Empowering the Next Generation of RDU Triangle Middle & High School Leaders
Raleigh-Durham Youth Leadership Program
The “Youth Leadership Foundations” (YLF) Camp S.W.A.G.’s signature leadership experience for aspiring middle and high school leaders in the Raleigh-Durham Triangle. Designed for students who are ready to grow, serve, and lead, this engaging leadership program helps participants strengthen their confidence, discover their unique leadership style, and develop practical skills they can apply in school, at home, and throughout their communities.
Discover Your PotentialEnrollment is offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
Join Us and Learn More About the Raleigh-Durham Youth Leadership Foundations Program
Discover how the Youth Leadership Framework prepares students to lead with confidence, purpose, and real‑world skills. Meet the team, explore the 2026 leadership experience, and learn how your child can get involved.
Develop Confident, Self‑Aware, Future‑Ready Leaders
We recognize the pressures young people face today in the Raleigh-Durham area — socially, academically, and emotionally. Youth Leadership Foundations provides a structured, supportive environment where students develop the confidence, resilience, and leadership skills needed to navigate those challenges successfully.
Our program emphasizes leadership identity, personal responsibility, communication, teamwork, and service while encouraging students to become positive influences within their schools, families, and communities.
Our Goal
“Every student completes Youth Leadership Foundations with greater confidence, stronger leadership skills, meaningful friendships, and a deeper commitment to serving others.”
Key Benefits of Our Structured Leadership Development Program
We focus on building foundational life skills for Raleigh-Durham youth through dedicated and engaging experiences.
Middle School & High School Leadership Sessions
Separate tracks are designed specifically for Raleigh-Durham middle school and high school youth, ensuring age-appropriate activities, discussions, mentorship and leadership challenges.
Friendships & Group Mentoring
Students build lasting friendships while learning from experienced mentors in a supportive environment that encourages collaboration, accountability, and personal growth.
Confidence & Positive Self-Image
A safe, welcoming, and non-judgmental environment for RDU youth to express themselves, talk about what matters to them and build a positive self-image to help them navigate who they are and who they’re becoming.
Practical Life Skills
Students develop practical life skills, including goal setting, time management, financial responsibility, and ethical decision-making that support success in school and everyday life.
Communication & Social Skills
Students practice healthy communication and build the confidence to express themselves respectfully in Triangle community settings.
RDU Service-Driven Stewardship & Volunteer Projects
Students apply their leadership skills through a meaningful community service project while learning the importance of servant leadership, civic responsibility, and giving back.
Certificate of Completion
Students who successfully complete Youth Leadership Foundations receive an official Camp S.W.A.G. Certificate of Completion recognizing their commitment, leadership growth, and successful completion of the program.
Key Leadership Development Skills
Build Self-Confidence
Strengthen Communication Skills
Develop Teamwork & Collaboration
Strengthen Critical Thinking & Problem Solving
Improve Time Management & Organization
Practice Servant Leadership & Community Engagement
Program Investment & Value for RDU Triangle Youth
Investing in Youth Leadership Foundations is investing in your student’s confidence, leadership development, and future success.
YLF provides a focused leadership experience that helps students strengthen communication, teamwork, self-confidence, and community leadership skills.
Youth Leadership Foundations (RDU)
$500/semester
Plus a $75 non-refundable application fee
Fall Leadership Cycle
August–November — SOLD OUT
⭐ Ideal for:
Students entering 6th–10th grade who are ready to grow as leaders, build confidence, strengthen communication skills, develop positive peer connections, and participate in a supportive environment centered on leadership, service, and personal growth.
What Your Investment Covers:
📅 Program Duration: One four-month leadership cycle, offered August–November or January–April.
🗓️ Monthly Saturday Sessions: Students participate in one in-person leadership session each month.
🎯 Age-Appropriate Leadership Sessions: Middle school and high school students participate during separate session times designed for their developmental stage.
🌟 Leadership Development: Interactive activities focused on confidence, communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and responsible decision-making.
🤝 Group Mentoring: Guided mentoring experiences that support personal growth, self-awareness, and positive leadership development.
🌎 Community Engagement: A meaningful service experience that helps students practice responsibility, teamwork, and community leadership.
🍎 Food & Refreshments: All in-person sessions include food and refreshments.
👕 Official Program T-Shirt: Each participant receives an official Camp S.W.A.G. Youth Leadership T-shirt.
📜 Certificate of Completion: Students who successfully complete the cycle receive an official Camp S.W.A.G. Certificate of Completion.
Enroll in the Premier Youth Leadership Foundations Program
We are currently accepting applications for next year’s youth leadership development program in Raleigh-Durham. This is a vital, year-long commitment, running from September through August of the following year. Take the first step toward becoming a proud, empowered, and impactful young leader.