Jace just completed his fourth year of Camp RISE, a six-week summer youth program which focuses on career exploration and aims to provide kids ages 10 to 13 in Milwaukee with tools to become leaders in their community. This experience equipped Jace with more maturity and patience that he will utilize as he goes on to Earn & Learn, a youth program that provides meaningful work experiences and career exposure to young people ages 14 to 24 in Milwaukee.  

Jace’s favorite activity this summer was career day, which was new for Camp RISE. Professionals from a variety of fields, such as firefighting, newscasting, healthcare, photography, and many more, spoke to the campers about their careers, allowing the campers to begin considering their own interests and passions. 

Before this summer, Jace was most interested in music because he plays the saxophone, and acting because he performed in A Christmas Carol with the Milwaukee Repertory Theater. But during career day this year, he found himself most interested in photography after listening to a fashion photographer. “This summer really taught me to be more open minded about the possibilities of my future,” Jace said. 

Jace is just one of the 250+ participants that Camp RISE works with every summer, using evidence-based youth leadership curriculum to help participants make positive decisions and contribute to a better society. 

If you are interested in learning more about Camp RISE and youth programming, visit our Camp RISE page! To support youth like Jace in Camp RISE, visit our Sponsorships & Donations page.