Program Overview
The Youth (High School) Program is designed for those who have completed grades 9-12. Individuals going into their first year of college are also welcome in this program.
Today’s teens face enormous challenges that previous generations did not experience, all while trying to balance Taiwanese values in their western world. TAF aims to provide a supportive, safe, and non-judgmental environment for individuals to express and work out such problems in a healthy and mature manner. We give campers the tools to evaluate themselves within the framework of one of four rotating themes: Identity, Ethics and Values, Communication, and Leadership. The themes are particularly relevant to Youth campers as they navigate the transition into adulthood. We divide campers into small groups that become their family for the week. Each small group will be led by two Youth Advisors who offer a supportive environment for campers to assess themselves, listen and empathize, and share their own experiences.
By growing together, TAF hopes the Youth program can provide campers with pride in their heritage and with the confidence they need to reach their fullest potential as they enter adulthood.
Program Preview
A typical day for a camper in the Youth program begins after breakfast with Speaker Session and Small Group time, where campers discuss their thoughts and learnings from the morning. In the afternoon, Youth campers put their “Big Sib” hat on by interacting with their Sprouts, Junior and/or Junior High “Lil Sib,” then practice their swing choir choreography or choir song for TAF Night.
We strive to create a balanced program of reflective, thought-provoking learning opportunities and fun, challenging leadership activities for our high school campers. Programming includes interactive sessions on topics such as the Asian American experience, post-grad 101, and identity. We also engage Youth campers’ skills and talents through team-oriented sessions, including PD- and Advisor-Led discussions, games, and workshops.
Coordinators
If your teen is interested in a leadership role at TAF, please keep an eye out for the Youth Coordinator application. A Coordinator is a leadership-based role designed for Youth campers who want to become more active within the TAF community. These campers will still partake in all the fun activities of the Youth program, as well as working alongside the Youth staff to provide an amazing experience for the camp. Coordinating roles are available for TAF Night, Yearbook, Hospitality, Swing Choir, and Choir. The position provides an opportunity for campers to give back to the community, foster personal growth, and develop key skills such as: project management, communication, and time management.
