NEWS & UPDATES
Get ready for an unforgettable weekend of growth, connection, and empowerment at Boxwoods on Lake Livingston — a stunning lakeside retreat in Livingston, TX! From thrilling outdoor adventures to deep leadership workshops rooted in the GRACE model (Gratitude, Respect, Accountability, Courage, and Engagement), this is the camp that will inspire your next chapter.
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.
SAVE THE DATE
The countdown begins for YES Camp 2025! 🌟 Get ready for an unforgettable weekend of growth, connection, and empowerment at Boxwoods on Lake Livingston — a stunning lakeside retreat in Livingston, TX! From exciting outdoor adventures to transformative leadership and wellness activities, this is the camp experience you've been waiting for.
📍 Where: Boxwoods at Cho-Yeh Camp
🗓️ When: August 8–10, 2025
💥 Who: Youth leaders (17-25 years old) ready to step up and say YES to their future
Mark your calendars, gather your squad, and stay tuned! 🛶🔥🌲
THANK YOU
This past year, we gathered at YMCA Camp Cullen for the very first Youth Empowerment Summit (YES) Camp, and what an incredible journey it was! Over 50 campers and 20 dedicated staff members came together to embrace leadership, collaboration, and civic engagement, guided by the powerful GRACE model—Gratitude, Respect, Accountability, Courage, and Engagement.
Throughout the camp, participants broke into teams and created 6 incredible projects aimed at making a difference in their communities. We’re thrilled to share that some of these projects will continue through the Viet Vote Houston campaign, ensuring that the impact of YES Camp carries forward!
Thank you to everyone who made this unforgettable experience possible. This is just the beginning—let’s keep pushing boundaries and making change happen!
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.
