Youth & Government holds free barbecue

GRINS AND GIGGLES—Some of the teens join forces at last year's YMCA barbecue. High schoolers entering grades nine through 12 are invited to attend a free Triunfo YMCA Youth and Government information barbecue from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Thurs., Sept. 4 at Deerhill Park, 6700 Doubletree Road in Oak Park.

Youth and Government is a statewide program where teenagers receive handson education about the inner workings of government.

Members participate with 2,500 other teens from around California in two, twoday training and election weekends in San Luis Obispo in November and January, and at a fiveday conference in Sacramento in February.

The teens write and debate their own bills and laws, participate in their own court system and elect government positions, including governor and speaker of the Assembly and Senate.

While in Sacramento, the teenagers are allowed to take over the state capitol buildings and government chambers.

"The kids in the program develop important leadership and social skills," said Veronica Rodarte, Triunfo YMCA program director. "The Triunfo YMCA has a delegation of more than 70 kids from all over Westlake Village, Agoura Hills and Oak Park. Youth and Government is a great way for kids to form friendships with others from our community and across the state."

The Triunfo YMCA delegation meets Thursdays from 8 to 9 p.m. For more information, call Veronica Rodarte at (818) 7079622 or e-mail vrodarte @triunfoymca.org.