Camp Congress for Girls DC 2023 featuring a Day on Capitol Hill is a week-long political leadership summer camp for students, 12 to 17. 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. Additional outings include visits to the **White House, Washington Monument, Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Museum of the Native American and Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. Scheduled guest speakers include professionals working in the electoral politics and government. The outings are paired with our Camp Congress for Girls 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. 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 Girl Scouts attending Camp Congress for Girls DC 2023 will also earn a Girl Scout citizen or democracy. The camp fee includes a GIP logo t-shirt, snacks and materials used for classroom activities. For additional information email us at info@girlsinpolitics.com or call our office at +1 866-226-5911 ext 1. Email finance@girlsinpolitics.com to request financial assistance.

*Activities for the Day on Capitol Hill are subject to change based on the schedules of participating legislator and Visitor Center access to the House/Senate Galleries. 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.

**White House tour subject to confirmation by White House Visitors Center.

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 extra large.

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.

COVID-19 Policy (Updated November 1, 2022)

To ensure the health and security of our participants, instructors and support staff, the Girls in Politics Initiative has implemented the following policy:

Everyday prevention measures (regardless of COVID-19 Community Level)

• COVID-19 screening testing for students and staff (vaccinated or unvaccinated); Rapid testing sufficient within 24 hours of the program start.
• Masking optional; GIP staff will be masked
• Staying home when sick
• Hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette for staff and students
• Optimizing indoor ventilation and air quality
• GIP staff will be cleaning and disinfecting workstations.

Enhanced prevention measures for High COVID-19 Community Levels

• COVID-19 vaccination
• Masks/respirators
• COVID-19 screening testing for students and staff (vaccinated or unvaccinated); Rapid testing sufficient within 24 hours of the program start.
• Staying home when sick
• Hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette
• Optimizing indoor ventilation and air quality
• GIP staff will be cleaning and disinfecting workstations.

Regardless of COVID-19 community level, we encourage everyone to respect the choice of others who wish to wear a mask.