Spring Break Innovation Camp for High Schoolers
Ready to ignite your entrepreneurial spirit and have a blast doing it? Join us in the beautiful Prescott Pines for a one-of-a-kind camp experience where creativity meets adventure. Dive into exciting challenges, work with teammates to solve real-world problems, and bring your big ideas to life through interactive, hands-on learning.
This isn’t your typical spring break—it’s a chance to learn how to build a business, sharpen your leadership skills, and showcase your innovation in a thrilling pitch competition. Take your spring break to the next level and leave inspired, empowered, and ready to make a difference!
Kim Reynolds
Senior Program Manager, Youth Entrepreneurship, ASU Edson Entrepreneurship + Innovation Institute
A Message from ASU
As a former high school business teacher and someone passionate about helping students thrive, I can’t recommend the AYA Spring Innovation Camp enough. This free camp, hosted in collaboration with ASU’s J. Orin Edson Entrepreneurship + Innovation Institute, is designed to inspire students who might not otherwise have access to such opportunities. Alongside thrilling activities like zip lines and hiking, students will learn critical skills like teamwork, creative problem-solving, and pitching ideas. These experiences not only boost confidence and leadership but also prepare students for success in school, their future careers, and beyond. Teachers and parents, this is a chance for your students to shine.
When:
March 2026
Where:
Friendly Pines Camp – Prescott Arizona
Who:
High school students ages 14-18 with amazing attitudes to learn!
Why:
I want to learn how to be an entrepreneur, a leader and have fun!
How Much:
Camp is free to all students who are accepted.
What to expect at camp...
Get ready for an unforgettable experience at the AYA Spring Break Innovation Camp in scenic Prescott, Arizona! Over four action-packed days, you’ll explore real-world business challenges, team up with fellow young innovators, and develop creative solutions to make a positive impact. Guided by entrepreneurial experts, you’ll dive into design thinking and business development, crafting your ideas into actionable business concepts. The grand finale? A high-energy pitch competition where your team’s innovation takes center stage!
But it’s not all work and no play! Between brainstorming sessions and leadership workshops, enjoy classic camp fun like archery, campfire storytelling, and outdoor adventures. Whether you’re pitching the next big idea, or perfecting your aim, this camp blends entrepreneurship with excitement. Bring your creativity, curiosity, and a desire to grow—AYA Spring Break Camp is where learning meets adventure!
2025 Camp Activities Include:
- Zip Line
- Rock Wall
- Ropes Course
- Axe Throwing
- Group Game Night
- Camp Fire
- And Much More!
Be prepared for a life-changing experience! This camp combines the perfect mix of learning and fun to create an unforgettable adventure.
Helpful Information
Camp Packing List
Schedule Snapshot:
A day in the life of a camper!
Morning
- Wake-Up & Breakfast: Campers start the day with a group wake-up routine, followed by a hearty breakfast in the cafeteria to fuel their energy.
Morning Meetings + Workshops: Students gather for a motivational meeting and then dive straight into hands-on workshops and lessons that emphasize innovation, teamwork, and problem-solving, put on by the J. Orin Edson Entrepreneurship + Innovation Institute at ASU.
Midday
- Lunch: A well-balanced meal provides an opportunity to recharge and connect with fellow campers
Outdoor Adventures: Campers engage in exciting activities like hiking, kayaking, or wall-climbing, blending physical activity with skill-building.
Evening
- Dinner & Evening Program: After dinner, campers participate in a fun and interactive evening programming, such as group games, campfire, or reflections on the day.
Relaxation: Campers wind down with some free time in their cabins, preparing for another day of adventure and learning.
FAQ's
Tell your student they’ll get to spend spring break in the beautiful Prescott pines, turning big ideas into real business solutions while enjoying classic camp fun like archery and campfires. It’s a unique chance to learn, create, and compete in an exciting pitch challenge—all while making unforgettable memories!
Each day at camp is a perfect balance of fun and learning! Spend half the day diving into entrepreneurial skills and essential tools to help you kickstart your own business journey. The other half is all about enjoying exciting activities and building connections with fellow teens, creating memories that last a lifetime!
High school students aged 14-18
To apply, complete a short application sharing your interests, submit a brief video introducing yourself and your thoughts on entrepreneurship, and provide a reference from a trusted teacher, advisor, or mentor. It’s that simple to take the first step toward this exciting opportunity!
Groups will be formed based on cabin assignments, so if your friends/family are the same gender, let us know you want to be grouped together, and we will try to make that happen! If your friends/family are of a different gender, you won’t be grouped together, but there will be multiple opportunities throughout the day to interact with each other.
Nope. We will walk you through the process from challenge identification to pitching. All you need is to be willing to learn.
YES!!! ASU is the Arizona Affiliate for The Henry Ford Invention Convention Worldwide, and we can help you, so you should really come to camp!
A major goal of this camp is to encourage youth to consider starting a business! Yes, the idea will be theirs AND they will make connections to help them keep moving forward – from ASU Staff to volunteer judges.
We are more than happy to provide a letter from ASU stating the educational value and impact of this camp.
Absolutely! We are accepting applications for camp volunteers. You must be 21 years of age and able to pass a background check, and if you are able to stay all 4 days, a stipend will be provided.
Aspiring Youth Academy reserves the right to select students who best fit our program charter.