LeaderUP Camp is committed to developing Next Generation of Indigenous leaders through our four pillars: Engage, Identify, Empower and Launch Leaders back into communities.

Intentional Diversity

LeaderUP intentionally seeks a full range of economic and cultural representation as a goal. To build leaders, each child should see themselves reflected in the staff, volunteers, teen staff, and middle school volunteers. LeaderUP is intentional about this and has sought out individuals who represent cultural diversity and have the heart to impact the next generation of leads. This thought comes from the belief that all people are created in the image of God, and diversity is His design.

Cost

Putting some skin in the Game is the best way to provide equitable opportunity and diversity. The goal of LeaderUP is to ensure that every family can afford camp. $30$ is the cost of six weeks of summer camp. Thanks to the generous donors who see the value in what we do.

*If you have questions or concerns about affordability, our team will happily work with you to ensure this is affordable. We don’t want any kids turned away because of cost!

Staffing

We know the only way for kids to have their potential and value celebrated is to have a low camper staff/volunteer ratio. We aim to have a 5:1 balance, allowing us the best chance of individually connecting with your child daily. We often find that the kids report back on the teen/middle school connections to be their favorite relationships. Consequently, significant time and attention are given to training and equipping our preteens/teens to mentor and lead. The goal is always for our campers to become our future staff.

A Camp Day

We keep it simple: kids thrive on routine. Each day consists of breakfast, a four-class rotation, and lunch, culminating with a "Closing Program," our social/interactive game time. Breakfast starts at 8:30, and classes begin at 9:00. Drop-off is 8:30.   

LeaderUP aims to seek a full range of intentional economic and cultural representation. To truly build leaders, each child should see themselves reflected in the adult staff, volunteers, teen staff, and middle school volunteers. LeaderUP is committed to this and has actively sought out individuals who represent cultural diversity and have the heart to impact the next generation of leaders.

Social/Emotional Awareness

We know that a deep sense of others has driven every positive/impactful leader, past and present. Therefore, leadership that emerges from caring social environments is essential. The way we cultivate this is different from using a curriculum. Relationships are formed and intentionally facilitate an experience of care. The reciprocal nature of engaging with relationships where we feel respected and valued gives us space to see our strength and beauty and what we have to contribute.   

How do we do that?

By making sure every kid feels valued, seen, and heard, and by engaging each child with the “nurtured heart approach.”

Stem

Activities address innovation; as an organization, we must prepare our youth for a future unlike any other time in history. "In the next 20 years, 70-80% of current jobs will no longer exist" -Tim Elmore-Marching Off the Map. We aim to be proactive, equipping our kids for whatever is next. The primary skill we know that's timeless is "problem-solving." This class will focus on various aspects of problem-solving and collaborative thinking.  

How do we do this?

Stem clubs offer different levels of learning, depending on age, but include learning/playing chess, Lego challenges, science experiments, and escape room-type group activities: RC car and mechanical toy building.

Recreation

This class is essential; we know that kids have lots of energy and need outlets to release it. The Rec class is a mixture of sports and adapted games. The staff and volunteers are very involved in ensuring all kids are included (valued and seen) in some exercise or movement. 

Art

The focus of this class is to expose kids to art and artists and give them the opportunity to create. We try to keep this class from being a "craft"; however, sometimes a good craft is also enjoyable. 

Lunch and Breakfast

We provide breakfast and lunch—a team offering a rotating menu of cereal, bagels, pancakes, fruit, etc. Lunch will aim to be a cooked meal – tacos, rice, beans, mac and cheese, pizza, etc. If your child has any dietary restrictions, please send a breakfast/lunch with them if you feel what we serve may be an issue. (Nut allergies are not a concern, as we do not offer anything with nuts)

Pick-Up/Drop Off

Drop-offs only require a signature for students signed in for the day and the name of the adult who will pick them up. Pick-ups will require a picture ID. A child picked up by a sibling who does not have an ID should be made aware at the drop-off, and you can make specific arrangements to ensure that an authorized person is picking up the youth.