like model congress for example

You need to learn like the branches of gov't and some of the senates.

For the simulations... just know the basics about what each branch of government does. They will give you everything else you need to know about those, including walk you through all the steps. You'll get a big book that explains everything. It's nice to know a bit about your senators and representatives so that you can formulate some good questions for them, but NYLC will give you a little bit of backround on your representatives as well. Also, if you know a little bit about current events, you'll be more comfortable participating in discussions, but really don't stress too much. They will give you any information that you need.

I, too, am super nervous about being prepared for the conference. I read the Wall Street Journal, and watch the news, and I know a little about the branches of government. Do I just touch up on that and my representatives? Do they call upon our knowledge of this stuff often?

It sounds to me like you should be fine, really there is no reason to be nervous.

Lol, ok. Thank you. (:

So the preparation for the conference is to know recent events, Senators, Representatives, and the branches of government? Is their anything else that's major or of concerns?

i didnt do much to get ready for the conference. once you get your materials on the first day they give you the giant journal book thing at it has background information on everything you do while at the conference. it tells you about every simulation and even tells you the history of the malls you go too for food haha

thank goodness I was going to have a heart attack... Do you have to chose a poitical party in the debates/simulations? Because I truely don't have one specific party I fit into, and that would make things... difficult, to say the least.