Page Text: Youth Heritage Project
Students exploring maritime stories
All high school-age students are invited to get hands-on with history this summer in Port Townsend!
At this year’s Youth Heritage Project (YHP), you’ll have the chance to dive into maritime heritage—past and present—and work on storytelling projects related to the new Maritime Washington National Heritage Area.
This FREE overnight summer program offers a unique mix of opportunities for active learning, outdoor fun, and student-led volunteer projects. From our base in historic Fort Worden, you’ll have the chance to explore Port Townsend’s fascinating history, vibrant maritime culture, and beautiful natural setting.
From July 12-15, 2022, you’ll take to the water in locally hand-made long boats, meet with boatbuilders and tradespeople, learn from local Tribal members, and play in quirky downtown Port Townsend. You’ll also have the chance to work with local partners to help them better tell their stories—serving as advisors on real-world problems.
Whether you’re a history lover, an outdoor enthusiast, an aspiring storyteller, or a budding artist, YHP is a fun opportunity to explore a unique place in your state, meet new friends, and give back this summer!
We are also seeking adults to serve as teacher-mentors for the program. Please apply by completing the form at the link below and indicate on the “Applicant Type” question whether you are applying as a student or a teacher-mentor. The deadline to submit applications for teacher-mentors is April 30, 2022. The deadline to submit applications for students is May 13, 2022.
All students and teacher-mentors accepted to participate in YHP 2022 will be required to abide by Washington State guidelines for COVID-19 precautions.
YHP 2022 Application
What is Youth Heritage Project?
Youth Heritage Project (YHP) is a FREE overnight summer program for high-school students, focused on the history, culture, and nature of Washington’s special places.
Each year, YHP students visit a new location for fun and engaging place-based activities, learning about how different histories and resources shape the community. Through scavenger hunts, hikes, site visits, boat trips, museums, tours, and more, participants explore how remembering, preserving, and sharing stories from the past can help shape the future. Then, YHP students are paired with local organizations to address real-world issues in the community for the flagship student project presentation day at the conclusion of the camp.
YHP helps high school students learn how to shape their communities through participation and activism, inspiring the next generation of leaders to get involved with the places that matter to them.
The location and study topics for YHP change annually, and any high school-age students may apply. Questions about YHP? Please contact us by email or call us at 206-624-9449.