Rippleffect offers two programs specifically aimed at nurturing the emerging dedicated, determined, and dynamic leader.

The Youth Leadership Summit, in its eighth year, and the Youth Leadership Expedition, in its fifth year, are the flagship achievements of Rippleffect's evolution. Through these program models, we engage regional high school juniors and seniors in a curriculum model that immerses them in Maine's unique coastal heritage and introduces them to the concepts of local and global environment- and humanity-impacting leadership.

Our focus on providing programming to Maine youth is emphasized through the Youth Leadership Summit (YLS): We offer up to 64 juniors from Cumberland and York Counties the opportunity to spend five days on Cow Island developing leadership skills through kayaking, group initiatives, and workshops led by prominent leaders in the community. Later in the summer they spend three days "giving back" by acting as assistants to our staff and island manager, learning valuable lessons in environmental stewardship and education.

We choose two students from every high school in Cumberland and York county for this program. The ideal candidate is a student who shows leadership potential but has not yet had a platform upon which to practice these skills. We work with school guidance counselors and teachers to help us nominate the appropriate candidates.

The YLS program is entirely free of charge to participants, thanks to Rippleffect's supporting funders and sponsors. We believe that a person's ability to pay shouldn't have bearing in their ability to take advantage of this great opportunity and we work very hard throughout the year to raise the money to make this program happen.

The 2008 YLS dates are as follows:
York County: June 23 - June 27
Cumberland County: June 30 - July 4

Please submit your application no later than May 1, 2008. Applicants are accepted throughout the spring, so make sure to get your application in as soon as possible!

The YLS draws on the groundbreaking work of author and Harvard educator Ron Heifitz; it builds on the concepts introduced by Outward Bound founding fathers Kurt Hahn and Josh Miner; it mirrors the values held by the legendary Paul Petzoldt; and on heroes such as Helen & Scott Nearing and Bill Copperthwaite. We borrow from these individuals' life models, teachings, and systems to create a budding body of eco-therapists and eco-activists. Our "greenest" program, the YLS enthuses leaders to think globally but act locally.

Apply Now for the Youth Leadership Summit!

Looking for Outdoor Work? Check out our Internships or Employment pages.

Contact us at (207)791-7870 or info@rippleffect.net