2025 applications are now closed.
YELC is an immersive summer program for students entering the 6th or 7th grade in the Fall*. Campers will connect with nature, learn about human impacts on the environment, and discover the many career opportunities that make a difference, while participating in hands-on activities. Small groups of 15 campers will attend a one-week camp M-F from 8:30am-5:30pm. Campers will take field trips each day, but the day starts and ends at the Splash Science Center, located at 4426 Excelsior Road, in Mather, CA.
We want to inspire campers to make a positive impact within their communities, so we require that each camper participate in at least two (2) environmentally-focused volunteer events with identified partner organizations. Note: Preference will be given to applicants who complete at least one (1) of the volunteering events, between the day applications open and March 31 (but don’t wait until you volunteer to apply). Campers will also run a personal fundraising campaign for one of the organizations** between July and November. Campers will make brief presentations about their experiences to their peers and parents in early December. Guidance will be provided on the volunteering, fundraiser, and presentation.
YELC will lay the foundation for an on-going, youth-led movement to conserve energy and protect air quality, water, and ecosystems from the impacts of urban life. Please read on to learn more about the program.
*Prior year campers are not eligible to participate in this program again.
**Splash will not be an eligible recipient of these fundraising campaigns.
…Then get going on volunteering!
Apply now – the application will stay open until the camp weeks are all full. and how to apply.
Testimonials
By the second day, our daughter was brainstorming ideas to fundraise for Team Trees, discussing our plastic bottle use with us and telling us all about Strykette (the rattlesnake). She took even more of an interest than we expected and she learned a ton about climate change. All around this was a fantastic experience. We’re excited to see her want to be part of the solution to some of our environmental problems and we’re happy to help her get some trees planted. Special thanks to the field trip location hosts. She’s never before been to a farm or seen a waste management facility. Again, fantastic program!
Laura M., Parent-YELC
It was a great experience! I learned lots of things about nature and how we can help the earth. This camp was the best camp I have been to and was a life long experience. I will always remember it. This inspired me to get more into nature careers and ways to help the earth.
Xyrus O., Camp Participant-YELC
The YELC program was a wonderful experience for my 11-year-old son. He loved the hands-on experiences of getting to BE the scientist, testing water quality, and getting to BE the engineer building a solar oven and solar bug. Such a great program that I wish every child in our region could get to experience. Not only does it provide a window into how things work and connect from our natural world to our day-to-day lives, but it also provides an inside look at possible careers to consider as they move into middle and high school. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Becky W., Parent
This camp was so much fun. I really liked the water days. Everything felt very special and it was cool to know that this camp was a once in a lifetime experience. YELC has inspired me to want to make the world a better place. I really like the leaders and always felt safe.
Sophia B., Camp Participant
Great inclusive camp for kids of all abilities and neurodiversities!
Lissa S., Parent
WHAT WILL CAMPERS LEARN?
During the week-long camp, each day will cover topics related to:
- Climate Change / Air Quality
- Energy & Transportation
- Water
- Food Production / Consumption / Waste Management
- Land Use / Natural Habitats
- Project Management
The campers visit local sites for guided tours and experiences related to the topics listed above. Campers will sample and collect data, gain experience using some of the tools and materials that scientists and engineers use in their work, as well as participate in hands-on activities at the Splash Science Center.
Campers will get the chance to engage with professional environmental scientists, engineers, social scientists, and environmental protection activists to learn about their careers and what these people did in order to work in their specific fields of expertise.
HELPING YOUR COMMUNITY!
Campers will participate in at least two (2) volunteer events with identified partner organizations, to deliver a positive impact within their community – things like tree plantings and creek cleanups. Preference will be given to applicants who complete one (1) of the two (2) volunteer events between when the application opens and March 31. The second must be completed by the end of November (more is always wonderful). A list of organizations that frequently have such events, will be provided. Campers will also run a small personal fundraising campaign for one of the organizations (not Splash), with a $40 minimum goal. Campers will make brief presentations to their peers and parents in early December, about their experience. Guidance will be provided on the fundraiser and presentation.
WHO CAN PARTICIPATE?
Students entering 6th and 7th grades in the coming Fall* who already have some interest in the environment or natural habitats and are interested in growing their knowledge through hands-on learning would make great YELC’rs!
Check out these short videos showing prior year campers havING a blast learning and just being kids!
INFORMATION FOR PARENTS
What do campers need?
- Lunch
- Sunscreen already applied
- Water shoes and swim suit/water play clothes at least for Water Day (we’ll let you know if others)
What do we provide?
In addition to the experience,
- FUN
- All Program Materials
- Transportation to all field excursions
- Backpack, baseball cap, refillable water bottle, and more!
What does it cost?
It may be hard to believe, but this program is FREE for campers! Thanks to our generous sponsors and donors, we are able to provide this program at no cost to participants. For this reason, Splash will emphasize recruiting campers from groups that are underrepresented in the outdoors and STEM.
Special thanks to these organizations for supporting this program!
When is the camp?
Campers will attend one of the weeks in June.
2025 Dates: June 2-6, 9-13, 16-20, 23-27
how can we apply?
Applications for 2025 are now closed, after receiving nearly twice as many applications as we have spots available. Applications for 2026 will open in early February. If your child will be heading into 6th or 7th grade in Fall 2026, subscribe to our newsletter, or follow us on Facebook or Instagram to be among the first to know when applications are open for the new year.
*Prior year campers are not eligible to participate in this program again.
- Parents/Guardians with Prospective Campers* – Complete the application WITH your child.
- Make a commitment to support your child’s active participation in all aspects of the Program.
- Prospective Campers – Complete the application WITH your parent/guardian.
- Make a commitment to be an active participant in all aspects of the Program.
Splash will let parents of current year applicants know by the middle of April if their child’s application has been accepted and, if so, for which camp week their child is registered.