

YEA: How has YEA Camp helped you in your activism?

Ana: YEA Camp gave me the confidence I needed to put myself out there. The world can be a mean place and having a week where everyone told you how awesome you are was so special.

If you are inspired by Ana (how could you not be??!), find out more about the candidates in your area at VoteSmart.org and click the links above to see politicians’ scorecards from environmental, women’s, LGBT, and animal advocacy organizations. Then, to get involved in critical national races in the next few days before the election, please visit MoveOn.org or other group to make calls and get out the vote!

The post Camper Profile: High Schooler Too Young to Vote Exemplifies Civic Engagement appeared first on YEA Camp.