Welcome to the
2026 ELG Entrepreneurial Summer Immersion Camp!
July 12–17, 2026 (Old Dominion University)
Envision Lead Grow’s mission is to increase the rate of entrepreneurship in today’s youth, thereby transforming communities of poverty to communities of prosperity through economic development, social justice, and promoting ownership, equity, and investment in marginalized communities around the globe. We are committed to helping them build their future through entrepreneurship by creating a community to support their success.
95% of Envision Lead Grow girls reported experiencing personal growth, such as learning new skills, during the ELG program. In fact, 87% of parents reported noticing their daughters’ personal growth, too, specifically in respect to motivation. -ELG 2018 Mentee Survey
MARCH 30
Applications
Open
MAY 5
Applications
Deadline
MAY 30
Participant Notifications Sent
JUNE 15
Participant Confirmation Deadline
JULY 12-17
ELG Summer Immersion Camp
Countdown to ELG Summer Immersion Camp 2026!
Frequently Asked Questions
Use this list to answer any questions you or your daughter may have.
What are the dates of the camp?
July 13th (drop-off) through July 18th (pickup)
Where is the camp located?
Old Dominion University (Norfolk, VA)
Can you tell me more about the summer camp?
Girl Bosses will be walked through our curriculum and taught how to create their own business using their passion. Throughout the week, girls will learn business skills, communication skills, as well as writing skills. At the end of the week, they all pitch their new business ideas for the chance to win $500 seed money for their ventures. Girls stay in the dorms, eat in the dining halls, and experience an introduction to what college could look like for them.
What grade levels are welcome at the camp?
Rising 6th grade through rising 12th grade
What type of camp is it (e.g., day camp, overnight camp, specialty camp)?
Overnight, 5-Day Camp
Will there be an informational meeting?
Yes. Once you receive confirmation that your child has been accepted into the Summer Immersion Camp you will also be notified of the date/time of the scheduled informational zoom meeting.
Is this program only for girls?
Yes, it is.
How do I register my child for the camp?
Complete the application through this link.
What is the cost of the camp?
All components of our program are offered completely at no cost to your students or families. We have been blessed with Board of Directors, sponsors and community partners who sponsor the program entirely. If you are interested in supporting ELG through your personal donations, company, donations matched, or volunteering, please explore our website.
What is the application deadline?
The application will close automatically on May 1st.
What is the cancellation policy?
Please send an email to info@envisionleadgrow.org if your child can no longer attend camp.
What medical forms or documentation are required?
There will be a medical form within the acceptance packet to be completed.
What is the camp’s policy on medications?
Medications are held by ELG Staff throughout the duration of camp. All medications must be labeled with the child’s information.
Is there a nurse or medical staff on-site?
Yes, there will be a licensed medical professional on-site to dispense medication as prescribed.
What types of activities will my child participate in?
Activities vary day to day; however, they may include, but are not limited to cookout, spirit night, choice time, game night, etc.
How are activities structured (e.g., free choice, scheduled)?
Activities throughout the day are structured. All camp attendees will receive a snapshot of the daily schedule after acceptance.
Are there any competitive or team-building elements?
Yes. Spirit night involves a team challenge, while the pitch competition is an individual activity.
What should my child bring to camp?
Once your child is accepted, you will receive a parent packet with an essential packing list. Examples of what to pack are: clothes for 5 days and 6 nights, toiletries, twin XL sheet set, pillow, snacks, an umbrella. All Girl Bosses are limited to one (1) suitcase!
Are there any items that are not allowed at camp?
We are a non-smoking/vaping, non-alcohol, and drug-free environment. This includes marijuana and tobacco products. Fireworks and firearms are not permitted at camp other than at sanctioned activities. Any camper or staff member violating these policies is subject to immediate dismissal from Envision Lead Grow’s programming.
Do campers need to bring their own bedding?
Yes. Twin XL Sheet set with a pillow and blanket.
What meals are provided?
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner will be provided daily.
Can the camp accommodate special dietary needs (e.g., vegetarian, gluten-free)?
Yes. The dining hall will be prepared to accommodate any needs.
Can I send my child with packed food or snacks?
Yes. Girl Bosses can bring pre-packed snacks and drinks for their dorm room. Please do not send items that require heating, cooking, or refrigeration (i.e. noodles, mac and cheese, hot pockets, etc.).
How can I communicate with my child while they are at camp?
Girl Bosses are allowed to bring their cellular device to camp at their own risk.
Will I receive updates on my child’s progress or activities?
Parents and families will receive daily updates on camp activities via email.
Can I visit my child during camp?
No. No visitation is allowed throughout the week of camp to keep all Girl Bosses, staff, and volunteers safe.
Will my child have access to Wi-Fi?
Yes.
What is the staff-to-camper ratio?
There are 10 Girl Bosses to 1 Camp Counselor
Are there transportation options provided by the camp?
No transportation will be provided.
Can I pick up my child during the week for appointments, meetings, or family events, and bring them back?
