Each spring, the George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum accepts applications from high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors for its 3-day summer camp, “Camp43: Leader of One, Leader of Many.”
Camp 43 encourages students to consider the principles upon which they base their decisions and to understand the importance of leadership decision-making in complex environments.
“Understanding the concepts of personal values, principle-based decision making, leadership, and planning for the future are critical for a young person’s success, both professionally and personally,” said Brig. Gen. Patrick X. Mordente, director of the George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum. “It is always great fun to watch the students immerse themselves in lessons and discussions, and then experience that light bulb moment.”
Usually held in June, no more than 25 are accepted for the 3-day summer camp. There is no cost for the camp. Lunch and snacks are provided daily along with a formal dinner to conclude the camp.
All participants are responsible for their own daily transportation to and from the George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum, located on the campus of Southern Methodist University in Dallas.
Focusing on the importance of leadership and the decision-making process, participants discover how values and personal beliefs affect their decisions, develop skills for working with diverse groups, and hear first-hand from high-level business executives about the methods they use to make decisions. The experience includes group activities, discussions, and presentations from prominent and successful community and government leaders.
The Situation Room Experience places students in the roles of the Executive Office of the President and the President’s Cabinet in order to manage a constitutional crisis..
“One very exciting part of Camp 43 is a real-time simulation in which the students take on the roles of members of the President’s Administration and collaborate to resolve a crisis,” said Education Specialist Sharon Brannon. “The Situation Room Experience is very useful in and of itself, but having it take place in the actual historic room from the White House adds authenticity and tremendous energy and enthusiasm.”
Conceived in 2012 by Bush Library education docents with the goal of fostering America’s next generation of leaders, Camp43 is led by those docents in conjunction with the Library’s Education Program staff, and conducted with generous support from the George W. Bush Foundation.
For the application form, the essay questions, or more information, email bush43education@nara.gov.