When I was a teenager, I spent most of my summers “doing nothing”–watching TV, playing video games (yes, there were video games back then), and sleeping in for three months. But if there had been a camp out there that would have trained me to make the world a better place for animals, or the environment, or other people, I think it would have totally shifted my sense of my own power to make a difference and bring about change in the world. I certainly would have gotten involved in activism much sooner.
I started Youth Empowered Action (YEA) Camp in 2009 wanting to support ambitious and inspired teens who care about what happens to animals, who believe in equality for everyone, and who want to learn more about the interconnection of various social justice issues, which only seem unrelated.
At YEA Camp, teens choose an issue they care about and learn skills like fundraising, how to start a school club, how to use art and social media to raise awareness, and grassroots outreach. They participate in activities that build their self-confidence and courage to effectively speak up for what they believe in. They see examples of inspiring advocates around the world who are making a difference, and they make friends with peers and staff who care about similar issues and will support them to succeed.
Oh, and all of YEA Camp’s food is vegan. It wouldn’t really make sense to have a camp striving to change the world while serving a standard American diet.
If only I’d had a chance to go to YEA Camp instead of doing nothing every summer!
Teens can do so much to make a difference in the world. Look no further than Mercy For Animals. Amazingly, MFA was founded in 1999 by Nathan Runkle when he was just 15 years old. If you know any youth 12-17 years of age who might be future changemakers, have them check out YEA Camp.
