Dig deep. Rise up. Branch out. Serve.

CAREcorps connects entering 9th through 12th graders with peers representing Salem and surrounding schools. Together they form service teams, are trained and coached through the local nonprofit Isaac's Room (aka IKE Box Cafe), and partner with the City of Salem during July to help make Salem better.

"CAREcorps seeks to break negative teen stereotypes by providing a space for cultural, educational, and leadership growth empowering youth to make positive changes in the community."- Program mission statement created by CAREcorps alumni 2015.

Interested in July 2024 Details? Sign up here.

CAREcorps Philosophy and Goals

The 13-year proven program is based on national service-learning and job skills development best practices, the Search Institutes’ 40 Developmental Assets for youth, and the Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) philosophy which prepares students for academic success and personal success in life.  Find more information about AVID.

All high school youth living in the Salem and surrounding areas are welcome. If you want to develop into a young community leader while growing as an individual and giving back to Salem, then join us! 

Hear from 2022 members, staff, and partners in this CAREcorps video.  

CAREcorps goals and objectives include:  

• Network teens across school campuses and foster friendships and positive connections.
• Create a bridge for incoming 9th graders to positively connect with upperclassmen from shared high schools.
• Provide “real world” skill development activities to improve college & workforce readiness.
• Develop leadership attributes in participants.
• Build a deeper appreciation and understanding for all parts of a community.
• Provide a City of Salem Letter of Recommendation for college portfolios and resumes upon request.  60 hours of service and training completion required. 
• Provide a half (.5) community service elective credit for Salem Keizer Public School students after completing the 3-week program; the equivalent of one semester of class.
• Provide workshop on resume writing incorporating CAREcorps experiences.
• Link members to activities, to camp staff, and to resources throughout the upcoming school year and beyond.

 How the Corps Works

The 3-week service leadership camp consists of the following:

1. Registration: Entering 9th-12th grade teens apply for the free program through our registration link posted here every Spring.
2. Leadership: Teen program staff lead their 9th-12th grade peers in one or more project(s) benefiting the Salem-Keizer area.  All program participants attend personal growth, team-building, communication, career exploration, and leadership development workshops, as well.
3. Service Teams: Service teams are trained throughout camp at the downtown IKE Box Cafe and in the field during service projects. Teams partner with the City of Salem Parks Department and other City and Isaac's Room efforts to plan, start, and complete impactful projects within the program timeframe of Monday through Thursday daytime.
4. Recognition: CAREcorps celebrates youth efforts by inviting the community to an afternoon or evening presentation the last day of camp. Members present their accomplishments and receive a certificate of achievement signed by the Mayor. They also automatically qualify for the Mayor's Service Honors Recognition at time of their high school graduation.