EmpowHer Camp
Applications for EmpowHer Camp are OPEN!
Outcomes
89%
of EmpowHer Camp 2022 graduates have secured paid opportunities as a result of their participation.
100%
of parents of EmpowHer camp graduates ranked their child’s confidence an 8 out of 10 or higher.
100%
of the EmpowHer Camp 2023 Cohort reported an increase in communication skills, both public speaking and communicating and socializing with peers.
The Year-Long Experience
STAGE 1: SKILL-BUILDING CAMP
Each year, a select group of Young Leaders (disabled girls and young women ages 13 -17) are invited to the Adirondacks for one week to have fun, explore, connect, and learn about disaster preparedness and basic survival skills and leadership skills, and connecting with mentors.
We camp at John Dillon Park, an accessible wilderness campground located within the Adirondack Park of Northern New York that offers accessible trails and lean-tos.
STAGE 2: PROJECTS & MENTORSHIP
During the year between the first trip and the reunion trip, the Young Leaders create a yearlong local project involving inclusive disaster strategies. Young Leaders work on their project throughout the year and check in with their mentor on a monthly basis. Projects are individualized for each Young Leader based on their interests. For example, one may work with an emergency shelter to make access improvements, and another may work with their local government to ensure interpreters are always present during emergency announcements. Mentors help with the yearlong project, as well as helping with school, disability issues, and empowering the Young Leaders to achieve their goals and continue setting bigger goals for the future.
STAGE 3: LEADERSHIP REUNION
The Young Leaders will be invited to D.C. the next summer for an exciting reunion trip! During the reunion trip, the Young Leaders reconnect with their friends and mentors to present their yearlong projects, explore how they have grown as leaders, and discuss disaster preparedness. Along the way, the group meets with leaders in the disability community and in Congress. The Young Leaders leave the trip with goals for the next 3, 5, and 10 years and a life time of memories.
STAGE 4: ONGOING SUPPORT & NETWORK
Even after Young Leaders graduate from EmpowHer Camp program, they are still a member of the Disability EmpowHer Network!
Disability EmpowHer Network actively connects with all of our participants, past and present, to help them achieve their long term goals. We check in with our participants at least twice per year for the following 6 years after they finish their program with us or until they are employed (whichever is later).
Disability EmpowHer Network also provide information and referrals for higher education, internship, and employment opportunities.