State Representative Mark Strama's getting a little help from about forty friends this summer, as he works toward his re-election race in November.

Campaign Academy, his biennial "politics camp" for mostly young people, is underway.

"We have about 40 people -- ranging in ages from 10 to 54 -- all different levels of political experience," said Strama.

At Campaign Academy, students hear from different daily speakers, all of whom are political activists or professionals. But most of their days are filled with actual campaign work -- fundraising, blockwalking and reaching out to new voters.

"We can use our information about technology and try to reach new voters, and reach new targets," said participant Elizabeth Trovall.

Here, the tricks of the political trade aren't just for the professionals. The students are using social networking sites and their expertise in that area to expand Strama's reach, and using their youthful energy to power his campaign.

"I think it's a big advantage to utilize students and what they have to offer," Trovall said.

This election year more than most, youth have proven their political power.

"There are a lot of young people who are saying, I want to be part of this process," Strama said.

At Campaign Academy, the young people not only take part -- but take action.