Area Boys and Girls Club Goes to Washington

(KNSI) – It was the trip of a lifetime for four area youth last week as they traveled to Washington, D.C. with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Minnesota to participate in the 2026 Summit for America’s Youth. It’s the Boys and Girls Clubs of America’s premier youth advocacy event. Brook’Lynn, LeDon, Gianna and Edmund, accompanied by Director of Clubs Christine Kustelski, joined hundreds of youth and adult mentors from across the country for the conference.

The Summit for America’s Youth brings together young people participating in Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s Think, Learn, Create Change initiative. The program helps youth identify issues that matter to them, develop local advocacy projects and build the skills needed to create meaningful change in their communities.

Throughout the conference, the Central Minnesota youth heard from inspirational leaders, explored careers in government and public service, and participated in training focused on storytelling, public policy, civic engagement and effective advocacy. Youth also connected with employers and public-service professionals to learn more about internships, career pathways and opportunities to serve their communities.

A highlight of the conference was the Think, Learn, Create Change Advocacy Project Fair, where Club teens from across the country showcased projects designed to address needs in their home communities. The Central Minnesota delegation presented their Blessing Box project, which was designed to help their neighborhood with household supplies and necessities.

The teens also received specialized training to prepare for meetings on Capitol Hill. On July 15, they met with members of Minnesota’s congressional delegation and their staff to share their personal stories, discuss issues affecting young people and advocate for continued investment in programs that help youth learn, lead and thrive. The young people also had time to explore the nation’s capital, participate in a nighttime monument tour and attend sessions featuring national leaders.

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