On a bright and spirited May day in Burlington, Vermont, youth and adults from around the state gathered for the first-ever Vermont Youth Day, a statewide event created for youth by youth, with the support of UP for Learning and Mentor Vermont. This intergenerational gathering brought together young people and their mentors for a day of connection, exploration, and celebration through a dynamic lineup of workshops and community-building activities.

Held at Main Street Landing, a setting brimming with energy and art, Youth Day featured hands-on sessions in wayfinding, West African dance, phone-tography, music, poetry, stand up comedy, and more. Artists and educators like Kaleidoscope Arts, Jeh Kulu, and others helped set the tone for an inspiring day rooted in joy, learning, and exchange.

Beyond the events of the day, the planning/development/hosting/organizing of Youth Day represented a powerful example of youth-adult partnership in action. Over the past year, a team of eight youth and several adults convened for 18 planning meetings, collaboratively shaping every aspect of the event, from the original vision and theme to the workshops and catering (shout out to Ben and Jerry’s for the ice cream cart!). This work was supported by the sustained guidance of UP for Learning and the generous funding and support of Mentor Vermont. Their effort culminated in a vibrant event that brought their vision to life and welcomed a multigenerational community to celebrate alongside them.

The result was more than a day of fun — it was a demonstration of what becomes possible when youth voice is centered and learning happens through joyful, shared experience. As one participant put it, “It wasn’t just about the workshops. It was about being seen, heard, and celebrated together.” With this inaugural success of Vermont Youth Day, the seeds are planted for a tradition that can continue to grow in the years to come.