Oxford High School juniors are invited to spend part of their summer vacation exploring what it’s like to be the public officials who make the laws and the police officers who enforce them.
Applications are available in the counseling office for the Boys State, Girls State and Student Trooper programs, sponsored locally by Oxford American Legion Post 108 and American Legion Auxiliary Unit 108.
‘This is a great way for students to learn how our government works,? said Oxford resident Helen Smith, who’s been involved with these programs for years. ‘These kids are going to be voting and running for office someday. They need to understand how democracy works because they’re the future of it.?
Unlike high school civics classes where students just read textbooks, listen to lectures and take tests, the Boys State and Girls State programs are hands-on exercises that offer the opportunity to actually become involved in government operations.
Both programs operate as simulations in which students serve as public officials in mock local and state governments of their own creation.
Students learn the duties and functions, as well as the powers and limitations, of various public offices in the executive, legislative and judicial branches.
During the week-long programs, students take part in a variety of activities including campaigning for office, voting for candidates, formulating public policy, enacting laws, participating in conventions for fictional political parties, learning parliamentary procedure, engaging in problem-solving and practicing the fine art of compromise.
‘If you’re thinking about going into politics or working for the government, this is a good way to get some experience and see if that’s what you really want to do,? Smith said. ‘It’s also a good way to meet new people and learn how to work with them.?
Boys State will take place from June 14-20 on the campus of Northwood University in Midland. Girls State will be held from June 14-20 at Michigan State University in East Lansing.
For students who are more interested in enforcing laws than crafting them, there’s the Student Trooper program.
Held at the Michigan State Police Training Academy in Lansing from July 19-24, the program offers students the opportunity to endure the same type of intense physical and educational training that law enforcement officers undergo in the pursuit of their badges.
For more information or to obtain an application, contact OHS Counselor Mary Guzik. The high school’s number is (248) 969-5100.