A Wyoming student finds his voice at Grand Rapids civics camp

Carson Hall wants to be governor of Michigan. The Wyoming High School junior took a step toward that goal Saturday when he spoke at a civics camp at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum in Grand Rapids.

Hall was one of 50 middle and high school students from across the state who gathered for the event. The camp focused on the foundations of American government as the country approaches its 250th anniversary on July 4.

"As young people turn into adults, there's less and less people going out and voting, and voting is very important to actually get change done, and if you want change in the system, you actively have to participate," Hall said.

The camp was sponsored by the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation, Scouting America Michigan Crossroads Council, and Grand Rapids America 250. Students participated in small classes and heard from current and past leaders, including Michigan State Senator Mark Huizenga.

Why civics matters to the next generation

Other students at the camp echoed Hall's emphasis on civic engagement.

Simon Crowe, a freshman at City Middle High School, said he attended because of his interest in politics and public speaking.

"I've just been really interested in politics and like public speaking, and I thought this would be a great opportunity to like get to know some of my community's leaders and just understand like how to get more involved," Crowe said.

Anika Pai from Big Rapids Middle School stressed that young people are the ones who will shape the future of the country.

"It's so important for young people to learn about civics, just because we're the future of our nation. We're going to be the ones making these policies, voting on them, and picking our next leaders and being our next leaders," Pai said.

Leaders betting on young voices

Don Cooper, CEO of the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation, said he hopes future leaders are among the participants.

"Hopefully, in this audience, we have Michigan's second president here at some point in time too. So, it's just so exciting to be here with so many young people who bring a lot of energy, and I know the future is in good hands with them," Cooper said.

Matt Ray, program manager for Grand Rapids America 250, said the timing was ideal with the nation's sesquiquincentennial approaching.

"Today is just a really special day to remember kind of the foundations of what makes America's, you know, civic framework work as well as it does, but then also let's find opportunities here to say, hey, this is really accessible, you guys can come in, and you guys can get involved today," Ray said.

After completing the camp, students earned a commemorative patch in honor of Grand Rapids America 250.