Albion

 

A lot happens at Operation Bentley.

Participants spend 7 days living in a dormitory on the campus of Albion College. Albion College students serve as staff mentors living and working with you throughout the week. Participants spend long days studying and applying their knowledge in local and state government simulations, visit the State Capitol and Supreme Court Building in Lansing, and get to know students from across Michigan through work and recreation.

 

City Council listens to citizen's views

Local Government Simulations

Each participant is involved in the simulation of a city planning commission and local council as a community member, business owner, or government leader. Participants are encouraged to stretch themselves as they are assigned a role in a simulation that challenges their thinking. City council members make decisions in planning and budgeting that affect all citizens of the community. City growth, crime issues, ordinances, and zoning problems all confront students attempting to "do the right thing" and make everyone happy. Back room deals and personal strategy bring excitement as decisions are made. From a 2009 participant, "It is truly an excellend hands-on approach to learning about how government works."

 

 

Operation Bentley Michigan State Senate caucus

State Government Simulations

Senate simulations provide participants the opportunity to identify a topic of interest governed by the state and learn the struggles of creating support and consensus. Every participant is a Senator in the Operation Bentley State Senate. Party caucuses allow people to work with others of similar political thought. Caucuses choose a gubernatorial candidate and create a party platform presented in a debate prior to the election of the governor. Each participant writes a bill on a topic of interest to him/her for submission to the Senate process to become law. To become law, the bill needs caucus support, commitee approval, and majority of theSenate member votes. A participant last year noted, "The state simulations were excellent. I loved how I got to hear the opinions of all political parties in a structured civilized manor."

 

Operation Bentley participants at the State Capitol

A Day in Lansing

Participants spend a full day in Lansing to get a sense of the workings of Michigan's government. Time is spent in the Senate gallery observing lawmakers in action. Representatives from the State Senate and House give insight into the issues we are facing. We lunch in Lansing at local eateries. In the afternoon, participants explore the Supreme Court Building and hear about the role of the Supreme Court in government from a sitting justice. Some years we are able to meet with an Appeleate judge as well and hear about the differences between Appeleate and Supreme Court hearings. Last year's participant stated, "Our trip to Lansing allowed us to watch government in action before trying it out for ourselves and it was fun to see how hectic the floor really is!"

 

 

Albion College's "Rock" painted by participants

The Fun Stuff

Operation Bentley isn't all work - we strive to provide time to get to know other participants and create long-lasting friendships.

Food - Picnics, special themes, and time together are the hallmarks of our meals. There is always plenty of choice - and plenty of food!

Recreation - Participants have time scheduled for recreational activities at Albion College's Dow Recreational Center and facilities. Options include the use of basketball and tennis courts, track and fields, and the pool. Canoeing on the Kalamazoo River is enjoyed by all if the weather cooperates.

Party night - A movie, dancing, cards, and games have made the last night party a favorite time in past years. This is an ideal time to just spend relaxing with your new friends.

In the end, it is always said best by the students involved... "Besides the educational experience, the best thing was getting to know so many knowledgeable people from across the state and making life-long friends."

 

If you'd like to see more photos of what happened at the 2009 Operation Bentley program, go to the Photo page.

 

The energy level is high and Bentley participants often find themselves short on sleep -

but it is a week filled with learning and fun!