During the summer, YWCA Spokane and SWAG (Strong Women Achieving Greatness) came together to host two Transformations Camps  — a powerful, week-long experience for youth built around the theme “I AM EMPOWERED.” With daily programming from 9am to 2pm, this camp immersed participants in a vibrant and affirming space designed to explore empowerment from all angles — individual, social, educational, financial, psychological, and physical.

Led by longtime SWAG leader خايمي ستايسي, Transformations Camp created a brave and welcoming environment where youth felt seen, heard, and valued. For each camp, Jaime was joined by three peer mentors, all former campers who returned to pay it forward and lead daily discussions with heart and wisdom.

Throughout the week, campers reflected on what it means to be empowered, engaging in meaningful conversations about self-confidence, identity, mental health, and self-care. Mornings started with breakfast and intention-setting, then moved into guest speakers, field trips, and hands-on activities that brought empowerment to life in creative and interactive ways.

Some highlights included:

• Financial Literacy with Numerica Credit Union: Youth learned about financial independence, budgeting, and needs vs. wants through a workshop and group activity designed to build confidence around money management.
• Exploring Creativity and Community at Spark Central: On Tuesday, campers took a special trip to Spark Central where they engaged in activities that affirmed their voices, creativity, and curiosity. They explored how expression and connection are forms of empowerment.
• A Visit to Spokane City Hall: Campers visited the City Council and Mayor's Offices, meeting with Spokane City Council President Betsy Wilkerson and being introduced to Mayor Lisa Brown. They finished the tour in the Council Chambers, where they participated in a mock Council Meeting, debating and voting on issues relevant to school-aged students, such as 10am school start times. The visit helped underscore the message that they are never too young to make a difference.
• Career Connections with YWCA Spokane Staff: Youth met with members of YWCA’s team who shared their personal journeys and how they came to do the mission-driven work they love. These stories helped participants see themselves in new ways and dream bigger about their futures.
• Daily Peer Mentor Circles: Every afternoon, campers gathered with peer mentors to process the day’s activities, talk about what matters most to them, and build skills around coping, belonging, and resilience.

Each camp culminated in a transformative field trip to Wild Walls, an indoor climbing gym that served as a metaphor for empowerment. Campers learned to trust themselves, ask for help when needed, and embrace challenge with courage. They practiced mindfulness and self-kindness as they faced obstacles — and discovered they were stronger than they thought.

As one camper shared, “I had never done anything like this before and almost didn’t come. But I’m really glad I did. I hope I can come back next year.”

The 2025 Transformations Camps delivered on its theme in every way. By weaving together skill-building, mentorship, creativity, and joy, the camps reminded each participant: You are powerful. You belong. You are empowered.

A heartfelt thank you goes out to all the youth, mentors, speakers, partners, and supporters who made this first week unforgettable.