What is the mission of the Campo Youth In Government organization? Youth In Government instills leadership qualities in 6^th – 12^th grade delegates while teaching them the democratic process.

When was Youth in Government started? Nationally Youth In Government began in 1936. Florida Youth In Government began in 1957. The Campo YMCA Youth In Government chapter started in 2000.

Why was Youth In Government started? The Youth In Government motto is “Democracy must be learned by each generation”. The motto says it all. How do we protect democracy if the next generation doesn’t understand and cherish it? Congressman (district 12) and Youth in Government alum Dennis Ross summed it up this way, “Youth In Government fosters those leadership qualities which are necessary for their future successes- dedication, commitment, compromise and respect. I know first hand, I participated in the program when I was in high school and it lit the fire of my desire to become a legislator.”

What services/programs does Youth In Government take part in within the community? All of the individual Youth In Government chapters volunteer their time in different way around the state. Our local CAMPO chapter has helped build community play grounds, work on local campaigns and volunteer with fundraising efforts for local non-profit organizations.

How many members does Campo YIG have? Currently our CAMPO chapter has over 60 members ranging from 6^th -12^th grade. We always have room for more students eager to make a difference in their local community and on a state and national level.

What does Campo YIG offer its members? Youth In Government offers students experiences that build character and leadership skills in an environment that abides by the YMCA’s four core values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility. Youth In Government gives students 6^th -12^th grade an opportunity to find their voice and have that voice heard. This program not only strengthens the individual, it also strengthens our nation by ensuring the lessons and importance of democracy is learned by our future.

What are the requirements to become a member of Campo YIG? Pay your dues and participate actively in a respectful manner.

What are the Campo YIG dues and fees? Club dues are $50.00 per year. State Assembly conference fees change from year to year. Please contact us at [email protected] for more information.

What time does Campo YIG meet? We meet the second and fourth Mondays of the month at 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm.

Where does Campo YIG meet? We began at and will always be affiliated with the CAMPO YMCA. Because we have has such success in our growth, the YMCA made special arrangements to allow us the opportunity to meet at the YMCA Camp Christina in Riverview, Florida. However, since we have had outstanding growth we now meet at Kings Avenue Baptist Church in Brandon, Florida. (A map is available below.)

What would you like people to know about Campo YIG? Our local CAMPO Youth In Government chapter is very well respected on a state and local level. Both Congressman Dennis Ross and Congressman Gus Bilirakis are aware of our organization and very supportive of our cause, along with Commissioner of Agriculture Adam Putnam and our local senator Ronda Storms, State representative’s Rachel Burgin and Rich Glorioso and County commissioner Al Higginbotham. Youth In Government chapters from around Florida know they can count on Campo delegates to be prepared with the highest level of debate and decorum.