Camp Congress for Girls DC 2021 ft a Day on Capitol Hill

Camp Congress for Girls DC 2021 featuring a Day on Capitol Hill is a week-long political leadership summer camp for students ages 10 to 16. 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 and a visit to the Library of Congress. Students also visit the National Archives to view the Constitution, Bill of Rights and Declaration of Independence before heading over to the National Museum of American History. The outings are paired with our Camp Congress for Students classroom curriculum which begins with a lesson on the structure of our political system. Additional outings include a visit to Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, Frederick Douglas National Historic Site. Scheduled guest speakers include professionals working in the electoral politics and government.

During camp each student will choose to run for a seat in the US House of Representatives, the US Senate or for the presidency. She will create her own 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 Girls 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 Ms. President.

All students earn a Certificate of Completion and Student Scouts attending Camp Congress for Students DC 2021 will also earn a Citizen Legacy badge. The camp fee includes a GIP logo t-shirt, snacks and materials used for classroom activities. For additional information about the Students in Politics Initiative you may visit our website at www.studentsinpolitics.com, email us at info@studentsinpolitics.com or call our office at +1 (202) 660-1457 ext 1.

*Activities for the Day on Capitol Hill are subject to change based on the schedules of participating legislator. Additionally, outings are subject to the hours of operations/opening plans of the Smithsonian and National Park Service venues. In the event of schedule changes ticketholders will be notified immediately.

We will be following the guidance of the following institutions and/or agencies in formulating the protocols and policies by which we will host summer camp.

• Local county/district health departments where classes are offered
• United States Centers for Disease Control

Classroom Protocol

• Summer camp is limited to 16 students for the 2021 year.
  
• All students will be required to provide a negative COVID test 3 days prior to the start of camp.
• Each student will have her temperature checked at check-in each day.
• Students are required to wear properly fitted masks for outings and classroom activities. Students will need a KN95 mask to wear for outings.
• Parent chaperones will not be permitted this year. The summer camp group is limited to 16 students and 3 GIP staff members.
• If a student is ill the student should remain at home. If a student becomes ill during class or arrives ill, parents will be contacted immediately to pick-up the student. The ill student will be separated from the well students until the student is able to leave.
• Bathroom breaks will be increased allowing students to wash hands more frequently during class.
• Stations with hand sanitizer and antibacterial wipes will be available for students in the classroom setting.
• Students will be seated in a socially distant configuration. Classroom activities will be hosted in an outdoor classroom setting, weather permitting.
• All workspaces will be cleaned by GIP/GIB staff with disinfecting wipes prior to students’ arrivals and after lunch.
• Students will be seated in a classroom set-up, allowing each student ample individual workspace for the duration of class. Hand shaking and any other physical contact will be discouraged.
• Each student will receive pencils, a glue stick, scissors and art markers for her individual use during class.

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. Each student will receive a GIP logo t-shirt that may be worn during the session. We carry sizes youth medium through adult medium.

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

Is this a partisan program or supported by a political party? Are scholarships available? 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. Financial aid is available on a first come, first serve basis. Email finance@girlsinpolitics.com to for all financial aid inquiries.

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.