A.T.L.A.S. is a weeklong residential youth program held during the summer where a diverse group of high school students come together to learn, share and explore what each of them brings to their community while enhancing leadership and communication skills. Through dialogue sessions and workshops, facilitiated by UCSA staff and trained volunteer advisors and counselors, the participants learn to better understand and respect themselves and others.

A.T.L.A.S. is a very unique experience that helps participants recognize their own perceptions, biases and prejudices and demonstrates how to go beyond their misconceptions to build meaningful and lasting friendships. A.T.L.A.S. goes beyond teaching tolerance and lays the foundation--beginning construction on bridges of understanding and respect by opening the lines of communication within our community.

A.T.L.A.S. offers an opportunity to strengthen responsible citizenship and involvement in home, school, congregation and community. Participants develop personal and leadership skills necessary to help resolve individual, family and group human relation conflicts. 

The goal of A.T.L.A.S. is to foster a safe environment in which education, dialogue and interaction among the participants results in increased self-esteem, mutual respect and committment to reducing oppression as they live in and contribute to an inclusive community.

A.T.L.A.S. is one of the most responsible and effective means in developing motivational and leadership skills in human relations for young people.

Finally, A.T.L.A.S. works to provide opportunities for young people to develop action plans to confront issues that divide their homes, school and communities in which they can implement with the ongoing support of UCSA when they return from A.T.L.A.S. An example of the ongoing support provided them by UCSA is the UCSA Youth Council.

Delegates:   Delegates are students who are currently freshmen, sophomores or juniors in high school. Delegates must be nominated in order to participate.

Students are nominated by high school teachers or counselors, youth leaders and/or sponsoring agencies.

UCSA will select Delegates based on their desire to participate and learn.

Dates:   June 8-13, 2008

Location:   A.T.L.A.S. will be held at Genesis Ranch in Fischer, Texas near Canyon Lake.

Cost:   The A.T.L.A.S. Residential Youth Program is $350.00 per Delegate. This includes transportation (from the UCSA office to the campsite and back), meals, lodging, insurance and workshop materials.

Sponsorships:   Financial sponsorships are available to Delegates. A $25.00 non-refundable deposit is required to secure position.