FOR THOSE DRIVING

Please arrive at the camp between 2:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. on Monday, August 3. Plan to leave the camp by 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 8. If you are in need of carpooling information for your area, please contact the TeenPact National Office at [email protected].

FOR THOSE FLYING

Please book your flights in and out of Tallahassee, FL (TLH). Plan to fly in between 12:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. on Monday, August 3. Plan to depart after 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 8. TeenPact Staff will meet you at your baggage claim when you arrive. Please wear a TeenPact t-shirt to help us find you. We will deliver you back to your ticketing counter for your departing flight.

TeenPact Congress is hosted at our State Class Camp, just outside of Tallahassee Florida. Students, chaperones, and staff stay in buildings onsite and enjoy fellowship through various free time activities around the camp as well.

23564 Woodman of the World Road
Hosford, FL 32334

BRING THIS

• Laptop
• Pillow and Bedding
• Towel and toiletries
• Bible, notebook, and pen
• Reusable water bottle
• Snack to share at Coffeehouse (Girls bring sweet, Guys bring salty)
• Money for the TeenPact Store (optional)

NOT THAT

Remember, we will be media-free during this week so plan on leaving any cell phones, tablets, laptops, books, etc. in your suitcase during the week unless they’re being used for on-site assignments.

To create a distraction-free atmosphere, please bring only clothing that adhere to our Dress Code. Congress requires several types of attire during the week:

• Casual: Bring a casual outfit for every day during free time and evening sessions.
• Traditional Professional: Bring four days of Traditional Professional outfits, as you wore to your State Class.
• Business Casual: Bring one Business Casual outfit for a special evening event.

For more information on the standards for each type of attire, visit teenpact.com/dress-code or email the TeenPact National Office at [email protected].

CONGRESS ROLES

Senators & Representatives: serve as lawmakers during TeenPact Congress. Legislators are assigned bills, along with a party affiliation, constituents, and a committee. In committee, they examine, debate, amend, and vote on legislation before advancing bills to the House or Senate floor.

Throughout the week, legislators earn points based on how their votes align with their party platform and constituents. At the end of Congress, it is revealed whether each legislator has “won re-election.”

Reporters: document and communicate the work of Congress. On the first day, the Reporters Track meets to determine who will focus on print and broadcast journalism. While legislators are in committees and debates, reporters conduct interviews, cover proceedings, and produce daily content.

Each day, reporters publish two newspapers and produce a recorded broadcast, providing accurate and timely coverage of the legislative process.

CONGRESS TOPIC

This year at TeenPact Congress, we will be diving into the evolving issue of voting in the United States. As elections continue to shape our republic, the question of how governments should structure, protect, and expand voting has become a pressing concern. The overarching topic of voting touches a wide array of challenges that require balancing broad access with secure, trustworthy processes. From registration and voter identification to mail-in ballots, early voting, and redistricting, the intersection of access, integrity, and public confidence shapes today’s debates about the appropriate role of government in administering elections. At the heart of these discussions lies the fundamental tension between ensuring fair, secure elections and protecting each citizen’s right to vote.

The U.S. constitutional framework and subsequent amendments (including the 15th, 19th, 24th, and 26th) establish protections for citizens’ voting rights, while states carry primary responsibility for running elections. In practice, that shared responsibility raises complex questions. Policies such as voter ID requirements, same-day registration, voter roll maintenance, ballot curing, language access, and accommodations for voters with disabilities can all affect both participation and trust. Likewise, issues like redistricting and gerrymandering, long lines at polling places, and the role of misinformation test our collective commitment to equal access and confidence in results. Balancing ethical concerns, the government’s duty to ensure integrity, and every citizen’s right to participate underscores the complexity of voting in our time.

congress HOMEWORK

To prepare for studying, sponsoring, and negotiating legislation at the event, you are required to write two essays. Each essay should be at least 500 words and should demonstrate thorough research, critical thinking, and clear communication surrounding the topic of voting. Please bring a printed copy of your essays with you to Congress.

Essay 1:
Governments must run elections that are both accessible and secure. How should officials balance these goals in practice? Research policies such as voter ID, early voting and vote-by-mail, same-day registration, voter roll maintenance, ballot curing, and polling-place administration (locations, hours, lines). Using real-world examples, analyze how different jurisdictions have attempted to expand access while safeguarding election integrity. Consider the respective roles of state and federal authorities, as well as the courts. What principles and strategies best protect both equal access and public trust? Propose concrete policy approaches that maintain this balance.

Essay 2:
Voting raises important ethical and practical questions that go beyond the mechanics of casting a ballot. Choose at least two issues to research; examples include ballot security and auditing, voter identification requirements, access for military and overseas voters, redistricting and gerrymandering, the role of technology in elections, or the influence of misinformation. Examine these issues through a biblical worldview: What biblical principles (e.g., speaking the truth, justice, integrity, impartiality, stewardship) apply to these challenges? Using your research, develop an informed perspective and propose solutions that reflect both ethical reasoning and biblical principals.

TeenPact Congress is an exciting event to be a part of as the students simulate a week in Congress in various roles. Chaperones get to enjoy seeing the week unfold as the students get comfortable in their roles, lobby various ideas, debate legislation, and cover all of the action as reporters. Chaperones are primarily responsible as an adult presence in the dorms in the evenings and mornings, as well as on the busses during the commute to the Capitol. From year to year, we may have additional attendees without space on the bus. If you plan to chaperone and have capacity to assist with transportation, please contact Selah Mallory at [email protected]. At the Congress camp, TeenPact is responsible for providing breakfasts and dinners, as well as catering lunches to the Capitol. If you have interest or capacity to assist with meal preparation, or picking up meals during the day, please reach out to the Program Directing Team to see how you can help. If you’re interested in joining us for TeenPact Congress, you can register for the waitlist using the link above and the Directing Team will be in touch regarding needs and space available as the event approaches.