For young people aged 15-18, the Encampment for Citizenship (EFC) is a national youth leadership and social justice program that challenges you to think deeply, build community, and engage with real-world issues.

Each summer, EFC brings together young people aged 15-18 from across the U.S. and beyond for a three-week residential experience focused on community building, critical thinking, creative expression, and hands-on engagement with social justice issues. EFC alumni have gone on to serve in public office, create life-changing nonprofits, and advocate powerfully for the rights of their communities.

This summer, participants will live and learn in Ventura County, engaging with local community members around issues impacting the region, including immigration, farmworker justice, environmental equity, and community resilience. Youth explore these themes through dialogue, research, community engagement, and the arts (Visual Arts, Theatre & Dance, and Music).

EFC Alumni include Jason Warwin (co-founder of The Brotherhood Sister Sol), Gale Brewer (New York City council member, former Manhattan Borough President), Peter Neufeld (co-founder of the Innocence Project), Ada Deer (former Assistant Secretary, Department of the Interior for Indian Affairs), Barney Frank (longtime U.S. Congressman), Alex Tom (Executive Director of the Center For Empowered Politics).

✨ No one is turned away for lack of funds. Full and partial fee waivers are available.

Information

Camp Type: Overnight
Gender: Coed
Ages: 15 to 18
Capacity: 30

Activities

Community Service
Creative
Leadership
Other Academics
Music
Other Arts

Encampment for Citizenship :

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