G.A.ME Youth Leadership Retreat -Winter '09

What youth participants said about their Retreat to Beallsville, MD & Washington, D.C.:

From this retreat I learned great leadership skills. I have also learned how to really be involved and give back to my community. The retreat was great. I loved every aspect. I surely will be involved with G.A.ME and I recommend it to everyone who is looking for a good educational experience. -Reynaldo Carlo

On this retreat I learned about the African Internationalist concept and how it’s connected to Hip-Hop and I also learned the 5 elements of Hip-Hop, Graffiti being one of them. I also learned about President Obama’s first ten days and the bill he signed into law. I learned about the [expenses of our] economy. Then Terry taught me about communication. -Kanesha Ealey

One thing I’ve learned about this trip is to be more involved with my community. As a young person we can start a change in our community. Everybody talked about Barack Obama is the new black President, but everybody is still doing the same thing. So as a young black man, I should start and be a part of my community. -Derelle Hicks

I have learned how to have my own perspective in terms of education. I learned that when it comes to learning it’s best to do your own research. -Ravon Morehand

I liked this trip and I hope that next year I will come back.What I learned about this trip is so good. I learned many things like history, African American museums, Abraham Lincoln, the White House, and people that presented. -Azim Nekere

I had the pleasure of attending the G.A.ME retreat to Washington D.C. and I really enjoyed myself. I had the chance to see historical monuments and take in the sites. I really enjoyed the African Internationalism workshop we attended Saturday. We talked about the influence of Africans all around the world. I especially liked the idea of possibly incorporating Hip-Hop into Congress. I thought it was a real treat being able to meet the people in charge of Words, Beats & Life. I really have respect for the contributions they’ve made, and the encouragement they give young people. I don’t get out much so I really appreciate being able to attend this trip, in the company of such lovely people. -Ashante' Parker

On this trip to our nation’s capitol I experienced many overwhelming opportunities I stood up next to the Washington monument. I looked Lincoln in the face as he sat and looked out over the pool. I also stood in the same spot where Martin Luther King, Jr. gave the famous “I have A Dream” speech. This trip also enlightened me to how Hip-Hop can be used to build our community. -Shakiyll Taylor

I learned that being in the countryside is something I need to experience more often.
I also learned that sometimes we need to give someone a chance before making judgment. -Denzel Blash

The criticisms from this retreat in the order of importance to student evaluators:

1. There was no meat allowed in the houses. Nooooooooo!!!!!

G.A.ME response: Although, two chaperons were vegetarians, G.A.ME didn't make this decision. Am Kolel is a spiritual retreat and doesn't allow meat in the houses. But, we went to the famous Ben's Chili Bowl in D.C. on Saturday. Yeah!!

2. The driving, although there weren't any close calls, it wasn't the best. Professional Driver needed. Pronto!!

G.A.ME response: Ok, we will look into getting a Professional Driver.

3. The cooking was just o.k.

G.A.ME response: The students helped. LOL. And the cooking was a 7.5.

4. Not enough workshops on getting to know everyone.

G.A.ME response: Hmmm...we'll just do a better job of coaxing people. Because introductions happened three times.