Red Cross Leadership Camp Empowers Youth to Discover Their Potential and Shape Their Future

Camp delegates present a group project on identifying and overcoming barriers that can stand in the way of personal, academic and professional goals during the American Red Cross Los Angeles Region Leadership Development Camp at Pilgrim Pines Camp in Yucaipa, California. (Photos by Mimi Teller/American Red Cross).

August 25, 2026

Mimi Teller/American Red Cross

For 78 years, the American Red Cross Los Angeles Region Youth Leadership Development Camp (LDC) has provided high school and college-aged youth with opportunities to build leadership skills, strengthen confidence and prepare for life after graduation.

Held each August at Pilgrim Pines Camp in Oak Glen, California, the weeklong program brings together young people from across the region to participate in trainings focused on leadership, career readiness and personal development.

Participants attend workshops on post-graduation pathways, including college, careers, trade schools and service opportunities. They also learn about teams and working styles, helping them understand how to work effectively with others in academic, professional and volunteer settings.

Additional training topics include public speaking, emotional intelligence, diversity, self-wellness and professional development. Through interactive workshops and fun, group activities, delegates strengthen their communication skills, learn to work effectively with others, build self-awareness and gain tools to support their academic, career and personal goals.

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Delegates have a team huddle before giving their life skills presentation. The project challenged fellow delegates to reflect on lessons in leadership, communication and personal development learned throughout the week.

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Camp delegates work together to complete a team-building activity designed by fellow participants, providing opportunities to practice both collaboration and leadership skills.

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Camp staff lead a session on post-graduation pathways, helping delegates understand the differences between community colleges, four-year universities, trade schools and military service opportunities.

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Students had the chance to practice job interview techniques with Red Cross Los Angeles Region CEO Jacquelyn Clites during a career-readiness workshop designed to prepare participants for future employment opportunities.

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Mental wellness was the focus of an interactive session, where participants learned practical tools for managing stress, maintaining life balance and building resilience. A guided yoga activity provided an opportunity to practice mindfulness and relaxation techniques.

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Participants take a break from workshops and trainings to enjoy a water balloon toss, a camp tradition that brings delegates together through fun and teamwork.

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Camp staff is made up of returning camp alumni and experienced staff members, all but one of whom serve as volunteers. Together, they spend nearly a year planning, organizing and preparing each camp session, helping create a meaningful leadership development experience for the students.

As part of the Red Cross mission, participants also receive disaster preparedness training, gaining knowledge that helps them better understand how to prepare for emergencies and support their communities.

The program is powered largely by volunteers. Of the 41 staff members who plan, organize and lead the camp, 40 are volunteers. These volunteers include college students, working professionals and alumni who previously participated in the program and return to support the next generation of youth leaders.

Staff members spend nearly a year planning the camp, developing curriculum, coordinating logistics and preparing for the weeklong experience. Their commitment allows the program to provide meaningful leadership development opportunities while keeping costs accessible for participants.

The camp's impact can be seen throughout the Red Cross. Alumni of the program now serve in senior leadership positions across the organization, carrying forward lessons first learned as youth participants. The camp also continues to attract multiple generations of Red Cross families. Today, some delegates, the name given to camp participants, are the children of former delegates who attended the program years ago. These legacy delegates are continuing a tradition of leadership and service that spans generations.

Many staff members credit the camp with influencing their own educational, professional and volunteer journeys. Their continued involvement reflects the program's long-term impact and the value they place on creating similar opportunities for today's youth.

The program's continued success is made possible through the generosity of donors and volunteers who invest in the next generation of leaders. This year, the Leadership Development Center program, including LDC, is sponsored by Sparrow View Projects, helping ensure youth have access to leadership training, mentorship and skill-building opportunities.

For 78 years, LDC has helped prepare young people to lead, serve and make a difference in their communities. To learn more about the 2027 LDC, visit redcross.org/LDC.