Join young people from across the country this summer for a life-changing 3.5-week residential experience at California Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks, CA. The Encampment for Citizenship (EFC) empowers youth ages 15–18 to explore social justice, build community, and discover their power. Through hands-on learning, creative expression, and real-world experiences, Encampers dive deep into the issues shaping our world — from immigration and workers' rights to democracy, culture, and identity. This summer's theme, "Meeting the Moment: Building Solidarity, Power, and Resilience," challenges participants to connect their personal stories to broader movements for justice.
Encampers must agree to abide by certain basic rules of behavior. Encampers are expected to treat other Encampers, staff, and guests with respect, and to participate fully in Encampment activities. Because this program involves living and working with people from very different backgrounds and confronting issues that can be challenging, Encampers must have the desire and capacity to embrace these situations and to grow and learn from them.
Community-building from day one — River of Life activity
These beginning days center the individual in the collective. As part of the EFC's unique educational approach, we established together a foundation of care, safety, and respect that will support honest dialogue, personal growth, and meaningful relationships over the coming weeks. As we introduce this year's theme, "Meeting the Moment: Solidarity, Resilience, and Hope," we recognize that solidarity starts with understanding ourselves and one another. Before we can stand alongside others, we must first understand the experiences that have shaped our own perspectives and values.
Setting — California Lutheran University, Thousand Oaks CA (2026)
The 2026 Encampment summer program was held at California Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks, CA. Field trips included a ferry trip to Limuw (Santa Cruz Island), part of Channel Islands National Park; visits to the California African American Museum in Los Angeles; a Toxic Tour in Ventura; and service learning at the Rio School District Organic Farm in Oxnard.
Creative arts groups — music, theater, visual arts
The Encampment has a long tradition of inspiring young people to become informed, creative, and active participants in their communities. At the heart of this tradition are the Creative Groups. Visual Arts, Theatre & Dance, and Music: where Encampers explore social justice themes through artistic expression and collaboration. Guided by experienced educators, Encampers use their chosen medium to deepen their understanding of critical issues such as human and civil rights, racism, immigration, and environmental justice. Through this process, they learn not only to analyze the world around them, but to imagine and create new possibilities that they can share with their community back home.
Encamper voice — building leadership and community (Isaiah, 2026)
"One of the biggest lessons I learned is that wherever I go, I can build community. Even when everyone starts as strangers, we can come together and support one another. I also learned to look more deeply at the issues affecting my hometown and to take action instead of standing by." — Isaiah, Medford, MA, 2026 Encamper
2026 program highlights — field trips and activities
Highlights include: A transformative trip to Limuw (Santa Cruz Island) with Chumash community leaders to explore the deep ties between land, culture, and decolonization. Farmworker interviews and community engagement in Ventura County — hearing directly from those whose labor sustains our communities. Workshops and discussions with activists working to protect immigrant families from deportation and fight for equity and dignity. Creative groups in art, music, and performance, where Encampers turn reflection into action through storytelling and collaboration. A supportive, intergenerational community that celebrates diversity, dialogue, and the belief that justice knows no borders.
InterGen(erational) program — alums, parents, Encampers connect
Encampers participate with Encampment alums, staff, parents and supporters during the InterGen(erational) program, which is a reunion, discussion and celebration of what the Encampers learned during the summer intensive. This annual event is also an opportunity for recent Encampers to network with other alums as they put their experiences to work in local projects. The event gives them access to a community of adults with a variety of knowledge, skills, careers and experience who attended Encampments in past decades.
Encampers are housed in a secure living space. Rooms are shared by 2-3 youth and are often clustered in "pods." Staff are housed alongside the youth in the same secure space. Encampers live in rooms and pods with other Encampers and staff of the same gender/gender identity.
A fee waiver application is available for those who need it. The application checklist includes: application form, references, required essays, creative work, and fee waiver application (if needed).
Breakfast, lunch and dinner are provided, along with snacks. Dining is typically cafeteria-style with a variety of foods available. Please tell us about any special dietary needs so we make every effort to accommodate.
Parent communication — how to reach your young person
We encourage youth to stay in touch with their families via email or regular mail. A mailing address will be provided to families. Phone calling is for emergencies only; a number will be provided to families.
