High school leadership camps offer a structured and immersive approach to developing skills that leaders utilize daily, including communication, team management, problem-solving, decision-making, and strategic thinking. Instead of learning these ideas abstractly, you’ll work through simulations, project-based tasks, and scenario-driven modules. This will require you to make choices, analyze trade-offs, and coordinate with peers in real or realistic environments. Many camps also introduce you to tools and frameworks, like decision matrices, collaborative planning software, or structured problem-solving models, to help you understand how leadership functions in practice.
Camps tend to be different from regular programs because they’re intentionally short, concentrated, and focused on a single theme. You’ll move through clearly defined activities with a fast-paced curriculum instead of semester-length lectures or broad academic content. This makes them a strong option if you want to explore leadership development without committing to a long-term program.
In this list, you’ll find 15 of the best leadership camps for high school students.
Key Takeaways
- 15 leadership camps range from free, highly selective programs like Camp Rising Sun and the FBI National Academy Associates Youth Leadership Program, to paid business simulations like Washington Business Week and Norwich University’s Future Leader Camp.
- Several camps center on a military or physical discipline model rather than classroom instruction. Norwich University’s Future Leader Camp and West Point’s Summer Leaders Experience both combine physical training with leadership labs and tactical decision-making exercises.
- Business and entrepreneurship focused camps are common, with programs like Washington Business Week, UW-Whitewater Business and Leadership Camp, and Mercy University’s Summer Leadership Academy having students manage simulated companies, pitch ideas to investor panels, or visit real companies like LinkedIn and Microsoft.
- Several programs prioritize access for specific communities. The Bella Abzug Leadership Institute gives priority to students from underserved NYC schools, and the Chicano Latino Youth Leadership Project’s Los Angeles Institute is limited to Los Angeles County students who have not previously attended.
- Academic rigor varies significantly across this list. University of Notre Dame Leadership Seminars and Economics for Leaders both use structured, discussion based coursework with research and data analysis, while shorter camps like Kennolyn’s Leaders in Training Program blend leadership development with traditional camp activities like kayaking and ropes courses.
- Eligibility requirements differ widely, from open enrollment options like AWSL’s Summer Leadership Camp, to highly selective programs like Notre Dame’s Leadership Seminars, which prefers students with an SAT score between 1300 and 1500 or an ACT score of 31 or higher.
- Leadership camps are a strong way to build communication and decision-making skills, but they are not the only path for a student interested in independent research. Those who want to pursue a research project in a technical or scientific field might consider Horizon’s Research Seminars and Labs, a mentored virtual research program with 600+ specializations across subjects like data science, machine learning, and biology.
15 Best Leadership Camps for High School Students
1. Camp Rising Sun (CRS)
Location: Camp Rising Sun, Rhinebeck, New York
Cost: Free
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Program Dates: Girls & Non-Binary Session: June 28 – July 25; Boys & Non-Binary Session: July 31 – August 27
Application Deadline: January 15
Eligibility: High school students ages 15-17
Camp Rising Sun is a free, four-week international leadership camp where you’ll live with students from around the world and build real leadership skills in a super collaborative community. Instead of sitting in “classes” all day, you’ll learn by doing—through group discussions, team projects, service activities, workshops, and community responsibilities that help the camp run smoothly. A big part of CRS is learning how to work with people who think differently from you, listening well, and leading with empathy. Your days are a mix of structured sessions and electives, so you can explore your interests while also growing your confidence and independence. CRS also has a strong alumni network, which means you’re joining a community that can support you long after the summer ends.
2. Norwich University’s Future Leader Camp
Location: Norwich University, Northfield, VT
Cost: $1,500 per session
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Program Dates: Multiple 9-day sessions in late June, July, and early August
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors; Recent graduates may attend if committed to Norwich University
Norwich University’s Future Leader Camp is a nine-day, military-style leadership program that pushes you physically and mentally. You’ll live on campus, start each day with physical training, and take part in hands-on activities like rappelling, navigation, and team challenges. Evening leadership sessions focus on communication, decision-making, and teamwork, helping you learn how to lead under pressure. The program is led by Norwich cadets and professional staff who challenge you to step up, stay disciplined, and support your team.
