Innovator Camp
A storytelling camp for young entrepreneurs.
8/26- 8/31 in Leavenworth, WA
For the Next Generation of Entrepreneurs
The Prodigy Project has spent 15 years working with talented teen creators—filmmakers, musicians, & artists who want to make things that matter. Last year, we tested whether our approach could work for young entrepreneurs too.
It did.
We brought 12 students from six countries to our first Innovator Camp. By the end of the week, every single one said they had a clearer vision for their work, felt more confident pitching their ideas, and left with a network of mentors and peers who actually got what they were trying to build.
“I walked in with a project, but I walked out with perspective, purpose, and people who just get it. ”
Who should apply?
We're looking for 16 teens (ages 12-18) who want to build something that matters. You don't need a polished startup or years of experience. Some of our best campers came in with nothing but an idea they cared about.
One tip: The more honest and personal you are in your application, the better your chances. We're building a community of entrepreneurs with character, not just business skills.
Application Details
Tuition: $2,450
Scholarships: Available—early applicants get priority
Process: Application + interview for finalists
Spots: 16 (they fill fast)
We review applications on a rolling basis, so apply early. Early applicants get first shot at scholarships.
Ready? Apply at prodigycamp.org/innovator-application
What Happens at Camp?
Most entrepreneurship programs teach business fundamentals. We teach you how to tell your story, and why that matters more than you think.
Last year's camp brought together 12 students from six countries. They came with ideas at different stages: some had businesses already running, others just had problems they wanted to solve. By the end of the week, all of them could pitch their vision with clarity and confidence.
Here's what the week looks like:
You start working with a mentor before you even get to camp. These are entrepreneurs, CEOs, filmmakers, and creators from all different sectors. We’ll match you with one who fits your personality and goals. They'll help you shape your idea so you're ready to make the most of the week.
During the week, you'll pitch your idea twice—once early on, once at the end. Students last year said watching their own before-and-after pitches was eye-opening. You'll also create a short film about your story and vision that you can use after camp.
Then there are the campfires. Every night, students sit around the fire and share personal stories: about what drives them, what scares them, & what they care about. Last year's campers called this one of the most meaningful parts of the experience.
“The counselors and campers created a community that truly excites me and continues to motivate me to make the world a better place through my work.”
Who teaches?
Last year's mentors included a Fortune 500 CEO, one of the world's most successful content creators, award-winning filmmakers, and entrepreneurs who've started groundbreaking companies. They give feedback on your work and share what they learned by doing it themselves.
You leave with a clearer sense of what you're building, the skills to pitch it, a video you can use, and connections to mentors and peers who care about what you're trying to do.
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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.Celeste Burgoyne
Celeste Burgoyne is the President of Lululemon and a dynamic leader known for her visionary approach to retail and deep commitment to empowering women in business.Coach Dar
Darleen Santore, known as "Coach Dar," is a best-selling author, speaker, and former Phoenix Suns Mental Skills Coach whose journey through multiple strokes ignited her mission to help others unlock their inner greatness. As a personal story mentor and occupational therapist, she empowers people to thrive through adversity with purpose and resilience.Frank D’Souza
Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Recognize, Former CEO of Cognizant, Fortune Business Person of the Year, and Philanthropist.Sue Dunnett
Susan Dunnett is Professor and Personal Chair of Consumer Culture and Society at the University of Edinburgh Business School, specializing in branding, consumer vulnerability, and healthcare consumerism. Her research explores how branding intersects with identity and social support, particularly in contexts of illness and stigma.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.Peter Horton
Emmy-nominated Director, Producer, and Writer; Actor (notable for Thirtysomething, Grey’s Anatomy, and The Cure).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.Max Losee
CEO of VOAST, Director of ProdigyProject, and Principal at StoryQ.Christian Loubek
Director, Filmmaker, and Storyteller known for his creative approach to visual storytelling across various media.Paige MacLean
Paige MacLean is a lecturer at Yale School of Management and philanthropic advisor, specializing in strategic, high-impact giving with over 25 years of experience in nonprofit leadership.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.Keiron McCammon
Keiron McCammon is a seasoned tech entrepreneur and product strategist who has co-founded and led multiple successful startups to exit in the internet, mobile, and e-commerce sectors.Catherine McCord
A multi-award-winning filmmaker known for her innovative storytelling and captivating visual style.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.Charles Meyers
Executive Chairman of Equinix, a leading $10 billion technology company.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.Chris Millar
Chris Millar is a New Zealand-born tech entrepreneur specializing in international security systems and monetary policy. With deep expertise in global finance and cutting-edge technology, he develops innovative solutions at the intersection of security and economics.Tash Moffitt
Tasha Moffitt always believed that small, contagious acts of generosity can transform the world for the better, echoing Edward Lorenz’s “Butterfly Effect” theory—that even the softest flutter can set off a powerful chain reaction. Through her work as an artist, philanthropist, and founder of Butterfly Effect: Be the Change, she inspires global acts of micro-philanthropy into meaningful change.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.Dave Rolfe
Dave Rolfe is a renowned advertising executive who served as President of Production at BBDO, the world’s largest advertising agency. With a storied career spanning decades, he has been instrumental in shaping groundbreaking campaigns and elevating the role of production in modern marketing.Jim Salters
Visionary, philanthropist, and serial for-profit and non-profit entrepreneur, including a 7-figure exit to a public company. Songwriter, pilot, CEO and youth sports coach.
Jason Smith
Jason Smith is a five-time successful entrepreneur and the Founder/CEO of Klue, with deep expertise in app development and a current focus on AI. He’s raised over $100 million, planted 100,000 trees, traveled the world with his family, and once went cage diving with alligators.
Hugo Spowers
Hugo Spowers MBE is a British entrepreneur-engineer who co-ordinated the development of the Morgan LIFEcar sports car project that was launched at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2008, and the Riversimple Urban Car.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.Kari Tilman
Editor-in-Chief of Special Sources Magazine, Founder of Project Sunshine, Consultant, and Philanthropist.
Deron Triff
Deron Triff is the co-founder of WaitWhat, the media company behind influential podcasts like Masters of Scale and Meditative Story. A former TED executive, he has built a career at the intersection of storytelling, innovation, and transformative ideas.Bill Way
Oscar-nominated Producer & CEO of Fit Via Vi Films. Philanthropist.Mary Way
Executive Director Emeritus of Southwest Shakespeare Co.; Founder of Fit Via Vi Films; Philanthropist.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.
WHEN
August 26th - 31st, 2026
WHERE
Leavenworth, WA
COST
$2,450, with several full & partial scholarships available