Engaging the Next Generation: A Visit to the Old Homosassa Civics Summer Camp

On Wednesday, I had the distinct pleasure of joining a remarkable group of middle school students at the very first Civics Summer Camp, held at the Old Homosassa Learning Center. It was an inspiring morning—one that reminded us all of the importance of civic education and how critical it is to invest in the next generation of leaders.

The camp, coordinated by Learning Center Coordinator Jessica MacRae, is part of the center’s expanded summer programming and was specifically designed to immerse students in their rights and responsibilities as citizens. This civics-based experience allows students to see how government works—not just from a textbook, but through real-life interactions and hands-on learning.

Joining me at the camp were County Commissioner Dr. Jeff Kinnard, Mosquito Control Board Member Joe Adams, Homosassa Special Water District Commissioner Rodney MacRae, and representatives from the Old Homosassa Civic Club. Each of us had the opportunity to share with the students our roles in government, the agencies we represent, and what civic leadership looks like in action.

We spoke not only about the technical aspects of our jobs but also about the larger responsibility of public service. We discussed how local decisions are made, what it means to represent a community, and the importance of being informed, engaged, and active citizens. And, most importantly, we took questions—thoughtful, curious, and sometimes challenging ones—from students eager to understand how they fit into the democratic process.

Jessica MacRae shared with us, “We believe that hearing directly from a government official like yourself would be a meaningful and educational experience.” I couldn’t agree more.

One of the highlights of the week came from the classroom itself. Cyndal Houts, a social studies and civics teacher at Crystal River High School, brought energy and creativity to the camp as one of the teacher-counselors. On the first day, students drafted laws to govern their group for the week. Some laws were lighthearted—like mandatory breaks to dance to a favorite song—while others focused on behavior and accountability. The next day, they amended those laws, reflecting on what worked and what didn’t, and demonstrating real legislative thinking.

These exercises weren’t just fun—they were profoundly educational. They mirrored the structure of how laws are created, debated, and changed at the state and local levels, giving students a tangible and memorable introduction to civic engagement.

Programs like this don’t just teach kids about government; they show them that they are already part of it. When students learn they have a voice—and that their ideas and questions matter—they begin to see themselves as citizens, not someday, but today.

And the civic learning didn’t stop in the classroom. Throughout the week, other community leaders and organizations also participated. Citrus County Fire Rescue visited to teach the students CPR and how to use an AED. They also brought a firetruck and spent over an hour engaging with the students, inspiring the next generation of first responders. Veterans from The Bridge 4 Veterans, Inc. came out as well, demonstrating how to properly fold and hoist the American flag—reinforcing the importance of honor, patriotism, and tradition.

Students also went on a special field trip to the Old Homosassa Post Office. Monkey Island Riverside Resort and Manatees and Mermaids generously loaned golf carts so the students could travel safely and in style. The camp also included a beautification project, thanks to Sweet SassaLicious, which donated hibiscus plants, and Fowler Lawns, whose team not only showed students how to landscape, plant, spread mulch, and install an irrigation system—but also donated the materials used.

It was a true community effort, and we are all grateful to every Old Homosassa Learning Center partner and volunteer who contributed their time, talent, or resources. Most of all, we are grateful to the students, who showed us that the future of civic leadership is already growing right here in Citrus County.

With programs like these, our future is in good hands.

You can learn more about the Old Homosassa Learning Center at https://homosassacivicclubinc.org/old-homosassa-learning-center/

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