PAST CAMPS
The Youth Empowerment Summit (YES) Camp began its journey in August 2024, with the first-ever camp held from August 9–11 at YMCA Camp Cullen.
Created by ICEVN (Institute for Civic Education in Vietnam), the camp was made possible through a dynamic partnership with VCSA (Vietnamese Culture & Science Association) and Viet Vote Houston.
2025 Camp
What an incredible weekend. Over three unforgettable days, campers, staff, speakers, volunteers, and community leaders came together to learn, grow, laugh, challenge themselves, and create lifelong memories. From leadership workshops and team-building activities to meaningful conversations and wellness sessions, every moment reminded us that "Who I Am Makes A Difference."
This year, campers discovered new strengths, built lasting friendships, stepped outside their comfort zones, and found the confidence to make a positive impact in their communities. A huge THANK YOU to our amazing staff, volunteers, speakers, sponsors, parents, and supporters who made YES Camp 2025 possible. Your dedication, passion, and belief in our youth created an experience that will continue to inspire long after camp ended.
Most importantly, thank you to our campers. Your energy, creativity, courage, and willingness to say "YES" are what make this community so special. As we look ahead to YES Camp 2026, we're excited to continue building leaders, empowering voices, and creating opportunities for the next generation to thrive.
2024 Camp
The first-ever Youth Empowerment Summit (YES) Camp was an incredible success! Held at the stunning YMCA Camp Cullen, this 3-day summit was packed with leadership development, team-building activities, and life-changing moments. Together, campers explored the GRACE model—Gratitude, Respect, Accountability, Courage, and Engagement—while building lifelong friendships and growing as future community leaders.
We’re incredibly grateful to our sponsors, staff, and the campers for making this such a meaningful experience. Special thanks to our inspiring speakers, including Dr. Anhlan Nguyen and Suzan Nguyen, who shared their journeys of courage and resilience. You helped make this camp unforgettable!
History
August 9-11, 2024
August 10-12, 2025
August 7-9, 2026
Camp Co-ordinator: Jaime Diep
Assistant Co-ordinators: Anthony Pham, Tony Tran
Location: YMCA Camp Cullen, Trinity, Texas
Designed to inspire and equip young Vietnamese-American leaders, the camp brought together over 50 youth for a weekend of leadership training, team-building, and civic engagement. Since then, YES Camp has grown into a movement that continues to ignite purpose and passion in the next generation.
Camp Co-ordinator: Tengah Nguyen
Assistant Co-ordinators: Xuan Hoang, Julie Trinh
Location: Boxwoods - Cho-Yeh Camp, Livingston, Texas
This summer, we’re heading to the beautiful Boxwoods at Camp Cho-Yeh from Friday, August 8 to Sunday, August 10, and trust us—it’s going to be even more fun, meaningful, and empowering.
Camp Co-ordinators: Kevin Nguyen, Xuan Tran & Tengah Nguyen
Assistant Co-ordinator: Michelle Ho
Location: YMCA Camp Cullen, Trinity, Texas
Join us for an unforgettable weekend filled with team challenges, inspiring workshops, outdoor adventures, late-night laughs, and life-changing connections.
