Camp O’Connor USA
Camp O’Connor USA is a free, merit-based summer program for middle school students with a mission to educate, encourage and inspire the next generation of leaders. Participants in our civics camp gain a deeper, experiential understanding of our nation's democracy, branches of government, and the duties and responsibilities of citizenship.
Monday, June 9 - Friday, June 13, 2025
ASU Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law
Details
This five-day summer day-camp provides current 7th and 8th graders with a unique, educational civics experience blended with leadership development. Camp O'Connor USA helps to prepare future leaders for greater participation in our democracy and strengthens their potential for lifelong success.
Camp O'Connor USA takes place at Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law at Arizona State University .
Apply
The application consists of three sections:
- Student application
- Parent recommendation
- Teacher/Coach/Mentor recommendation (contact email needed)
If you have any questions, please contact
camp@oconnorinstitute.org
We Strive To
- Empower and increase campers’ understanding of civics, American government and their important role as citizens
- Fortify the leadership skills and confidence of students
- Encourage Camp graduates to become role models and leaders in their schools and communities
Camp O'Connor USA Activities
Executive Branch Day
On Executive Branch Day, students learn the responsibilities of the President and the executive branch at the state and federal levels. They engage in interactive simulations of executive leadership and visit the offices of a local mayor or the state governor.
Legislative Branch Day
For Legislative Branch Day, students examine the role, structure and procedures of the United States Congress as well as their state legislature. They visit the state capitol, debate and vote on a proposed bill, and hear from a state representative or senator.
Citizenship Day
For Citizenship Day, students learn about their rights and responsibilities as citizens. They discuss the history of voting rights in the United States, jury service and the value and importance of being informed voters in our free society. Students visit a local elections center to see the mechanics of democracy in action.
Closing Ceremonies and Mock Political Convention
On Camp O'Connor USA's final day, students participate in a fun-filled mock political convention. With their parents in the audience, students divide into four groups, develop team cheers, and choose one of their members to be their candidate to represent the "Stars and Stripes Party." Each candidate then gives a speech, and all attendees vote for the final party nominee. In the convention's keynote address, a prominent community leader such as a former elected official discusses their path to leadership and advice for the next generation.
Judicial Branch Day
On Judicial Branch Day, students discover the meaning of the rule of law, an independent judiciary and the important role of our court system. They discuss a well-known U.S. Supreme Court case and explore the arguments behind the final opinion of the Court as well as the dissenting opinions. Students visit the state supreme court and have the chance to ask questions of a sitting justice.
How Camp O'Connor Change my Life
"As alumni of the Sandra Day O’Connor Institute Civics Camp, we feel it's important to share how this extraordinary experience has helped shape our lives, ambitions, and outlook on government and education. Our names are Hunter White and Trex Jones, this is our story."
"I would like to thank you all from the very bottom of our hearts! I was extremely impressed with this program and hope to bring components of camp to my school. YES, our students need civics education, and YES it can be incredibly fun!
I can see that my daughter has matured and seriously considers citizenship, politics, activism, etc. as civic duties."
-D.C., Camp O'Connor USA Parent, Chino Valley, AZ