Youth Leadership Programs
Inspire the Next Generation
Helping youth discover their voice, their values, and their place in the world
These Youth Leadership Programs help youth uncover stories of place, meaning, and belonging—stories that shape who they are and how they show up in their communities.
They help youth cultivate self-awareness, strengthen communication skills, and explore what it means to act with integrity through their connection to place.
Through experiences that blend reflection, conversation, and creative expression, youth gain a clearer sense of who they are, what they care about, and how they want to contribute.
Leadership grows from that foundation of connection and purpose.
How These Experiences Unfold
During a program, Erica offers activities to help youth:
Discover Their Story: Through creative writing, storytelling, and public speaking, participants explore who they are and what matters to them.
Build Meaningful Connections : Through collaborative activities, they form connections with peers and the places they explore.
Awaken a Sense of Stewardship: By engaging with history and the natural world, participants develop a personal stake in caring for their communities and environments.
Step Into Leadership: With greater confidence, communication skills, and clarity of purpose, participants take meaningful next steps.
“Without hesitation, I would highly recommend Erica Wheeler. I feel that she gave our students and faculty an invaluable opportunity to reflect upon on connections to the land, their personal history, and their best selves. She also helped nurture the lifelong skills of writing and integration of creative work into the rest of ones education. Most importantly, people came away with a renewed passion for doing the work of conservation and stewardship.”
— Walter Poleman, Faculty Director, University of Vermont
The Story to Stewardship Bootcamp:
This signature youth program is an immersive experience that helps youth discover their sense of place and use it as a foundation for leadership.
Participants:
Reflect on places that matter to them
Develop personal stories of connection and belonging
Build communication and teamwork skills
Explore how caring for places leads to caring for communities
The result is a cohesive group of people who feel more confident, supported, and ready to contribute.
Interested in Hosting a Program?
Erica has led youth leadership programs in collaboration with schools and organizations across the country. They are often offered in partnership with community engagement initiatives and hosted through parks, museums, conservation organizations, and community groups.
These programs can be adapted for a wide range of ages and settings, from short introductory sessions to multi-day residencies or leadership intensives. They can stand alone or be part of a larger site-based event, residency, or multi-audience program.
Prior Partnerships Include:
AmeriCorps, Vermont State Parks
World Wide Walden Youth Summit, The Walden Woods Project
Wyoming Youth Congress on Children and Nature
Youth Conservation Corps, The Trustees of Reservations
Youth Leadership Academy, New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park
