Author: Sarah Daszczuk

TRI-PARISH YOUTH MINISTRY

HS Mission trip: june 22-28

FREQuently asked questions

ABOUT THE TRIP
Why go on a mission trip? Here’s 5 Reasons:
Get Away: From your phone, from selfies, from stress, from your comfort zone, and from the day-to-day.
View the World Differently: Spending 6 days focused completely on the needs of others who are less fortunate than you, will definitely change your perspective.
Meet Jesus: Mother Teresa often said that she could see Jesus most clearly in the people she served. “Once we take our eyes away from ourselves, from our own interests, from our own rights, privileges, ambitions – then they will become clear to see Jesus around us.” St. Teresa of Calcutta
Make Friends: Working alongside people for a week will definitely bond you with new (and old) friends!
Jesus Asks You To: Jesus specifically asks us to care for the poor, the hurting, and the forgotten. While you can do this in your neighborhood anytime (and you should!), there is something inspiring about challenging yourself to do this for an entire week.
What does the week look like?
Monday: Travel to Knoxville
Tuesday-Friday: Worksite Service (see below for daily schedule).
Saturday: In the morning, we will have a fun activity for our group, which the group will vote on. Then we will return to our home base for our conference/retreat day with a keynote speaker, prayer, Reconciliation, worship music, and Adoration.
Sunday: Closing Mass and Travel home.
What is a typical day on the mission trip?
6:45am - 8:00am Breakfast
8:00am - 8:20am Morning Session
8:30am Depart for Worksite
9:00am - 3:30pm Worksites
3:30pm - 4:00pm Shower & Return to Homebase
4:00pm - 5:30pm Free Time - Mass, Ultimate Frisbee, snack, etc.
5:45pm - 7:00pm Dinner
7:00pm - 9:00pm Evening Program
9:00pm - 10:00pm Parish Small Group Time
10:00pm - 11:00pm Free Time
11:00pm Lights Out
What kind of work will we do?
Throughout the week we will partner with organizations who serve and work with the community throughout the year. Organizations may include homeless shelters, boys and girls clubs, adult day care centers, women’s shelters, and others. Work will vary but will most likely be painting, simple building projects, cleaning up debris, landscaping, working with inner city youth, helping at a soup kitchen, etc. Remember to be open-minded, God sometimes has a plan that’s different from ours, and all worksites are chosen based on real needs in the community. So no matter what project the group is assigned, know that you will make a difference.
What is Alive in You?
Alive in You is a Catholic organization dedicated to introducing teens to Jesus Christ through serving communities across the country. This organization will coordinate the lodging, meals, work, and evening programming throughout the week.
Where do we stay?
We will be staying at a local Catholic high school. Typical accommodations include an empty classroom for groups to room together by gender, a free-time area where we can keep snacks and games, a common meal area, and an auditorium for our evening program area. Participants will sleep on the floor and need to bring their own sleeping bags, pillows, and a twin-size air mattress. Showers will be available, and may be open, locker-room style or private shower stalls. All participants should bring a swimming suit so they're prepared for any showering situation. Facilities are air-conditioned, but you may want to consider bringing a small fan.
REGISTRATION
Who can attend?
This trip is open to students who are currently (2019-2020 school year) in 8th-12th grade. This is an incredible experience for anyone, whether you are already on fire for your faith or skeptical. All are welcome!
How do I register?
All students who wish to register should fill out the registration form online here with the $99 payment. Register by February 1.
What if I need to drop out from going?
$99 payments are non-refundable. Additionally, late drop outs may be liable for additional charges. View the “How do I go for $99?” section for more details.
COST & PAYMENTS
What does the trip actually cost?
$340 (registration)
+ $85 (chaperone)
+ $55 (misc/group meals/2 group t-shirts)
+ $200 (travel)
$680** TOTAL COST PER PERSON
How can I go for $99?
As you can see, this trip costs about $680 a person. But, we believe in the transformative power of these summer experiences, and that’s why our parish is committed to sending every single teen on one for only $99. This discount is reserved for the first 20 people who sign up!
Restrictions and Obligations: All students receiving the $99 price must commit to the following:
Send out at least 8 sponsor letters to local businesses. You will be provided with a template and instructions on how to do this.
Participate in our spring parish appeal at the three parishes.
Attend all group meetings and gatherings (there will be 4-5).
Commit: In the event that you back out after we’ve already purchased your spot, you may be liable for the full $685. Our sponsors and parishioners are generously donating to send someone on this trip, not for it to be wasted. Therefore, if we are unable to find someone to go in your stead and the spot goes empty, you will be liable for all the costs incurred. Exceptions may be made for family deaths, emergencies and unforeseen medical situations. Please understand that you are committing to attend, before you reserve your spot.
This offer is dependent on the giving of the parish and the success of fundraising each year. Therefore, while we intend to offer this price of $99 every year, we cannot guarantee it beyond summer 2020.
When do I pay?
A nonrefundable payment of $99 is required with registration to reserve your space on the trip.
What does the $99 include?
Transportation: Rental minivans to/from Knoxville and throughout the week
Housing: See below
Meals: See below.
Supplies: construction, cleaning, and other supplies needed for our worksites
Group T-Shirt: This will be designed and selected by our group in spring
Alive in You T-Shirt, Waterbottle, Backpack, and Devotional
Evening Programs: Each night at camp we’ll have a keynote speaker, a band, and energetic activities
Miscellaneous expenses: Pre-trip group bonding activity, free day activity and other expenses
Chaperone Costs: see above
What about food?
Meals included in the $99
All meals between Monday, June 22 dinner through breakfast on Sunday, June 28, except for lunch on Saturday.
Meals not included in the $99 cost (Please bring money to pay for the following meals)
Lunch on Monday, June 22 (fast food stop while travelling)
Lunch on Saturday, June 27 (tentative, depending on group plans)
Lunch and Dinner on Sunday, June 28 (fast food stop while travelling)
Do I need to bring extra money on the trip?
You will need to bring money for 3 meals as we travel, and lunch on Saturday. You may also want to bring spending money for souvenirs, or snacks throughout week, but that is optional.
What about fundraising?
We will help you write to and find sponsors willing to share in our mission by paying a part of your trip. Additionally, we will also ask our parish to support us in a parish appeal. All trip participants are expected to participate in the parish appeal and in the sponsorship program. I realize that writing sponsor letters can be uncomfortable. But writing partner letters makes this mission trip about more than just you – we’re called to share this experience with others. When you write a support letter, you’re doing way more than just asking for money and prayer – you’re inviting someone to participate in your trip. That may sound cheesy, but when someone receives your letter, they’ll learn where you’re going, why you’re going, how they can pray for you, and how they can support you. This is an incredibly important witness! Not everyone can travel with us, but they can still be a vital part of our trip.
Can I opt out of fundraising?
Yes. You can choose to pay the full amount of the trip and thus not participate in fundraising. However, if you want to go for $99, participation is mandatory.
More Questions? Contact:
Sarah Daszczuk, 414-258-2604 or at daszczuks@christkingparish.org
Mission Trip Schedule
February 1 - - - Registration Deadline
January 12 6:30-8:00pm Participant Meeting #1
February 16 6:30-8:00pm Participant Meeting #1
March 15 6:30-8:00pm Participant Meeting #1
April 26 6:30-8:00pm Participant Meeting #1
May 17 6:30-8:00pm Participant Meeting #1
June 22-28 TBD Mission Trip