Our Programs

Camp iFLY

Developing Global Leaders Through Experience, Exploration, and Community

Our flagship program at iFLY Youth is called Camp iFLY. Each year, up to 20 students (referred to as iFLY Scholars) are selected to participate. The program begins with six pre-camp sessions held from April through June in Washington, D.C. These sessions allow scholars to connect with one another, build relationships with instructors, and establish community norms, with a strong emphasis on social-emotional wellness.

Group of women and girls standing in a line inside a decorated room, some with their hands raised and others clapping, while a woman in traditional African attire walks in front of them. The room has signs, artwork, and a television on the wall.

Following pre-camp, Camp iFLY officially begins. It is a three-week day camp held Monday through Thursday in July. Through activities such as identity mapping, cultural research projects, reflection circles, storytelling exercises, and Spanish language learning, Scholars explore themes of identity, culture, and global citizenship while preparing to engage respectfully with communities abroad.

International travel is the culminating experience of Camp iFLY and serves as the program’s capstone for cultural learning. A central focus of each trip is exposure to the cultural arts. Scholars engage in various forms of artistic expression to connect with different cultures and deepen their appreciation for global diversity. For example, Scholars have participated in salsa dance lessons in both Costa Rica and Colombia, where they not only express themselves creatively but also learn the history and cultural significance behind the art forms.

A group of young people standing in front of a white and purple church, posing for a photo and making peace signs. Two cars are parked behind them.
Two smiling women standing outside, one with her arm around the other. The woman on the left is wearing a white t-shirt with travel-related text and glasses on her head. The woman on the right is wearing an orange sports tank top with the number 32, a navy baseball cap, and a camera hanging around her neck. They are outdoors near a white brick building, with greenery in the background.

Meet Our Scholars

A group of people sitting on an ancient stone staircase built into a wall, outdoors under a blue sky with clouds.
A young woman standing in front of a brick wall painted with blue and orange sections, wearing a gray T-shirt with a tiger face graphic, khaki pants with ripped knees, a black jacket, and a red patterned headband, smiling and holding the hood of her jacket.

“I gained a lot of friendships and relationships. I also learned that if you want something in life, you gotta work hard for it.”

Ayona K.
2018 iFLY Scholar

Group of people wearing helmets on a zipline in a lush green forest.

“Ever since Camp iFLY, I have changed mentally. I say mentally because of the fact that I now acknowledge and surround myself with girls that are not bringing me down with negativity in any way. I now know how to communicate when something is bothering me as well.”

Amy C.
2023 iFLY Scholar

A group of women and girls wearing helmets and harnesses, posing outdoors in a lush green jungle setting after a rock climbing or ziplining activity.
Close-up of a young woman with natural hair and brown skin, smiling at the camera, standing in front of a locker.

“Before iFLY, I took Duolingo lessons on Spanish, but nothing seemed to stick. However, with help from Ms. Flores, I understand a lot more. When I was shopping, I was able to effectively communicate with the cashiers, knowing how to ask for the price of any item. I felt more sure that I would enjoy my time in Panama by knowing how to talk with the locals."

Helen S.
2025 iFLY Scholar

Smiling girl wearing red shirt and black headband against dark background.

“At Camp iFLY the areas I grew the most were being my full, authentic self, Self-awareness, and speaking up and using my voice. I learned my voice matters.”

Sydney M.
2026 iFLY Scholar

iFLY Alumni International Exchange Scholarship

At iFLY Youth, the journey does not end when Scholars return home—it continues as they grow into the next generation of global leaders. Through our partnership with Open Horizon and AFS-USA, we provide three high school alumni each year with full scholarships to participate in international exchange programs.

These immersive experiences allow alumni to further develop their cultural understanding, language skills, and leadership capacity while continuing to build the confidence and perspective needed to navigate and shape an increasingly connected world.

2026 Recipients

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Addison P., Spain

Young woman with braided hair wearing a white beret, smiling outdoors.

Cambridge W., Spain

Young woman smiling while zip-lining through a forest, wearing a blue helmet and harness.

Milan K., Costa Rica