2013 Summer Program



Legislative Tracks

2013: June 23 - 28, July 7 - 12, July 21 - 26










Space is limited!
Click the "Register Now" button to get the week and track you want.


Available all three weeks


SSI President James Muffett swears-in the student legislators.House

In the Legislative Track first-time students begin their SSI experience by being sworn-in as members of the House of Representatives. Designed to challenge students to understand and apply moral principles to current issues, students role-play as state lawmakers, discussing actual bills taken from the Michigan legislature. Students are assigned to a committee and a caucus, and each caucus has one bill to sponsor and support and one bill to oppose. They learn the process of how a bill becomes a law, as well as the responsibilities of citizenship.

Students also learn and engage in activities such as:

  • Public Speaking
  • Critical & Stratic Thinking
  • Speech Writing
  • and Teamwork

Students take questions from the SSI Legislative News Service reporters (Senators) at a Press Conference in the Capitol.

Each caucus utilizes the SSI Media to bring attention to their sponsored bill by calling a Press Conference. The biggest challenge here is to make sure the SSI Media doesn't misquote you!

"I enjoyed going to the Capitol for the committee meetings and the mock legislature because it was so much like the real-life process. I really enjoyed the daily devotions & worship, and learned how to be a productive Christian citizen." - Carissa D. - Alumna

Student legislators hear testimony from lobbyists during committee meetings in the Capitol Building, oftentimes chaired by real State Senators & Representatives. Students can ask tough questions of the lobbyists, and gain valuable information on their bill.

Committee meetings in the Capitol are a blast!

"This is a great opportunity for our young people and leaders. This is a great process to help students become engaged citizens." Mark Jansen - Michigan Senator

The capstone of the program is when students assemble as a legislative body on the House Floor in the Michigan Capitol to debate and cast their votes on the issues considered throughout the week. Parents and other family members and friends are invited to watch it all from the gallery!

Student legislators casting their vote on the House Floor in the Michigan Capitol.

"It was an incredible learning experience for me. It took everything that I had been taught about government for the past twelve years, and gave me a hands-on learning experience. I know that I learned more in my one week of SSI then I have through my entire school career." - Katie P. - Alumna

Senate

Second year students, or Onsite Program alumni, can attend the Senate track. This advanced legislative track allows student legislators to amend their bills, both in committee and during the final legislative session. The amendment process is much more challenging, and the strategy used to pass a bill can be different for each caucus. Senators have their own final legislative session in the Michigan Capitol, and instead of calling a press conference, they serve as reporters of the SSI Legislative News Service asking questions of the House members. And, of course, Senators like to remind the House members of their vast knowledge and exeperince.

Biblical Worldview Sessions

Both Legislative tracks include SSI's foundational curriculum, taught by trained instructors, and covering topics such as:

SSI President James Muffett speaks to the Students about being an Ambassador for Christ.

  • Laying a Biblical Foundation
  • Ambassadors for Christ
  • Christian Citizenship
  • The Greatest Story Never Told
  • Worldviews in Action
  • Science and the Bible
  • and Debate & Communication