3. Washington Business Week
Location: Various universities in WA
Cost: $600 – $1,350; Scholarships available
Cohort Size: Approximately 50-100 students
Program Dates: 1-week camps in July and August; Dates vary by campus
Application Deadline: Typically early summer (rolling)
Eligibility: High school students
Washington Business Week’s Business & Leadership Camp places you in a small team where you’ll manage a simulated company and rotate through roles such as CEO, CFO, and CMO. Throughout the week, you’ll work with structured models for financial planning, marketing strategy, and product development while preparing a final pitch for an investor panel. The curriculum covers core business functions—entrepreneurship, management, marketing, and finance—through applied decision-making and scenario-based exercises. You’ll also develop skills in public speaking, team coordination, and professional communication, supported by mentorship from business professionals. Participants can earn two elective college credits upon completion.
4. Economics for Leaders
Location: Multiple college campuses across the U.S.
Cost: $2,300; $35 application fee; Need-based scholarships available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Program Dates: June 16 – 22
Application Deadline: February 11 (early); March 18 (priority/international); April 15 (final)
Eligibility: Current high school sophomores and juniors
During the Economics for Leaders program, you’ll study foundational economic concepts—such as scarcity, opportunity cost, market dynamics, and inflation—and apply them to policy and business decisions. Through simulations, case studies, and structured discussions, you’ll use economic models to analyze trade-offs and evaluate decision-making in real-world contexts. The program integrates leadership training with economic reasoning, giving you practice in presenting arguments, interpreting data, and coordinating group decisions. It’s designed to help you approach problems the way economists, policymakers, and business leaders do: by weighing incentives, constraints, and long-term impacts.
5. American Red Cross Los Angeles Region Leadership Development Camp
Location: San Bernardino Mountains, CA
Cost: $500; Scholarships available (especially for active Red Cross youth volunteers)
Cohort Size: 100+ campers per year
Program Dates: August 4 – 8
Application Deadline: July 11
Eligibility: High school students
The American Red Cross Los Angeles Region Leadership Development Camp is a five-day residential program designed to help you grow as a confident, service-minded leader. The camp focuses on essential skills like communication, teamwork, cultural awareness, emotional intelligence, and public speaking, all through interactive workshops and hands-on group activities. What makes this camp unique is that it’s planned and led by Red Cross youth volunteers and young adult mentors, so you’re learning from people who truly understand student leadership. Through small-group challenges and service-focused projects, you’ll explore different leadership styles, practice leading discussions, and learn how to work effectively with diverse teams.
6. UW-Whitewater Business and Leadership Camp
Location: University of Wisconsin – Whitewater, Whitewater, Wisconsin
Cost: Resident: $575; Commuter: $425
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Program Dates: July 14 – 18
Application Deadline: Apply at least 10 days before the program start
Eligibility: High school students (ages 14-19)
The UW-Whitewater Business and Leadership Camp is an immersive summer experience where you’ll build real business skills and learn what it takes to succeed in leadership and entrepreneurship. Hosted on the UW-Whitewater campus, the program dives into topics like entrepreneurship, marketing, finance, and sales through interactive workshops, hands-on activities, and team competitions. Throughout the week, you’ll work with faculty, college mentors, and student leaders to strengthen communication, critical thinking, and teamwork. You’ll also get practical experience crafting resumes, pitching ideas, and solving real-world business challenges. The camp culminates with a high-energy business case competition, where teams present their projects and show what they’ve learned.
7. Kansas State University Leadership & Auxiliary Camp
Location: Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS
Cost: Resident campers: $500; Non-resident campers: $325
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Program Dates: July 12 – 15
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Students in grades 8-11
Kansas State University’s Leadership & Auxiliary Camp is designed for student leaders in marching band and auxiliary programs. The camp is geared toward drum majors, section leaders, percussionists, color guard members, and dance team students who want to strengthen both their performance skills and leadership abilities. As a participant, you’ll rotate through full ensemble rehearsals, sectional practices, and leadership workshops focused on communication, conducting, teamwork, and confidence. Sessions are led by Kansas State band faculty and experienced instructors who help you improve technique while learning how to lead effectively within a group. You’ll wrap up the experience with a final performance that showcases the musical and leadership skills you developed during the program.
