Camp USA is a political summer camp that I have attended on Cape Cod, Massachusetts. Attending this camp has a lot of meaning to me. In fact, it is the highlight of my summer break. Its quote reads, “The best political camp for future leaders of our country”. I believe that it fulfills this testament.
For the past two years Camp USA, a non-partisan, non-profit organization, has instilled a unique passion for politics and leadership for middle-school students. Two years ago a wonderful high school student named Caroline Shinkle started it, she placed an ad in our local newspaper. I had just gone to JrNYLC and was Vice-President of my school’s Student Council and jumped at this fabulous opportunity. After I read the informative article, I called Caroline. I met a beautiful and inspiring senior in high school who planned to attend the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and major in Economics the following year. Caroline has been a reporter for several Democratic and Republican National Conventions, reported at many Presidential Inaugurations, attended the National Young Leaders Conference, and much more. I found that I had similar interests with her and she was my neighbor in the summer!
The summer of 2010, Camp USA kicked off. We played political games, took quizzes, and got to know one another. As we mingled with others we discovered a diverse background of students; some a veteran to the political arena and others just starting. Camp USA hosted guest speakers such as State Representatives. We had question and answer sessions which helped us understand what it is like to hold an elected office. Students broke down into groups and interviewed the leaders that came to visit. We heard their stories of how they were interested in leadership at a young age like us. They gave us more information on how to pursue political leadership opportunities.
Once we had gained our bearings in the world of politics, we held a mock presidential election. Students broke into two teams and formed a platform. Each group assigned positions for each camper. For the past two years, I have run for President of my party. In the election process, we debate with other candidates as well as film commercials that appear on local channels. One day we held a meet and greet with our constituents. That day each student gave a speech. This portion of the camp brought out the true leadership in each of us. We discussed to the audience why we would make a good leader. After each student had talked, the adult politicians who were observing the process, went into the voting booth and cast a vote.
The officers were announced and everyone was supportive. We played patriotic music and gave our acceptance speeches. We drew a board with the statistics, just like a real election!
On the last day of our camp, parents came and attended Camp USA’s State Dinner. Here, the Director, Caroline Shinkle spoke. We received certificates and gave our thoughts on the program. This year, Caroline created the Christina Taylor Green Memorial Political Award. Christina Green was the young girl who attended a meet and greet in Tucson, Arizona to meet her Congresswoman Gabby Giffords. Christina was one of the victims who passed away in the massacre. To honor Christina’s passion for politics, our award was given to a camper with the same political passion. Each camper voted on who they believe displayed leadership qualities and a love for politics like Christina. I was fortunate enough to be selected by my peers to receive this honor. I truly appreciated it. After all the awards were given, we ate a delicious dinner and mingled with everyone. Camp USA is always a blast!
The rest is history. Camp USA turned into a unique leadership opportunity that all kids on Cape Cod should experience. Each year the number of campers grows. This past summer there were over sixty kids! My family has gained a great friendship with Caroline Shinkle and her family. This year, I was the website creator of the Camp’s website: CampUSACapeCod.com and I was the public relations person. I spoke with the press and I also helped recruit students to attend the camp. I was interviewed along with Caroline for a feature story in our regional newspaper called the Cape Cod Times.
Camp USA has been life changing for me. I have learned an incredible amount about the political process. I also gained great experience giving speeches and learning from other leaders. I most definitely think that Camp USA gave me the skills to become President of my school’s honor society. I will go back to Camp USA for many years to come. I hope to help Caroline, along with other dedicated campers, and take this program nationwide. Camp USA is an incredible experience that I will always treasure.
For the past two years Camp USA, a non-partisan, non-profit organization, has instilled a unique passion for politics and leadership for middle-school students. Two years ago a wonderful high school student named Caroline Shinkle started it, she placed an ad in our local newspaper. I had just gone to JrNYLC and was Vice-President of my school’s Student Council and jumped at this fabulous opportunity. After I read the informative article, I called Caroline. I met a beautiful and inspiring senior in high school who planned to attend the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and major in Economics the following year. Caroline has been a reporter for several Democratic and Republican National Conventions, reported at many Presidential Inaugurations, attended the National Young Leaders Conference, and much more. I found that I had similar interests with her and she was my neighbor in the summer!
The summer of 2010, Camp USA kicked off. We played political games, took quizzes, and got to know one another. As we mingled with others we discovered a diverse background of students; some a veteran to the political arena and others just starting. Camp USA hosted guest speakers such as State Representatives. We had question and answer sessions which helped us understand what it is like to hold an elected office. Students broke down into groups and interviewed the leaders that came to visit. We heard their stories of how they were interested in leadership at a young age like us. They gave us more information on how to pursue political leadership opportunities.
Once we had gained our bearings in the world of politics, we held a mock presidential election. Students broke into two teams and formed a platform. Each group assigned positions for each camper. For the past two years, I have run for President of my party. In the election process, we debate with other candidates as well as film commercials that appear on local channels. One day we held a meet and greet with our constituents. That day each student gave a speech. This portion of the camp brought out the true leadership in each of us. We discussed to the audience why we would make a good leader. After each student had talked, the adult politicians who were observing the process, went into the voting booth and cast a vote.
The officers were announced and everyone was supportive. We played patriotic music and gave our acceptance speeches. We drew a board with the statistics, just like a real election!
On the last day of our camp, parents came and attended Camp USA’s State Dinner. Here, the Director, Caroline Shinkle spoke. We received certificates and gave our thoughts on the program. This year, Caroline created the Christina Taylor Green Memorial Political Award. Christina Green was the young girl who attended a meet and greet in Tucson, Arizona to meet her Congresswoman Gabby Giffords. Christina was one of the victims who passed away in the massacre. To honor Christina’s passion for politics, our award was given to a camper with the same political passion. Each camper voted on who they believe displayed leadership qualities and a love for politics like Christina. I was fortunate enough to be selected by my peers to receive this honor. I truly appreciated it. After all the awards were given, we ate a delicious dinner and mingled with everyone. Camp USA is always a blast!
The rest is history. Camp USA turned into a unique leadership opportunity that all kids on Cape Cod should experience. Each year the number of campers grows. This past summer there were over sixty kids! My family has gained a great friendship with Caroline Shinkle and her family. This year, I was the website creator of the Camp’s website: CampUSACapeCod.com and I was the public relations person. I spoke with the press and I also helped recruit students to attend the camp. I was interviewed along with Caroline for a feature story in our regional newspaper called the Cape Cod Times.
Camp USA has been life changing for me. I have learned an incredible amount about the political process. I also gained great experience giving speeches and learning from other leaders. I most definitely think that Camp USA gave me the skills to become President of my school’s honor society. I will go back to Camp USA for many years to come. I hope to help Caroline, along with other dedicated campers, and take this program nationwide. Camp USA is an incredible experience that I will always treasure.
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