SLIPPERY ROCK - Ten girls from Slippery Rock High School will hone their political skills this summer at Keystone Girls State.

They make up the largest group of students to attend the week-long summer camp since its inception more than 50 years ago.

The camp, sponsored by the American Legion Auxiliary, will be at Shippensburg University from June 26 through July 2, with one trip to Harrisburg during the week. Students attending are: Molly Spurk, Kristin Grossman, Lindsay Gregg, Ashley Sasse, Gina Martinez, Nyomin Buhler, Rachel Opp, Zackiya Grant, Krista Iman and Jessica Thomas.

Girls learn about politics in a variety of ways, but mostly by experiencing it first-hand during the camp, according to Damian Hambley, district commander from the Slippery Rock American Legion. Students become elected officials and run a pseudo-city during the week. They also serve as judges, police and fill other positions in the makeshift city, he said.

Grant said her sister went to the camp last summer and had a good time.

"She said running for the offices was the interesting part," she said.

According to Sasse, the camp will be good experience for her future in politics. She's been surrounded by politics her whole life, with Fox News on the television and President Ronald Reagan as a topic of dinner conversation.

"I've always had political aspirations and grew up in a political household," she said. "I always wanted to do something in Congress."

Iman said she has been interested in politics for some time, especially since her brother in the military was sent to Iraq in the past few years.

"I plan to make it a career," she said.

Even for students not planning a political career, Girls State will look good on a résumé and provide for a positive summer experience.

"It's a good time to meet new people," added Thomas.

In the past, the maximum number of students sent to Girls State in one year was five, according to Mary Hambley, coordinator of the trip for the Slippery Rock American Legion Auxiliary. When ten applied this year, the Legion had to get special permission to send them all, she said.

Each of the girls met the criteria for the camp of high academic standing, high moral character, interest in government and strong leadership abilities, according to Damian Hambley.

Those interviewing the girls for college or future jobs will look highly on the Girls State experience, he stressed.

"They know that's an outstanding person," he said. "It's like money in your pocket."

Only 60 girls were in the camp last year, Hambley said.

The cost is $150 for each student, but the Legion tries to get businesses to sponsor the students and pay for the trip, Hambley said.

Those interested in a sponsorship can contact the high school guidance office at 724-794-2960, Ext. 2004.