Celebrating the Success of Camp O’Connor USA 2025
More than 100 bright and passionate middle school students from 36 states across the nation came together on June 9 through June 13 for an unforgettable week of civic learning and leadership development at Camp O’Connor USA 2025.
Hosted annually by the Sandra Day O’Connor Institute for American Democracy, the camp offers a unique, merit-based experience for middle schoolers to explore the workings of American government and develop the tools to become active, informed citizens.
Throughout the week, campers participated in hands-on activities and engaged in meaningful conversations with public officials. Highlights included an inspiring session with Arizona Supreme Court Justice William Montgomery, a lively discussion on executive leadership with Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs, and an inside look at the legislative process from members of the Arizona House of Representatives, including House Speaker Steve Montenegro, as well as Representatives Matt Gress and Justin Wilmeth.
The camp culminated on Friday, June 13, with a keynote address by Arizona State Treasurer Kimberly Yee, who shared her journey in public service and encouraged students to lead with integrity and purpose.
One of the most anticipated moments of the week was the selection of the Stars and Stripes Party presidential nominee. After thoughtful campaigning and debates, Taylor L. of the Eagles party was elected to represent the party—an exciting close to a week filled with growth, collaboration, and civic pride.
Camp O’Connor USA 2025 was not only a celebration of learning and leadership but also a tribute to Justice Sandra Day O’Connor’s lifelong commitment to civics education. We look forward to seeing how these young leaders will carry forward the torch of democracy in their communities and beyond.
To learn more about Camp O’Connor USA, visit CampOConnor.org.
We invite you to explore photos from this year’s event here.
Casey Enright, Camp O’Connor USA Curriculum Supervisor and James Madison Fellow
At the heart of Camp O’Connor USA’s success is a commitment to excellence in civics education, and that commitment is embodied by Casey Enright, the camp’s dedicated Camp Supervisor, who has helped develop its curriculum since the program's inception.
A veteran educator with 13 years of classroom experience, Casey Enright currently serves as the chair of the Social Studies Department at Mesa High School in Arizona. Since joining Mesa High in 2016, he has been instrumental in shaping dynamic, student-centered learning environments. Before that, he taught 7th and 8th-grade social studies in the Kyrene School District, where his passion for teaching history and government first took root.
Casey’s deep commitment to civics education has earned him recognition across the country and the state of Arizona. He has been nominated three times for the Gilder Lehrman National History Teacher of the Year award and is widely respected as a leader in curriculum development. His contributions include writing curriculum standards for the Arizona Department of Education, developing and evaluating assessments with the Maricopa County Education Service Agency, and leading professional development workshops for the Arizona Foundation for Legal Services and Education.
This year, we are especially proud to celebrate Casey’s recent acceptance into the prestigious James Madison Fellowship—a national honor awarded to individuals who demonstrate a strong commitment to teaching the U.S. Constitution. This fellowship will support Casey in furthering his graduate studies and expanding his already impressive impact in civic education.
Congratulations, Casey, on your outstanding achievements. Thank you for helping make Camp O’Connor USA 2025 an inspiring experience for students across America.
With Gratitude to Our Generous Supporters
Camp O’Connor USA 2025 would not be possible without the generosity and commitment of our donors, who share our belief in the power of civics education to inspire the next generation of engaged citizens and leaders.
Thanks to their support, more than 100 students from 36 states had the opportunity to explore the foundations of American democracy, engage with civic leaders, and build skills that will serve them for a lifetime.
We extend our sincere thanks to:
* Andrew Family Foundation * Arizona Community Foundation – Summer Youth Fund * Arizona Public Service * Kelly Barr and the Honorable M. Scott McCoy * The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation * Andrea Driggs * Diane and Bruce Halle Foundation * Ladies of the Court * Barbara Lockwood Linda and Paul Schmidt * Tempe Diablos Charities * The Vallabhaneni Family * Barbara and Barry Zemel *
Your generosity helps ensure that Camp O’Connor remains a meaningful and transformative experience for students across the country who will impact our states and the nation in years to come. On behalf of the Sandra Day O’Connor Institute for American Democracy, thank you for making this impactful program possible.
Beyond Camp: Stay Involved with Our Youth Programs
Camp O’Connor USA may be over, but this is just one way students can explore civics through the Sandra Day O’Connor Institute. As an alum, they join a growing network of young leaders who care deeply about democracy, civil discourse, and making a difference in their community.
The Institute offers several youth programs designed to help students build on what they learned at camp and take their leadership to the next level.
O’Connor Institute Ambassadors Online Club
The O’Connor Institute Ambassadors Civics & Debate Club is a great next step. This initiative brings together high school students from across the country for virtual meetings, civil discussion, leadership development, and civic engagement opportunities. As an Ambassador, students collaborate with peers, share ideas, and represent the values of Justice O’Connor in their school and community.
John Jay Fetzer Memorial Scholarship
O’Connor Institute Ambassadors also have the unique opportunity to apply for the John Jay Fetzer Memorial Scholarship, which is awarded annually to an exceptional high school senior who demonstrates leadership, service, and a strong commitment to civic engagement.
We’re thrilled to congratulate this year’s scholarship recipient, Brenden Cunningham of Nebraska, who continues to carry forward the ideals of civic responsibility and lifelong learning.
Civics Challenge
The Civics Challenge is an annual video competition that invites middle and high school students to demonstrate their civics knowledge through creativity to earn cash awards. Winners are recognized for their originality, clarity, and enthusiasm, and it’s a great opportunity to express yourself and create peer-to-peer civic learning.
Watch for details this fall and consider sharing with the students in your life!
Whether students are ready to join their fellow high school students and become an Ambassador, tell their civics story through video, or apply for college scholarships, the Institute is here to support their next step.
Learn more and stay connected at OConnorInstitute.org and CivicsforLife.org.
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