CAMP FAQ
Q: What is LYF?
A: LYF stands for Leading Youth Forward. TACL-LYF is an annual summer camp for Taiwanese American youth, established in 1982. LYF is organized by a group of college and post-college Taiwanese Americans in the Bay Area, who serve as counselors to Taiwanese American youth in grades 4 through 12. Our primary objectives are to deepen their understanding of their unique cultural heritage, to cultivate their leadership and communication skills, and to connect them with other Taiwanese Americans.
Q: When and where is this year's camp?
A: This year's camp (2012) will be held Wednesday-Sunday, June 20-24, at Monte Toyon in Aptos in Santa Cruz County (20 Cloister Lane, Aptos, CA 95003).
Q: What type of programming will my children participate in during the camp?
A: We offer a variety of different types of programming. Generally, we have several types of activities: workshops, clinics, small groups, night market, and on. Its a really packed schedule.
- Workshops - These activities are designed to enlighten the campers on various aspects of Taiwanese American culture. Each year, we focus on a different theme such as cultural heritage, leadership skills, self-confidence, and community. Here is a workshop that taught the hardships and issues that the first generation Taiwanese American parents had to endure to immigrate to the United States: Immigration Workshop Video
- Small Groups – These are led by two counselors; each small group allows campers to experience LYF in a family-like setting. The purpose is to foster in-depth group discussions as follow-up to the speaker sessions and to help develop life-long friendships with fellow Taiwanese Americans.
- Clinics – These are fun activities that can involve anything from physical sports, to crafts, to food-making, to Taiwanese painting.
- Traditional camp activities - Camp wouldn’t be complete without some traditional activities such as campfire, story telling, and chubby bunny!
- Fun - No explanation is needed.
A: We understand that some kids get homesick and want to talk to their family -- that is completely fine and kids can connect with parents on the phone during any free time hours. Every year we have trained medical staff on-site in case of any health-related emergencies. In addition, camp insurance is mandatory for all participants for the entire duration of the camp.
Q: What do kids learn about?
A: Our curriculum and programming revolves around leadership, self-confidence, Taiwanese history, Taiwanese-American culture, identify, communication, and community building.
Q: Why does the camp happen in the woods?
A: Campers are encouraged to dive deep into the camp experience, removed from the distractions of everyday life. For example, TACL-LYF 2011 camp theme is LYF Happens Offline, and campers will get a unique experience removed from the conveniences of Internet and constant connectivity. Yes, its hard to live for 4 days without a computer, but there are exciting, potential life experiences that can be had at camp.
Q: Why is this camp so expensive?
A: Our camp is priced competitively between alternative summer programs. LYF Camp runs as a non-profit organization with minimal overhead and minimal profit. In fact, we are always looking for donations to keep our camp healthy so we can operate in future years!!!
Q: Our family planned a vacation already. Can you change the dates for camp?
A: Unfortunately this isn’t possible. We carefully choose every year’s date to accommodate as many school districts as possible in the Bay Area. We hope that you can make it next year! Please check back for the next year’s camp dates (we typically announce dates around January)!
Q: Where do participants come from?
A: Most are from the Bay Area, but we welcome campers from anywhere
Q: What about electronics?
A: Campers should leave electronics at home. Camp schedules are jam packed with activity and there will be multiple (and more fun) alternatives!
Q: How do I register for LYF?
A: Click on this link to register through our online registration form. This year we have introduced early registration, which allows you to register for the price of last year's camp (registration costs traditionally rise slightly from year to year). You will receive a receipt once you complete the registration process.
Organizational History
For over 25 years, the Taiwanese American Youth Leadership (TAYL) camp has been empowering kids to become effective leaders in their communities. Established in 1982, the camp originally started as a place where first generation Taiwanese parents could pass on their culture and political beliefs without fear of government retribution. Over the years, the camp has evolved to help Taiwanese youth of all generations handle the issues they face as American citizens. Today, the camp's mission is to help foster awareness of the campers' Taiwanese identity, culture, and values. College students and young working professionals volunteer as counselors who mentor the youth.
In recent months, TAYL has undergone an organization shift, transitioning from its fiscal sponsor, Taiwanese Alliance for Interculture (TAI), to TACL. This move was done in order to unite with other second generation Taiwanese Americans across the country. The name of the camp was also changed to TACL-Leading Youth Forward (LYF). Pronounced "Tackle Life", our camp aims to help Taiwanese American youth grow to become proactive citizens who give back to their respective communities and freely share their Taiwanese heritage with others, thus contributing to the rich multicultural fabric of American society.