117 FFA and 4-H students from across the state convened at the Oklahoma State Capitol for the Oklahoma Farm Bureau’s 4th Annual Capitol Camp held Sept. 3 – 4. The camp was an immersive twoday experience where high school juniors and seniors learned about Oklahoma’s legislative processes and how bills become law through mock legislative experiences. Then these students had the chance to present bills on the floor of both the Oklahoma House of Representative and the Oklahoma Senate after being elected by fellow students to serve as speaker of the house and house floor leader along with a senate president pro tempore and senate floor leader.
This year Jade Mc-Peak, a junior at Checotah High School, had the opportunity to attend this event and had this to say about her experience: “I recently had the opportunity to attend the Farm Bureau’s Capitol Camp at the beginning of September. In order to attend this camp, I had to complete an application which included writing an essay about why I thought my generation should know and understand the legislative process. After I was accepted, I was tasked with writing a bill or amending a bill. So I wrote a bill dealing with the use of Telemedicine in Veterinary Services.
“Once I got to Capitol Camp, they divided us into the Senate and House. I was part of the House of Representatives. So I had to take my bill to the committee where we heard all the bills that the other students in the committee had written as well. Then we decided what bills should go on to be heard on the House Floor.
“My bill passed the committee and I presented it on the floor, where I was able to answer questions from other ‘House Representatives.’ I also heard other bills that I was able to question and debate. After my bill made it out of the House, it was sent to the Senate chamber where it was presented and passed. It was then signed by the ‘Governor,’ which was really Farm Bureau President Rodd Moesel.
“I had such a great time at Capital Camp and I can’t wait for next year!”
During day two of Capitol Camp, students got to experience firsthand how the Oklahoma state legislature operates and through their efforts 18 bills were passed. They also had a special visit from Gov. Kevin Stitt, who addressed the group. Students heard from several legislators and industry leaders as well, including OKFB President Rodd Moesel and legislators Rep. Scott Fetgatter, Rep. John Pfeiffer, Rep. Judd Strom, Rep. Steve Bashore, Sen. Brenda Stanley and Rep. David Hardin.
In addition to the mock legislative activities, Capitol Camp attendees completed a community service project at the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma. Then they enjoyed dinner and some fun at the Dust Bowl bowling alley before they wrapped up their day with a night tour of the Oklahoma City National Memorial with OKFB President Rodd Moesel.
