YELC begins with an immersive summer program for students entering the 6th or 7th grade in the coming Fall*. Campers will attend a one-week camp M-F from 8:30am-5:30pm. Camps will be kept small with a group of 15 (subject to COVID-19 protocols), where youth will become change-agents who design and implement climate-smart solutions aimed at improving air/water quality and/or natural habitats where they live.

After the camp, the campers will participate in at least two volunteer events with identified partner organizations during July-November, to deliver a positive impact within their community – things like tree plantings and creek cleanups. A schedule of opportunities will be provided. Campers will also run a personal fundraising campaign for one of the organizations**, with a $40 minimum goal. Campers will present to their peers in November, about their experience.

YELC will lay the foundation for an on-going, youth-led movement to conserve energy and protect air, water, and ecosystems from the impacts of urban life.

*Prior year campers are not eligible to participate in this program again.