Big Changes for Summer 2026
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For only the second time in nearly 10 years — the first being during COVID — YLP will not be running our traditional week-long overnight summer camp this year.
This was an extremely difficult decision. For many of our students, YLP camp is more than just a summer activity. It is where they build friendships, confidence, leadership skills, and a sense of belonging. For some students, it is one of the few places where they truly feel seen and supported. Unfortunately, over the last two years, the financial realities of running programs like ours have changed dramatically. Rising Facility Costs & Less Grants YLP has traditionally partnered with colleges and universities to host camp. Those campuses provided dorms, classrooms, dining services, and meeting space that made our simulation-based leadership program possible. This year, however, both of our previous university partners began charging hourly rates for classrooms and meeting spaces in addition to the normal housing and dining costs. Additionally, decreased availability of grants over the past two years has dramatically reduced our funding levels. The combination of these two events has increased our costs by many, many thousands of dollars, and made the program in its current configuration unsustainable for 2026. So What's Next?Young Leaders has several plans for both short- and long-term continuation of our program. Due to the last-minute nature of the changes with the university programming, the following events are in active development and therefore some of this information is subject to change. Read on to learn more.
Important Information
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The Road Ahead...
Since last year, Young Leaders Program has been working to acquire a property of our own where we can both conduct camp and raise revenue to support the program.
After much work we found the answer after conversations with DAS, who handle's real estate for the state government, in the form of the Dome Building, the historic structure known as State Hospital Building #36. How is that Going?
YLP spearheaded the formation of a new non profit called DBCC: The Dome Building Community Coalition, to undertake the process of acquiring this property from the State of Oregon. The DBCC was the only organization to enter a proposal during the recent Open Call, and DBCC is currently working with DAS to finalize the process. Assuming all goes to plan, we expect to hold YLP Summer 2027 at the Dome Building in Salem, Oregon. Click here to learn more about DBCC.
What if that doesn't work?
YLP Founders also recently created another new nonprofit called OyACE with the intent of better supporting the parents of the youth we have been serving for years at Young Leaders Program. This new program is poised to be able to raise significantly more funds. To learn more or get involved, visit OyACE.org.
But where would we Go?We are investigating other venues for YLP for the future in case the Dome doesn't work out. Some possibiltles include church camps (like the one we went to a few years ago during COVID), among others. If you are aware of a potential location that might work to host our summer program, please let us know! Email [email protected] and tell us! |