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CAMPS & RETREATS

MAKING KEY CHANGES successfully designs and delivers programs and OPPORTUNITIES for both adults and kids to grow as confident, compassionate leaders!

Visit the HOME PAGE to see advertisements for all upcoming engagements. The events listed below are sponsored by MAKING KEY CHANGES.

THE CONFIDENCE RETREAT (for Adults)

Launched in January 2026!

ON THE MOVE

Love this retreat but live or work elsewhere? Contact Dr. Reichl to brainstorm ways to bring this full-day retreat to your company.

THE CONFIDENCE CAMP (for Kids)

Returned in Summer 2026 for its second year!

Photos from Summer 2025

Year 1 — offered June 23-27, 2025 with 26 campers

Photos from Summer 2026

Year 2 — offered June 15-19 & June 22-26, 2026 with 68 campers

Listen to the Podcast Episode on Confidence
Read the Article on Confidence

 

DREAM COME TRUE! 
THE CONFIDENCE CAMP for KIDS is inspired by the relationship between the founder and her children as to what is needed during the crucial developmental stage of a young child’s life. It is also a byproduct of the founder’s doctoral research and thesis, titled “The Student Voice: Perception of Students’ Representation of Themselves . . .,” which examines how students feel, interpret, and learn. MAKING KEY CHANGES is proud to partner with many inspirational leaders in Carroll County, Maryland (and beyond!) who serve as partners in support, service, and spirit of this camp and its mission.

 

MISSION

THE CONFIDENCE CAMP for KIDS is a unique and supportive experience for children entering grades 4th–8th to create and maintain confidence in themselves and others. The camp is intended to be educational and enjoyable.

Young people are navigating a time in their lives when figuring out who they are, what they believe, and where they fit in our world can be uncomfortable and challenging. It is essential to remind them that confidence does not magically appear. Instead, it is built through experiences, relationships, and self-perception. Providing children with the education, resources, role models, and strategies for creating and maintaining confidence is crucial. 

GENERAL CAMP INFORMATION

  • Eligibility:  Students entering grades 4th–8th
  • Cost:  was $375 per attendee for Summer 2026
  • Dates:  one week in June
  • Days: Monday through Friday (5 days)
  • Times:  9:30 am – 3:30 pm (with arrival beginning at 9 am)
  • Location:  Wesley Freedom Youth Center
  • Address:  961 Johnsville Road, Eldersburg, Maryland 21157
  • Lunch:  Students are required to bring their own packed lunch, beverages, and snacks.
  • Devices:  May NOT be used during camp hours. This includes smartwatches, phones, etc.
  • Before/After Care:  Not available
  • Discount:  Sibling discounts are available. Please contact Dr. Reichl for information.
INCLUDED IN CAMP COST
  • The Confidence Camp — T-Shirt
  • The Confidence Camp — Goodie Bag
  • All activities & facilitator-led services
  • Camp resources
  • Treats graciously baked or donated
ITEMS TO BRING TO CAMP EACH DAY
  • Sneakers
  • Lunch, snacks, and drinks
  • Book to read
  • Notebook — any style the student would like to use to reflect, draw, write, etc.
  • Preferred art supplies — while plenty of supplies will be provided, students may bring any of their own.
  • The Confidence Camp T-Shirt — students will receive this on Monday and are asked to wear in on Friday only.
DAILY SCHEDULE
This is a general outline for each day. Specific times and activities may change.
  • 9:00 am – Drop Off May Begin
  • 9:30 am – Welcome
  • 9:35 am – Confidence Tips
  • 9:50 am – The Miracle Morning S.A.V.E.R.S. by Hal Elrod
  • 10:30 am – Making Key Changes with Dr. Reichl
  • 11:15 am – Building Confidence with Daily Inspirational Facilitators
  • 12:15 pm – Lunch
  • 12:45 pm – Confidence Activity
  • 1:30 pm – Physical Activity
  • 2:15 pm – Creativity
  • 3:15 pm – Goodbye & Clean-Up
  • 3:30 pm – Dismissal

