It's hard to believe, but true. There are third-graders, eight- and nine-year-old kids, who know more about Carlsbad than their parents.

They are learning about our city government, they are touring city hall, they are meeting with our mayor, city council members, department heads and local business leaders, and they are even taking part in mock city council meetings right in the city council chambers.

On top of that, they also are learning about people, places and the environment, as well as what some would call Carlsbad trivia ---- how our parks got their names, where the first traffic signal was installed, who designed the city seal, when the eucalyptus trees were first planted in Hosp Grove, and what year it snowed in the city.

All this is done though the CityStuff program, a partnership that involves the city, Junior Achievement, the business community and Carlsbad schools.

It's a winning partnership, and one that was recognized recently when it received the League of California Cities Helen Putnam Award for Excellence in the category, Ruth Vreeland Award for Engaging Youth in City Government.

CityStuff began in 2002 in 12 third-grade classrooms at Jefferson and Pacific Rim elementary schools, but it has expanded now to reach more than 1,200 third-graders in about 60 Carlsbad classrooms in three schools districts, as well as in private schools.

There are a lot of hands-on activities for the kids during the six-week program in the spring, but one of the tools that really enhances the program is the book each kid receives ---- "FastFacts 101," that is packed with tidbits about the city, past and present.

Marilyn Campbell, who originally put the book together, shares a wealth of fun and interesting facts and figures, and she just finished updating the next edition, which will include information about Carlsbad's Shaun White, who won an Olympic gold medal this year.

A lot of credit has to be given to two charter sponsors: Waste Management and the Gemological Institute of America, which is printing 6,000 copies of the new edition, at a cost valued at $16,000.

Of course, kids wouldn't be learning if it wasn't for all the volunteer teachers and guest speakers who come from all walks of life, from city employees and business owners to retired schools principals and former FBI agents to school board trustees and airline pilots.

Some of the longtime volunteers include: Marie Ashe, Linda Carlon, Julie Clark, Gini Craig, Patti Crescenti, Linda Erskian, Kimberly Gross, Sherri Howard, Graham Jordon, Jacquelyn Marty, Lois Martyns, Kelli Moors, Bobbie Nunn, Steve Rubinstein, Dan Ryan, Shea Sainz, Jane Schatt, Charlotte Wells, JoAnna Whitton (she's also the volunteer administrative assistant) and Heidi Versteeg.

More volunteers are needed for classes next spring. Call Marilyn Campbell at (760) 439-3716. A three-hour training session will be held in February.

It's heartwarming to know that CityStuff has been recognized for helping to make sure our young people grow up to be responsible and knowing citizens and that their parents may be learning a thing or two along the way.

Barbara Brill, a North County Times columnist, is a free-lance writer who has lived in Carlsbad since 1971. Contact: bbrill2@juno.com