SSI 2010 Summer Program Report
Click HERE to see the News Broadcasts,
Newspapers, and Photos from all three weeks!
Nearly 300 high school students participated during three exciting weeks in June and July. As always, the Biblical world view we sought to communicate was based upon the truth that these young people were created by God for just such a time as this—that they have a destiny and a purpose to be Ambassadors for Christ in their generation. The authentic leadership simulations in the legislative, business, judicial and media simulations served to help the students understand how to apply Biblical principles to every area of life. The combination of solid Biblical teaching and hands-on leadership training creates one of the most exciting, dynamic and effective learning experiences available to young people anywhere.
There are so many wonderful testimonies highlighting the impact of SSI. Most of the students, when they come the first time, have negative expectations about this “government camp.” We’ve gotten used to those hard stares and passive expressions on Sunday night and Monday. However, we know from experience that those who were most resistant at first are often the ones who tell us at the end that they are coming back and bringing friends. It was NOTHING like they expected. It was fun, exhilarating and exciting in a way that they did not think could be possible. They always tell us that it is hard work and challenging, and then they will say, “I loved it, it was awesome, it was great, it was life-changing, it was so much more than I expected, and I’m coming back for sure.” As they go on and on with their accolades, we are always greatly encouraged to hear teenagers talk about SSI in that way.
It is also wonderful to hear the parents express their amazement with their own children’s response. Those moms and dads who dropped off their reluctant teen on Sunday night often cannot quite grasp the level of enthusiasm when they pick them up on Friday. Instead of their children being upset with them for making them go to SSI, they are eagerly relating all of the incredible experiences they had during the week and talking about wanting to do it again. Wow!
Once again, we were extremely blessed by more than 150 volunteers who gave of their time and talent to invest in the next generation along with the SSI staff. They served as chaperones, aides de camp, coaches, instructors, guest speakers, committee chairs, lobbyists, bus drivers and night watchmen. An incredible amount of man-hours are required to ensure that every aspect of SSI is accomplished with excellence. One of our legal coaches, when asked why he gives up a week of his summer every year for SSI said that he comes here to get rejuvenated. I can say that we all feel that way. It is so inspiring and uplifting to see these students respond in such a dynamic way to every aspect of the program. Everyone who visits always says that they come away with a greater hope for the future.
In summary, we provide a unique experience that is simply not available anywhere else. We are very aware that SSI is difficult to explain and is not the first choice for many young people when they consider how they would like to spend a week of their summer. That said, we are honored to just be a part of this powerful ministry and count it a privilege to have this opportunity to invest in a new generation of young Christian leaders.
