Entertainment - Entertainment News

POSTED: Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2009

Kids can learn how government works

When I was in high school in Lansing, Mich., my dad worked in journalism and my stepfather, who had anchored the local CBS affiliate's evening news show, took a job as press secretary with the Republican side of the state House of Representatives.

Michigan has a full-time Legislature, and the members took long weekends in their home districts, so they always started their week with a Monday night session. I often tagged along with my stepdad to the Capitol after dinner, bringing my homework and parking myself at the sergeant-at-arms table while the Legislature conducted the people's business.

Those Monday night experiences, sitting awestruck on the floor of the statehouse, helped shape my fascination with the American political system and steered me toward a career in journalism.

Memories of those years returned last year when Rebecca and I took our girls for a summer trip to Olympia and toured the Capitol. It was there that we heard about the YMCA's program called Youth & Government, a student-run program similar to the Boys State and Girls State programs conducted by the American Legion.

The Y is accepting applications for next year's Youth & Government session, which culminates in May with four days in Olympia, including a mock legislative session and a meeting with Gov. Chris Gregoire. Participants mostly stay with host families, said Robert Knowles, teen adventure director at the Whatcom Family YMCA.

Knowles said participants will meet regularly throughout the school year, possibly as often as once a week, to practice debating techniques, study how to effect change, and learn how to stand up for their own beliefs. They'll also participate in team-building exercises and share their opinions about current events, he said.

"It's really fun watching the kids help each other and becoming more empowered," Knowles said.

Advisers for the program are Jane Vroman, legislative relations specialist with Western Washington University, and the Y's Erin Flinn, he said. It is open to students from eighth grade through high school seniors.

Cost is $280 for eighth-graders ($230 for Y members) and $360 for ninth- through 12th-graders ($310 for Y members). An orientation meeting is set for Monday, Sept. 28. Call 733-8630 for information.

Several things that seem worth noting are happening this weekend:

HANDS-ON HARMONY

An "instrument petting zoo" allows school-age children or preschoolers with a parent to try out a variety of musical instruments free from 2:30 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 22, at the Sudden Valley Bookmobile stop in the shopping center near the corner of Lake Whatcom Boulevard and Lake Louise Road.

SOMETHING FISHY

The Coastal Conservation Association, North Sound Chapter is using the upcoming expected banner run of pink salmon to promote a free fly-tying workshop for kids age 8-16 years. The event is from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 22, at Wholesale Sports, 2000 S Burlington Blvd. in Burlington. All material and instruction are free. If you plan to attend, RSVP with Scott Wilson at (360) 224-4043.

ON A STRING

The Carter Family Marionettes from the Northwest Puppet Center in Seattle present "The Knight and the Mermaid," based on a Renaissance epic romance "Orlando Furioso." The performance is at 2 p.m. Sunday at the Whatcom Museum, 121 Prospect St. Admission is $5; $4 for museum members.