Everyone leads.
At PEAK, leadership is defined as understanding, developing and using your power to positively influence people and/or places. We all have ways that we can have a positive impact on our world, big and small, formal and informal. Young people need opportunities to explore their innate capacity for leadership at an early age.
PEAK programs offer those opportunities in a supportive environment for youth of all ages.
PEAK is a progressive program, nurturing youth leadership from first grade through high school.
OUR MISSION
PEAK’s mission is to bring out the limitless potential in young leaders through extraordinary experiences and nurturing relationships.
OUR VISION
Our vision is that PEAK alumni shape their communities with poise, persistence, confidence, and character and that the PEAK Initiative is the recognized expert in preparing young people for a life of leadership and purpose.
Every PEAK Initiative program is based on the organization’s FOUR BELIEFS
EVERY LIVING BEING HAS INHERENT VALUE.
THE COMMUNITY IS BETTER WHEN EVERYONE CONTRIBUTES.
EVERYONE HAS THE POWER TO CHANGE THEIR WORLD.
WE CAN ONLY GROW WHEN WE ARE HONEST ABOUT OUR MISTAKES.
A Year At PEAK
PEAK is a year-round program that offers a series of carefully designed activities to cultivate a deep sense of belonging and help youth explore their innate capacity for leadership at all ages. From building fires to leading community service projects, PEAK offers a wide variety of experiences that spark young people's curiosity and uncover their strengths. Our youth commit to participating in activities year-round for the most impactful experience.
Here’s a standard PEAK year:
A typical summer schedule includes one of each of the following:
Day Camp: Milwaukee-based camps encourage participants to explore their interests and build on their strengths while exploring the Milwaukee community.
Resident Camp: A 2-week overnight session at Lake Valley Camp that allows campers the freedom to practice independent living skills and explore their identities in a diverse, inclusive and supportive community
Specialty Camps: PEAK offers additional opportunities for kids and families such as Bike Camp & Family Camp.
In September through May, a typical schedule includes one of each of the following:
Leadership Labs: Project-based afterschool program where participants actively practice leadership skills such as problem-solving, collaboration, self-awareness and empathy.
Resident Camp Retreat: Weekends at Lake Valley Camp Build relationships and practice communication and collaboration
Expeditions: PEAK expeditions are trip-based programs that push perceived limits through exploration of places that aren’t readily accessible, ranging from college tours to camping trips.
Community Service: Opportunities to contribute to the community for all ages.