Experience. Lead. Change: Welcome to Camp LEAD

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Ignite a Lifelong Passion for Social Justice and Leadership

What is Camp LEAD?

Camp LEAD is more than just a summer camp--it's a transformative experience designed to awaken the changemaker in every student. Modeled after our award-winning high school program, Camp LEAD offers a condensed, age-appropriate curriculum that focuses on increasing cultural awareness, creative self-expression, honing leadership skills, and instilling a passion for social change. Your child will engage in hands-on activities, participate in enriching field trips, and connect with a like-minded community, all while learning the fundamentals of activism and leadership.

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Program Overview:

Camp LEAD creates an immersive educational environment that fosters social and emotional learning, community building, and leadership skills development to help campers challenge inequity and injustice. This summer we’re offering four different one-week-long day camp sessions (Monday- Friday), each with a unique theme designed to empower youth in Greater Saint Louis to become advocates for positive change in their communities.  Campers can participate in one or all of these sessions!

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When and Where

 **2025 Session Dates**: 

  - Session 1: July 14 – July 18: Activism through Art: Writing for Change

                      (Location TBA)

  - Session 2: July 21 – July 25: Exploring Environmental Justice in STL and Beyond

                      (Location TBA)

  - Session 3: July 28 – August 1: Cultural Curators 

                      (The Legacy Center, 6850 Normandale Dr, St. Louis, MO, 63121)

  - Session 4: August 4 – August 8: Artsivism: Sneaker Art with Brock Seals

                      (The Legacy Center, 6850 Normandale Dr, St. Louis, MO, 63121)

Session Descriptions: 

Activism through Art: Writing for Change (July 14- 18) 

This dynamic and immersive session is designed to empower campers to use the art of writing – prose, poetry, and personal narratives – as a catalyst for activism and social change. Engage in hands-on creative workshops led by experienced writers and activists. Learn various writing techniques, from crafting powerful poetry and lyrics to creating compelling personal narratives. Develop a deeper understanding of the lived experiences of marginalized communities through storytelling. Learn how to use empathy and perspective to connect with others and drive meaningful change. Campers will also participate in field trips to inspire their art and have the opportunity to share their creations as part of a community showcase at the end of the session.    

Exploring Environmental Justice in STL and Beyond (July 21- 25)

Eager to learn how you can become an effective advocate for environmental justice at a global scale?  Curious about how issues of environmental justice show up in your community?  Either way or both, this session is for you!  Exploring Environmental Justice in STL is an eye-opening session that invites campers to embark on a journey of discovery, learning, and action regarding environmental justice issues, both in Greater Saint Louis and on a global scale. Campers will meet with local activists and researchers who are actively working on environmental justice initiatives and participate in discussions and field trips that highlight the importance of community engagement in driving change at the local and global levels.  Sign up for this session and learn how to become an effective advocate for environmental justice, develop practical skills for advocating for sustainability and equity, and better understand what environmental justice looks like in St. Louis and beyond!

Cultural Curators (July 28- August 1)

This engaging camp session is designed for anyone curious about different cultures and excited to learn more about them and how they interact within St. Louis’ diverse landscape! Through hands-on activities, group discussions, and impactful field trips, campers will gain a deeper understanding of different cultures, histories, and traditions in St. Louis through the lenses of empathy and inclusion. Leadership development is at the heart of this camp session, providing campers with the tools to advocate for social change, build strong communication skills, and inspire others to take action.  If you’re eager to learn more about the people and communities around you and expand your worldview, this is definitely the session for you!

Artsivism: Sneaker Art with Brock Seals (August 4- 8)

Join us for an inspiring and creative camp session designed to empower young individuals to harness the power of visual art forms, including painting, drawing, and more, as a means of activism and social change. Explore the intersection of art and activism, discovering how visual art forms have historically played a vital role in raising awareness and advocating for social justice causes. Campers will meet with local artists and visit museums and sites in the region that will inspire their own art projects that they’ll share at an end-of-camp showcase.  Additionally, local artist and social activist icon Brock Seals will work with campers to design and create their own pair of sneakers that express advocacy issues important to them.  

Timing:

9:00 am to 3:00 pm, Monday to Friday

For families needing additional care, we offer Before Care services from 8:00 to 9:00 am and After Care services from 3:00 to 5:00 pm.

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Who Should Apply?

Camp LEAD is open to current 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th graders who are eager to learn more about their community and the world around them and make a positive impact.  After submitting an application, campers and their families will be contacted within a few days with info on next steps.  Campers and families are required to attend an info session to learn more about Camp LEAD and review  details and expectations. 

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Costs and Scholarships

We believe in making Camp LEAD accessible to everyone, which is why we offer an equitable sliding scale contribution based on family income. The fee starts as low as $50 and goes up to $350, depending on what each family can afford. A non-refundable deposit of 10% is required to secure your child's spot, with the balance due before the camp session begins.

Ready to Ignite Change?  Apply Today!

If you're ready to offer your child a summer experience that's both enriching and transformative, apply to Camp LEAD today!   

For more information or specific inquiries, please contact Director of Core Programming, Jeremy Brok and JBrok@LEADSTL.org.

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Experience the world. Lead the way. Change the future. Welcome to Camp LEAD.