YouthCARE

Camp Sunrise is a year-round outdoor education program focused on bringing together Minneapolis and Saint Paul youth, 13-18 years old, from diverse ethnic, racial, and cultural backgrounds to live and work in an outdoor community. Located an hour north of the Twin Cities on the St. Croix River, Camp Sunrise has been providing urban youth the opportunity to experience a residential wilderness camp at no cost, including transportation and any equipment to participate in camp activities since 1974. Annually, 125-150 youth participate in Camp Sunrise's summer crew programs. In addition to week-long summer sessions, Camp Sunrise hosts leadership retreats and urban outdoor recreation activities during the school year.YouthCARE (Youth for Cultural Appreciation & Racial Equality) annually serves about 350 youth through its three core programs - Camp Sunrise, Young Women's Mentoring Program and YouthLEAD - which aim to address the following 21st Century skills:- Educational Skills for Academic Success - Self direction, problem solving, critical thinking, organization, creativity and curiosity.- Employment Readiness Skills - Leadership, problem solving, effective group work, awareness of abilities/ interests, responsibility, collaboration and interpersonal communication.- Self-sufficiency Skills - Self-reflection, goal setting, relationships, health, outdoor/environment, financial literacy and decision making.During the 2017-2018 program year (June 1, 2017 to May 31, 2018), YouthCARE served 350 unduplicated youth, 6-18 years old, 96% of participants qualified for free or reduced-price lunches and 96% were youth of color (African American - 33%; Asian - 24%; Multiracial - 16%; Native American - 17%; Latino/a - 6%; European American - 4%). YouthCARE served 61% females and 39% males.

YouthLEAD (Youth Leadership, Education, & Diversity) provides consistent, high-quality out-of-school time activities to develop the educational, cultural, and social skills of youth, 13-18 years old. Activities include Homework Help, Teen Tech, Arts & Culture, Health & Wellness, and College Knowledge. Those participating on the Youth Advisory Council plan events for their peers, recruit volunteers, and provide input in staff and board meetings. The Community Service Stars component of YouthLEAD employs youth part-time to work at local nonprofit organizations while learning about community issues and personal finance during the summer. Approximately 85 youth participate in YouthLEAD.