Know Your Government 2012

Ashlin, Maren, and Tressa

Over President's Day weekend, Maren attended Know Your Government (KYG), an educational program sponsored by 4-H and held at the capitol building each year.  This is the second time she has attended, and she love it even more than last year's event.  Each year, the kids choose to learn more about the judicial or legislative branch, and they are assigned a role within their category.  Last year Maren chose judicial, and she ended up being a witness in a mock criminal trial.  This year she was assigned to be a lobbyist against helmet laws.  She had to research the laws and try to find evidence of why we don't need helmet laws.  Then she argued her case in front of the group of kids chosen to be legislators.  It was fun and gave her enough insight to know that she doesn't intend to pursue a career as a lobbyist! 

Farhana , Maren, Tressa, Ashlin, and Aaron.  Sarah was busy with duties as reporter.

Maren attended KYG with her friend, Sarah, and Sarah's mother, Farhana, who was 2 weeks from delivery and had me on standby to take her place as chaperone if needed.  They also roomed with Ashlin and Tressa, who are from our county, too.  

Besides learning about the judicial and legislative branches, the kids also got the opportunity to attend a fancy dinner with Idaho's legislators.  The speaker for the event was Governor Butch Otter, and Maren had her picture taken with him. She has already applied to attend KYG next year and was chosen to be a court reporter.  KYG has been a valuable educational experience for Maren, and I think she knows more now about how our system of government works than many adults do!

 
The reflection of the capitol building in this mirrored building made a great picture.  Maybe she'll get to be the KYG photographer in two more years!