It is a one day program for ages 8-12, so both the older girls were able to attend this year. They start out the morning with praise and worship and then go right in to a Prayer Walk around the Capitol. This year we prayed for the Governor, the military hero wall and then went to the 22nd floor and prayer for our city and our state. We hold hands right in the middle of the Capitol and each one of us prays out loud. Kind a cool!
Then the kids (parents) go on a scavenger hunt trying to locate all the interesting stuff in the capitol such as a pamphlet of a self guided tour of the capitol and what floor the Attorney General's office is on. We learned things like the state pie of Florida is the Key Lime (not really all that surprised!)
They leaders, who are all teens by the way, make eye contact, shake hands, remember you from the year before and call you Mrs./Mr. So and So, speak in full sentences, understand the role of government and authority in their lives and cheerfully serve others. I was shocked to find out last year that one of our leaders was only 16! Anyway, the leaders put on a skit that helped all the kids (and me) better understand how a bill becomes a law. School House Rock has nothing on them!!
After lunch, they got to the part that Nature Girl was waiting for. She has very vivid memories from last year of writing, reading and presenting a bill in front of the Senate. This year Nature Girl's bill was to outlaw shipping popcorn. She was able to do a first read in front of the "Senators" but never got to get up to present and answer questions about it. But, Little Mama did!
Her bill, which I just loved, was outlawing Chicken Pot Pie! She hates any kind of meal, except dessert, in a pie crust. She did her First Read, then her bill got picked to present it and answer questions from her "fellow" Senators. So, she went up to the "well," presented her bill and the other kids asked questions. They are only 8-12 years old but boy could they ask some questions. Little Mama took it all in stride. And she did fabulous. I was so proud of her!
It is by far one of the greatest civics lessons learned. At the end of the day, the program director reminded the kids that they were there because they were leaders, Godly leaders in their churches, neighborhoods, schools, and most especially in their own homes. And that the way to be a leader is to be obedient to their parents and God. To be an example to younger siblings. All very encouraging stuff!
I am very thankful that the girls were able to have this opportunity . . .
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