Camp Sunrise

Intro Text about Camp Sunrise

YouthCARE is a nonprofit multicultural organization that has been providing programs for youth who face social or economic barriers for twenty-three years. Camp Sunrise is a program of YouthCARE and is located on the St. Croix River, near Rush City, Minnesota, 60 miles north of the Twin Cities. The Summer Program at Camp Sunrise is designed to provide outdoor learning and work experiences for urban youth ages 13-18. Our mission is to help young people develop respect for themselves, others, and the environment. To accomplish this we bring people together from diverse ethnic, cultural and racial backgrounds to live and work in a natural environment.

Camp Sunrise is a year round youth development program focused on bringing together youth and adults from diverse backgrounds to live and work in an outdoor multicultural environment. The camp was established in 1974 by Xcel Energy and the Minneapolis and St. Paul Summer Youth Employment Programs. Camp Sunrise is located on the St. Croix River, 60 miles north of the Twin Cities, near Rush City, MN. Annually, 300-350 youth, 13-18 years old, are involved in Camp Sunrise summer and school year programs. Camp Sunrise has received numerous awards and recognition''s including the 2000 Nonprofit Mission Award for Anti-Racism Initiative from the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits and the Eleanor P. Eells Award from the Fund for the Advancement of Camping.

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Activities
Specific Activities Youth Advisory Council: The Youth Advisory Council (YAC) involves 25-30 youth in the YouthCARE decision making process. Program components include YAC Retreats in the fall and spring, monthly YAC meetings, two committee meetings a month, and representing youth at board of director''s meetings. Each YAC member is on one committee during the year including; civic engagement, fundraising, monthly events, weekend trip leaders, and youth speak outs. Committees meet twice a month to plan activities for other youth to participate in.

Community Service Stars Summer Employment Program:
CS Stars is a summer employment program for youth who live in Minneapolis. In a partnership with Minneapolis Employment and Training Program, YouthCARE will hire 10-12 youth to work on a Community Service Crew during the summer months. The crew will move around the city, with the help of young adult staff, doing community service projects for communities and non - profits in need of help, they will also learn about having and keeping a job, and do college and career exploration.

Youth Speak Outs:
Youth Speak Outs are conducted five times during the year between the months of November-April, to bring together youth from diverse backgrounds and cultures, to discuss topics selected by the youth. Youth Speak Outs have been conducted on topics such as dating, racism, violence, gangs and diversity. YAC members volunteer to work with program staff to plan and lead Youth Speak Outs. During the planning sessions youth leaders gain skills in research, public speaking, event planning, and much more. During the Speak Out all the youth involved learn about the topic as well as communication skills and styles.

Self Sufficiency Workshops:
Self Sufficiency Workshops are held once a month from November-April and focus on helping youth prepare for the transition into adulthood. Workshops are generally led by YouthCARE staff, volunteers, or community members. Workshops in the past have included, financial aid and scholarship information, career possibilities, how to get a job, resume building, interview skills and many more.

Monthly Social & Recreational Activities:
YouthCARE conducts social and recreational activities once a month from October-May, to bring together 60-125 youth from diverse backgrounds and cultures. Activities include roller skating, gym & swim nights, dances, snow tubing, bowling and an Annual Lock-In Event. Adult program staff and volunteers supervise activities and provide youth with transportation to and from activities.

Small Group Social Outings:
In addition to the leadership and recreational activities YouthLEAD provides small group social outings each month. Youth who are not as involved with our leadership programs will be targeted for these activities. These activities may include trips to cultural events, museums, and other social activities.
Outreach Activities: Outreach activities are smaller group activities aimed at keeping youth involved in positive activities. Activities could include going to watch a youth in their sporting or extra curricular events, helping them with homework, or helping them find resources in a time of need. YouthCARE staff will do our best to be available to youth in their times of need providing support and access to resources when necessary.

Key Program Strategies
Key program Strategies Work with the Camp Sunrise team to keep youth involved in year round positive programming.

• Provide opportunities for youth to develop their leadership skills through experiential learning practices (CS Stars & YAC).
• Provide employment opportunities and skills through workshops and on the job training.
• Provide opportunities for youth to give back to their communities through volunteering.
• Provide regular, consistent, and fun social, recreational, and educational activities for youth involved with YouthCARE.
• Help youth develop skills to help them after high school, including college decisions, money management, and other life skills.