2E. Part Deux.
1517's Teen Fall Camp is back! So back!
In 2023, we embraced an experiment in possibility. 2E brought together ambitious teens to give them the gift of friendship, connection (with peers and mentors), and some wily mischief.
We didn’t know what to expect or if the camp wold be a success. But the response before & after the camp has exceeded all of our expectations — and honestly, being part of these teen’s lives during and after the camp has been an absolute joy for us at 1517.
During the camp, they bonded with a tenderness and depth of care for each other that we found inspiring. And afterwards, they’ve formed bonds that have lasted across time and vast distance. We’ve watched them help one another and learn from each other for nearly a year in what was supposed to be a “temporary” group chat that we’d set up before camp.
The experiment is ongoing. We don’t know what the “outcome” will be. We aren’t interested in measuring immediate “results.” We’re interested in how their stories will unfold over the coming years, and how they’ll shape our future.
One of the best memories I have. Thank you to the 1517 team for making this possible[!]
We are proud to announce that we’re bringing back 2E with another batch of incredible teens. As before, we’ll be hosting the camp at Hidden Valley in the Bay Area from the evening of Oct 10th through morning of Oct 14th.
As before, we’ll allow for some rolling applications, but we’ll prioritize potential attendees who apply by August 4th. However, given our experience with last year, we anticipate that we’ll fill the attendee list quickly!
Our ideal applicant hasn’t changed. We’re looking for what the French would call nerdy joie de vivre. Teens who love to build and explore while dabbling in mischief in the time between. Teens who embrace sociable spontaneity. Who get giddy over the idea of sharing ideas with other irrationally passionate teens.
Over the course of the weekend we will visit early stage deep tech companies in the Bay Area, engage in some fascinating surprise workshops, and have an unconference day where teens will get to share their geekery and expertise with others — and of course there will be night hikes, making friends with the animals on the farm, and plenty of time to hang out with peers over s’mores!
A great litmus test is if our post on the last 2E resonates with you. If you read that piece and feel a yearning for such connection, then please apply! Or, if you know someone who’d feel that way, then please ask them to apply!
Our goal is that, by the end of the weekend, our 2Ers will have explored new horizons, with new friends while picking up a new trick or two. It’s fun to explore this world’s vastness with friends. :)
[I] wanted to say a massive thank you – that weekend was truly one of the best in a looonnngg time. Being around people who think ambitiously and who I can connect with– it’s life changing. 🚀
I have always been someone who’s hesitant to trust/connect with people because I feel like they don’t actually understand me/I can’t relate to them. But I think that the people I met at 2E are people who do understand me. And you have no idea how special that is to me. 🤩
People I feel like I can truly connect with and be myself around. People who I can have good conversations with, people I would choose to be around and would probably travel long distances to see again. That weekend gave me a new hope for people, and that I can find (and have found!) people I can really relate to. It doesn’t matter that they’re in a different country, cuz we’ll figure out a way to meet up again. So thank you for that[.]
As before, 2E is free to campers to maximize awesomeness & serendipity. :)
But, with that being said, we do not have a budget to sponsor transportation so everyone will need to provide their own flights and transportation to/from the camp site in Los Altos Hills (30 minutes outside of San Francisco International Airport). Parents of minors will need to sign a notarized waiver to attend. Since this is a small event, we will not have room for parents on site (but there are plenty of hotels nearby).
Last year over a hundred teens applied, and we were in awe of everyone’s passions & aspirations. Thank you for letting us in and sharing your incredible selves!
2Ers from last year have gone on to become great friends, received the 1517 Medici grant, and participated in internships with some of our founders! It has been exciting watching everyone flourish. We’re hoping that the this tradition of rich, fulfilling growth continues!
If you have any questions, then feel free to send us an email at 2E@1517fund.com!