Youth Parliament takes place over five days once a year, during the school and university holidays. Youth MPs arrive at the camp site (this year the Central Canberra YHA) on Monday, register, and are then inducted. Induction consists of two training sessions - one in the legislative process, another in Parliamentary etiquette - site orientation, and team bonding. After these sessions are completed participants have caucus time until dinner, after which they are briefed on the procedures for the following day in Parliament (especially the opening ceremony). The day ends with free time (often used for speech writing and mini-caucuses).
Day two begins early. After breakfast YMLAs are taken to the Legislative Assembly for the opening ceremony. Following this YMPs participate in a procedural vote on the acceptance of standing orders and begin debating the legislation they drafted prior to the Camp. The Speaker of the Assembly is generally a member of the Territory or Federal Parliament.
After breaking for lunch, YMPs return to the chamber to debate a Matter of Public Importance (MPI), drafted by their elected leaders. These MPIs are generally less detail oriented than the debates over legislation, focusing more on issues of morality, justice, and policy, rather than implementation. They often attract bipartisan support. At the end of the day the participants return to the campsite for dinner, caucus, and recreation.
Day three is generally a little more relaxed, as YMPs get used to spending time in the chamber. It begins slightly later than day two, by virtue of the lack of an opening ceremony to attend. It consists of debate on legislation, with breaks for lunch and afternoon and morning teas. During these breaks YMPs often meet with Members of Territory and Federal Parliaments. They are also invited to attend plenary sessions with politicians, activists, philosophers, journalists, and others. After these, and caucus time, YMPs are free to make use of the camp site facilities - indulging in their preferred leisure activity, be it sport, watching movies, taking a walk, writing a speech, etc, etc.
Thursday, day four, sees members debating an MPI, legislation, and, if time permits, the floor being yielded to adjournment debate - where each YMP is given the opportunity to speak on an issue of importance to them.
Day five sees the continuation of debate, particularly adjournment debate, adjournment debate and the closing ceremony, followed by a concluding meal and bonding event. Then participants go home.