Summer 2026 is open. Classes cap at 8.

See Summer Camps
logo
Social & Life Skills Ages 8–12

Advocacy & Science Explorers: Chemistry Lab

Help your child find their voice and make a difference. Students explore real-world issues, build persuasive communication skills, and learn how to create meaningful change in their communities.

Duration 1 Week (5 days)
Level Intermediate
Class Size Small Group
Format Live Online
$159 Pay upfront & save 10% — only $31.80/day

Course Overview

In Advocacy & Activism, students discover the power of their own voice. Through dynamic discussions, real-world case studies, and hands-on projects, they learn how everyday people — including young people just like them — have shaped history and continue to drive change today.

Students work in small groups to explore issues they care about, craft compelling arguments, and develop actionable plans to make a difference in their schools and communities. This course builds confidence, critical thinking, and civic responsibility.

Civic Engagement

Understanding how systems work and how individuals can influence them.

Persuasive Communication

Crafting arguments, writing letters, and speaking up effectively.

What Your Child Will Gain

  • Confidence to voice opinions and advocate for causes they believe in.
  • Understanding of civic processes, rights, and responsibilities.
  • Skills to research issues and build evidence-based arguments.
  • Experience creating a real advocacy project or campaign.

See the Class in Action

Students during robotics class session
Watch a 2-minute preview Experience our interactive teaching style

Meet Your Instructor

Katie Barnwell

Katie Barnwell

Film & Music Educator | Former 2e Student

Katie has been teaching in a variety of settings for over 5 years — from virtual school to one-on-one music lessons. As a former 2e student and lifelong learner, she understands the complexity in all people and the importance of not forcing anyone into a box. Her teaching style is one of adaptability and innovation, allowing each student's unique strengths to flourish.

Parent Reviews

4.9/5.0 (124 reviews)

Sarah Miller
Sarah Miller Parent of 10yo

"My daughter came home every day excited to share what she learned. Ms. Katie has an incredible gift for making every student feel heard and valued."

David Chen
David Chen Parent of 11yo

"My son used to be shy about sharing his opinions. After this course he's passionate, articulate, and confident. Absolutely transformative."

Inside the Classroom

Inside the classroom video thumbnail
Coding workstation for students Children collaborating in a STEM class

PROVEN RESULTS

Real Growth. Measurable Impact.

Families don't just see happier kids—they see tangible academic and emotional progress

YSA Mom video testimonial

★★★★★

"If anyone's on the fence, absolutely jump on this opportunity. My twice-exceptional son really struggles with online learning—but that happens with Young Scholars Academy. Mr. Sam was the most influential, encouraging teacher my son had. I cannot say enough wonderful things about YSA."

YSA Mom

Parent of a 2e student

YSA Student video testimonial

★★★★★

"There's stuff for little kids and big kids in the summer—you can do Minecraft, superheroes, and way more. It's so cool. I think you should join; you may like it."

YSA Student

Summer camps

YSA Mom video testimonial

★★★★★

"If anyone's on the fence, absolutely jump on this opportunity. My twice-exceptional son really struggles with online learning—but that happens with Young Scholars Academy. Mr. Sam was the most influential, encouraging teacher my son had. I cannot say enough wonderful things about YSA."

YSA Mom

Parent of a 2e student

YSA Student video testimonial

★★★★★

"There's stuff for little kids and big kids in the summer—you can do Minecraft, superheroes, and way more. It's so cool. I think you should join; you may like it."

YSA Student

Summer camps

Melissa & Zoe video testimonial

★★★★★

"At the end of open house, Zoe looked at me and said, \"I have to sign up for those classes because these people get me.\" It's been amazing to connect with other neurodivergent lifelong learners—and both kids have had incredible experiences in fall, spring, and summer classes."

Melissa & Zoe

Mother and daughter, YSA families

Jonathan video testimonial

★★★★★

"Compared to other classes, at YSA you get to talk so much more—they explain it and help you many times if you get lost. Nice teachers, a great variety of classes, and we haven't had substitutes once."

Jonathan

YSA Student

Melissa & Zoe video testimonial

★★★★★

"At the end of open house, Zoe looked at me and said, \"I have to sign up for those classes because these people get me.\" It's been amazing to connect with other neurodivergent lifelong learners—and both kids have had incredible experiences in fall, spring, and summer classes."

Melissa & Zoe

Mother and daughter, YSA families

Jonathan video testimonial

★★★★★

"Compared to other classes, at YSA you get to talk so much more—they explain it and help you many times if you get lost. Nice teachers, a great variety of classes, and we haven't had substitutes once."

Jonathan

YSA Student

Alonso video testimonial

★★★★★

"Why are there not more classes like this? Why was I just introduced to this now—and not earlier?!"

