Camp Congress for Youth DC 2025 ft a Day on Capitol Hill

Registration closes Mar 1, 2025| Camp Congress for Youth DC 2025 featuring a Day on Capitol Hill is a week-long political leadership summer camp. The week includes a day at the United States Capitol. While on Capitol Hill students will tour the Capitol, visit the House & Senate galleries, meet with a member of Congress*, visit to the Library of Congress and United States Supreme Court. Students also visit the National Archives to view the Constitution, Bill of Rights and Declaration of Independence. Scheduled guest speakers include professionals working in the electoral politics and government. The outings are paired with our Camp Congress for Youth classroom curriculum which begins with a lesson on the structure of our political system.

During camp each student will choose to run for a seat in the US House of Representatives, the US Senate or for the presidency. Students will create a campaign with a platform, campaign slogan, campaign fundraising appeal and record a short campaign ad. All students will register to vote and participate in our Camp Congress for Youth election. Once elected to Congress and sworn in, the newly installed members of Congress will learn how to introduce a bill, research issues, debate the merits of the bill, lobby fellow legislators, collaborate with the Executive branch and finally vote on the proposed bill. All students will be serving as a member of the House or Senate during the congressional session. Camp will culminate with a ceremonial signing of the bill by our President.

All students earn a Certificate of Completion. Girl Scouts attending Camp Congress for Youth DC 2025 will also earn a Girl Scout citizen or democracy badge. The camp fee includes all materials used for classroom activities. Parents and guardians are responsible for travel and accommodations for students traveling to Washington, DC to attend the program. This is a not a residential program. For students traveling to the District of Columbia, we recommend booking accommodations at Residence Inn National Mall, Hilton Washington DC National Mall, Hyatt Regency Capitol Hill or Kimpton George Hotel. For additional information email us at [email protected] or call our office at +1 866-277-2123 ext 1.

Registration is open to girls and boys, ages 9-17. Tickets limited to 20 students in each age group, ages 9-11 and ages 12-17. Register early, now accepting deposits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the registration fee refundable? The registration fee is non-refundable unless the organizer cancels the session. If a student is unable to attend a session a credit will be placed on file that may be used at any time for a future program. The credit does not expire.

Is lunch provided? Students will bring lunch each day. Prepackaged snacks will be distributed each morning. On Wednesday students should bring money to purchase lunch at the Capitol. Food may not be taken into the Capitol Visitor Center. Campers should bring a water bottle daily. On Wednesday the water bottle must be empty when entering the Capitol Visitor Center. Breakfast is not served.

What is the dress code? Students are encouraged to wear comfortable clothing. We recommend student wear GIP shirts during camp. We carry sizes youth medium through adult extra large.

Do parents attend? The camp is a drop-off session.

Is this a partisan program or supported by a political party? The Girls in Politics Initiative is an independent organization that is self-funded through the fees generated from hosting sessions. The curriculum is civic education.

Are scholarships available? Due to rising costs associated with hosting events, financial aid is no longer available for summer camps.

Who are the instructors? Our Lead Instructors are women that currently or have previously worked in government or electoral politics. Our support staffers are current or former licensed teachers. All instructors and support staff undergo background screening. All instructors and support staff are also in compliance with any local ordinances or state/provincial regulations applicable to those working with children.

Host or Publisher Girls in Politics Initiative