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The following blog was written by Elissa Eskridge, the Skagit Y’s Youth Programs Coordinator. Elissa has been with the Skagit Y since 2022.
When I accepted the opportunity to become a Washington YMCA Youth & Government Advisor for the 2025–2026 legislative session, I knew I was stepping into something special. What I didn’t realize was just how inspiring, impactful, and transformative the experience would be, not only for the students but also for me as an advisor.
Beginning in Fall of 2025, we embarked on an exciting journey to reignite the Youth & Government program in Skagit County through the Skagit Valley Family YMCA. It’s been many years since this program was offered at the Skagit Y, so bringing it back is no small task. Building awareness, recruiting participants, and introducing families to a program that many had never heard of takes time, patience, and persistence. While we weren’t able to significantly grow our local delegation during our first year, every conversation, presentation, and connection has laid the foundation for what is to come.
One of the greatest gifts of this first year was the opportunity to learn alongside experienced advisors. To better understand the program in action, I joined the Stanwood-Camano YMCA delegation for the remainder of the school year. Observing their delegation meetings, mentoring students, and seeing how a well-established delegation operates gave me invaluable insight into what it takes to build a thriving Youth & Government community.
The highlight of the year was traveling to the Washington State Capitol in Olympia with the Stanwood-Camano delegation and District 1, the largest district in Washington, representing Skagit, Whatcom, and Snohomish counties with 108 delegates. Walking through the Capitol alongside hundreds of passionate young leaders was an experience I’ll never forget.
Watching students confidently debate legislation in the House and Senate chambers, collaborating with peers from across the state, and stepping into leadership roles was incredibly inspiring. The energy throughout the Capitol demonstratedexactly why Youth & Government has been changing lives for generations.
The Washington YMCA Youth & Government legislative session offers students a truly immersive civic leadership experience. The first day of session begins with committee meetings and concludes with a joint session of the legislature, where the Governor and other distinguished guests address advisors, participants, and spectators. During the following three days, students debate legislation in the House and Senate chambers, campaign for Major Office positions, vote in elections, participate in department proceedings, and experience the democratic process firsthand. The session concludes with a closing joint session, where the Governor addresses the program, newly elected Major Officers are announced, and participants celebrate together at the Governor’s Ball in the Capitol Rotunda.
As an advisor, watching students discover their voices, respectfully engage in civil discourse, and develop confidence in public speaking and leadership reminded me why this program matters so deeply.
Youth & Government is so much more than a mock legislature; it’s a place where young people find belonging, develop lifelong leadership skills, and realize that their voices have the power to create meaningful change.
The mission of YMCA Youth & Government is to help young people learn about and experience government firsthand while developing leadership, civic engagement, and democratic values through model government activities. In today’s world, creating opportunities for youth to listen, collaborate, think critically, and engage respectfully with differing perspectives has never been more important.
Looking ahead, I’m filled with excitement for what’s next.
- The 2026–2027 legislative year marks a monumental milestone as Washington State celebrates its 80th Annual Youth Legislative Session. We’re excited to continue growing the Skagit Valley Family YMCA delegation and welcome a new generation of student leaders into this incredible program.
- If you’ve ever been curious about Youth & Government, we invite you to join us for our Youth & Government Open House on Thursday, September 17, 2026 (Constitution Day), from 5:00–6:30 PM. Families, middle and high school students, educators, and community members are all welcome to learn more about the program, meet advisors and alumni, ask questions, and discover how to become part of this growing movement of engaged young leaders.
This first year taught me that rebuilding a program isn’t measured solely by the number of participants; it is measured by relationships formed, lessons learned, and the vision created for the future. Every conversation, every student reached, and every connection made is another step toward building a stronger delegation here in Skagit County.
I’m grateful to the Stanwood-Camano YMCA delegation, District 1 advisors, and the Washington YMCA Youth & Government community for welcoming me, sharing their knowledge, and reminding me why this work matters.
Here’s to the next chapter and to empowering the next generation of civic leaders. I cannot wait to see what our Skagit delegation accomplishes during Washington State’s 80th Annual Youth Legislative Session!
If you have questions about Youth & Government or would like to learn more about getting involved, visit our Youth & Government link, email me at [email protected], or call (360) 826-8400.
