1. Learn about different approaches to organizing and policy change
2. Incorporate the arts as part of organizing and community building strategies
3. Learn group and meeting facilitation
4. Understand intersectionality and the historical context of the civil rights movement and current social injustices
5. Gain confidence in the power and knowledge that young people bring
6. Participate in group decision-making processes and consensus building
7. Learn practices that support health, wellness, and resilience, personally and in your community
8. Develop interviewing skills, how to listen, ask questions, and hear people’s stories
9. Experience the interconnectedness among different communities
10. Develop your observational and questioning skills: see more deeply and see the details
11. Strengthen your voice, including not being afraid of people disagreeing with you, except when it is unsafe
12. Gain tools to deal with feeling discouraged or burnt out (can’t do it alone)
13. Receive four months of follow-up support to develop an action plan.
14. It may be possible to arrange school or community credit for your EFC experience & it provides a great topic for college application essays.

But Encampers will learn

• About democracy by living democratically and reflecting on their lived experience.
• About different cultures by living with peers from different backgrounds; Encampers grow by sharing their lives with others.
• About leadership by working on projects with fellow Encampers.
• About themselves by expanding their views of what they can accomplish in the world.

And each youth will learn by teaching others through sharing experiences, talents and friendship.

The heart of this tradition is the workshop. Encampers choose their workshops from a variety of topics. In their workshops, Encampers work closely with experienced, knowledgeable staff to investigate important issues. Then they share what they’ve learned with the larger Encampment community. Past workshop topics have included:

• human rights and civil rights
• racial, ethnic, and cultural identity
• health and poverty and
• environmental issues.

… planned by the Encampers themselves are all part of the Encampment experience. Social and recreational activities are also important components of the program.

Rooms are shared by 2-3 youth and are often clustered in “pods.” Staff are housed alongside the youth in the same secure space. Encampers live in rooms and pods with other Encampers and staff of the same gender/gender identity.

Dining is typically cafeteria-style with a variety of foods available. Please tell us about any special dietary needs so we make every effort to accommodate.

A mailing address will be provided to families. Phone calling is for emergencies only; a number will be provided to families.

Young people come to the Encampment from all over the United States and often from other nations as well. We aim for true diversity: racial/ethnic, geographic (all regions and a mix of rural, suburban, and urban environments), economic/class, gender, sexual orientation, religion, etc. The experience of living, learning, and working together teaches valuable lessons that last a lifetime. Staff members come from a wide variety of backgrounds as well. We choose staff for their skill and experience working with teens, and for depth of knowledge about societal issues and active community involvement.

Encampers are expected to treat other Encampers, staff, and guests with respect, and to participate fully in Encampment activities. Because this program involves living and working with people from very different backgrounds and confronting issues that can be challenging, Encampers must have the desire and capacity to embrace these situations and to grow and learn from them.   

Encampers should bring casual clothing and footwear for the 3-week program, and one “business attire” outfit. Athletic and swimming attire are encouraged. Laundry facilities will be available. Encampers should bring appropriate toiletries. Check the packing list for whether linens are provided at the current year site. Encampers may bring musical instruments, water bottle, camera, cell phone (specific policies TBD), recorded music (iPod, etc.), books. You may bring a laptop or iPad, etc. but the Encampment is not responsible for these items.

Dangerous items such as knives or other weapons are not allowed. Illegal items are – of course – not allowed.