Global Training Summit 2023 Looking Back Reaching Forward

The students and sponsors attending the 2023 Global Training Summit in DC were treated to a private tour of the People’s House! Dr. Becky Porter, MCEC President & CEO, was able to arrange the White House tour for the Wednesday morning of GTS. Almost 130 students and MCEC educators took a stroll to the White House through the streets of DC and received VIP entrance to the historic mansion. The tour includes rooms that Americans see on media when special state dinners are held with world leaders. The Blue Room and State Dining Room interested the students as they have all seen the White House Christmas tree in video coverage!

Many of the military-connected students had visited castles in Europe and Asia and were surprised that the White House was somewhat humble by “chateau” standards. They were reminded of our country’s youth and understood that the White House is the People’s House. Although the President was not available to greet the group, the students enjoyed seeing the First Dog, Commander, walk the White House lawn with his Secret Service Agent.

At the end of the tour, students received a commemorative gift of chocolates with the Presidential seal.

A longtime and generous MCEC sponsor, BAE Systems, Inc, provided the students and sponsors of the GTS a well-being care package shared during the student strand at the Global Training Summit.  MCEC Educator Sue Lopez unpacked the care package during a specific Well-being session to instruct the students on what self-care can look like, and how everyday items can be used to foster well-being.

Sue led the students in yoga exercises to reduce stress and help concentration. Students reported that the deep breathing exercises helped them, and they intend to incorporate them into their daily routine. The care package included the book, Mindfulness for Teens by Jennie Marie Battistin, plus a sleep mask, fuzzy socks, a stress ball, and other personal care goodies.

We are so grateful to BAE for recognizing the need for well-being instruction. It is good to be reminded that self-care does not need expensive classes or fancy gadgets. Simple practices and common household items can be used to foster well-being and bring peace and mindfulness to our busy days.

It all started with a red button and a hula hoop. This year at the GTS, each MCEC trainer was given a red button recorder to save their favorite dance tune. The button was placed on the floor of the room next to a hula hoop, and anyone who had the urge to participate hit the red button and danced their best moves inside the hoop. And thus was born the Dance Party Challenge.

It didn’t take long before the students brought their own favorite tunes to the party with superb energy and style. But, why? Throughout GTS, when S2S students were seen dancing with great enthusiasm, they were rewarded with purple tickets. At the end of GTS, a drawing was held to give the winner a $150 gift card for his or her student team to use back at their school. With the cooperation and creativity of hotel IT whiz Jackson, classic dances such as The Wobble, The Cotton-Eyed Joe, the Electric Slide, and Y-M-C-A were enjoyed by the 150 participants.

And who won the challenge? Roosevelt High School from San Antonio, Texas! Don’t worry, the Dance Party Challenge will become a regular part of the student event at GTS.