Leadership. Authenticity. Action. At Youth for Freedom (YFF), these aren’t just buzzwords, they’re a way of life. For more than two decades, this nonprofit has helped thousands of youth discover their purpose and lead with authenticity and confidence.
Founded in 2002, Youth for Freedom began as a small camp dedicated to teaching constitutional principles through hands-on learning. But as its reach grew beyond the U.S., welcoming youth from Canada, Mexico, and beyond, it evolved into something even more transformative: a global leadership movement for the next generation.
“We realized that what really mattered wasn’t teaching politics or history,” said Aubrey Taylor, CEO. “What mattered was teaching leadership - how to think for yourself, how to make choices that matter, and how to lead your own life.”
Aubrey would know. She attended Youth for Freedom as a teen and said it helped her find her footing and lead her life with purpose and determination.
A Full-Circle Story
At 16-years-old, Aubrey attended one of YFF's Experiential Leadership Trainings (ELTs.) It was here Aubrey had a breakthrough. “In that moment, I realized I didn’t have to be tossed around by what life gave me. I could lead my life,” she said. “I remember looking at the woman leading the experience thinking, ‘I’m going to do what she’s doing someday.’”
Two decades later, Aubrey found herself standing in that same room back where it all began. But this time, she was the one leading the experience - watching the next generation of teens experience their own moments of clarity and courage. The energy in the room was familiar, yet new; it was as if time folded in on itself, connecting who she was then with who she is now.
For Aubrey, it wasn’t just a full-circle moment—it was living proof that individual transformation can have a ripple effect. The impact of one person’s breakthrough has the ability to inspire countless others, and in that space, surrounded by young leaders finding their own voice, she saw it all come to life.
Leadership in Action
At Youth for Freedom, teens don’t just talk about leadership - they get the opportunity to practice it. Through ELTs, participants are immersed in games, simulations, and discussions that challenge them to think critically, make decisions, and collaborate effectively.
“It’s not a lecture or a PowerPoint,” Aubree explained with a laugh. “We throw them into the experience. They get to lead, fail, adapt, and try again, just like in life.” Through these trainings, teens learn how to work with others, communicate powerfully, and lead from a place of integrity.
YFF isn’t therapy, but things can get emotional. “Yes, there are tears,” Aubrey admitted. “Growth is uncomfortable, but we’ve created a judgment-free space where kids can process that discomfort and transform it into strength.”
Not Just a Camp - A Movement
Over 7,000 youth have participated in Youth for Freedom’s camps, online mentoring programs, and pop-up leadership events around the world. Headquartered in Gilbert, Arizona, YFF’s annual summer camp in St. George, Utah draws participants from all over the globe.
Each year, the organization expands its reach through advanced leadership programs, mobile workshops, and collaborations with partners like the Backstage Foundation.
In 2026, Seattle will host a new Advanced Leadership Program for teens 15-18, offering a deeper dive into leadership principles but in an intimate, high-impact setting.
Unleashing Potential for All
As a nonprofit, Youth for Freedom is deeply committed to accessibility. Scholarships and sponsorships ensure that financial hardship doesn’t stand in the way of participation.
“I came from a low-income family,” said Aubrey. “There were years when I could only attend camp because someone sponsored me. That’s why it’s so important for us to provide that same opportunity to others.”
Through its Pathfinder Scholarship, Youth for Freedom awards $5,000 a year to a youth who demonstrates leadership, vision, and a commitment to making a difference. Past winners have used the funds to start allergy-friendly food initiatives for the homeless, pursue social work degrees, or launch small businesses.
Already Awesome
That’s one of Youth for Freedom’s core beliefs: every teen who walks through their doors is ‘already awesome.’
“We’re not here to ‘fix’ kids,” Aubrey emphasized. “We’re here to help them unleash the leader that’s already inside them. When teens realize their voice matters and they can create their own reality, everything changes."
With more than 20 years of proven impact, Youth for Freedom continues to do what it does best: change lives, one experience at a time. Because when you teach young people to lead their own lives, you’re not just shaping better leaders - you’re shaping a better world.
To learn more or get involved with Youth for Freedom, visit youthforfreedom.org or follow them on social media for up to date information on camps, programs, and scholarships.
When teens realize their voice matters and they can create their own reality, everything changes