PRODIGY INNOVATOR CAMP
An intensive storytelling camp for teen entrepreneurs
Spring 2025
Building on a Legacy of Empowering Young Change-Makers
For over 14 years, the Prodigy Project has been on a mission to identify and nurture the world’s most talented teenage storytellers, artists, and leaders, building them up as future change-makers. Now, Prodigy Camp is expanding its reach to support a new generation of change-makers through the launch of Prodigy Innovator Camp.
How does your story drive you to make a difference in today's world? At the heart of innovation and entrepreneurship is the ability to tell a powerful story. The Prodigy Innovator Camp is first and foremost a storytelling camp, designed to help teen entrepreneurs uncover their personal narratives and use them to inspire action and change. By discovering who they are and what drives them, campers will learn how to communicate their vision in a way that moves people and makes an impact.
Who should apply? There are only 12 spots available in the inaugural camp, and a cost of $2,450. But we are happy to announce several competitive scholarships. There is an application plus an interview for the finalists. If this intrigues you and you have a vision to make a positive impact in the world, we encourage you to apply.
Over our 14-year history, we've found that some of our most successful students didn't realize their own potential before coming to camp. Do not let the word “Prodigy” intimidate you. No matter what sort of entrepreneurial experience (or lack thereof!) you may have, we want to see where your head and heart are at. You have nothing to lose by applying, so give it a shot! One vital tip: the more personal, honest, and vulnerable you are in your application, the better your chances. This program is designed to cultivate entrepreneurs with strong character.
Application Details
We will consider applications on a rolling basis, so it is in your best interest to apply early. Early applicants will get priority for scholarships, with more limited scholarships available in the final round. To apply, visit https://www.prodigycamp.org/innovator-application.
Early Deadline: For consideration into competitive scholarships, apply by January 31, 2025
Final Deadline: (Limited Scholarships for this Round): February 28, 2025
What Makes This Camp Unique?
Many camps teach business skills. But at the Prodigy Innovator Camp, we begin where others don’t—by helping you discover who you are, what has shaped you, and how your story can be a force for change. You’ll learn how to harness your personal narrative to communicate your vision with authenticity and impact.
You’ll be paired with a mentor who will guide you through refining your business proposal and shaping it into a powerful story. Over five days, you’ll receive feedback from peers and experts, building a supportive community of like-minded creators. Here’s the key: the best entrepreneurs don’t just have great ideas—they have compelling stories that move people to act.
Program Highlights:
Self-discovery and storytelling: Begin with an introduction to your own story and values through reflective sessions and campfire discussions.
Creative guidance from global experts: Learn techniques from leading entrepreneurs and storytellers in film and more.
Collaborative project building: Present your ideas, receive feedback, and work alongside fellow entrepreneurs to elevate each other's visions.
Filmmaking your story: Translate your personal narrative into a visual story, capturing your vision on camera.
The Prodigy Project, which has mentored Grammy-winning artists and award-winning filmmakers is bringing together top leaders to help you make a real impact. You’ll get hands-on coaching from Fortune 500 CEOs, Top 40 YouTubers, award-winning filmmakers, and more.
Where is it? The camp is located one hour out of Las Vegas in the high desert (7000 ft).
When is it: Friday, May 30 - Tuesday, June 3, 2025
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Listed Alphabetically
Scilla Andreen
CEO and co-founder of IndieFlix, an award-winning filmmaker, and a changemaker in using film as a catalyst for social impact.Warren Etheredge
Award-winning filmmaker, author, and founder of The Warren Report. Host of the critically acclaimed series The High Bar, Warren is a master storyteller and mentor, known for his ability to unlock creativity and elevate narratives.Nathan Gamble
Actor in The Dark Knight, Babel, A Dolphin Tale (1 & 2), and Marley & Me. Nathan is also a talented writer, director, and acting coach with a passion for guiding young creatives.Gerald Gangaram
Retired U.S. Army Major and West Point graduate. A highly decorated leader and former Apache helicopter pilot with extensive missions in Afghanistan, Gerald overcame significant adversity to become a respected expert in leadership and resilience.Doug Holladay
Former U.S. Special Ambassador and Georgetown University professor. Doug specializes in business ethics and leadership, inspiring the next generation of changemakers.Susan Lacy
Creator and former executive producer of PBS’s American Masters and documentary filmmaker for HBO. An acclaimed filmmaker, Susan has directed documentaries on icons like Steven Spielberg, Billy Joel, and Jane Fonda.Angelique LeDoux
CEO and strategist for Seattle-based storytelling venture StoryQ. Former writer and photo editor at TIME Magazine, founder of Jade’s ToyBox and the youth talent development nonprofit PALNYC. Managing editor at the UHNW Institute and NYC-based angel investor specializing in early-stage impact investing.Tania Marino
Named Innovator of the Year for her groundbreaking work addressing hunger solutions in New Hampshire. Tania is a passionate advocate for systemic change in food security.Lord Neil Mendoza
Provost of Oriel College, Oxford University, and a Commissioner for Cultural Recovery and Renewal. A seasoned entrepreneur across film, design, marketing, and technology sectors, Neil bridges academia and industry innovation.Brian McDonald
Acclaimed author, filmmaker, and storytelling instructor at Pixar. Brian's storytelling principles have shaped some of the most beloved stories in modern cinema.Christopher McQuarrie
Academy Award-winning writer and director, celebrated for The Usual Suspects, the Mission: Impossible series, and Jack Reacher. Chris brings invaluable expertise in crafting compelling stories for the screen.Sam Nelson
