Congress
August 5-10, 2012 at Florida State Capitol in Tallahassee, FL
Fees
Student Price: $229
($199 through June 6, 2012)
Parent Price: $189
($169 through June 6, 2012)
Leadership
Program Director: Jennifer Sullivan
Guest Director: TBA
Question: What’s more fun than an hour of TeenPact Legislature?
Answer: A whole week!
For years TeenPact students have raved about the vibrant, interactive ”Mock Legislature” portion of our state class. With this in mind, we are excited to announce the all new TeenPact Congress! It will be a legislative experience unlike anything TeenPact has ever produced.
During this event, students will have the opportunity to serve as US TeenPact Senators, Representatives, Reporters, and Lobbyists, as they walk through the legislative process from opening session to sine die. In this “hands on” environment, each participant will learn, practice and defend the theory and process of representing citizens and making public policy. Students will have the ability to sponsor bills, participate in committee meetings, work with lobbyists*, as well as debate and amend bills on the floor of the Florida House and Senate Chambers. Those interested in media will be able to take part in live press conferences and interviews, followed by the opportunity to report on their investigative findings.
After the heat of the legislative battle, students will return to camp and experience the joy of TeenPact worship, competition of ultimate frisbee, and the spiritual growth of rendezvous. End your summer with TeenPact friends and an experience that will make a lasting impression on your life!
Positions are subject to availability and are on a first come first serve basis; make sure to register today to ensure your spot! Those interested in media are encouraged to sign up to be a reporter, as you will have tracks special to your field.
HOUSING INFORMATION
We’ll be staying at Woodmen of the World’s Richard W. Ervin Youth Camp (22459 NE Woodmen of the World Road, Hosford, FL 32334) and commuting to the Florida state capitol each day.
TRAVEL INFORMATION
For those driving…
- Please arrive at the camp between 2pm-5pm on Sunday, August 5
- Please plan on leaving between 10am-12pm on Friday, August 10
- Make sure you tell us that you’re driving by entering your information into your Cvent account
If you are interested in organizing a carpool, please let us know so we can connect you with other students from your area.
For those flying…
- Book your flight into Tallahassee, FL
- Please arrive by 3pm on Sunday, August 5 and depart after 12pm on Friday, August 10
- TeenPact staff will meet you at your baggage claim when you arrive; wear a TeenPact shirt to help us find you! We will deliver you back to your ticketing counter when you depart.
- Make sure you go back into Cvent (our registration system) and enter your flight info
Call the office to inquire about flying into Jacksonville, Atlanta, Orlando and Tampa. We may be able to connect you with people driving from those areas.
WHAT TO BRING
- Bedding (pillow, sheets/blanket/sleeping bag)
- Towel and toiletries
- Bible, notebook, pen, reusable water bottle, umbrella, flashlight
- A snack to share at Coffeehouse (girls bring sweet, guys bring salty)
- Money for the TeenPact store (optional)
- Homework — CHECK BACK SOON FOR DETAILS
Remember, we will be media-free during this week so plan on leaving your cell phones, iPods, books, laptops etc in your suitcase during the week.
WHAT TO WEAR
- To create a distraction-free atmosphere, please bring only “TPA” clothing. Check out the dress code before packing). If you’re not sure, don’t bring it!
- Bring four days of professional clothes for our time at the capitol. Casual clothes for the evenings is fine.
- Bring at least one outfit that you don’t mind getting dirty!
HOMEWORK
To adequately prepare for this event we do have homework. Check back soon for details.
CONGRESS ROLES
Citizen Voters: Everyone will have the right to vote as a TeenPact Citizen and will register with a party in the beginning of the event, to determine majority and minority parties.
Senators & Representatives: Will be responsible for researching the bills ahead of time and choosing which bills they would like to sponsor. Each legislator will be assigned to a committee and will participate in the process of examining, debating, & voting bills out of committee. Once all the bills go through committee the legislative sessions will begin in the House and Senate.
Lobbyist: Will be lobbying on behalf of different bills during committee meetings, have the opportunity to serve as pages in the House and Senate, and will also get to learn about the Supreme Court, through participating in a mock trial.
Reporter: Will be researching different news stories within our “mock” legislative session and will be publishing a daily newspaper. In addition they will be responsible for taking pictures and assembling the memory slideshow at the end of the week.
SPECIAL ROLES: ELECTED OFFICIALS
Anyone who gets elected as a Senator or Governor at a state class in 2012…
- Receives a $20 discount to attend Congress
- Receives a seat in the Senate at Congress
- Receives a $20 discount to attend Congress
- Is eligible to chair a committee for their respective house at Congress
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