Youth Leadership Project
Develop essential leadership skills and be the change you want to see in the world!
The Youth Leadership Project provides extensive training in empathy, assertive communication, and conflict resolution across differences. Our Youth Leaders form a vibrant cross-cultural community and serve as mentors and cabin leaders for the 4th and 5th graders at Mosaic’s Outdoor Project. Youth Leaders are required to attend a weekend training retreat and volunteer for at least one session during Mosaic’s spring and/or fall Outdoor Project season at a camp in the Santa Cruz Mountains
In addition to participating in the Outdoor Project, our high-school and college-aged participants have numerous leadership opportunities throughout the year at Mosaic events, workshops, fundraisers, and service learning projects.
Next Youth Leadership Training:
August 21–23, 2026
Fall Session Dates:
What You’ll Do at Camp
- Serve as a role model and mentor for a cabin of 4th and 5th grade students
- Guide your cabin through daily routines — mornings, meals, transitions, and nightly reflections
- Facilitate and co-facilitate activities, discussions, and games that build community and connection across differences
- Support student engagement during daytime learning groups
- Intervene and support students through conflict, homesickness, and emotional moments
- Engage students during campfires, meals, and building connections beyond your own cabin
How You’ll Grow
- Develop essential leadership skills including:
- Managing and facilitating groups
- Public speaking and teaching
- Mentoring and emotional support for younger students
- Assertive communication, empathy, and conflict resolution across differences
- Mentoring and providing emotional support for 4th and 5th graders
- 100 verified community service hours
- A standout addition to your college application and resume
- Friendships and connections across a strong cross-cultural network of Bay Area peers.
Alumni Testimonials
Who Should Apply
- High school and college-aged students 15 through 21
- Those with a genuine interest in working with younger kids
- Those interested in leadership, social justice, social emotional learning, community service, or outdoor education
- Those with an interest or experience in human-relations, diversity, or cross-cultural education
- Those with an interest or experience in music and theater
- A passion for youth development and creating peace
- Open to growth and willing to embrace new experiences
How to Apply
We hold Youth Leadership Training weekends every March and every August.
The next training weekend is August 21–23, 2026 — held in the Santa Cruz Mountains.
After completing training, selected cabin leaders volunteer for at least one Outdoor Project session during our spring (April/May) or fall (September/October) seasons. Each session is 5 nights and 6 days.
To begin the application process, fill out this form.
Returning Cabin Leaders
Already been a cabin leader? You don’t need to attend training again — just fill out this registration form to sign up for your session. Note: Your session is not confirmed until you hear from Zilo.
Our Youth Leaders have gone on to be accepted to some of the country’s top colleges and universities, including:
Harvard · Yale · Stanford · Brown · U Penn · UCLA · USC · Wesleyan University · Oberlin · UC Davis · Lewis & Clark · UC Santa Cruz · SF State · Humboldt State · University of Hawaii
The Youth Leadership Project is made possible by funding from the Kazan McClain Partner’s Foundation.
