NATION NEWS
March 2011 In this Issue...
2011 Reuninon
SIMBA Speak...Tell us your experience
SIMSA Speak...Tell us your experience
Save the Date...
2011 Reunion
This years reunion was hosted by the Muskegon Chapter led by Andrew and Kim Sims. They went all out and didn't hold any punches; all who attended had a fabulous time. Here's what Kim had to say about her experience..."Planning for Simba/Simsa Reunion 2011, was the greatest!. I was completely honored to be asked to handle such an awesome event. In the back of my mind, it wasn?t the Simba/Simsa reunion I was planning, it was the FAMILY reunion I was being trusted with. The support of others in the Nation was a life-saver. Being a very small operation in Muskegon, I was initially overwhelmed with the task. But I can truly say that when the family came together, it was quite a success. I am glad that everyone seemed to enjoy themselves, but I could not have done it without the support and input of the R.R.R. Family . There are so many resources and talents among us, and when we all come together, it?s amazing how things just flow." Well kudos and thanks to Kim and Andrew and their support base in Muskegon for showing the nation a great time. 
Photo: Baba addresses the Nation
SIMBA Speaks...Tell us your experience
Simba Tyrone of Indianapolis says of his camp experience:
"2010 SIMBA camp was one of the best SIMBA camps I have attended. I say that because this year I tried a couple of new things that I hadn't tried in the years before. I guess I'm gaining confidence! During 2010 SIMBA camp I went canoeing for the first time and I also played chess for the first time. My favorite moment at camp was...when the SIMBA's mocked the nation builders. We always look forward to meal time because it's fun to sing and chant and make beats before we eat. I love SIMBA; it gives me an opportunity to just be me and to learn more about who I am and who I am becoming. It is great to be with the other SIMBA's and the Nation Builders, I appreciate the relationships that I have developed over the years I've made friends for life."
Did you make the reunion this year? "Yes I did. This year's reunion was fun. I got to see a lot of my fellow SIMBAs, it's like a family reunion. The museum was pretty good; it had a lot of interesting things in it. The bouncing things were fun as well. I like how we all get along and even turn learning into fun. I can't wait to go to camp! 
Photo: Tyrone standing second from right
SIMSA Speaks...Tell us your experience
Simsa Shemiah of Chicago writes:
"As a SIMSA veteran for four years it has been a privilege to be a part of a nation that rescue?s, release?s, and restores the gifts that they see in you. August of 2010 was my fourth year at SIMSA camp and for me it was about growing more into leadership roles. I spent less time with the teenagers my age, and more time assisting the Mkunga?s with the younger tribes. Through bible study, discussions, and several workshops, I was able to realize that a good leader, and a just leader, must be able to follow the examples of someone else before they can lead. At first I use to feel uncomfortable with the Mkunga?s consistently calling on me to assist with different things but that?s because I was running away from the very gift God had given to me. SIMSA has allowed me to recognize that unlike most people I was chosen to lead and that was a gift. It was a hard pill to swallow but now that I have accepted it, I love it. Because of SIMSA camp I am a more confident leader, who affirms the phrase ?too black ?too strong?too beautiful.?
So many girls find it hard to trust adults, but in SIMSA Land this is totally the opposite. You get to receive mentorship from women who look like you, have similar struggles as you, and most importantly want to help you. Being a part of SIMSA is the BEST gift anyone could have ever given me because it has allowed me to grow into a phenomenal young lady spiritually, physically, and mentally."
Simsa Nia of Chicago writes:
"When August 2010 came, I had already spent the 3 years before hearing a lot about SIMSA camp and wanting to go experience it for myself. In 2010, I finally got the chance to go. I was not nervous at all. I got to meet new people and I experienced sisterhood with all of my SIMSA sisters and I got to ?lock up? and chant with my sisters. During camp, I liked the talent show, Bible Study, and taking the trails to breakfast, lunch, and dinner. One of my favorite activities was when we were allowed to have ?cabin time? with our Mkunga, Mshengas and other SIMSA sisters. The Pain Fire was something that I liked because it let me get to know my sisters better, but it also was very sad learning about everyone?s personal stories. What I did not like so much were the night hikes; like when we were trying to make owl sounds and get the attention of the owls because it felt silly trying to make the sounds. I also didn?t like the daytime camp fire when we made orange S?more cakes because they did not taste so good.
Of everything that I experienced at camp, my favorite activity was the morning we were leaving, when we went through our ?Crossover.? This was important to me because it was like graduating. It made me feel like an actual SIMSA, like I was Safe In My Sisters? Arms. It taught me to never let my sisters go, no matter what. It also taught me that I have to trust that my sisters will always have my back and never let me fall. Thank you to all of my SIMSA sisters, Mshengas, Mkungas and Elders for your love and support. Too Black! Too Strong! Tooooooo Beautiful!"
Photo: Nia sings at flashlight talent show
Save the Date...
Chicago Chapter Bowling Fundraiser SIMSA Camp SIMBA Camp
March 19, 2011 July 30th - Aug. 4th Aug. 5th - Aug. 14th
12345 S. Halsted
8pm - 11pm
$20
Camp Fire Recipe: Banana S'mores
Ingredients: Bananas, chocolate chips, mini marshmallows
Take one banana, cut center long way ( be sure not to cut through completely). Insert chocolate chips and marshmallows, press closed and wrap in aluminum foil. Place on camp fire 5 - 10 minutes. Remove from fire, remove foil and enjoy a tasty banana s'more treat.