The following student report was submitted by Ambassador League Agent David H. during the 2008-2009 League.
Mission: Tactics - SSI Experience Report
The Student Statesmanship Institute has had a huge impact on my life. For the second straight year I attended the week long camp on the campus of Great Lakes Christian College. SSI has brought countless experiences my way.
In 2007, I attended as a senator in the Mock Legislative track. Even then, I had seniority rights, but in 2008 I gained even more. Returning as a Mock Media student, I strategically used my media pass and gained access to many private conversations. The media track is very different compared to the legislation tracks. Article deadlines for the paper must be met daily and the TV broadcasting crew also needs to finish their projects in time for the SSI Nightly News production.
Since I was coming back to SSI for the second year, I had a better idea of what to expect upon arrival. My week was very busy, but at the same time I made numerous friends and shared countless laughs. The ten person media crew for Week 1 of the 2008 program was a very dynamic and entertaining group. One of the most impressive things about SSI is that it allows likeminded teenagers to develop long-lasting relationships.
Each SSI day started with the 7 a.m. wake up call, allowing students plenty of time to make it to devotions which begin at 7:45. This short period is spent in close study of God's Word and prayer. Reminding each student of their responsibilities to Christ for the day, devotions help build a stronger relationship with our Creator. In the meantime, breakfast is being prepared in the kitchen by the college staff. When devotions are done, students pour into the building to grab freshly cooked bacon, sausage, and eggs. For an hour, students eat and socialize. Then the individual tracks split up. The media has a team strategy meeting, while the legislative tracks have their own group teaching sessions.
Lunch was an excellent opportunity to meet new friends and catch up on the busy activities of the day. The afternoon usually held a teaching session and some free time. We also left campus on a few occasions during the afternoon hours. Quickly dinner came and the evening routine started. Every night dinner was followed with free time, worship, and a guest speaker. Gathering to worship is the most special part of a day at camp. With so many heads lifting their voices in praise to the Lord, it is easy to see the love for the Him shining through the room. The guest speakers bring much wisdom and love for younger generation. It is encouraging to hear how God has worked in their lives. The speakers usually shared many value life lessons about their faith and determination.
Evenings usually ended with more free time and study sessions. Lights had to be out by 11 P.M., but that didn't mean my roommates and I would fall asleep. We spent many nights up late talking. Rooming with three terrific young men, I was able to share our love for politics and leadership. It is true that SSI attracts the finest students of the next generation to their camps.
Being on the newspaper divisions of the media crew, meant that I was responsible for finding stories that would attract attention. This was one of the best part of the day. Networking with the community of students is invaluable. Through constant building of contacts I was able to make so many more new friends.
The media track took many outstanding field trips. Our first day required us to follow the representatives to the Michigan Capitol, where Rep. Jack Hoogendyk spoke to the students. The media group covered this story and even interviewed Mr. Hoogendyk. On Tuesday our crew headed downtown to the Lansing State Journal. I learned much about journalism as we sat in the daily budget meeting. Wednesday again brought us to the Capitol to cover the legislative committee meetings. Our tour guide gave us a detailed account of the procedures around WILX TV station when we toured on Thursday. I will never forget the many exciting hands-on activities that we were offered.
Value lessons about media and communications were taught by Mr. Larry Elliott and Mr. Kendall Wingrove. These proved very useful later in the week when we put together the SSI Nightly News broadcasts and wrote the SSI Observer. A few things stick out in my head from their lectures including the need to consistently check the accuracy on facts and the importance of building strong relationships with your contacts.
Despite hours of taxing the brain, students still found plenty of free time to enjoy each other. One big event at the camp is a sports challenge competition. All students were split up into ten equal teams and then five different games were organized. The teams rotated through basketball, soccer, Ultimate Frisbee, a marble balancing game, and water challenge. This break was enjoyed by every student and I thoroughly found the experience competitive and pleasurable.
My week ended on a very memorable note that I owe to a few people. Thanks to Zak Weston, he was able to arrange for his Ambassador League mentor, Kendall Wingrove, to visit the campus on Friday for lunch. Mr. Wingrove is a delightful person to talk with and he offers many opportunities to focused students.
I was also particularly happy when the opportunity to be Speaker of the House arose. This was a neat experience for me and I owe it all to the wonderful job that SSI does.
This paper summarizes one of the most challenging and life-changing weeks of my life. I appreciate SSI because it teaches its students real life solutions with a firm foundation in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The teaching sessions that students receive are invaluable and help the student in immeasurable ways. I owe SSI a lifetime of gratitude for the truths and lessons that it has engrained in me.
