A Camp S.W.A.G. Academy™ Youth Project Management & Execution Program for 7th–10th Graders
Build real leadership through real-world experience—not simulations.
Through its affiliation with Camp S.W.A.G. Academy™, Camp S.W.A.G. (Students With Ambitions & Goals) is proud to offer up to five (5) needs-based scholarships for the Raleigh-Durham cohort and up to five (5) needs-based scholarships for the Charlotte cohort.
Families seeking scholarship assistance should begin with the Camp S.W.A.G. scholarship application before completing the Academy program application.
Families not applying for scholarship assistance should visit the Camp S.W.A.G. Academy™ Project Management Lab page to apply directly through the Academy.
Moving Beyond Passive Learning
The Camp S.W.A.G. Academy™ Project Management Lab is a cohort-based youth leadership program for 7th–10th grade students. The program is designed to help students develop real-world leadership, communication, and project management skills by designing and executing a community impact project from start to finish.
Students work in structured teams (“pods”) under adult facilitation and 11th-grade Project Leadership Fellows support to plan, organize, and execute a real initiative that benefits the community.
This program is designed for students who are ready to move beyond passive learning and step into real responsibility, teamwork, and leadership experience that prepares them for college, careers, and life.
This is a hands-on leadership experience built around action, accountability, and real outcomes. Students don’t just learn leadership—they practice it by leading real projects, working in teams, and delivering a real community impact.
Ready to make an impact? Join us to build real-world skills, have fun, and make new friends along the way.
Four Integrated Frameworks for Success
The Camp S.W.A.G. Academy™ Project Management Lab is built on four integrated leadership pillars that reflect the skills students need in modern academic and professional environments. Each pillar is directly reinforced through hands-on application, team-based execution, structured skill development, and certificate-based learning.
Project Management & Execution
Students learn how to plan, organize, and execute real projects using structured workflows, timelines, and team-based accountability. This includes breaking down goals, assigning roles, and managing deliverables from start to finish.
This competency is developed through the Project Management & Execution Certificate and applied through real-time project work throughout the program.
AI Literacy & Ethical Use
Students are introduced to responsible and effective use of AI as a productivity and problem-solving tool. This includes understanding ethical boundaries, communication applications, planning support, and decision-making assistance.
Students apply AI tools throughout the program for planning, communication, organization, and project execution.
Emotional Intelligence (EQ) & Human Intelligence (HI)
Students develop self-awareness, communication skills, empathy, and the ability to work effectively in diverse team environments. This includes navigating group dynamics, receiving feedback, and leading with emotional awareness.
These skills are supported through student self-reflection, including identifying strengths and areas for growth based on real leadership experiences and team participation.
Leadership & Communication
Students strengthen their ability to lead peers, communicate professionally, collaborate in teams, and take responsibility for outcomes in structured environments.
These skills are demonstrated through structured pod roles and real project execution.
Concept vs. Real Responsibility
Most youth programs focus on teaching leadership concepts. The Camp S.W.A.G. Academy™ Project Management Lab focuses on students practicing leadership through real responsibility.
- ✓ Design a real project
- ✓ Work in structured teams
- ✓ Solve real operational challenges
- ✓ Execute a measurable community impact initiative
- ✓ Present real outcomes at a final event
- ✓ Experience teamwork, leadership growth, and real-time problem solving in a live project environment
- ✓ Use modern tools, including AI, to support planning and communication
How the Program Works
July 7–August 13, 2027
Students progress through three structured phases that build leadership, teamwork, communication, project management, and real-world experience while completing a measurable community impact project.
Selected Camp S.W.A.G. scholarship recipients participate in this six-week leadership experience through Camp S.W.A.G. Academy™.
Camp S.W.A.G. administers scholarship eligibility and recipient selection. Camp S.W.A.G. Academy™ independently operates the program and manages program admission, curriculum, instruction, and student participation.
Six-Week Leadership Experience
Students move from leadership foundations and team formation to real-world project execution, community impact, and graduation. Each phase gives students increasing responsibility, collaboration, and ownership of their work.
Week 1
Leadership Launch & Foundations
Weeks 2–5
Leadership in Action
Week 6
Community Impact Showcase & Graduation
Students and families begin with the Academy Launch Reception before students transition into leadership development, team formation, and project planning.
🎉 Academy Launch Reception & Family Orientation
Tuesday, July 6, 2027
5:00 PM–7:00 PM
Attendance is required for all students and at least one parent or guardian. Families will meet the leadership team, receive program materials, review expectations, and enjoy a light catered reception.
Focus: Leadership foundations, team formation, project planning, and preparation for successful execution.
Students move beyond planning and begin leading. Working in structured pods, they take ownership of the community impact project while strengthening leadership, communication, teamwork, project management, and responsible AI skills.
Focus: Leadership in action, project execution, teamwork, accountability, problem-solving, and showcase preparation.
During the final week, students complete project preparations, lead the Community Impact Showcase, present the results of their work, and celebrate the completion of the program.
🏅 Graduation Celebration
Students are recognized for completing the program and receive their certificates, professional project portfolio, digital badge, verified community service hours, and personalized letter of recommendation.
Focus: Community impact, leadership ownership, student self-reflection, recognition, and successful project completion.
