REGISTRATION IS OPEN!

Mission Peak fosters relationships that empower transformative growth.

Location: Eastern Washington University(Cheney, WA)
Date: July 27th - August 1st 2026
Camp Cost: Member Schools: $550 per student/advisor | Non-Member Schools: $600 per student/advisor

Kids these days…

In today’s schools, culture and climate aren’t just buzzwords; they’re the foundation of student success. And who’s driving that transformation? Kids these days.

Mission Peak Leadership Camp was built for them, the students who want to make a difference, whether they’re seasoned leaders or just discovering their voice. Since 2017, we’ve been empowering students of all backgrounds and experience levels to step up, take action, and create lasting change in their schools and communities.

Mission Peak is a dynamic and immersive experience. Students engage, connect, and lead during their time at Mission Peak. Through transformative experiences with their school groups and focus teams, they analyze their school’s needs, reflect on their own leadership potential, and develop real strategies to create impact.

Our leadership model is built on four S-focused ideas: Belonging, Self-Understanding, Valuing Others, and Strengthening Community. Students practice leadership within real contexts and then carry it back to create a meaningful impact. The experience centers on the idea of becoming, while doing so, leadership grows not in theory, but through action in the moments where it matters most, often in unexpected places.

Why Mission Peak?

Because culture doesn’t happen by accident, it grows from transformative experiences, strong peer connections, and environments where students feel seen, heard, and empowered. When we build better teams, we build better schools. When we invest in students today, we shape their future.

Learn more about Mission Peak Leadership Camp!

“I’ve never seen so much joy in one place, and I think I can bring that joy to our school. Things can be so sad here because of what we face, but we can bring the joy here”

— 2024 Mission Peak Delegate (Rogers HS - Spokane)

Who is Mission Peak Leadership Camp for?

Mission Peak is for students who have demonstrated or been identified as emerging or established leaders in ASB/Leadership, Athletics, Performing/Visual Arts, Clubs/Activities, and/or their school at large (including school board reps). Schools are invited to send a full delegation (up to 16 students) that is representative of the entire school's student body.

Camp Curriculum Highlights: Mission Peak serves as the “Breakfast Club” of camps bringing students from throughout the school together, with an intentional focus on self and social awareness, connection, communication, and transformative growth.
- July 27th - August 1st 2026 | Eastern Washington University (Cheney, WA)
- Camp Costs Member Schools: $550 per student/advisor | Non-Member Schools: $600 per student/advisor
Camp Structure: Students will spend time in school groups and have opportunities to spend considerable time with students from other schools, as well as network and learn from each other. Students have the opportunity to experience time on the EWU challenge course, as well as participate in small and large group sessions.
Specialized Bus Routes for schools in Eastern Washington (509 Area Code) and Northern Idaho.
- Transportation Costs for Summer 2026
How to pay for camp - Great information on how to pay for AWSL Summer Programs
Mission Peak 2026 will feature an Advisor strand!
- Mission Peak Leadership Camp proudly announces an Advisor strand for student activity advisers that will run concurrently with Mission Peak. This advisor strand will enable advisors to network, learn, and develop in their role as student activity professionals.
- Who should attend the Advisor Strand? YOU! The Advisor strand is designed for ASB Advisors, Leadership Teachers, Class Advisors, Link Crew Advisors… really, any adults overseeing or directing student activities at the High School Level.
Director: James Layman | james@awsleaders.org
Assistant Director: Alina Harestad | abharestad@gmail.com
Associate Director: Le Ann Straehle | lstraehle@toppenish.wednet.edu
- Pence Union Building (The PUB) - Meals will be served here.
- Patterson Hall- The Classroom building we will be using.
- Dorm for 2026- Pearce Hall
Each year, the William Randolph Hearst Foundation selects two high school juniors or seniors from every state and Washington, DC to take part in the United States Senate Youth Program. Students go on a free, week-long trip to Washington, DC and receive a $12,500 scholarship.
- Only students who will be juniors or seniors can be nominated. The two selected students will travel to Washington, DC, on dates set by the program.
- Attendance at AWSL high school summer camps allows Washington students to apply for the United States Senate Youth Program and Scholarship. Each AWSL High School Summer Program selects two finalists and two alternates to forward to the state nominating panel. That panel will choose two nominees and two alternates for the Senate Youth Program the following spring. Please visit the individual camp pages for their application and nomination procedures.