Future Presidents of America is an innovative and engaging youth leadership camp that aims to develop individual confidence, civic literacy, and good citizenship and reveal the exceptional qualities of character that make great presidents and leaders.

The program is designed for 13–16-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.

When: June 9-13, 2025

Where: Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library

 

  • Future Presidents of America provides a dynamic and inspiring opportunity for you to engage with peers, learn new skills, share your thoughts and opinions, and engage in problem-solving that could change our communities.

    While we think everything about the camp is pretty cool, highlights of the week include:

    • A formal Etiquette Luncheon

    • Hands-on activities, fun games, and team-building activities to help develop strong ties to your peers

    • The opportunity to engage state legislators, community leaders, and local businessmen and women

    • Instruction and practice in public speaking

    • Lively discussions around key civic-based topics

    • Historian-facilitated tours of the museum and an artifact show-and-tell

    • A formal reception with your parents and peers to celebrate your achievements during the week

    • A Museum-Led Field Trip to Washington DC with guided tours and visits with elected officials.

  • Future Presidents of America Youth Leadership Camp takes place on the Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library Campus. The camp will run from June 9 - 13, 2025. Each day begins at 9:00 AM and ends at 4:30 PM, however, staff will be on site for 30 minutes prior to the start and end times to facilitate drop-off schedules. While we understand the unexpected may arise and will work with you, the expectation is that, if your child is selected, they will be present for all camp sessions.

    If your child is selected to attend, they will receive a full scholarship to attend the camp ($500 value); this covers all educational materials and expenses. There is not a formal dress code, however, participants will meet with local leaders and state legislators, so we recommend they dress accordingly. We will ask them to dress up on Wednesday for the Etiquette Luncheon, and for our field trip to Washington DC on Friday.

    Applications are due on May 1, 2025. They will be reviewed by a team and ranked using a rubric. All students will be notified of their acceptance status no later than May 17, 2025. For those who are selected, some additional paperwork will be required.

    If, after your child submits, their application plans change and they will no longer be able to attend, please notify us by emailing educationdirector@woodrowwilson.org.

  • Applications for this years’ camp are available now, and the deadline to apply is May 1, 2025. To complete the application, we will ask you:

    • To share biographical information (name, address, school, etc.)

    • To respond to four short-answer questions to help us get to know you

    • To provide the names, emails, and phone numbers of three references who will speak to your fit for the camp

    • To have your parents complete a section sharing their information and giving permissions

    To access the application, click the link below.

    If you have any issues completing the application online, please email the Education team at educationdirector@woodrowwilson.org and we’ll work with you to ensure you can apply.

 

Additional Considerations:

Please provide a sack lunch that doesn’t require refrigeration. While there is no mandatory attire for the camp, we request that participants present themselves at their best. (Daily leadership sessions include meeting and addressing prominent civic and business leaders.) If camper has a phone or electronic device, it should be turned off during class time. Camp hours are from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Please make sure your child arrives 15 minutes prior to the start of the program and is picked up no later than 15 minutes after close of the program. A $25 fee will be assessed for each additional 15 minutes starting at 4:15.