8. Kennolyn Camps: Leaders in Training (LIT) Program
Location: Kennolyn Camps, Santa Cruz Mountains, CA
Cost: $545
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Program Dates: Multiple 5-day sessions in the summer
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Rising 10th-11th graders (specifics vary by session)
The Leadership Training (LIT) Program is designed for those ready to step into leadership roles while still enjoying the full camp experience. In the mornings, you’ll take part in regular camp activities like the ropes course, BMX, swimming, and outdoor games alongside other campers. Afternoons focus on leadership development through games, group challenges, and guided discussions about teamwork, communication, and teaching skills. You’ll also shadow counselors, help support younger cabins during meals and evening programs, and take on greater responsibility during a shared overnight Outpost experience. Special activities like a kayaking trip and senior camper events add variety while building confidence, independence, and leadership skills in a fun, supportive camp environment.
9. Mercy University’s Summer Leadership Academy
Location: Mercy University Westchester Campus, Dobbs Ferry, NY
Cost: Tuition-free; $695 fee for food and activities
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Program Dates: July 5 – 11; July 19 – 25; August 2 – 8
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors with a weighted GPA above 90 and demonstrated leadership and public speaking experience
Mercy University’s Summer Leadership Academy is a one-week program focused on business foundations and applied leadership. You’ll take part in workshops covering topics such as career mindset, personal branding, leadership archetypes, and functional areas of business like finance, accounting, and marketing. The program includes industry site visits and interactive sessions led by executive faculty with experience in major global organizations. You’ll also participate in group presentations, a career panel with Q&A, and structured professional development activities. Past cohorts have visited companies such as LinkedIn, ESPN, Viacom, PwC, and Microsoft, providing exposure to real workplace environments and decision-making processes.
10. Bella Abzug Leadership Institute: Journey to Leadership Summer Program
Location: Bella Abzug Leadership Institute, New York, NY
Cost: Free
Cohort Size: ~60 students per session
Program Dates: 6 weeks, 3 cohorts
Application Deadline: May 5
Eligibility: Students ages 13-21 from the NYC metropolitan area; Priority for students from underserved schools or neighborhoods
The Journey to Leadership Summer Program provides structured training for students interested in developing practical leadership and communication skills. As a participant, you’ll participate in workshops on public speaking, debate, entrepreneurship, and collaborative leadership. You’ll also attend seminars and group activities that emphasize social-emotional learning, community analysis, and confidence-building. You’ll have the chance to engage with guest speakers from civic, corporate, and nonprofit fields, giving you exposure to different leadership pathways.
11. University of Notre Dame Leadership Seminars
Location: University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN
Cost: $60 non-refundable application fee + $150 enrollment fee; Financial aid offered
Cohort Size: ~150 students per year
Program Dates: July 18 – 29
Application Deadline: October 15 – January 21
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors (16+) planning to attend college immediately after graduation; Preference for students with SAT 1300 – 1500 or ACT 31+
The University of Notre Dame Leadership Seminars is a ten-day academic program where you study complex questions in fields such as business, global affairs, ethics, technology, public policy, and socioeconomic inequality. You’ll work in small, discussion-driven classes led by Notre Dame faculty, using research, data analysis, and case-based reasoning to evaluate real-world issues. The structure emphasizes critical reading, evidence-based argumentation, and collaborative problem-solving. You’ll also practice presenting your findings through written work and seminar-style discussions.
12. FBI National Academy Associates: Youth Leadership Program (YLP)
Location: FBI National Academy Associates (FBINAA), Stafford, VA
Cost: Free
Cohort Size: 62 students
Program Dates: June 19 – 27
Application Deadline: November 30 – February 3
Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors (14-16) with strong academics, physical fitness, and a demonstrated commitment to community service
The FBINAA Youth Leadership Program is an eight-day training experience focused on developing discipline, ethical decision-making, and team-based leadership. You’ll take courses such as Fundamentals of Leadership, Ethical Leadership, Situational Leadership, Business Leadership, and Time Management, along with modules on fitness, nutrition, and digital safety. The program integrates structured classroom instruction with supervised demonstrations and team-building activities, giving you practice in communication, coordination, and adaptive problem-solving. You’ll also participate in educational visits to Washington, D.C., including the U.S. Capitol, monuments, and historic sites, which provide additional context on civic responsibility and public service.
13. Chicano Latino Youth Leadership Project: Los Angeles Institute (LAI)
Location: California State University, Los Angeles, CA
Cost: Free
Cohort Size: 50 students
Program Dates: June 27
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: Current high school sophomores and juniors living in Los Angeles County; Must not have previously participated in LAI or the Statewide Leadership Conference
The Los Angeles Institute is a three-day leadership program focused on civic engagement and public service within the Southern California context. You’ll participate in workshops examining regional policy issues, cultural dynamics, and community leadership. Activities include mock hearings, meetings with local lawmakers and staff, and structured sessions that show how municipal and county-level decision-making works. The program also integrates college-access workshops covering admissions, financial aid, and academic pathways. Throughout the institute, you’ll develop skills in public speaking, group facilitation, and policy analysis while connecting with professionals across education, business, government, and nonprofit sectors.
