Anytown Youth Leadership

Frequently asked questions

We are happy you are here! Below you will find some common questions that we receive about Anytown.

Have more questions?

Our NCCJ program staff is always happy to answer any questions that you have about Anytown! In fact, many members of our youth programming team went to Anytown when they were in high school. Send us an email today at youth@nccjoh.org and a member of our team will promptly respond to your questions.

Where is Anytown?

NCCJ utilizes several area camp grounds, college campuses, and overnight acommodations to conduct our Anytown programming. When applying for Anytown, the application will indicate which location your Anytown session will be at.

How do we get to Anytown?

Transportation varies depending on the location your Anytown programs are being held. Unless specifically noted - delegates are responsible for their own transportation to and from the location. In situations where the location is far from Dayton, group transportation may be arranged and in this case it would be listed on the application.

What is the purpose of Anytown?

The purpose of Anytown is to create strong youth leaders who are prepared to take action and create a more inclusive environment in their school and community.

How much does Anytown cost?

NCCJ identifies funding to cover much of the cost of Anytown. Delegates pay a non-refundable $45 application fee. Delegates are asked to contribute beyond the application fee if their family has the ability to do so. It costs NCCJ close to $1,000 to send a delegate to an Anytown Institute and $500 for a Retreat. Any donation is greatly appreciated and helps us keep the costs low for everyone.

Will all meals be provided?

We will provide breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks. We will have a vegetarian option along with a non-pork meat option and can accommodate most food restrictions.

Can I come for part of the program?

No, delegates are expected to attend the entirety of the program. Due to the heavy nature of the content and our desire to create a brave space at Anytown, individuals are asked to remain for the duration the weekend. This includes all the delegates, counselors, advisors, and NCCJ staff.

Can I attend multiple Anytown sessions?

Delegates can attend one Anytown Institute (week-long) and one Anytown Retreat (weekend-long). Due to the experiential nature of Anytown, we only allow for delegates to attend one of each version of the program.

Where are the delegates from?

Delegates attend Anytown from across the Miami Valley. Any student who can make it to camp is welcome to come, regardless of home county.

What are my responsibilities as a delegate?

On your application there was a delegate agreement. It stated that you will participate fully in the program. In addition, you will not use drugs/alcohol (this includes tobacco products and vaping devices) or bring weapons. Delegates also commit to engaging with NCCJ year round in monthly follow-up sessions.

What happens at Anytown?

Learning, laughing, understanding, talking, and making wonderful new friends: These are all things delegates have done at Anytown. The day is split between discussion groups, leadership training, learning about diversity issues and free time.

What is the difference in the Retreat and the Institute?

In 2021, NCCJ introduced our Anytown Youth Leadership Retreat, otherwise simply known as the "Retreat." Both Anytown programs are youth leadership programs through the lens of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI).

Our Institute is a week-long program. Each day, delegates dive deep into a particular issue surrounding DEI (for example a day on gender). During these lessons, we learn about allyship and leadership.

Our Retreat is a weekend-long program focusing on tangible leadership skills. We spend a full day discussing leadership skills and a full day discussing how to be an ally to a small group. Rather than discussing specific issues, this program teaches skills that could be applied to social change of any type.

Who runs Anytown?

Anytown is run by NCCJ: Nurturing Community, Cultivating Justice. NCCJ has been in Dayton since 1978 and has been presenting Anytown locally for over 20 years.

At Anytown, NCCJ utilizes volunteer counselors who help facilitate the program, keep everyone safe, and ensure everyone is enjoying their time with us. All counselors are FBI and BCI background checked. Typically about 80-90% of our counselors are alumni of Anytown who are at least one year out of high school.

Who is Anytown for?

Every high school student from across the Miami Valley will benefit from Anytown!

Why should I attend Anytown?

Anytown gives delegates the tools to go out and make real change in the world. We consistently hear from our alumni that their time at Anytown changed their lives. Alumni are so passionate about their time at Anytown that many return after high school to be Anytown counselors.

The skills you learn at Anytown are valuable and will remain with you for life.

What do I bring to Anytown?

At Anytown, we provide all the food, drinks, and materials you will need.

We ask delegates to bring clothing, toiletries, bedding, towels, and any medications that they take.

An in depth packing list will be mailed to you when you apply.

What happens after Anytown?

NCCJ offers monthly follow-up sessions for alumni. Our follow-up sessions are fun activities that continue the education and relationships provided at Anytown. All materials for our follow-up events are free to delegates.