Leadership Structure
Adult Facilitators
Adults oversee the program and ensure safety, supervision, program structure, consistency, project approval, boundaries, conflict resolution, and escalation support.
Student Pods
Pods are small, team-based groups designed to help students collaborate closely, build leadership skills, and execute real project responsibilities together. Students are placed into pods of 3–5 participants.
Each pod is responsible for:
• Planning and executing assigned parts of the overall community project
• Assigning internal roles (leadership, logistics, outreach, tracking)
• Managing tasks and deadlines
• Collaborating with other pods for full project execution
Student Roles (Rotating)
Within each pod, students rotate leadership and support roles so they can develop a range of real-world skills across the program. Within pods, students rotate responsibilities such as:
What Students Do
Students participating in the Camp S.W.A.G. Academy™ Project Management Lab will:
Community, Friendship & Experience
The Camp S.W.A.G. Academy™ Project Management Lab is a structured leadership experience—but it is also a highly collaborative and engaging environment where students build meaningful connections while working toward shared goals.
This environment also strengthens communication, emotional intelligence (EQ), teamwork, and leadership development through real collaboration.
Students are placed into small teams (pods), where they work closely together throughout the entire program. This creates a strong sense of accountability, connection, and shared purpose as students move through planning, execution, and the final project event.
While the focus is leadership development and real-world execution, students also experience a positive, team-based environment where collaboration, energy, and shared achievement are a natural part of the process.
Program Outcomes
By the end of the Camp S.W.A.G. Academy™ Project Management Lab, students receive formal validation based on completion of program pillars and real project achievements.
Leadership & Communication Certificate
Core certificate awarded upon program completion.
Project Management & Execution Certificate
Core milestone validation across workflows and execution pillars.
AI Ethics & Responsible AI Use Certificate
Awarded based on demonstrated ethical application of AI tools in program projects and activities.
“This program is built on one core belief: Students learn leadership best when they are responsible for real outcomes.”
The Camp S.W.A.G. Academy™ Project Management Lab is designed to move students beyond simulations and lectures. Students gain experience by leading and working within real teams, managing structured real-world projects, solving practical challenges as they arise, delivering measurable community impact, and building leadership skills through emotional intelligence (EQ), teamwork, and responsible use of AI tools.
Who This Is For
The Camp S.W.A.G. Academy™ Project Management Lab is designed for students who are ready to grow through responsibility, teamwork, and real-world experience. This program is a strong fit for:
Program Requirements
The Camp S.W.A.G. Academy™ Project Management Lab is designed for 7th–10th grade students who are ready for structured, team-based leadership development and real project execution.🧑🎓 Eligibility Requirements
- • Must be enrolled in 7th–10th grade for 2026-2027 School Year
- • Minimum 3.0 GPA or equivalent strong academic standing
- • Must be in good standing with current school (no significant disciplinary record)
- • Must be able to participate in all program phases (Spring Foundations, Summer Intensive, Capstone Experience)
🧠 Participation Requirements
- • Commitment to full program participation across all scheduled phases
- • Ability to work in structured team environments (pods)
- • Willingness to take on assigned roles and responsibilities within group projects
- • Active participation in in-person sessions and summer intensive programming
- • Respect for program structure, timelines, and collaborative workflows
Two Clear Pathways for Families
Families may apply directly through Camp S.W.A.G. Academy™ or begin with Camp S.W.A.G. for full scholarship consideration.
This is the Camp S.W.A.G. Academy™ Project Management Lab program investment for families applying directly through the Academy.
• Spring Foundations: April – May
• Summer Intensive: Mid-June – July
• Capstone Community Impact Experience: Late July – Early August
Up to five (5) full scholarship seats available
Through its affiliation with Camp S.W.A.G. Academy™, Camp S.W.A.G. (Students With Ambitions & Goals) is proud to offer full needs-based scholarship seats for eligible students applying to the Camp S.W.A.G. Academy™ Project Management Lab.
Scholarship consideration is based on financial need, leadership potential, program readiness, and a demonstrated commitment to full participation.
Applying for Scholarship Assistance?
Families seeking scholarship assistance should begin with the Camp S.W.A.G. scholarship pathway before completing the Academy program application.
Apply for Scholarship ConsiderationNot Applying for Scholarship Assistance?
Families not seeking scholarship assistance should apply directly through the Camp S.W.A.G. Academy™ Project Management Lab page.
Visit Camp S.W.A.G. Academy™ Lab Page💳 Direct Academy Payment Options
Families accepted into the Camp S.W.A.G. Academy™ Project Management Lab who are not receiving scholarship assistance may choose one of the following payment options.
👕 Program Inclusions
Each student receives:
Program apparel is Academy-branded for all participating students to maintain a consistent and inclusive student experience.
Seating Is Limited
Cohort spots are limited. Families seeking scholarship assistance should begin with Camp S.W.A.G. Families not seeking scholarship assistance should apply directly through Camp S.W.A.G. Academy™.
Guided by Experienced Leadership
The Camp S.W.A.G. Academy™ Project Management Lab is guided by a leadership team with expertise in leadership development, project management, operational strategy, and ethical AI systems.
Sherry Pulcher
Executive Director
Program Developer & Program Director
Christopher Pulcher Coard
Leon Claude Hobson Coard
AI Ethics & Productivity Director