Transformational Leadership Camp
for teens ages 15-18
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DONATE TO JCA FOR GIVING SEASON 2025 TODAY!
What better gift to give than an OurTown Sponsorship for a deserving Arkansas Teen? Click here to get your donation started for 2025’s Giving Season!
Our Town for Teens is a no-cost transformational youth leadership camp that aims to build bridges of understanding across differing opinions and lived experiences.
Teens will co-create courageous spaces by crafting and sharing their own leadership story, practicing empathy and active listening through learning about the lived experiences of others, and developing tools to advocate for causes that matter to them.
Sponsor OurTown For Teens 2026 Today!
What is OurTown?
Click on our One-Pager Below!
If you would like to sponsor the 2026 OurTown Camp, please mail a check to
1818 N Taylor St.
#129
Little Rock, AR 72207,
Visit bit.ly/givejca,
OR
Reach out to Hilary Trudell at htrudell@justcommunities.org
Click Here for a Downloadable Version
You Will…
Interact with a diverse group of high school students from across Arkansas.
Explore issues of prejudice and discrimination.
Share your life experiences and hear different world perspectives.
Learn more about yourself and how to build an inclusive community.
See the world differently.
You Can Attend If…
You are willing to expand your horizons and will be a high school sophomore, junior, or senior as of Fall 2025.
You have an open mind and are emotionally capable of participating in a program designed to challenge your stereotypes, prejudices, and perspectives.
Unique Because…
It is recognized as a premier youth leadership institute in America
It lets you be yourself. You will break down barriers and become friends with diverse students from across the state. You will discuss your life experiences through group dialogues, role-playing, and games.
The Details
Where
Details for 2026 Coming Soon!
Cost
Tuition for the OurTown experience is free!
Applications for 2025 are closed.
Apply
Applications for OurTown are currently closed.
Want to know what OurTown is really like? Meet some of our OurTown for Teens Alumni!
Click here to hear from our alumni!
Meet the
OurTown for Teens
Leadership Team
Below
“Ourtown helps delegates discover who they are as individuals while at the same time, it draws them into a community of leaders journeying alongside one another.
The Ourtown experience is one delegates never forget—when you are at Ourtown, you’re home.”
Chris Dorer,
Chair, Department of History,
Little Rock Central High School
“While Arkansas is full of welcoming and kind people, we have work to do so that all members of our community feel valued, included, and capable of success. When we all thrive, we thrive together. I have hope for our state and am also committed to the task at hand and the urgency it requires.”
Hilary Trudell,
CEO, Just Communities of Arkansas
“I love working with a diverse team committed to supporting
the growth and leadership development of youth with a passion for justice and equity.”
Valandra,
Associate Professor of Social Work and African American Studies, University of Arkansas
“Ourtown was a transformative experience that shaped my journey in education and fostered lifelong friendships. I’m grateful to help create similar opportunities for students and communities who value empathy, education, and connection.”
Jason Riley,
Venture Intern Program Manager,
University of Arkansas Office of Entrepreneurship and Innovation
“I’m dedicated to helping young people understand that their stories matter and their identities are worthy of respect. We create meaningful social change when we make space to listen and validate others’ experiences.”
Aubrey Franke, LCSW
Crisis Mental Health Clinician, University of Arkansas
Contact Us Today
By mail:
1818 N Taylor St.
#129
Little Rock, AR 72207
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