Oklahoma Farm Bureau invited high school students across the state, including Meeker FFA member Kaydence Staude (pictured above), to attend the annual Capitol Camp held at the Oklahoma State Capitol.
In order to be selected for the camp, an applicants wrote an essay that answered the prompt of “Why is it important for youth to learn about the legislative process?” The two-day camp aimed to teach high school sophomores through seniors about legislative government, including the different procedures of government. Selected students met with state legislators, learned about the legislative process and gained insight into how agricultural policy impacts rural communities.
The first day of the camp consisted of the committee voting on whether a bill should reach the House, listening to several politicians’ advice and presenting several bills to the House. The second day included several hours of work within the House, which ultimately led to bills being voted through both chambers and being adopted into law.
“I learned the in-depth process of what it takes for a bill to become a law,” Staude says. “I experienced first hand what proper parliamentary procedure looks like, and how to debate in a professional manner.”
Staude’s favorite memory from camp was when she was debating a bill about first responders getting resources for their mental health. “I remember several individuals feeling uncertain about the whole bill, but it was a no brainer for me,” she says. “So, of course I had to give them my personal opinion. I didn’t know exactly how I wanted to present my point across, but I knew I wanted to be impactful. I decided on speaking from my heart. One thing I said in the House and hope to do is ‘It’s okay to not be okay.’”
Capitol Camp has been a highlight for many high school students, including Staude, who are interested in government, agriculture and leadership development. By the end of the event, students left with a deeper understanding of the legislative process and a passion for making a difference in their communities.