No. The camp includes detailed instruction and exciting activities that Girl Bosses do not want to miss. Girl Bosses will be released early only in cases of emergency or predetermined events.
Who can pick up my child from camp? What if the pickup person changes?
Only the designated person on the application may pick up their Girl Boss. If the person picking up your Girl Boss changes, you must send a copy of their license and a signed letter to ELG Staff prior to their pickup time.
What if my child is homesick?
Homesickness is a common issue in camps. It can affect new as well as returning Girl Bosses for various reasons. The effective remedy for homesickness is plenty of warm, friendly engagement. Our Envision Lead Grow team goes into high gear to supply this when one of our Girl Bosses exhibits homesickness. In most cases, homesickness is beat with engagement and ample time to allow Girl Bosses to find their stride and make friends. Please give the Girl Boss time to adjust to her new roommate, fellow Girl Bosses, staff, and overall surroundings. We are prepared to manage homesickness.
What is the camp’s behavior policy?
The camp operates on a three-violation rule:
1). First Violation: A staff member will address and document the issue directly with the Girl Boss. The Girl Boss may be removed from an activity for the day, such as choice time. Parents will be contacted during the day or at the end of the day depending on the time and severity of the incident.
2). Second Violation: A staff member will address and document this issue directly with the Girl Boss. The Girl Boss will be removed from all activities for the day and will complete her work independently. The parent or guardian will receive a phone call.
3). Third Violation: A staff member will address and document this issue directly with the Girl Boss. The Girl Boss will be removed from the program and sent home at the expense of the parent or guardian. The Girl Boss will be expelled from all further ELG programming. The Girl Boss will need to be picked up when expelled.
*Please Note: We reserve the right at any time to dismiss your Girl Boss from the program if we deem unsafe placement due to environment, physical, emotional, or other harm to themselves, other Girl Bosses, and staff.
What happens if my child needs to be sent home early?
Envision Lead Grow reserves the right to dismiss a girl boss at leadership’s discretion. We rarely send girl bosses home for disciplinary reasons and always communicate with parents when we observe unusual or concerning Girl Boss behavior. However, if a Girl Boss’s manner is repeatedly inappropriate toward other girl bosses or staff or if the Girl Boss’s actions pose a threat to the safety of herself or others, parents will be called to pick up their daughter immediately.
What type of sleeping arrangements are there?
Girl Bosses, counselors, and ELG Staff will be housed in a dormitory. There is 24-hour supervision.
Are cabins or rooms shared, and how many campers are in each?
Girl Bosses will share a room with one roommate similar in age.
Can my child choose her roommate?
Due to the capacity of enrollees, Girl Bosses are NOT able to choose their roommates ahead of time.
Is there additional support for children with physical or learning disabilities?
The entire campus of ODU is ADA compliant. If your Girl Boss has any specific challenges, please contact us as we handle each on a case-by-case basis.
What happens if there is bad weather?
Activities will be modified daily pending weather conditions. Please bring an umbrella.
What is the camp’s policy on electronic devices (e.g., phones, tablets)?
Electronic devices are allowed at the risk of the Girl Boss and family. Envision Lead Grow is not held responsible for lost or misplaced items.
Can my child work on school assignments during camp?
We prefer that Girl Bosses come prepared to be focused on camp activities and tasks they will participate in daily and do not bring any schoolwork to camp.
What does your year-round program consist of?
Our program begins with a (1) sleepaway summer camp at a college university to learn the building blocks of starting a business and (2) continues throughout the school year with online webinar and monthly assignments. (3) The Girl Bosses are placed in a mentoring group with a local female professional, and (4) an end-of-year institute for the top-performing girls within the program.
What if I don’t know anyone at camp before I go?
There will be many bonding opportunities for you to make new friends.
What if I feel sad or miss my parents?
We encourage you to talk to your counselor about how you are feeling. Also, to call or text your family any time you are feeling homesick.
What if I am hungry or don’t like what is served at a meal?
Our meals will be at Old Dominion University’s Broderick Dining Hall, where you get to choose what you’d like! Typically, there are two hot options as well as a salad bar and pizza each day.
What is the Pitch Competition?
The pitch competition is the culminating event of camp. This is where you will be able to perform your pitch for your business in front of judges. The winner will receive funding towards their business.
What if I don’t know how to do something?
Counselors and ELG Staff we be there to help you learn whatever you may be struggling with.
What if I forget to pack something?
No big deal! We always keep a locker with all the essentials you may forget—toiletries, sheets, blankets, and more. Just let your counselor know and we will get it to you!
Do we ever get to choose our own activities?
You do! Each day, you’ll have something called “Choice Time,” and you will be able to select an activity outside of our regular curriculum to focus on for the week. This could be anything from creative writing to outdoor sports to dance to arts and crafts!
Do I get to celebrate my birthday if it’s at camp?
Absolutely! You’ll be showered with love and lots of ELG celebrations and surprises.