What is YES Camp?
The Youth Empowerment Summit (YES) Camp is organized to address the lack of civic engagement and civic leadership among youths and young adults in Asian American organizations across Houston.
The Y.E.S. Camp is a transformative, 3-day camp that empowers our next generation of leaders in the Greater Houston area. Through collaborative workshops, inspiring talks, and civic engagement training, it equips the next generation to become active participants and leaders in their communities.
The Y.E.S. Summit prepares young leaders through these 3 pillars:
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Community Building & Inspiring Change
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Build strong, enduring connections among young leaders across the Greater Houston Area
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Act as catalysts for positive change
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Leadership Development
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Develop essential leadership skills like critical thinking and public speaking
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Enhance participants’ ability to lead effectively within their communities
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Wellness Empowerment
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Embrace the GRACE model, creating a positive foundation for all actions
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Identify and understand personal strengths and weaknesses, leading to a deeper self-awareness
Camp Details:
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Date: Friday, August 8 @ 4pm to Sunday, August 10 @3pm.
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Campsite: Boxwoods, A Cho-Yeh Camp (500 Lazy Ln, Livingston, TX 77351)
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Age: 17-25
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Fee: $150
Why Should I Attend:
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Impactful Network Building with Young Houston Leaders
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Connect with like-minded organizations and leaders committed to youth and civic engagement
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Build long-lasting partnerships that extend beyond the summit.
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Empowerment through Education
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Exclusive workshops and sessions led by experts in voter engagement and community organizing
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Personalized leadership development workshops
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Access to Unparalleled Resources and Support
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Benefit from ongoing support, tools, and communication from the YES Summit team
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Utilize resources and support to foster emotional health and resilience
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Gain access to tools and funding that support your group’s activities and goals
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Incentives and Recognition
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Immediate financial incentives for youth organizations’ early commitment and successful campaign milestones.
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Recognition at the summit and at all Viet Vote Houston community events
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Our YES Speakers
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Keynote Speaker: Judge Christopher V. Phan
Vietnamese American • Navy Veteran • U.S. Immigration Judge
Judge Christopher Phan brings a powerful story of resilience, service, and leadership to YES Camp 2025. Born in Vietnam and raised in Indiana, he went on to serve as a Navy JAG officer, deploying to Iraq with a Navy SEAL squadron and later supporting wounded warriors through legal counsel. Judge Phan also served as an elected city councilmember, a prosecutor in both California and Texas, and currently holds the rank of Commander in the U.S. Navy Reserve.
Appointed as an Immigration Judge in 2019, Judge Phan now serves at the Houston Greenspoint Park Immigration Court. His journey from immigrant to public servant embodies the values of courage, dedication, and civic engagement—making him an inspiring voice for the next generation of leaders.
Dr. Anhlan Nguyen
#1 International Best-Selling Author • ICF Certified Emotional Intelligence Coach
Dr. Anhlan Nguyen is a passionate educator, life coach, and international speaker known for her work in emotional intelligence, youth empowerment, and personal development. As the founder of Lyceum Global, she has developed training programs and workshops that have inspired thousands of students and professionals to live with purpose and lead with intention. A former refugee from Vietnam, Dr. Nguyen has turned her life experience into a mission of service, using her GRACE model (Gratitude, Respect, Accountability, Courage, Engagement) to guide others on their wellness journey.
Dr. Nguyen’s dedication to leadership and education has earned her national recognition, including a presidential appointment to the Vietnam Education Foundation by President Barack Obama. She is also the bestselling author of Living in GRACE – Living Your Best Life Now! and has played a key role in youth leadership development through programs like the Len Duong Camp. Her message of resilience, self-awareness, and emotional wellness continues to inspire communities across the globe.
Dr. Dung Ngo
Associate Professor of Psychology (Texas A&M Corpus Christi)
Dr. Dung Ngo completed his Doctoral studies in Clinical Psychology from Saint Louis University. For nearly 20 years, Dr. Ngo has studied various issues in Asian American Mental Health, specifically specializing in Vietnamese Americans. His current research includes assessment of dementia in the Vietnamese community. Dr. Ngo is currently teaching at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi.
Dr. Renea Skelton
Certified Life & Communication Coach • Writer
Dr. Renea Skelton is a certified life and communication coach, emotional intelligence expert, and retired Air Force officer with over 20 years of leadership experience. Holding a Doctorate in Organizational Leadership focused on Emotional Intelligence, she is passionate about empowering women, parents, and leaders to overcome personal barriers and live with purpose. Dr. Skelton founded RealWomen, RealCoaching™, a supportive community offering coaching and workshops that help individuals build authentic connections and embrace their true selves.
Her approach combines neuroscience, emotional intelligence, and real-life experience to inspire individuals to live unapologetically with clarity and strength. Known for her authenticity and practical strategies, Dr. Skelton encourages self-awareness and resilience, helping people thrive even in the face of adversity.
Our YES Wellness Presenters
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Rosie Nguyen
Director of Communications and Emmy Award-Winning Journalist
Rosie Nguyen is an Emmy Award-winning journalist who spent over a decade reporting and anchoring news across the U.S., from the Pacific Northwest to the Gulf Coast. Now serving as the Director of Communications and Projects in Free Expression at Rice University, Rosie continues her passion for storytelling and advocacy. At YES Camp, she will lead a dynamic session on digital presence and teach campers how to share their stories confidently and responsibly on social media.
Lena Ngoc Nguyen
Master of Vovinam Viet Vo Dao
Master Lena Ngoc Nguyen began her martial arts journey in 1988 at the Viet Vo Dao Club in Tay Ninh, Vietnam. Now based in Richmond, Texas, she leads one of the most active Vovinam Viet Vo Dao schools in the U.S., offering multiple weekly classes and instructor-level training. Having earned her Red Belt in 2025 at Tổ Đường in Vietnam, Master Lena Ngoc Nguyen brings a lifetime of dedication to discipline and self-empowerment. At YES Camp, she will guide a practical self-defense workshop to build strength, confidence, and awareness.
Julie Trinh
K-Pop Dancer & Medical Student
Julie Trinh is a medical student at Sam Houston State University College of Osteopathic Medicine with a passion for health and creative movement. A graduate of Rice University with a degree in Biochemistry and Asian Studies, she is also a seasoned K-Pop dancer and choreographer. At YES Camp, Julie will lead a fun and beginner-friendly K-Pop dance session to promote wellness, self-expression, and body positivity through rhythm and motion.
YES Camp 2025 is hosted by ICEVN (Học Viện Công Dân) in collaboration with VCSA (Hội Văn Hóa Khoa Học Việt Nam) and Viet Vote Houston, with generous support from AliefVotes, OCA Greater Houston, Harris County Precinct 4, as well as Scout La Vang and Scout Phap Luan.