Is your teen (14-18 yrs) interested in how government works? Would a learning experience over the summer benefit your teen? If so, it would be better to avoid the indoctrination camp’s “Civics education,” and find a suitable alternative. City on the Hill (COTH) is one such alternative.
City on the HIll
COTH is a project of the Capitol Resource Institute, which is “devoted to protecting and promoting Judeo-Christian values in the public square,” and has a 35 year history. COTH offers students a “challenging and informative week at William Jessup University in Rocklin, CA” and “a real world, behind-the-scenes perspective into how state governments function.” There is an application process and students “must display an interest in public policy and a desire to learn about the legislative process.”
The purpose of COTH is to meet the needs of “young people who cherish life, value marriage and family, and treasure religious freedom” who need to learn how to convey those beliefs to the public in order to shape culture and policy. COTH is the answer to the questions of how we should “navigate the relationship between our faith and the culture at large,” and “ what are our [Christians] rights and responsibilities as citizens operating in the public square.” Consider also that “God calls us to be a city on a hill, a light in the darkness, and at COTH we’ll help you discover your role, your gifts and your passions so you can make a difference for Christ.”
More from cityonthehill.org
“COTH gives high school students a truly unique, hands-on opportunity to learn about how the Christian worldview defines our participation in the public sphere. During the week of COTH, we focus on how Christians are to approach politics, government, the law, and the media. Various speakers, workshops and activities will help you formulate a deeper understanding of what it means to be a Christian in public service today. All of this takes place in an action-packed, fun-filled week at William Jessup University.”
At COTH, students will learn by doing. Students will “join a political party, become a mock legislator, run for office, and research and debate current state legislation.” This is a great way to learn about how the legislative process works in real life and insight into what a legislator’s life is like.
Pastor Jack Hibbs of Calvary Chapel Chino Hills gives his take on COTH:
Applications
Applications are due by June 12 and the cost is $500. If you don’t have teens but feel this is an essential program in order to battle the evil of today’s world, please consider sponsoring a student.
COTH isn’t just for California students and encourages teens from all states to apply for City on the Hill: “It is our desire to equip and train young people, regardless of where they reside. As the deadline approaches, we are daily receiving applications. Students are excited to meet like-minded peers and learn how together, they can make a difference.”