4-H Capitol Experience 2024

March 17-19, 2024

The program will be held in Lansing, Michigan.

4-H Capitol Experience is an annual 3-day conference that focuses on civic engagement and public policy. Teens from around the state converge in Lansing, Michigan to experience state government in action and learn how they can influence policy issues. Participants interact with legislators, state agency staff, lobbyists and other resource people to learn how policy is made. They will also learn about public access to information, campaign financing, ethics/conflicts of interest, government accountability to the public and lobbying disclosure.

Attendees will:

• Understand the responsibilities of a citizen
• Explore different aspects of a policy issue that may affect individuals and communities
• Explore various careers in public policy
• Attend a bill writing session
• Have an in-depth meeting with someone in (or involved with) state government simulations and activities are incorporated to reinforce and apply what is learned about government.

Teens leave the conference with the charge to share what they have learned and get involved with other leadership and civic engagement activities in their communities!

More information and details will be sent to each participant before the event begins. There will also be a zoom orientation that will be provided to families before Capitol Experience begins. 

Hotel Information: Quality Inn University
                                 Address: 3121 East Grand River Ave, Lansing MI  48912
                                 Phone number: 517-351-1440
Cost: $365

All payments must be made in full by March 4, 2024. If full payment is not received by this time, your registration will be cancelled and your spot offered to a registrant on the wait list. 

Registration fees are non-refundable if cancellations are received after Feb. 13, 2024.

Tentative Schedule:

Sunday, March 17, 2024

1 p.m. Check-In

2 p.m. Welcome and Opening Activities (full group)

3-4 p.m. Issue Group Icebreakers

4-4:15 p.m. Break

4:15-4:45 p.m. Intro to Legislative Simulation (full group)

4:45-6 p.m. Issue ID & Bill Writing

6 p.m. Dinner

7-8:30 p.m. Bill Writing

8:30-9 p.m. Reflection and Recap (full group)

9-10 p.m. Free Time

10 p.m. Steering Committee Meeting

10:30 p.m. Bed Checks

Monday, March 18, 2024

7:30 a.m. Breakfast

8:30 a.m. Travel to Capitol/Supreme Court

9 a.m. Capitol or Supreme Court Tours

10:15 a.m. Group Photo

10:45 a.m. Legislative Aide Visit (45)

11:30 a.m. Lunch

1 p.m. Lobbyist Visit (45)

2:30 p.m. Agency Visit (1 hour)

3:30 p.m. Free time

5 p.m. Issue Group Time

6 p.m. Dinner with Issue Groups

7 p.m. Committee Meetings Intro (full group)

7:30-8:30 p.m. Committee Meetings Simulation

8:30-9 p.m. Recap with Issue Group

9-10 p.m. Free Time

10 p.m. Steering Committee Meeting

10:30 p.m. Bed Checks

 

Tuesday, March 19, 2024

7 a.m. Legislative Reception

9 a.m. Free Time at Capitol

12 p.m. Lunch 

1 p.m. Overview of House/Senate (full group)

1:30 p.m. House and Senate Debate and Vote

3 p.m. Break

3:30 p.m. Bill Signing

5 p.m. Next Steps

5:30 p.m. Adjourn