“How did we get here, and what can I do to change it?”

When you share your voice, values, and life experiences with others, you create community—the living heart of democracy—and the possibilities for transformation are endless. EFC is an intergenerational community to address injustice and create a future where every voice is heard.

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The Encampment is …

... a summer experience to live what you learn, make friends from across the nation, and expand your worldview.

... year-round opportunities for leadership development, building community, and learning.

... a nationwide network of committed alumni and partners, working for social justice in their home communities.

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July 2-23, 2024

If you are a young person (15-18) and want to develop your activism skills, apply to the Encampment. The 2026 Encampment application is closed but the 2027 application will open next Fall. Click to learn more.

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News & Events

Peter Neufeld Alum Story

Peter Neufeld Alum Story

We interviewed Peter Neufeld, Encampment alum and co-founder of the Innocence Project. He told us about his lifelong work for justice and how “the Encampment was one of the most defining experiences of my youth.” My summer in Kentucky played a significant role in my expanding involvement in social and racial justice work in high school, college, and beyond. I had to confront a lot of things about my own upbringing — race, gender, and relative affluence — and it committed me much more to wanting change.

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Learning and Taking Action about Pesticides in the Community

Learning and Taking Action about Pesticides in the Community

The Other Strawberry Festival 2026, hosted at Community Roots Garden, brought together approximately 150 community members, farmers, educators, youth leaders, and partner organizations for an afternoon of hands-on learning, creativity, and connection focused on reimagining our food system. “I am grateful for all of the community unity at the Other Strawberry Festival. I loved all the cooperation and participation we experienced for the play ‘Drift.’” — PFSP intern Becky, senior at Oxnard High School

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EFC’s Community Gathering to Meet Dr. Faith Kares

EFC’s Community Gathering to Meet Dr. Faith Kares

Our latest InterGen Café took place on February 21 ushering in new leadership and kicking off a new chapter of the Encampment. We had a whopping 72 participants! 40% were alums and more than half of those alums were youth 30 years-old and younger. Also, 25% of the gathering’s participants were brand new to the Encampment. This is how we build our base and remain strong for another 80 years.

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Date Change: Join us February 21

Date Change: Join us February 21

The EFC community gathering planned for January 10 has been postponed to February 21, 2026, 9 a.m. Pacific/10 a.m. Mountain/11 a.m. Central/12 noon p.m. Eastern. Please save the date! Participants will gather virtually to meet our new Executive Director Dr. Faith R. Kares (she/her), board members, and recent alums. They will introduce our vision of expanding the EFC’s impact and capacity, and how we are meeting this moment of ongoing crisis and precariousness.

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Peter Neufeld Alum Story

We interviewed Peter Neufeld, Encampment alum and co-founder of the Innocence Project. He told us about his lifelong work for justice and how “the Encampment was one of the most defining experiences of my youth.” My summer in Kentucky played a significant role in my expanding involvement in social and racial justice work in high school, college, and beyond. I had to confront a lot of things about my own upbringing — race, gender, and relative affluence — and it committed me much more to wanting change.

We are strengthening democracy by creating community.