The following student report was submitted by Ambassador League Agent Cassandra O. during the 2008-2009 League.
Mission: Tactics - SSI Experience Report
When my dad first told me that he was going to make me go to SSI, I dreaded the summer of 2007. I had never been to camp before and I was totally lacking any desire to attend a normal camp, let alone a GOVERNMENT camp. This wasn't just any ordinary government camp though...it was run by the terrifying Mr. Muffett! I thought my dad was crazy and I was really, really mad. I just knew that I was going to die. In fact, I did everything that I feasibly could to try to get out of this. I did a speech class. I did a debate class. I started getting interested in politics so that he would come to the conclusion that this camp was unnecessary. I begged him on my hands and knees not to make me go. Needless to say he was not convinced. I was doomed to go to SSI. Because of the debate class I was in, I was required to attend an SSI onsite program held at Teenworks. With great fear and trepidation I entered the building with my friends, sat down in my seat, and looked at that intimidating notebook on my desk. I was not happy to say the least. My one comforting thought was that maybe my Dad wouldn't make me go to the week long camp if I was able to survive this onsite. The day progressed and I started to get really annoyed. I was having fun. I was actually enjoying myself. The things that Mr. Muffett was talking about were actually interesting and working with my caucus on the bills was really fun and educational. I had hoped and planned on absolutely hating this onsite. Things were not going well. In fact, my friends and I were already planning what we were going to do during the week long camp and I was...excited. The most aggravating part of the entire two day experience was when I had to go home and tell Dad that it would be "ok" if I went to SSI that summer.
My first day at SSI, I met up with Ellie and Erin and we got a room and settled in. I said goodbye to my Mom and my sister, wondering how I was going to last a whole week. We signed in and got our nametags and notebooks and headed to the chapel room for an "icebreaker." I have played a lot of icebreaker games before, and I'm pretty sure this is the only one I've played that actually broke any ice. I was surprised at how friendly everyone was. After this, we were split into caucuses. I was extremely freaked out when I realized that I knew no one in my group. I was really worried that none of the kids would talk to me and I would sit during the meetings and say nothing. During our first caucus meeting, though, we all kind of clicked. We spent a little time getting to know each other and then got down to business. I still think all the time about the laughs we had, the intense work we did, the Jolly Ranchers that the chaperone brought us, and all the things we learned together. They were amazing and I had so much fun with them. Learning about our government, and having the experience of debating our bills together on the House floor was absolutely incredible. The sessions we had were AMAZING. Mr. Muffett turned out to be less scary than I had previously thought, and all of the speakers that came in were awesome. The things they said really challenged me in my faith and taught me a ton. One of my favorite things about SSI is chapel. For various reasons, my family has moved churches a lot and I never was able to get involved with a youth group. Until SSI, I had never really had the opportunity to worship God with other kids my age and it was so encouraging to me to meet and interact with others teens that had such an obvious love for God. The entire SSI experience for me was incredible. After the week was over, I returned home an obsessed SSI alum. I cannot even explain what an amazing time I had there.
SSI has turned out to be the highlight of my summers. It is one of those experiences in life that is almost indescribable. I can't believe that I didn't want to go. Now, I actually tell parents I talk to that they should force their children to go because it is so amazing and life changing. I never would have guessed that from a government camp, I would: learn to step outside of my comfort zone, grow in my relationship with God, make friendships that I still have to this day, and get so excited about impacting my world for the Lord.
