Pilot Leadership Camp Offers Early Insight into Youth Civic Engagement

Tralonne Shorter
Apr 21
3 min read

Updated: Apr 22

On March 31, Youth Democracy Institute launched its inaugural NextGen Leadership Camp—a one-day pilot designed to introduce upper elementary students to foundational civic concepts through interactive, standards-aligned programming. The camp hosted seven students in grades 4–6, representing four Arlington elementary schools, one middle school, and one homeschool family.

The camp’s objectives were twofold: to offer students an engaging introduction to leadership and local governance, and to assess the viability of this model as a scalable, community-based civic learning experience.

Program Components

The pilot was structured around three key learning blocks that emphasized student voice, collaboration, and real-world application:

1. Exploring Leadership

Students reflected on leadership traits and identified personal strengths. Activities included a guided journaling exercise on leadership attributes and a collaborative brainstorming session on community issues they care about.

2. Understanding Local Government

Campers learned about the roles of state and local leaders through storytelling and games. They then applied this knowledge in a Mock Town Hall, where students discussed real-world challenges and moderated a dialogue as “Student Mayor.”

3. Practicing Civic Voice

Participants created campaign posters during a Mayor-for-the-Day simulation and played a lively round of Civic Leadership Jeopardy to reinforce key concepts. These sessions encouraged students to communicate ideas, advocate for change, and work as a team.

Each camper received a YDI wristband and a personal leadership journal, used throughout the day to record their ideas and reflections.

Mayor-for-the-Day in Action: Campers design campaign slogans and posters as part of a mock election activity, learning how to communicate ideas and advocate for change. — **Mayor-for-the-Day in Action:** Campers design campaign slogans and posters as part of a mock election activity, learning how to communicate ideas and advocate for change.

Student Engagement and Parent Feedback

Participants were actively engaged throughout the day, with several taking initiative during group discussions and presentations. One camper shared, “This is fun,” while a parent, reflecting during pickup, was pleasantly surprised at how engaged and vocal her son had been throughout the day:

“I signed my son up because I wanted him to build leadership skills and become more confident.”

These early responses suggest the camp created a positive environment for students to build confidence, collaborate with peers, and explore their civic identities.

Insights from the Community Concerns Exercise

As part of the civic learning experience, students were asked: “What would you change at school or in your community?” Using interactive polling software, four key themes emerged, reflecting thoughtful engagement with real-world issues:

School Facilities – Students advocated for better school equipment, wider lockers, more books, improved bathrooms, and taller fences for playground safety.
Lunch Quality – Campers called for fresher food, better lunch offerings, and longer lunch periods.
Environmental Issues – Students voiced concerns about pollution, water quality, and rodent control.
Smoking Policies – Some recommended stricter no-smoking rules in schools and community spaces.

These themes reflect a mix of school-based needs and broader environmental and health concerns—reinforcing how closely young people observe and care about the world around them.

Looking Ahead

The March 31 session served as a valuable pilot for Youth Democracy Institute’s NextGen Leadership Camp model. It affirmed that, even in small-group settings, students can meaningfully engage in civic dialogue and leadership development when given structure, support, and purpose.

With additional sessions planned for summer and fall, YDI is committed to expanding the NextGen Leadership Camp to benefit more students and communities. The program offers a meaningful opportunity for young people to build civic knowledge, leadership skills, and confidence—while demonstrating strong alignment with Virginia’s education standards and positive youth development practices. It shows early promise as a model that can grow with support from schools, families, and community partners.

🔗 Learn more at www.leadydi.orgYouth Democracy Institute – Leaders Start Here.