The Vail Valley Foundation’s Youth Power program is now accepting applications for its 2026 summer camps. New this year, invitations are no longer required for most summer programs, and any Eagle County family is welcome to apply to all programs.  

Spots are limited, and as a result, priority is given to current Youth Power participants. Families are encouraged to apply as soon as possible at youthpower365.org/summer. Applications close April 1, 2026. (Note: COPA Soccer follows a separate application and selection process.) 

The 2026 season brings new offerings alongside beloved returning programs. For middle schoolers, the all-new Future Filmmakers Camp joins the returning Future Chefs & Career Camp and Middle School Soccer Camp, both now in their second year. Very Young Composers, the acclaimed music composition program offered in partnership with the New York Philharmonic, returns after a one-year hiatus. And elementary campers will gear up for a World Cup-themed camp packed with academics, teamwork, and fun. COPA Soccer, Youth Power’s most popular summer program, is also back for another season. 

This summer’s lineup reflects the organization’s continued growth. In Summer 2025, Youth Power served 1,597 students across 21 locations countywide — one of the highest participation totals in five years — resulting in approximately 110,000 contact hours with youth and over 9,000 meals and snacks provided during that time. Nearly 80% of participants were returning students, the highest retention rate since 2021, reflecting deep community trust.  

“Summer is a critical window for students,” said Sara Amberg, Executive Director of Youth Power. “Research shows that the months between school years can widen achievement gaps for kids who don’t have access to enriching, structured programming. Youth Power summer camps are designed to keep students engaged, learning, and connected to their community. We are thrilled to open our doors wider than ever before so that more families in Eagle County can access these opportunities.” 

2026 Youth Power Summer Programs 

Elementary Summer Camp: World Cup Edition!
June 15 – July 3 | Incoming 1st – 5th graders 
In partnership with Eagle County School District, Youth Power’s elementary camp takes a World Cup spin this summer, blending academic enrichment with hands-on activities inspired by the global game of soccer. Campers build math and literacy skills, explore STEM projects, and develop social-emotional connections through teamwork and play. 

COPA Soccer
June 7 – July 19 | Ages 3–17 
Youth Power’s signature summer soccer program returns for another season, engaging children across Eagle County in a structured environment designed to build self-discipline, self-confidence, and community connection. Note: COPA enrollment follows an application and selection process and is not first-come, first-served. 

Middle School Soccer Camp 
June 15 – June 19 | Incoming 6th – 9th graders 
Returning for its second year, this week-long intensive is offered in partnership with One Soccer and brings elite coaches from around the world to train the next generation of players. Students develop soccer skills alongside international coaching perspectives in a supportive, high-energy environment. 

Middle School Future Chefs & Career Camp 
June 22 – June 26 | Incoming 6th – 12th graders 
Returning for its second year and expanding to now include high schoolers, this hands-on culinary and career exploration camp guides students through the world of food — from kitchen skills to career pathways. Students are grouped by skill level and leave with both practical abilities and a broader sense of the professional possibilities ahead of them. 

Middle School Future Filmmakers Camp (NEW) 
June 29 – July 3 | Incoming 6th – 9th graders 
Youth Power’s newest middle school summer camp offering takes students from script to screen in just one week. Campers write, shoot, and edit their own short films with the support of experienced instructors, culminating in a red-carpet movie night showcasing their original work. 

Very Young Compsers 
July 20 – July 29 | Ages 9–18 
After a one-year hiatus, Very Young Composers is back! Offered in partnership with the New York Philharmonic and The Playground Ensemble, this program guides students of all musical backgrounds through the process of composing an original piece, setting a story to music, and performing it publicly alongside professional musicians. 

Families and community members should also note that Youth Power recently completed a rebrand from YouthPower365. The organization’s name and visual identity are new, but its mission — providing free and low-cost programs to inspire, educate, and empower youth and their families from early childhood through college and career readiness — remains unchanged. All program information and applications can currently be found at youthpower365.org. A new URL is in development and will be shared soon. 

To learn more about each summer camp and to apply, visit youthpower365.org/summer.