NAD Youth Leadership Camp is an intensive summer leadership program established by the National Association of the Deaf in 1969. It brings 64 deaf and hard-of-hearing high school sophomores and juniors to Camp Taloali in Stayton, Oregon.
Through workshops, outdoor activities, team-building, and self-advocacy practice, participants develop leadership, citizenship, confidence, and independent-living skills. The 2026 session has ended, and the official site has not announced the next application opening date.
Benefits & funding
- The 2026 tuition was US$4,250, excluding airfare.
- Tuition covered daily activities and lessons, field trips, laundromat expenses, ground transportation during camp, lodging, meals, canteen snacks, one YLC T-shirt, and one YLC sweater.
- Accepted campers could seek tuition support from vocational rehabilitation offices and local organizations; the Frank R. Turk Scholarship was unavailable for the 2026 session.
Eligibility
- Applicants must be deaf or hard of hearing.
- Applicants must be current high school sophomores or juniors and demonstrate leadership qualities.
- The official application accepts international country addresses and states no nationality or residency restriction.
- No age, gender, or work-experience requirement is stated.
Can you apply?
Here's who can apply
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Education required
High School
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Application process
- 1Complete the online camper application by the cycle deadline.
- 2Submit a resume and either a half-page typed essay or an unlisted video essay of no more than five minutes.
- 3Arrange three recommendation forms from a school administrator, a teacher, and a Jr. NAD adviser, organization sponsor, school counselor, or dorm counselor.
- 4If accepted, pay the US$100 deposit and complete the required agreement, medical, health, and travel forms.
Program timeline
Application deadline
January 10, 2026
Accepted campers’ US$100 deposit and agreement due
February 25, 2026
Medical release and consent due
April 1, 2026
Health form due
May 1, 2026
Travel form and final tuition installment due
June 1, 2026
Program starts
June 28, 2026
Program ends
July 22, 2026