Alonso

YSA Student

YSA Student video testimonial

★★★★★

"Debate helped me academically—I could apply it to essays and papers. Mr. Sam makes it fun, you learn, and you're excited after every class. I highly recommend it if you want to become a better speaker and writer."

YSA Student

Debate & academics

Alonso video testimonial

★★★★★

"Why are there not more classes like this? Why was I just introduced to this now—and not earlier?!"

Alonso

YSA Student

YSA Student video testimonial

★★★★★

"Debate helped me academically—I could apply it to essays and papers. Mr. Sam makes it fun, you learn, and you're excited after every class. I highly recommend it if you want to become a better speaker and writer."

YSA Student

Debate & academics

Y

About Young Scholars Academy

We believe that the best way to learn is by doing. Founded by educators and engineers, YSA provides a safe, interactive, and high-energy environment for kids to explore their passions in STEM and Beyond.

Learn more about our mission →

Ready to find your voice?

Join 400+ families. Multiple sessions available across
Weeks 2, 3, 9 & 11. Limited seats — small groups only.

Student presenting their advocacy project

CAMP QUESTIONS

Questions About This Camp

Everything you need to know before enrolling your child.

How does this camp work?

This camp meets Monday through Friday, roughly 50 minutes a day, for one week. Your child joins the same tight-knit group of 6–8 students and the same mentor all week long. Same friends, same teacher, a new adventure every day. These aren't strangers. By Tuesday, they have inside jokes. By Thursday, they're texting after camp. If your child takes 3 or more camps in a week, they unlock access to the Virtual Campus during the 11:00 AM Pacific lunch break — a supervised hangout where kids eat lunch together as avatars and build friendships that last far beyond the summer.

What if my child is not the right age for this camp?

Our gifted and 2e students experience such asynchronous development that hard age limits rarely tell the full story. A 9-year-old who devours college-level history content doesn't belong in a course designed for kids who've never heard of the Roman Empire. If your student should be aged up or aged down, please contact us at support@youngscholarsacademy.org or click the chat in the bottom right corner of the screen. We'd be happy to help override the system and find the right fit. We do this all the time.

What if my child has had a difficult time learning virtually?

Please don't confuse reactive distance learning with what happens at YSA. A student who is completely fried from a boring Zoom class at school is often quick to pick up a tablet or phone, right? Our camps are not the same animal. When a kid is doing Minecraft Redstone Engineering or arguing a criminal case in Mock Trial with 6 peers who share their exact obsession, taught by a mentor who was one of these kids, the screen disappears. They're not on a screen. They're with their people. Parents tell us their children fight to log on to YSA. That's not something they say about school.

What if my child doesn't love this camp?

Summer Camp Satisfaction Guarantee: If your child isn't loving this camp by the end of Day 1, you have two easy options. Transfer into another camp that week to find the perfect fit, or receive a credit to use toward a future camp or course. No risk. No stress. No awkward conversations. We built this guarantee because we've watched hundreds of kids walk into their first YSA session unsure, and walk out asking when the next one is. But if it's not the right fit, we'd rather help you find one that is than keep your money for something that isn't working.

Does my child need to turn their camera on?

No. Cameras are always optional. Always. Many of our students start with cameras off and turn them on when they're comfortable, which sometimes takes a day and sometimes takes a whole semester. For kids with sensory sensitivities, social anxiety, or demand avoidance profiles, this isn't a small thing. It's the difference between showing up and shutting down. Our mentors are trained to engage every student equally, cameras on or off. Your child will never be forced, never singled out, and never penalized.

Does my child need a diagnosis to enroll?

No. If you're here, you're in the right place. We don't require paperwork, evaluations, or labels. Whether your child has been formally identified as gifted or twice-exceptional, whether you suspect it but haven't pursued testing, or whether you just know your kid's brain works differently and nothing else has fit, they're welcome here. Many of our families discover what twice-exceptional means after they've already been with us. The community helps them understand their child in a way no assessment ever could.

Can I use ESA or charter funds for this camp?

Yes. YSA is an approved vendor with 10+ state ESA programs including Arizona ESA, Utah Fits All, ClassWallet, My Tech High, Florida Step Up, and others. Enroll directly to secure your child's spot, submit the invoice to your ESA, and your payment method is refunded when funds transfer. Many families pay zero out of pocket. We walk you through every step.

How do I enroll?

Click the enroll button on this page. No phone call. No placement test. No prerequisite. Your child's spot is secured immediately. If you need help building a full summer schedule, use Scheduley AI for personalized camp recommendations, or email support@youngscholarsacademy.org and we'll help you put together a week your kid will actually be excited about.