RILEY’S WAY YOUTH LEADERSHIP RETREAT
Find Your People. Build Your Leadership. Lead With Kindness.
A free, fully-funded weekend for high school students. Every September, 120+ young leaders gather in upstate New York for three days of leadership and connection.
ABOUT THE RETREAT
Leadership development meets the best of camp
Every year, Riley's Way brings together more than 120 high school students, ages 15–18, from across the United States for a weekend grounded in kind leadership, community-building, and personal growth. Leadership sessions are balanced with campfires, sports, art, and space to simply be yourself.
No previous leadership experience required. Just a commitment to kindness, empathy, and showing up for others.
120+ students Ages 15-18 Travel, lodging, meals, and program costs fully covered
Build your leadership your way. Discover what kind of leader you want to be. One who leads with empathy, courage, and purpose. Practice real skills: communication, active listening, and collaboration.
WHY APPLY?
✓ Fully free for every participant. Travel, lodging, meals, and all program costs are covered by Riley's Way.
Find your community. Meet students from all over the country who care about the same things you do. Build friendships that don't end when the weekend does.
A weekend that actually feels like a weekend. Leadership sessions balanced with campfires, art, sports, and a Saturday night talent show. Stretch yourself and fill yourself up at the same time.
Leave feeling seen."I feel more confident." "I met people who truly understand me." "I learned how much my voice matters." — what participants say, year after year.
SAMPLE SCHEDULE
Friday
Arrival and welcome
Community agreements and opening circle
Intro to kind leadership
Team-building activities
Evening campfire and reflection
While each Retreat evolves to meet the needs of its participants, here's what a typical weekend looks like.
What the weekend looks like.
Saturday
Morning leadership workshops
Small-group conversations and peer sharing
Afternoon camp activities
Arts, sports, nature, games
Evening celebration and talent show
Sunday
Leadership action sessions
Closing circle and commitments
Departure
2026 Retreat Timeline
April — Applications open
May — Applications close
June — Participant selection
Pre-retreat communication sent to accepted participants
Late August — Orientation session
For accepted participants
September 18–20, 2026 — The Retreat
Upstate New York
Post-Retreat — Connection gatherings
Leadership check-ins and ongoing community
TIMELINE
If you're a high school student who cares about kindness, connection, and making your community a better place, this Retreat is for you. Bring what you have. We'll help you build the rest.
Help make this possible for more young leaders.Your support funds travel, programming, and access for students who might never have had this opportunity otherwise.