Junior High Program

Grades 6 - 8


The Junior High program aims to give campers the basic skills and motivation necessary to become confident leaders, compassionate human beings, and active Taiwanese American citizens. Our theme this year is Identity, and campers of this age group will be encouraged to explore who they are and what they hope to be. They are at a critical juncture in their personal development and will ask themselves tons of questions such as, "Do I want to be more like Lindsay Lohan/Soulja Boy or Jessica Alba/Justin Timberlake?" (Just kidding!. Seriously.) During these formative years, middle schoolers are in the process of establishing their self-identity and are largely influenced by their peers, TV, internet, and of course, parents. With the help of our specially trained staff, the JH program empowers our campers with the self-confidence and self-awareness that will help them to better understand themselves, as well as the perspectives of their family, friends and peers. We will accomplish this with speaker sessions, cultural workshops, small group discussions, games and activities. JHers will be able to discover their identity by letting creative juices flow, by sharing their thoughts and experiences with Taiwanese Americans from all walks of life, and by building lifelong friendships.


Cultural Workshops give campers the opportunity to experience elements of Taiwanese culture, such as yo-yo's, painting, knotting, language, and more! These workshops are a chance for campers to have fun while getting in touch with their 'Taiwanese side'.


Identity Workshops help campers explore who they are and how this identity affects their daily lives. These workshops will challenge campers to discuss, reflect, question, brainstorm, and problem-solve on topics that are relevant to life beyond TAF. Workshop examples include Taiwanese History, gender dialogues and racism/prejudice.


The Junior High Program is for pre-teens and teens who have completed grades 6-8. Those who have completed grade 5 may be placed in either the Junior Program or the Junior High Program.

What a Camper Can Expect

  • A daily schedule that includes: 3 meals, speaker sessions, group games, small group activities, and more
  • Making new Taiwanese American friends from all around the country
  • Learning lifelong leadership skills
  • Picking up crazy dance moves as seen on America's Best Dance Crew
  • Kicking butt in fun group games
  • Participating in interactive speaker sessions to learn more about themselves
  • Discovering talents they never knew they had
  • Learning about their Taiwanese heritage
  • Eating delicious food and soft serve ice cream
  • Smiling, laughing, dancing, singing, playing, talking, hugging


F.A.Q.


Q: Who will be leading the campers?
A: The Junior High staff are awesome former campers and young Taiwanese Americans who are leaders at TAF and in their local communities.

Q: Will campers be able to contact their parents?
A: Campers will be able to contact their parents during free time to let their parents know they arrived at TAF safely and are having a great time.

Q: But I need to talk to my kid!!!
A: Your JH program directors Tiffany and Howard (Hi!) will have our cell phones on us at all times and we can be contacted in case of an emergency or pressing matter. Tiffany: 314-440-7228, Howard: 734-395-7528. We can relay any message for you, but please be reasonable.

Q: Can my kid bring video games or toys?
A: They should leave electronics at home; campers will be too busy meeting new friends and making new memories.

Q: What should my kid pack?
A: Please bring one dressy outfit for TAF night--where campers showcase talents that they discovered throughout the week. Also, Manchester College is not stingy when it comes to air conditioning, so please bring a sweatshirt if you don't want to be a popsicle!

Q: Will campers get to choose their own roommates?
A: Campers may make roommate requests on their registration form.

Q: What happens if my kid doesn't like their roommate?
A: They will be tied together and forced to get along. Not really. If there is an issue that arises, we will be happy to make accommodations.

Q: Will Junior High campers be interacting with other programs?
A: Campers will have "Families" that consist of members from all other programs. Junior High campers will also be paired with older campers from the Youth and College programs as part of our "Big Sibs" program.

Q: I have more questions, what do I do?
A: Feel free to email all questions and concerns to tafjuniorhigh@gmail.com. Howard and Tiffany will be checking email religiously.