FAQs
How do students join C5LA?
Step 1: Student must be nominated by a teacher/staff/community leader
Step 2: Student completes an application
Step 3: Students are selected to be interviewed
Step 4: Students are selected to join the program
Are college scholarships available to students in the C5LA program?
C5LA provides college scholarships for every graduating senior that completes the C5 program and completes the scholarship application regardless of their post-secondary plans.
What kind of community service is required?
Leaders are required to complete a specified number of community service hours every year to remain eligible for the C5 program. Staff work with Leaders to create individualized community service action plans. The activities planned could include such things as participating in a neighborhood clean-up event, volunteering at a senior home, or tutoring younger children. Some of the community service work will be organized and done as a group activity with C5LA, but most of it will be done individually to encourage Leader self-advocacy.
What kind of clothing and equipment is required when Leaders are at camp?
There is no special equipment required. Appropriate camp attire is t-shirts and shorts, jeans or pants. To protect feet, closed toe/heel shoes and socks must be worn everywhere except the pool area. Parents receive a complete list of suggested clothing and personal items prior to the beginning of camp.
What kind of food is served?
We provide a healthy, well-balanced selection of great-tasting foods. Breakfasts may include cereals, pancakes, eggs, fruit, juice, and milk. Lunch may include hot and/or cold sandwiches, hot dogs, pasta, fruit and vegetables. Dinner may include chicken, beef, pasta, salads and more. Snacks are available during the day, including juice and water to make certain everyone stays well hydrated. If a Leader has special dietary restrictions (health, cultural, or religious), our staff can accommodate their needs.
What kind of medical care is available at camp? How does a Leader get the medication they need?
A health-care professional, trained to take care of the medical needs of the Leaders and staff, is on site at each camp location at all times. They collect all medications, secure them at the Health Care Center, and dispense them as indicated. During a field trip, a counselor or other staff person accompanying the group will ensure that medications are properly dispensed. In addition to the on-site health care, each camp has arrangements with local physicians and emergency care providers who are available 24 hours a day.
Can parents communicate with their Leader while they are at camp?
Absolutely! We encourage parents to write letters as often as they like. Leaders have access to the telephone only in cases of emergency. Leaders do not need to bring their cellular devices with them, as there is no cell phone signal at camp and the device may get damaged or lost.
How is the camp staffed?
C5LA is staffed year-round with three or more youth development professionals — a director, a program director and a community program director. These individuals manage the camp while residing there 24 hours a day during each session. Additionally, we work with local schools, youth agencies and camp staffing organizations to hire seasonal staff members who have a passion for working with young people. Most are recent college graduates or students majoring in youth related fields. They are carefully screened and selected, rigorously trained in both programming and safety, and regularly evaluated.
Where is the summer camp for C5LA held?
The summer camps are located at Camp Stevens in Julian, CA and at Camp Oakes in Big Bear, CA.
How do Leaders get to their summer programs?
Transportation to and from camp is provided. This includes flights and ground transportation.
What is expected of the parent of a C5LA Leader?
We ask that parents encourage their Leaders to engage in all activities, reinforcing the excitement of trying new experiences and the benefits of learning new skills. When our Leaders are at camp during the summer, we ask parents to communicate often with them through mail. During the school year, parents should encourage their Leader to achieve the objectives outlined in the Leadership Development Plan they created at the end of camp. Parents are responsible for bringing their Leader — or arranging transportation — to C5 events scheduled throughout the year and we ask them to stay in touch and communicate with the program director if any issues arise.
How much does the C5LA program cost?
There is no charge to any participant. C5LA is supported by a national board of trustees, regional boards of directors, and generous organizations and individuals from your community who all share our commitment to inspiring young Leaders.
What type of commitment does the program involve?
The C5 program requires a five-year commitment. The program begins during the summer before eighth grade and continues through high school graduation. Two equally important components of the program work together to support our objectives.
During the first two summers in the program, Leaders spend two weeks at summer camp, and 9 days in the back-country, respectively. During the last two summers, they move away from the camping experience and spend 1 – 2 weeks exploring options for their future.
The second component is the ongoing Leadership Development Program. Groups meet four to six times during the school year for a structured program that supports the curriculum — a seminar, cultural event, work-place visit, or a community service project. Participation in these events is mandatory.
Besides engaging enthusiastically in C5 program activities, Leaders are expected to do well in school, act as role models for their peers, become active in community affairs and perform 30 – 60 hours of community service work each year.
Click here for a complete description of the program.
How can my child participate in C5LA?
Leaders must be in the 8th grade and must be nominated by organizations associated with the Leader, including schools and youth-serving agencies. These community partners nominate young people who are doing well in school, have shown leadership capability, and have a desire to learn, grow, and succeed. From those who are nominated, 72 are selected through an application and interview process.