Are you ready to unlock your leadership potential and step into the shoes of great leaders? Join the Future Presidents of America camp, an innovative and engaging youth leadership program designed to build individual confidence, strengthen civic literacy, and foster good citizenship.

Discover the exceptional qualities of character that make great presidents and leaders, and develop your own leadership skills in the process.

Best of all? This transformative experience is available at no cost to you!

WHEN: TBD
WHERE: The Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library
TIME: TBD (Daily times subject to change due to trips and special speaker engagements)

 

What You’ll Gain:

Civic Literacy & Engagement

  • Discover what it means to be a good citizen.

  • Explore ways to make a difference in your community now and in the future.

Leadership Skills

  • Learn and apply key leadership qualities to real-world challenges.

  • Gain tools to inspire others and make a lasting impact.

Personal Confidence

  • Master public speaking, critical thinking, and self-expression.

  • Build the confidence to share your voice and ideas.

Historical Perspective

  • Examine how citizenship has evolved through the lens of U.S. Presidents.

  • Explore the traits that define great leaders.

 

Why Attend?

Designed for young leaders ages 13-16, this camp gives middle and high school students the opportunity to grow personally and academically while building connections with like-minded peers in a supportive, engaging environment.

Get ready for a transformative experience that lays the foundation for a lifetime of leadership and civic engagement!

Curious what campers thought? Read quotes from last year's Future Presidents of America participants below!

“My daughter started asking really thoughtful questions to gain clarity on things she didn’t understand. She also interjected comments that demonstrated she picked up a lot more than she realized last week. It was unexpected and refreshing. You see, when I was growing up, we didn’t talk government, politics or news at all. It was considered a waste of time. I’m thrilled to have my children gain a level of exposure and awareness at such a young age to allow them to think critically about the news they hear and ask questions. ”
— Parent of camp student, Norah- FPA 2025
 
 

  • 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

    • A trip to Virginia’s capital

    • 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

  • Future Presidents of America Youth Leadership Camp takes place on the Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library Campus. The camp will run from June 8-12, 2026. Each day begins at 9:00 AM and ends at 4:00 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 we will work with you, the expectation is that the students will be present for all camp sessions.

    There is no 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 a field trip on Friday.

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

  • Registration for 2026 is now closed.

    To complete the registration, 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 name, email, and phone number of one reference who will speak to your fit for the camp

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

    If you have any issues completing the registration online, please email the Education team at educationdirector@woodrowwilson.org.

 

Additional Considerations:

Please pack a non-perishable sack lunch that does not need refrigeration. There is no specific dress code for the camp, but we encourage participants to dress neatly, as daily leadership sessions involve interacting with distinguished civic and business leaders. If your camper brings a phone or electronic device, it must be turned off during class sessions.

Please ensure your child arrives 15 minutes before the program begins and is picked up no later than 15 minutes after it ends. A $25 fee will be charged for each additional 15-minute period after 4:15 p.m.

 

Below are just a handful of Future Presidents of American Alumni and their thought-provoking video testimonials:

 
 
 

Future Presidents of America at other presidential sites below: