Youth Leadership

Developing leadership skills among our nation’s young people.

Equipping the Next Generation of Leaders

The Hermitage embraces its role in developing leadership skills among our nation’s young people. An engaged citizenry requires cultivation, education and opportunity to exercise the rights guaranteed to us in the U.S. Constitution. Students are eager for a chance to take on leadership, and we can build their skills and confidence to engage the world with purpose. The history of Andrew Jackson, the Jacksonian Era and the U.S. presidency equip The Hermitage to teach civic education through a unique and extraordinary lens.

Future Presidents of America Youth Leadership Camp

Future Presidents of America is an innovative and engaging youth leadership camp with a mission of developing individual confidence, civic literacy and good citizenship to reveal the exceptional qualities of character that make for great presidents and great leaders. The program is designed for 12–16-year-old students specifically in order to:

  • Expand knowledge on what being a good citizen entails and identify opportunities for current and future civic engagement.
  • Explore various leadership qualities and learn how to apply them to real-world tasks.
  • Gain and build confidence in personal skills, such as public speaking, critical thinking and personal expression.
  • Investigate how citizenship has evolved over the years through the lens of the Presidency.

We look forward to working alongside middle and high school students to create a truly life-changing camp experience.

  • Where Camp Happens

    Future Presidents of America Youth Leadership Camp will be at Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage.

  • When Camp Happens

    Camp will take place on June 19-23, 2023. Each day begins at 9 a.m. and ends at 4 p.m.

  • How To Apply

    Applications for 2023 are available here. Please return the completed application to Erin Adams, Director of Education. After reviewing applications, students will be invited to interview with the program staff.

Highlights of the Week

  • Guest speakers from area business and civic leaders
  • Workshops that link historical events and their relevance to the present
  • An Etiquette Luncheon that develops table and networking skills
  • A Presidential Mentors Honor Reception that honors those people who have most influenced their leadership abilities.

Future Presidents of America is an initiative of the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site.

Camp Cost

All educational materials are provided, but lunch is not. We will have a place for students to store lunches and personal items. Limited financial assistance is available.

  • Future Presidents of America Youth Leadership Camp
    $300/student