ACTIVITIES & TOPICS

  • dreaming & doing
  • embracing uniqueness
  • art, stem, music, movement (such as dancing, walking, yoga, step aerobics, jump roping, and strength training)
  • entrepreneurship (earning & saving money)
  • executive functioning
  • fitness/nutrition/body image
  • friendship
  • inclusion
  • kindness
  • mental health (device use/social media)
  • resilience
  • risk-taking
RESOURCES
Activities/Ideas/Information will be utilized from these educational resources:
  • The Confidence Code for Girls: A Guide to Embracing Your Amazingly Imperfect, Totally Powerful Self — JOURNAL by Katty Kay & Claire Shipman with JillEllyn Riley
  • The Miracle Morning: The Not-So-Obvious Secret Guaranteed to Transform Your Life (Before 8AM) — BOOK by Hal Elrod
  • Making Key Changes — PUBLICATIONS by Lori Schwartz Reichl
CANCELLATION POLICY
  • Should a student need to cancel for any reason, written notification via email must be given to Dr. Reichl. A full refund will be issued to each paid registrant if written cancellation is made by May 15, 2026. NO refund will be issued after this date.

FOR CONSIDERATION

MENTORS

If you know a responsible, energetic, and current high school or college student who would like to be considered as a mentor for this camp, encourage them to contact Dr. Reichl, who will respond with more information.

FACILITATORS

If you know an inspiring female leader or if you would like to be considered as a facilitator for this camp (for a small portion of one day) and could confidently and engagingly guide this grade-level group of students on any of the activities/topics mentioned, contact Dr. Reichl who will respond with more information.

ON THE MOVE

Love this camp but live elsewhere? Contact Dr. Reichl to brainstorm ways to bring this camp to your area.

"Dr. Reichl wants to help people grow."

Preservice Educator, California

"As a keynote speaker, Lori had a caring yet captivating demeanor. She inspired the audience with simple tools to create actionable change in their lives."

Entrepreneur, Massachusetts

"Great energy, amazing and engaging speaker! LOVED the get-to-know-your-audience activity Dr. Lori utilized."

Lawyer, Maryland

"Lori spoke to our school district's teachers on collaboratively constructing and maintaining a shared vision. Though only a few weeks ago, the productive discussion both during and after her session has already brought improvement to our school."

Educator, Ohio

"Lori's way of presenting is unique and refreshingly different. I am eager to listen to her experiences, encouraged to reflect on her questions for consideration, and ready to make immediate key changes in my life and work."

School District Administrator, Massachusetts

"I loved Lori's session. I have been teaching for 26 years, and I definitely needed her ideas about establishing routines and building relationships as a reminder of what I have forgotten."

Educator, Delaware

"It was a refreshing change of pace to attend Lori's session, because it was focused on building us all up as educators and directing us to resources that will help us to become stronger teachers. She also gave us many opportunities to make new connections with the other attendees."

Educator, Nebraska

"I recently started listening to Lori's podcast, read some of her articles, and scheduled a mentoring session with her. As someone in the midpoint of my teaching career, her guidance really helped me to reflect on my current situation, to establish goals, to formulate a plan, and to pinpoint my reasons for wanting to make a change in my life. I highly recommend her expertise!"

Educator, Maryland

"I have enjoyed and found incredibly valuable the training and professional development that Lori Schwartz Reichl has provided to me. I feel a great sense of renewal, refreshment, and excitement for the coming years."

Educator, Indiana

"I started off the day with an amazing clinic with Lori Schwartz Reichl! Book this amazing woman and learn about her programs! Her approach is absolutely infectious!"

Educator, Pennsylvania

"Dr. Reichl presented a highly inspirational, reflective & motivational PD that any professional would be encouraged by!"

Educator, Nebraska

"The inspiration and messages that Dr. Lori Schwartz Reichl shares through her work are really impactful to me as I am also someone who works in education advocacy. Dr. Reichl gets right to the point, and she is the kind of person we need in education - motivational, inspiring, and hoping to improve education."

Collegiate Education Recruitment Coordinator, California

"Dr. Lori Schwartz Reichl has created a haven that is 3-part inspiration, research & best practices, and self-care. Having been "in the trenches," she understands the challenges teachers face, and she uses her gifts to provide well-researched and thought-provoking content delivered in ways that will keep you motivated and filled with hope. What a gift Lori is to educators everywhere!"

