SUMMER PROGRAM
Spark joy at RepresentAsian Matters 2026
Joy is practiced as students take creative risks, stay curious, and build meaningful connections with one another.
📅July 13–17 |📍Denver Botanic Gardens
For AANHPI girls and gender-expansive youth entering grades 6–9 in the 2026–2027 school year.
What is Asian Girls Ignite’s Summer Program?
The RepresentAsian Matters Summer Program brings middle school students together for a week of cultural exploration, storytelling, and joyful connection, supported by high school camp guides who once participated themselves and now return to lead. They bring lived experience and an older-sibling energy that middle schoolers naturally gravitate toward.
Middle school students explore identity in ways that feel affirming and accessible, guided by AANHPI women and gender-expansive storytellers who share lived experiences and creative practices. These are artists, educators, and community builders who understand what it means to grow up balancing cultures and carving your own path. This cross-age experience builds a stronger sense of belonging that carries into the future.
Strengthening community across ages and experiences
RepresentAsian Matters 2026
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RepresentAsian Matters 2026 ·
This summer's theme: Rooted in Joy
A week-long practice of noticing, sharing, and growing joy together. Joy shows up in small moments like trying something new, laughing with peers, and feeling understood.
Rooted In Joy means:
Staying open and curious
Taking gentle risks
Letting joy exist alongside nerves
Sharing joy with others
Joy becomes grounding.
Joy becomes something students carry forward.
Interactive Learning
Group activities
AANHPI woman and gender-expansive storytellers
What to expect
This program centers who your child is becoming.
Students explore identity with care and curiosity, reflect on their strengths, and build meaningful connections with peers and AANHPI women and gender-expansive folks.
Each day brings this year’s theme to life through reflection, creative exploration, and time together.
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The first day is designed to help students feel comfortable, connected, and oriented, with extra time devoted to getting to know peers, High School camp guides, and Team AGI.
8:45-9:00 AM: Drop-off and settle in.
9:00–9:45 AM: Light breakfast, students meet their high school guide, and get-to-know activities within their small group.
9:45–11:00 AM: Whole group scavenger hunt co-planned with high school guides, encouraging exploration, teamwork, and curiosity in the gardens.
11:00 AM–12:00 PM: Lunch featuring meals from AANHPI-owned businesses.
12:15–2:00 PM: Activity stations led by high school guides designed for creativity and play.
2:00–3:00 PM: Collage closeout - Students reflect on the day through journaling, photos, drawings, and creative expression.
3:00–3:30 PM: Closing circle to wrap up the day’s experiences.
3:30–3:45 PM: Pick-up
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These days build on the foundation set on Monday, following a familiar rhythm of connection, storytelling, and creative exploration.
8:45-9:00 AM: Drop-off and settle in.
9:00–9:30 AM: Light breakfast and small group check-ins to reflect on the previous day and prepare for what’s ahead.
9:30–10:00 AM: Whole group icebreakers and games led by high school guides and Team AGI.
10:00–11:00 AM: Sparkle Session - Students participate in movement, cultural experiences, and creative stations, depending on the day.
11:00 AM–12:00 PM: Lunch featuring meals from AANHPI-owned businesses and introductions to the day’s storyteller.
12:15–2:00 PM: Storyteller session - Students engage in storytelling, conversation, and hands-on activities connected to the storyteller’s work.
2:00–3:00 PM: Collage closeout - centered on quotes, reflections, or moments from the day.
3:00–3:30 PM: Closing circle to wrap up the day’s experiences.
3:30–3:45 PM: Pick-up
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The week concludes with a day focused on resilience, connection, and celebration:
9:00 AM – 1:30 PM: Outdoor activities to develop problem-solving, interpersonal, and technical skills, while fostering confidence in exploring outdoor spaces.
2:00 – 3:30 PM: We end the program with a community picnic, where families can view collages, projects, and moments created throughout the week.
