The YPIKIDS Project: Tomorrow programs provide a unique and intense creative experience for its participant who are nine children selected by the institutional partner. Each program starts with a one-day Training Class that is held in June. The participants receive basic instruction in portrait photography, are given their HOLGA 120 cameras, which they get to keep, and taught how to use them and given a portrait assignment. Paul Denckla will also do a portrait of each child.

A unique aspect of the programs is that each child and portrait subject must also complete a writing assignment chronicling what the portrait experience meant to him/her.

Secrecy adds an element of excitement and intensity to the programs. Neither the participants nor the subjects will see the images or the writings before the Opening of the Exhibit.

The Finale Exhibition is usually held in the fall. One of each of the participant's photographs is blown up to a 2' by 2', then printed and stretched on a canvas. It is hung next to the portrait done by Paul Denckla along with both writing assignments.

The Opening Night Party for the Exhibit is the culmination of the entire Project! As important an element as photography is to the YPIKIDS projects, the programs are also about completing a task, sharing a journey with other families who face the same challenges brought on by cancer and in the end experiencing the joy and sense of accomplishment that comes from having one's photograph displayed for ALL to see and admire. (see photos on this page)