STUDENT DIVERSITY LEADERSHIP RETREAT

March 26-27, 2026

Black Diamond Camp
Auburn, Washington

Upper school students from member and non-member schools are invited to come together, connect, and build both relationships and skills around communication and inclusiveness. Students will engage in workshops, affinity groups and social time as we build skills together in equitable practices and youth leadership.

This is an overnight program taking place at Black Diamond Camp in Auburn Washington. All programming, meals and accommodations are included on the registration fees. Programming will begin on Thursday, March 26 at 1:30pm and conclude at 3:00pm on Friday, March 27. We ask that all attendees participate in the full program and they will not be permitted to come and go during the program.

The retreat is open to all 9-12 grade students.  Students of all races, ethnicities, and cultures are welcome. 

The planning committee encourages faculty to carefully consider the group that attends the conference. We are seeking attendees who have demonstrated interest and leadership in issues around diversity and equity and are looking to become leaders in these areas in their school communities. Some successful strategies for faculty selecting students have included:

Student groups are limited to 8 Students from each school. Faculty manage the selection process for their school. Schools can also collect and submit information for 4 alternates. They will be admitted as space allows.

Note: Each year, the Student Diversity Leadership Retreat alternates its target audience.  In 2027 it will again serve 6-8th grade participants.  We hope that having this information in place will allow you to plan student participation and provide continuity in programming.

Schools are responsible for sending at least one school chaperone. A chaperone must be an employee of the school that is sending the students. There is no registration fee for the first and second chaperone to attend from a school. If a school is sending additional chaperones, the registration fee is $75 per person.

If you are bringing a group and do not have a chaperone that shares that gender identity (ie you are bringing a mixed gender group and are not say, bringing a male chaperone) you will have two options. Either your students will be in a cabin with an adult from another school of that gender or we can assign a single cabin where all your students can stay together with the chaperone from your school.

All chaperones will be background-checked employees of schools (not parents or community members). We are trying to be as flexible as possible to meet all schools varying needs and expectations.

Adult Expectations

Lead Chaperones will manage registration process and communication with NWAIS.

All Chaperones will:

Student Expectations

Students will be expected to participate fully in all activities. Student participants should have the maturity and independence to successfully work in small groups of other students from across the region and from a number of different schools. Students will be asked to sign and comply with the behavior agreement.

The Copper Mountain Lodge at Black Diamond Camp (Auburn, WA) is comprised of four quads connected by a large meeting space. Each quad has a common area with a fireplace, restrooms, and five or six separate bedrooms with four, six, or eight beds. Students will be assigned to quads and bedrooms in a way that aligns with schools’ preferences and policies. At least one chaperone will be assigned to sleep in the living rooms that connect the bedrooms. 

Click here to view a floor plan of the Copper Mountain Lodge.

Registration will open for this event on November 3, 2025. This event is limited to 100 students and will likely fill to capacity.

Student groups are limited to 10 Students from each school. Schools can also collect and submit information for 2 alternates. They will be admitted as space allows.

Registration for this event is a TWO step process

STEP 1: Register Your School and Reserve Your Spots By January 12, 2026 or until program has reached capacity. 

This will be completed through the online registration system. Schools will be asked to pay up front or to bill the school. No additional schools will be able to register after this date or if program reaches capacity.

STEP 2: Register Your Students and Provide Individual Student Information by February 24, 2026.

The following forms will be emailed to the lead chaperone once the first step of school registration has been completed. All forms must completed by February 24, 2026. After this date, no additional student registrations will be accepted.

The lead chaperone is responsible for ensuring the school roster, guardian forms, and student forms are complete and submitted for all student participants. Substitutions will be accepted free of charge until March 20, 2026.

Pricing

Student Registration: $295

Chaperone Registration: First 2 chaperones at no cost, $75 per additional chaperone. 

Substitutions with completed forms may be made any time at no cost until March 20, 2026.

After February 24, 2026, any students who are missing paperwork will be considered cancelled. Cancellations are ineligible for any refund.

Deadline Overview

Registration Opens

November 1, 2026

Step 1 - School Registration Deadline

Student / Chaperone numbers finalized. No refunds following this date. 

January 12, 2026

(or until program reaches capacity).

Step 2 - Individual Student Registration Deadline

School rosters and student / guardian forms must be complete. No additional registrations accepted following this date. 

February 24, 2026

Substitution Deadline

Substitutions will be accepted at no charge prior to this date. 

March 20, 2026

Contact Emily McGrath with any questions regarding programming, Jami Sheets with any questions regarding logistics or Vivian Hoang with any questions regarding registration.