Sandra Day O’Connor Institute inspires youth civics engagement

The fifth in a series of segments compiled as a collaboration between the Center for the Future of Arizona (CFA) and Arizona PBS, this segment centers around education.

CFA surveyed Arizonans about what kind of Arizona they would like to see. The survey results unearthed seven shared values amongst Arizonans. CFA then did a deeper dive and looked at ways to take action and make Arizona more fair and equitable for all. One of the issues important to Arizonans is civics and how to get young people engaged.

We took a look at Camp O’Connor, put on by the O’Connor Institute. It is a free, week-long camp open to seventh and eighth graders. They spend the week learning how the government works.

Students visit the State Supreme Court, the Legislature, the Governor’s office and the Elections Center of the Maricopa County Recorder. The students also participate in a campaign culminating in a Convention to elect their candidate for the Stars and Stripes party.

This segment followed the camp and a visit to the Elections Center to experience the tour students received from Recorder Stephen Richer. We heard from campers as to why this camp is so important and what they have learned.

Sarah Suggs, the leader of the institute, said that the program was created because students said they wanted to experience more civics.

Suggs also explained that civics education can lead to more community involvement and overall better the community.

“There are studies that suggest a higher voter registration in a given area, that is bodes well for a lower crime rate,” Suggs said. “We think civics education in general can make the difference.”

Students who sign up for Camp O’Connor get an in-depth and hands-on experience. One of those students, Ryland Angle, explained that he signed up because of his interest in politics and wanting to learn how to make a difference for others.

“I think that it’s important for people to learn civics and understand how our government works because without it you’re really lost,” Angle said. “If you’re educated though you can realize the government works for you, not against you.”

The camp just concluded its sixth year and will continue to serve the community in the future.