14. West Point – Summer Leaders Experience (SLE)
Location: United States Military Academy, West Point, NY
Cost: $625; Need-based scholarships available
Cohort Size: ~1,100 students
Program Dates: May 30 – June 3; June 5 – June 9; June 11 – 15
Application Deadline: February 15 – April 15
Eligibility: U.S. current high school juniors (16+) in good physical health
West Point’s Summer Leaders Experience provides a structured preview of cadet life through academic sessions, leadership labs, physical training, and team-based challenges. You’ll take courses taught in West Point’s academic departments, participate in military-style instruction, and work through exercises that emphasize discipline, time management, and tactical decision-making. Cadet mentors will guide you through daily activities and offer insight into the expectations and leadership framework used at the Academy. You’ll also prepare for the Candidate Fitness Assessment (CFA) and receive feedback on improving your performance.
15.Association of Washington Student Leaders (AWSL) Summer Leadership Camp
Location: Cispus Learning Center, Randle, WA; Eastern Washington University, Cheney, WA; Central Washington University, Ellensburg, WA
Cost: $515 (students from AWSL member schools); $565 (students from non-member schools)
Cohort Size: More than 3,000 students participate each summer across all programs
Program Dates: Multiple week-long sessions in the summer; Dates vary by location
Application Deadline: Opens March 17; Rolling till full
Eligibility: High school students
The Association of Washington Student Leaders (AWSL) Summer Leadership Camp is a large-scale, week-long leadership experience designed to prepare you for leadership roles in the upcoming school year. Through interactive workshops, team challenges, and collaborative activities, you’ll build skills in communication, teamwork, problem-solving, decision-making, and creating a positive school climate. The curriculum also emphasizes personal growth, focusing on self-awareness, confidence, and social responsibility. By the end of the program, you’ll leave with practical leadership tools you can immediately apply to student government, clubs, teams, and other leadership roles at your school.
One more option – Horizon Academic Research Program
If you’re looking for a competitive mentored research program in subjects like data science, machine learning, political theory, biology, and chemistry, consider applying to Horizon’s Research Seminars and Labs! This is a selective virtual research program that lets you engage in advanced research and develop a research paper on a subject of your choosing. Horizon has worked with 1000+ high school students so far and offers 600+ research specializations for you to choose from. You can find the application link here!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which of these leadership camps are free to attend?
Camp Rising Sun, the Bella Abzug Leadership Institute’s Journey to Leadership Summer Program, the FBI National Academy Associates Youth Leadership Program, and the Chicano Latino Youth Leadership Project’s Los Angeles Institute are all free. Mercy University’s Summer Leadership Academy is tuition-free but does carry a $695 fee for food and activities.
Do any of these camps require a minimum GPA or test score?
Yes, a few do. Mercy University’s Summer Leadership Academy requires a weighted GPA above 90, and the University of Notre Dame Leadership Seminars gives preference to students with an SAT score between 1300 and 1500 or an ACT score of 31 or higher. Most other camps on this list do not specify an academic threshold.
Which camps involve a physical or military-style component?
Norwich University’s Future Leader Camp and West Point’s Summer Leaders Experience both combine physical training with leadership instruction, including activities like rappelling, navigation, and preparation for West Point’s Candidate Fitness Assessment.
Are any of these programs limited to students from a specific region?
Yes. The Bella Abzug Leadership Institute is limited to students from the NYC metropolitan area, the Chicano Latino Youth Leadership Project’s Los Angeles Institute is limited to Los Angeles County residents, and the American Red Cross Los Angeles Region Leadership Development Camp is geared toward Southern California students, especially active Red Cross youth volunteers.
What if I am interested in independent research rather than a leadership camp?
These camps are focused specifically on leadership, communication, and applied decision-making, but students looking for a research based credential in a technical or scientific field might consider Horizon’s Research Seminars and Labs, a selective virtual research program that has worked with over 1,000 high school students and offers 600+ specializations, including subjects like data science, machine learning, and biology.
Image source: Kansas State University