Collage of youth doing camp activities.

August 12 was International Youth Day: a time to recognize the strength, creativity, and leadership of young people around the world.

We believe young people are powerful. Not someday in the future. Not when they “grow up.” Right now.

Youth not only matter for who they are, but many are already creating change in their communities, making their voices heard, and building a better world.

Just ask Carissa Dietrich, Teen Program Coordinator at Camp Fire Sunshine in Lakeland, Florida. She’s spent the summer side-by-side with a group of teens in the Teens In Action program and she’s watched their leadership grow in real time.

“These kids are learning how to have good work ethics and truly caring spirits while also getting to have fun with their friends,” Carissa says. “They say kids are the future for a reason, and I know the kids in this program will go on to shape the world around them in meaningful ways.”

Service That Sparks Self-Discovery

Teens in Camp Fire Sunshine’s summer program don’t just talk about community service, they do it. They've pulled weeds at nature preserves, packaged meals for seniors, helped with animal rescue work, and pitched in at food banks and nonprofits across the region.

But the real impact might be harder to measure. And even more powerful.

“I’ve really learned to help more, to be a helping hand,” said one teen. “It makes me feel better, like I’m more of a happy person when I’m able to provide help.”

Another teen said the program helped her see how much need exists in the world and how much potential young people have to meet it.

“One of Camp Fire’s core values is honoring the power of young people. That makes me think of how we have the power to help. Not a lot of kids have the chance to go out and do that, and that makes me sad. I’m very grateful to be part of this.”

Listening, Not Just Leading

Part of what makes the program so impactful is how Camp Fire invites youth to be co-creators. This summer, Carissa incorporated guided journaling and discussion after each service project to help teens reflect on what they experienced and to give feedback on what they want more of.

That feedback isn’t going into a vacuum. It’s shaping a new, more robust year-round teen program. The teens’ ideas are helping build what comes next.

“It’s been so heartwarming to hear what they’re thinking,” Carissa says. “One of our campers wrote in her journal: “I feel complete, like I did something that mattered and will benefit somebody else.”

By giving young people space to reflect, respond, and reimagine, Camp Fire is showing teens that leadership doesn’t have to mean standing at a podium or taking the spotlight. It can mean sharing an idea, asking a question, helping a neighbor, or saying what you need to feel supported.

Some teens may not see themselves as “leaders” in the traditional sense, and that’s okay. We’re here to honor all kinds of power, not just the loudest or most polished version.

Creating the Space to Grow

The results speak for themselves. Teens say Camp Fire has helped them:

Build confidence: “I don’t usually go out and do things outside. Camp helped bring me out of my shell.”

Develop empathy and care for others: “I’ve learned how much of a struggle these community groups have. It makes me realize how helpful it is to do community service and help them out.”

Discover purpose: “I hope to help people who are struggling. After I leave, I want to come back as a counselor and help other teens.” Feel seen and safe: “I’ve been able to make more friends and feel safe enough to share my feelings.”

Dream big: “Camp Fire has taught me leadership skills that will apply to my future military career.”

Across the board, they recognize their own potential—and each other’s.

“Young people are the future. We have the power to change the world.”

Adults: Want to Help? Start by Listening.

Too often, young people are told to wait until they are older. They are told to listen and learn from the adults in the room. Understand their “place” in the hierarchy of the world and “just wait and see for yourselves some day…”

As adults, we often fall into the habit of projecting our own jaded views onto young people, discounting their ideas and failing to lean into (and learn from!) their fresh creativity and optimism.

At Camp Fire, we are intentional about flipping that script. We know that when adults make space for youth voices, listen with curiosity, and follow through on their ideas, everyone benefits.

Whether you’re a caregiver, educator, youth leader, or community member, you can help honor the power of young people.

• Start by asking them what they care about.
• Support them in taking action.
• Present them with opportunities to serve.
• And remember: Not every young person wants a microphone. Some just need to know their voice matters.

As we celebrate International Youth Day, we honor our Camp Fire teens in service, and teens all across the country, who are showing up, speaking out, and making their mark.

Your power is already here. And we’re listening.

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