Student Statesmanship Institute 2008 Summer Report

SSI Summer Program Report

Jump To Week One Videos, Photos and Newspapers
Jump To Week Two Videos, Photos and Newspapers
Jump to Week Three Videos, Photos and Newspapers

2008 Overview

After months of anticipation and preparation, the SSI office staff, volunteers and interns were prepared for the first wave of students to hit the shore on June 22. Most people don't realize just how much goes on behind the scenes to make SSI a successful program. There are so many wonderful volunteers who make it all possible. This year, we had a number of SSI alumni in the office helping out and many others serving during camp as student assistants. Their excitement and energy is infectious.

For a brief peek behind the scenes watch this short video created by some of our very talented SSI alums.

As you can imagine, we were so excited to see the first group of students walk through the doors at Great Lakes Christian College on June 22. Each week was amazing and different. The speakers for the instruction and testimony times were inspiring and challenging.

The topics included Biblical worldview training, creation vs. evolution, debate and communications, citizenship, statesmanship, being Ambassadors for Christ, God's destiny and purpose in our lives and our Judeo-Christian heritage. The evening worship services were always powerful as everyone was encouraged to draw closer to God.

Overall, nearly 300 high school students were joined by 150 adults and college students during three exciting, thrilling, challenging and life-changing weeks of SSI. Each week started slowly, picked up momentum and ended with a revival-like atmosphere as students shared the powerful impact of SSI in their lives.

So many of them said that SSI was totally different - and much better than they expected (i.e., not boring). Over and over we hear them say things like, "It's a lot of work, but it is also a lot of fun," or, "I didn't want to come, but I am coming back next year."

Parents and chaperones often ask why there is not something like this for adults. Guest speakers tell us that even though they come to minister to the students, they go away greatly encouraged and inspired to see so many young people fired up to do something positive with their lives. Thanks to everyone who contributed time, talent and resources to make SSI 2008 another wonderful experience. The seeds we sow today will bear a lifetime of fruit to the Glory of God.

At the end of each week, we have a final ceremony that includes worship and very inspiring testimonies. Check out this video clip featuring some students and chaperones talking about their SSI experience during Week Two.

Here are just a few of the student comments:

• "SSI is one of the most challenging yet life-changing experiences you can take advantage of."
• "I gave everything, every aspect of my life into God's hands."
• "Every speaker taught a different and fascinating subject."
• "It was amazing."
• "There is nothing better than SSI."

The Legislature

At the beginning of each week, the "Representatives" and "Senators" began the Legislative process with a "Swearing In" ceremony on Sunday night. They took the oath of office and committed themselves to uphold the Constitutions of the United States and Michigan.

On Monday and Tuesday they held secret Caucus meetings and then travelled to the Capitol on Wednesday for the exciting Committee Hearings complete with Committee Chairs and lobbyists.

On Friday you should have seen the rousing debates on the House Floor in the Capitol Building. The issues were real and the performances by these students was absolutely amazing.

Actual lawmakers tell us that the debate is often as good and sometimes better than the real thing. Students tell us that they learn more about citizenship and government in one week of "doing it" than a whole year of sitting in a classroom. Parents are continually amazed that their children are able to engage at such a high level in such a short period of time.

The Media

Also included in all three weeks, the Media students were assigned to cover everything going on during SSI and producing daily newspapers along with two news broadcasts during the week. All of the students eagerly awaited the paper each day. They read feature stories, news stories, quotable quotes and a lot more.

The interaction between the "public" and the "media" at SSI mirrors the real world. One of the jokes throughout SSI is, "Everything you say will be misquoted and used against you." It is all done with great fun and energy and the students love reading about themselves and seeing themselves on the video screen during the News Broadcasts.

The level of creativity is astounding, especially since most of them have little or no experience in the media to begin with.

Business

During Week One the Business students immediately dove into their management responsibilities on Sunday evening. The learning curve was steep and the competition was fierce. Each "Management Team" gained valuable experience while running a 40 million dollar company over an eight year business cycle.

Professor Gary Britten, from Spring Arbor University, taught them basic business principles in the areas of research and development, production, marketing and finance. In addition, each team made an investor presentation on Thursday night, to all the other students. The goal in presenting their company philosophy, goals and performance was to convince each student to invest all or some of their one million "SSI Bucks" in a profitable enterprise.

As in all SSI related programs, the practical is always undergirded with the spiritual. The students were also given valuable insight into the timeless Biblical principles of stewardship as they apply to the marketplace. It was an incredible experience and we are sure that some of our SSI alums will be future business leaders!

Judicial

Week Two featured the Mock Trial and Moot Court simulations.

For the Trial simulation, the "lawyer" teams were given cases to argue and were thrust into the confusing world of legal proceedings. There were three criminal trials that featured high courtroom drama.

The teams of lawyers worked hard to prosecute or defend the accused wrongdoer. In addition, they also served on the jury in a separate case.

The week of preparation included pre-trial motions, witness depositions and plenty of instruction on courtroom etiquette. The SSI Chaperones and Aides de camp served as the defendants and witnesses, so everyone got into the act.

The Moot Court, however, was not for the faint of heart. Each student examined and argued case law before a panel of Appellate Judges.

This is obviously the most challenging SSI track as it requires an incredibly high level of understanding to stand before those judges and hold your ground as they 'grill' you unmercifully. Although the preparation is intense and the actual courtroom experience quite harrowing, the students tell us afterward that the sense of accomplishment afterward is exhilarating and rewarding.

Summary

SSI is not just another summer camp. It is an interactive, challenging and inspirational experience that takes young people to a whole new level in their lives. They learn more in a week than they ever thought possible. They are challenged to go way beyond their comfort zone. They work harder than they expected and tell us that it is the most fun they have ever had. Often, SSI is the catalyst for major spiritual revival in their relationship with God.

One observer this summer wrote the following in a glowing report after spending a couple of days at SSI this summer.

"Not only is the training week well organized and an excellent modeling experience for the students, the program is well-rounded with Biblical teaching, worship, sports, fun and talent. This is something that I endorse heartily as I carry a concern for many teens who seem to grow away from the faith because it just seems like too much religion with no practical application."

You might have heard the phrase, "Teach me and I will listen, involve me and I will learn." Well, we have seen it over and over again-young people rise to the level of expectation and will respond when the bar is set high.

Week One Videos, Photos and Newspapers

Week One Wednesday Media Team Broadcast