Future Presidents of America Youth Leadership Camp
Join Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage for the 2nd annual Future Presidents of America Youth Leadership Camp! This innovative and engaging youth leadership camp develops individual confidence, civic literacy and good citizenship to reveal the exceptional qualities of character that make for great presidents and great leaders. Students will have the chance to meet and learn from area business and civic leaders as they demonstrate leadership skills in real-world settings.
Applications for 2023 are available now. We look forward to working alongside middle and high school students to create a truly life-changing camp experience.
Program Description
Future Presidents of America Youth Leadership Camp will be hosted on June 19-23, 2023, at Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage. Each day begins at 9 a.m. and ends at 4 p.m.
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.
Students will have the chance to meet and learn from area business and civic leaders as they demonstrate leadership skills in real-world settings.
In addition to special speakers and leadership development activities, highlights of the week include a Business Etiquette Luncheon and a Presidential Mentors Honor Reception. The luncheon will help students develop table and networking skills alongside our professional staff. On Thursday, June 23, students will have the opportunity to honor those people who have most influenced their leadership abilities at the Presidential Mentors Honor Reception. Parents and adult mentors are invited to attend the Reception with their Student.
Future Presidents of America was conceived and designed by the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site. Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage is their first national partner on this project.
Speakers
Henry Beecher Hicks, III –CEO, National Museum of African-American Music
Honorable Tre Hargett—TN Secretary of State
Yusuf Dogan Lbhalla—FPA 2021 Alumnus
Honorable Emily J. Reynolds—Chief of Staff (Ret.), Senator Bill Frist and Secretary of the United States Senate
Honorable Judge Sheila Calloway—Justice, Juvenile Court of Metropolitan Nashville-Davidson County
David Britton–Park Superintendent, Tennessee State Parks
Testimonials
FPA Camp was a truly memorable experience. I am still deeply honored that you considered my application. I was so glad to have the opportunity to meet you, Mr. Martin, the guest speakers, the Hermitage staff and the other students. I am looking forward to the possibility of FPA soon becoming a national thing. It was a fantastic experience!
J. Nelson | Chelsea, Michigan
This morning, when dropping [my son] off, a wave of appreciation flowed around me. Thank you so very much for this incredible opportunity for my son and for all of the other fortunate participants. He has been excited and delighted by the experiences from the workshop. He has described everyone there as “his people.” I hope this group can have reunions frequently. I anticipate seeing the names of these participants as servants of their communities for many years to come. The idea to provide this workshop was inspired and brilliant.
A. Chapman | Newburgh, Indiana
Thank you for inviting me to participate in the program involving the Future Presidents of America. I thoroughly enjoyed talking to this group of young people. I appreciate your hard work in instilling a love of history and civic responsibility in our youth.
The Honorable Andrew Jackson, VI | Knoxville, Tennessee
How to Apply: Applications are now available. Please return the completed application to Erin Adams, Director of Education, at [email protected]. After reviewing applications, students will be invited to interview with the program staff.
Additional info: The cost for Future Presidents of America Youth Leadership Camp is $275 per student for non-members and $225 for members. All educational materials are provided, but lunch is not. We will have a place for students to store lunches and personal items. Please ask about financial assistance. Scholarships may be available.