Harvard lecturer, software sales leader, and influencer. Sam combines his expertise in technology and communication to empower aspiring entrepreneurs.Sheryl Palmer
Chairman and CEO of Taylor Morrison, a leading $10 billion homebuilding company. Sheryl is a visionary leader dedicated to fostering sustainable and inclusive communities.Andy Paterson
Award-winning producer and writer of films including Girl with a Pearl Earring, Jackie and Hilary, The Railway Man, and Restoration. Andy's expertise lies in creating films that resonate deeply with audiences.Jim Salters
Chairman and co-founder of CEO Accelerator, Jim is a mission-driven leader, investor, and elite performance coach with a passion for fostering innovation and transformative growth.Rick Stevenson
Founder of StoryQ, the 5000 Days Project, and Prodigy Camp. With 12 feature films, 100 hours of television, and 500+ shorts to his name, Rick is a masterful storyteller, author, and mentor.Dune Thorne
Partner at Brown Advisory and expert family wealth advisor. A dedicated philanthropist, Dune is committed to empowering young leaders through financial literacy and social responsibility.Craig Weatherup
Former CEO of Pepsi-Cola and renowned business leader. Craig brings decades of experience in corporate leadership, branding, and operational excellence.Summer Wilson
Technical designer, entrepreneur, and co-founder of Kit and Ace and Ride Cycle Club. As the founding lead designer at Lululemon Athletica, Summer helped shape iconic products like the Groove Pant and logo hoodie, bringing creativity and innovation to every endeavor.Christine Wise
Branding and marketing strategist and professor at the University of Oregon School of Journalism and Communication. Christine helps organizations tell their stories with clarity and impact.Mystery Mentor
A digital pioneer whose creative work has garnered billions of views and tens of millions of subscribers on YouTube, inspiring audiences worldwide through innovative storytelling.
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DAY ONE
Campers arrive for lunch & introductions
Opening: Community Building & Ice-breakers. Campers meet their mentors.
Campers settle into their cabins
Dinner
Camp Kick-Off: Who am I? What’s my story?
Campfire
DAY TWO
Morning Swim
Breakfast
Keynote: "Leading with Your Story: Crafting a Vision that Inspires Action"
Breakout Morning Classes (2 1-Hour Sessions). Potential Classes & Workshop Session Topics May Include:
Personal Growth and Values Assessment: Mentors guide campers in reflecting on their values, personal experiences, and goals to ensure their entrepreneurial journey aligns with their core identity.
Storytelling for Entrepreneurs: Crafting compelling narratives around business ideas and personal journeys, which students can use for pitches and marketing.
Mentoring Sessions for Campers: One-on-one mentoring where campers receive personalized feedback on their business idea pitches, honing clarity and impact.
Lunch
Afternoon Session (3 hours): Four campers will each present their entrepreneurial ideas for in-depth discussion, receiving constructive feedback from both peers and mentors. This collaborative session focuses on refining ideas, identifying strengths, and offering guidance for improvement, with an emphasis on practical steps for success.
Outdoor Activity: Volleyball
Dinner
Campfire
DAY THREE
Morning Swim
Breakfast
Morning session: Four campers will each present their entrepreneurial ideas for in-depth discussion, receiving constructive feedback from both peers and mentors. This collaborative session focuses on refining ideas, identifying strengths, and offering guidance for improvement, with an emphasis on practical steps for success.
Mentoring Sessions for Campers: One-on-one mentoring where campers receive personalized feedback on their business idea pitches, honing clarity and impact.
Lunch
Afternoon Class/Keynote:
Building Resilience and Overcoming Failure: A session that focuses on the inevitable setbacks in entrepreneurship, teaching coping mechanisms and the power of persistence.
Afternoon Session: Four campers will each present their entrepreneurial ideas for in-depth discussion, receiving constructive feedback from both peers and mentors. This collaborative session focuses on refining ideas, identifying strengths, and offering guidance for improvement, with an emphasis on practical steps for success.
Outdoor Activity: Slip-and-slide kickball
Dinner
Evening session—speaker, prep meetings, film screening
Campfire
DAY FOUR
Morning Swim
Breakfast
Part 1: Concurrent Sessions with Campers Experiencing Both Opportunities:
Mentoring Sessions for Campers: One-on-one mentoring where campers receive personalized feedback on their business idea pitches, honing clarity and impact.
Morning Session: Campers will have the opportunity to film their personal stories, capturing their unique narratives on camera. This session focuses on translating their vision into visual storytelling, with guidance from mentors to help bring their ideas to life.
Lunch
Part 2: Concurrent Sessions with Campers Experiencing Both Opportunities:
Mentoring Sessions for Campers: One-on-one mentoring where campers receive personalized feedback on their business idea pitches, honing clarity and impact.
Afternoon Session: Campers will have the opportunity to film their personal stories, capturing their unique narratives on camera. This session focuses on translating their vision into visual storytelling, with guidance from mentors to help bring their ideas to life.
Dinner
Evening Activity
Campfire
DAY FIVE
Pack up
Breakfast
Final Presentations: Participants will showcase their refined entrepreneurial ideas and personal stories in a concluding presentation.
Farewells & group photos
Campers depart with new perspectives and friendships!
You have nothing to lose, and everything to gain by applying to this unique opportunity!
WHEN
Friday, May 30 - Tuesday, June 3, 2025
Dates don’t work? Email us.
WHERE
One hour outside of Las Vegas
COST
$2,450 with several full & partial scholarships available
Let’s bring a little soul to sin city!
We’re thrilled to introduce PRODIGY INNOVATOR CAMP outside of Las Vegas in May 2025. Stay tuned for updates and more. Questions? Reach out.