2026 Riley's Way Youth Leadership Retreat Application

  • Join Riley’s Way Foundation for our eighth annual Youth Leadership Retreat, taking place from Friday, September 18 to Sunday, September 20, 2026 at Timber Lake West Camp in Roscoe, NY. This free, three-day experience will bring together 100+ young leaders from across the country to build meaningful connections with like-minded students. Throughout the weekend, participants will engage in leadership workshops and fun camp activities, be inspired by peers, and brainstorm how to build a better and kinder world.

    The 2026 Riley’s Way Youth Leadership Retreat is open to young people ages 15–18 of all gender identities. Riley’s Way covers all costs for the weekend, including lodging, meals, and transportation. A registered nurse will be on site during the retreat. Accommodations are camp-style, with group bunks and shared restrooms. Here is a sample schedule from the 2025 Retreat.

    You should apply if:

    • You are between 15 and 18 years old
    • You are interested in growing as a kind leader and learning how to make a difference in your community
    • You’re excited to connect with other young people from across the country

    Applications are considered on a rolling basis, and priority is given to early applicants. We strongly encourage youth from traditionally underrepresented backgrounds and identities in leadership to apply. The deadline to submit your application is Tuesday, May 26th, 2026.

    Please note:

    • Parent/Guardian consent form will need to be signed if you are under 18.
    • The campgrounds are paved but include occasional steep inclines and uneven terrain, and the program involves regular walking throughout the site. We encourage you to use the “Any additional comments” section to share any questions or concerns about accessibility or getting around the campgrounds so we can support you as best as possible.
    • All groups will only be allowed up to 3 youth leaders and 1 chaperone (if neccessary). 

    AND a quick note on using AI in your Riley’s Way application: Your words matter more to us than perfect writing. While we don't ban AI tools, we genuinely want to hear from you, your story, your perspective, and your ideas in your own voice. The most memorable applications aren't the most formal ones. They're the ones that feel real. So skip the polish, trust yourself, and write what you actually mean.

    If you have any questions or would like to inquire about bringing a group chaperone, please reach out to Destany Story, Riley’s Way Program and Community Coordinator at dstory@rileysandler.org.

  • Format: (000) 000-0000.
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  • Do you identify as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community?*
  • Ethnicity*
  • Do you identify as low-income or economically disadvantaged?*
  • How did you hear about Riley's Way*
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  • Grade (2026-2027 school year)*
  • What type of school do you currently attend?*
  • Have you applied to the Youth Leadership Retreat in the past?*
  • Are you a Riley's Way Club member or leader?*

  • We want to learn more about you!

  • How would you describe your current leadership experience?*

  • Housing Accommodations

  • I would like to room with (check all that apply)*

  • Travel Accommodations

  • The Riley’s Way Youth Leadership Retreat is an all-expenses-paid experience, including travel. However, if you or your family are in a position to cover your own travel costs, it would allow us to allocate more resources to support other participants.


    (Your response will not impact your eligibility or selection for the retreat. This information simply supports us with planning and budgeting.)

  • Are you able and willing to cover your own travel expenses to and from the NYC meeting point?*

  • Parent Consent Form

  • Dear Parents and/or Guardians,

    We are excited about your child’s interest in our Riley’s Way Youth Leadership Retreat!

    The seventh annual Riley’s Way Youth Leadership Retreat will be held Friday, September 18, through Sunday, September 20, 2026, at Timber Lake West Camp in Roscoe, NY. We are excited to bring together young leaders ages 15-18 from high schools around the United States to create meaningful connections with their like-minded peers. 

    Throughout the weekend, attendees will participate in team-building activities, skill-building workshops, and camp activities focused on identity and leadership. Sleeping arrangements are bunks, assigned and chaperoned by Riley’s Way Team Mentor volunteers (college-aged Riley’s Way alumni). Adult chaperones and Riley’s Way staff will also be on site.

    We will send a formal consent agreement once your student has been selected to attend, and participation will only be allowed with your consent. Please email Cheyenne Rosado, Program Director, at crosado@rileysandler.org with any questions.

  • I, the legal parent/guardian of the Child named above, understand that my child is applying to participate in the Riley’s Way Youth Leadership Retreat on September 18 – September 20, 2026, at Timber Lake West Camp in Roscoe, NY. I understand that an additional consent agreement will be sent out, and my child will only be accepted pending receipt of that agreement. I understand that Riley’s Way Foundation will cover all expenses for the weekend Retreat.

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