Community art project
Every year, students take part in a shared community art project.
This year builds on that tradition. Led by AGI Program Coordinator Annabel Kaey, the project centers on joy as something students notice, practice, and share.
Across the week, students add to a collective piece shaped by their experiences and connections. The full work is revealed during the closing community picnic.
Program fees
We are proud to invest in the AANHPI community by paying the people who make our programs possible for their time, skills, and talents. With that said, we never want finances to stand in the way of a student’s participation. That’s why we’ve structured our program fee on a sliding scale.
Rather than collect income information or scholarship applications, we trust our program participants to choose the payment tier that works best for them.
*We offer financial aid options and flexible installment plans to ensure accessibility for all families. Registration includes a place to note if support would be useful.
*Refund policy: Refunds are available up to 30 days prior to the program start date. Because program costs are committed in advance, we’re unable to offer refunds within the 30 days leading up to the event.
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This tier is for families who may face financial barriers. By selecting this option, you’re allowing our community to hold and support you, ensuring your child’s presence and contributions enrich our program.
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This tier covers the core costs of programming and venue. It’s a balanced option for those who can cover basic expenses, helping sustain our programming while sharing costs equitably.
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This tier covers the full cost of programming, venue, facilitator and storyteller fees, materials, meals, and more. By selecting this option, you’re using your privilege to open doors for other students, strengthen our community, and ensure the longevity of programs like this one.
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Parent
“I loved seeing my child find inspiration and gain exposure to so many great Asian female role models. She usually has a hard time finding new friends that "click", so I was thrilled to see her form meaningful connections with peers within just this short period of time.”
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Student
“Students should join the summer program because it's fun and you get to do some stuff you probably wouldn't be able to do outside of it. Plus there's good food and you can make new friends that you wouldn't be able to meet outside of AGI”
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Parent
“As the white adoptive parent of an AANHPI child, I am incredibly grateful to Asian Girls Ignite for providing this programming. The opportunity for my child to connect with others of the same age in the AANHPI community, as well as see role models in the adult facilitators and storytellers, makes a world of difference.“
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Student
“One thing during the summer program that made me feel a sense of belonging was when we talked about racial discrimination against Asian people. This made me feel a sense of belonging because I got to talk to other Asian people who have had similar experiences with racism and i felt good that they actually listened and made a connection with my experiences.”
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Parent
“We loved hearing about her different experiences each day, and the interesting things my child learned. It was amazing to see her grow and lean into what Representation means, it's importance to our community and the general public, and to be proud of who she is and where she comes from.“
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Student
“During the activities, the leaders made people who usually talked be quiet and those who are quiet talk. This experience made me take initiative and be more vocal than usual in a space with people I didn’t know as well. “
FAQs
Have a question you don’t see below? Email AGI Program Coordinator, Annabel Kaey, at annabel@asiangirlsignite.org
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The Asian Girls Ignite Summer Program is open to middle school girls and gender-expansive youth in entering grade 6-9 for the following school year, with leadership opportunities available for high school students. Participants must identify as AANHPI and reside in Colorado.
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All our meals are catered by local AANHPI businesses. If a student has any allergies, please let us know in advance.
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Families are responsible for dropoff and pickup each day. If coordinating rides is a barrier, Annabel can support families in connecting with others to explore carpool options. This support is not guaranteed. Families can email us if they would like help with coordination.
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First and foremost, an open mind and curiosity! They should also bring a hat, sunscreen, comfortable shoes, a water bottle, and any necessary medications.
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We do not require proof of vaccination but we do abide by the current Colorado Health Department’s “What to do if you’re sick” Guidelines.
More Programs
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More Programs •
Middle School Program
Events-based program for students in grades 6-8.
High School Program
Fall & spring retreats for students in grades 9-12.
Outdoors Program
Resilience-building outdoor activities for students in grades 6-12.
Mentorship Program
One-on-one mentorship for students in grades 9–12.
