The Lake Forest Park Youth Council

Youth Council presents $420 to the Safe Harbor Domestic Fund.

From left: Enya Bradner, Christopher King, Elizabeth Holmdahl, Gunnar Ruud, Olivia Knudson, Captain Armbrust, Jade Lauw, Teagan Wood, Thao Bui, and Samantha Fisher.

Lake Forest Park Youth Council is the liaison between Lake Forest Park city government and the youth of Lake Forest Park. The LFP Youth Council represents the city’s youth on municipal policy, projects, and events. Youth Council members work to uphold the city’s values of sustainability, excellence, integrity, teamwork, and commitment to service. 

According to Youth Council President Elizabeth Holmdahl, the Lake Forest Park Youth Council “focuses on improving Lake Forest Park for both youth and adults through representation and community work." Youth Council members are also given opportunities to grow as learners and members of the community. 

Two service projects a month. Here members make
Valentine's Day cards for local senior citizens

Christmas Tree recycling benefits domestic violence fund

Youth Council participates in approximately two events or projects every month. One example of this is the Christmas tree recycling event that the Lake Forest Park Youth Council has hosted for the last two years. Each year, the event is held in the city hall parking lot where participants drop off their old Christmas trees.

A member of the Youth Council offers each person a cup of coffee or hot chocolate and asks for a donation to the Safe Harbor Domestic Violence Fund. Donations are then given to the LFP Police Department to help provide emergency housing for victims of domestic abuse. This year, the Youth Council was able to raise $420 for this cause.

The Youth Council purchased 438 nets
to help prevent maleria

5K run to purchase treated mosquito nets

Another event that the Youth Council hosted is the One Day 5K. The One Day 5K was a 5 kilometer race developed by a past Youth Council president, Sophie Knudson, that raised funds for Nothing but Nets. Nothing but Nets is a charity organization that sends treated mosquito nets to countries in need to help prevent the spread of malaria. Last year, this event was a huge success and the LFP Youth Council was able to purchase 438 nets. 

Olivia Knudson, Youth Council Vice President, says that “Youth Council has given me the confidence and leadership skills that have helped me on numerous occasions. It’s always a good place to go to learn about Lake Forest Park’s government and to contribute my time to something I care about."

Youth Council participates in city government

Apart from serving the community, Youth Council also participates in city government. All members of Youth Council are expected to attend several city council meetings throughout the year. At these meetings, Youth Council members learn about current City Council issues and present on recent Youth Council activities.

For members who want further involvement in city government, Youth Council also offers an internship program, through which members can intern with the Police, Finance, and Record departments. 

One Youth Council member who participated in this program, Teagan Wood, who is also a member of the LFP Community Services Commission, stated that, “Being an intern for the city gives you a really valuable sense of responsibility and success.” Through this program, Youth Council members are given the opportunity to not only learn, but actively participate in the Lake Forest Park city government.

High school students interested in becoming a member of the Lake Forest Park Youth Council can contact Cory Roche for more information.