Leadership Coach, Pennsylvania

"Lori's podcast offers bite-sized pieces of wisdom that are practical, actionable, and timely. The key changes Lori suggests are realistic and offer tangible, accessible steps we can take as we grow in both our professional and personal lives. Give this a listen for some inspiration and wholesome food for thought!"

Teacher of the Year - Los Angeles Unified School District, California

"Education (and the world) is in both an interesting and crucial time. We recognize that change must occur for the system to be sustainable, yet, we don't have the means to always do it. Dr. Reichl helps us make the necessary key changes, as a profession and as professionals. I highly recommend Lori's work and absolutely love the bite-size format that is digestible, while providing thought-provoking questions for self-reflection."

Elementary School Principal, California

"Lori’s course was one of the most impactful for my teaching career. I reflected a lot on my teaching and was highly motivated to start the new year after hearing Lori’s perspective on different topics. Lori has a lot of energy and passion for education which will rub off on you."

Educator, New Jersey

"Dr. Reichl changed the way I approach my job by giving me tools I use every day. She challenged me to be more thoughtful about every aspect of being a teacher, including designing assessments, recruiting students, ensuring equitable opportunities and representation, developing policies, building culture and identity, and interacting with parents."

Educator, Pennsylvania

"Lori’s 'Making Key Changes' presentations leave attendees inspired and motivated to make positive key changes in their own professional and personal lives."

Retired Educator, South Dakota

"Lori gives bite-sized nuggets of insight that I like to hear before lesson planning. As an educator, it feels supportive and empowering and a good reminder of community."

Educator, Pennsylvania

"Lori's passion for supporting educators not only resonates in every note she teaches but also in her unwavering commitment to fostering a collaborative and inspiring environment among educators and administrators. She's a true maestra in the art of teamwork and mutual inspiration."

Leadership Consultant, California

"Dr. Reichl's session was one of the most amazing and insightful presentations I've ever attended about the importance of representation in the classroom and so much more! Definitely check out Dr. Reichl's work!"

Educator, Pennsylvania

"The 'Making Key Changes' workshop was one of the most enlightening PD sessions I’ve EVER been in!"

Educator, New Jersey

"Lori is the first person I contact when I need career guidance and insight. Her value is boundless and she has a true passion for helping people grow. Lori is open-minded and practical, but beyond that, she is honest and direct, and her direct approach and determination often provide exactly the motivation I need for that next step."

General Counsel and Director of Administration, Pennsylvania

"I recently saw an AWESOME session by Lori Schwartz Reichl! Her talks ALWAYS force me to reevaluate what I am doing in the classroom!!!"

Educator, South Carolina

"Lori has spent a significant amount of time studying the mental health of teachers in our post-pandemic era. She is a quality sounding board and thought partner and she mentors the current generation of teachers. I highly recommend Lori for leading professional learning.”

School District Administrator, California

"Lori’s program has challenged me to provide as many mirrors and windows for my students as possible. I feel more confident as an educator after working with Lori."

Educator, Pennsylvania

"Lori has a wealth of ideas that she has thought out and organized intelligently. She brings passion and energy to every session that keeps PD time lively and upbeat. Whether it be learning new ideas and perspectives or re-energizing and reinforcing established concepts, Lori is good for both! Highly recommend."

School District Administrator, California

"Lori's friendship and mentorship are both priceless and precious to me. Her advice and inspiration have been invaluable to me during professional and personal growth—from novice to seasoned—across multiple states, buildings, and positions. I can't thank Lori enough for the positive influence she's had on my life both inside and out of the workplace."

Educator, North Carolina

"The mentorship, coaching, and friendship that Lori has shared with me over the years have been invaluable both personally and professionally. Her creativity and insightfulness inspire me to strive for self-improvement every day!"

Director of Interior Design, Maryland

"Dr. Reichl wants to help people grow."

Preservice Educator, California

We cannot assume we know how students feel, interpret, and learn. We must be willing to ask them, actively listen to them, encourage their confidence and uniqueness to emerge, and make the necessary key changes to ensure their voices permeate our living, learning, and leading spaces.