Student Mission Trip
Parent/Particpant Info
Thanks for being a part of this years mission trip! Below you will find all the info you need.
Can't find something? Email us at students@crbic.org
Click the steps below for more info.
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DEAR PARENTS,
As you may know, our youth group is planning a mission trip this summer. I have chosen to go with an organization with decades of experience in leading youth to serve Jesus all across the country. Group Mission Trips provides a great way, in a safe environment, for your child to gain skills they will use as adults
- Leadership – Your child will be assigned to a supervised crew of 6 where they will fulfill 1 of 6 specific roles and work together to complete a service project or repair a home for a resident.
- Teamwork – Your child will come together with other youth from different states and backgrounds, working as a crew to accomplish a goal that is bigger than each of them individually. They will make a lasting impact by providing a source of hope to those they serve.
- Problem Solving – Your child will work with 4 other youth and 1 adult to transform a home or serve a local agency where they may come up against obstacles, such as miscommunication or difficult people. Every year crews find creative and clever solutions to accomplish their tasks.
- Confidence – Your child will learn they can work with many different people to serve and accomplish huge tasks on their own. Many often arrive thinking they do not have the necessary skills or cannot do this without parental assistance, and leave knowing they can positively influence and change lives.
- Compassion – Your child will work with people from different walks of life which may be different than those they come into contact with at home. This gives teens a great perspective – the reward is as lasting for them as it is meaningful to those they serve.
- Spiritual Growth – Your child will attend morning and evening interactive programs that guide their faith in Jesus to become more powerful and real. There will also be devotions during lunch and opportunities to discuss all they are experiencing with our youth group in the evening. This year’s theme is Forged. Each day your teenager will explore how God forges our faith. Through each powerful, transformational mission trip experience, the group will see how God wants us to know we’re justified through faith and given access to his perfect peace and grace (Romans 5:1-4).
Students who have attended Group Mission Trips have said they grew closer to God, grew closer to people in their youth group, and that they wanted to serve on another trip! Parents have seen their kids come home excited, positively impacted by their service experience, and committed to continuing their spiritual journey with Jesus.
Please encourage your child to attend our youth group’s Group Mission Trip. Since the early 1990’s, over 517,000 teenagers and their adult leaders have experienced serving others with Group Mission Trips all across America and internationally. It is a life-changing opportunity that your child will talk about for weeks, months, and even years to come. If you want to find out more about Group Mission Trips, please visit them here: GroupMissionTrips.com
Sincerely,
Phillip Allen
P.S. Your support is crucial in getting your kids on this life-changing trip! Thank you for encouraging them to put their faith in action. You are sure to find it to be an excellent investment
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Everyone needs to complete for form provided by the organization we are working with. Click https://argentasoftware.com/interfaces/gmt/frmParticipantForm.aspx?EnrollmentGroup=27300
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Let Me Help You Fundraise!
It is fundraising time! You have two potential options. Pay the total trip amount yourself or do some version of the suggested fundraising outlined below. Need other ideas? I can help. Give me a call!
Total Funds due by July 1, 2024.
Have questions? email me at students@crbic.org
Fundraising Guide:
Letter Writing Fundraising: Amount to raise $155 = 15 letters receiving $10 each (suggested minimum goal). We suggest sending at least 20-30 letters. Who do you send your family Christmas cards to?Online Donations can be made here http://bit.ly/tripsupport
Don’t boil this all down to asking people for money.
Instead, let them know what God is doing, how he’s called you to join him, and how they can be part of it. People will give more willingly to vision than they will out of guilt. Throw yourself into that with prayer and sweat, whether the money comes quickly or slowly. In addition, be wise in who you ask to become a supporter:- Make a list. Certain people likely stand out from others in every season of your life. These could include people from previous churches, classmates, teachers, employ- ers, co-workers, neighbors, friends of your family growing up, and more. Consider relatives as well, from extended family members to people they know.
- Categorize. Pray over who God wants you to reach out to first. Make a list of the top 10 people you sense you need to reach out to first, and categorize others into similar groups of 10 to follow.
- Appeal. Create a one-page letter that outlines the opportunity you’ve been given, the timeline you need to raise your funds, and the gift range you’d like them to consider. You may also want to provide a link to the website of the organization you’re using for your trip so people know it’s reputable.
- Contact. Determine who to send your letter to and who to sit down with personally. Don’t be afraid to make a big ask, and never say anyone’s “no” for them. You may also want to contact churches you’ve been part of to see if they’ll take an offering for you or give a gift out of their budget. SEE SAMPLE LETTER HERE and See online donation link here
- Connect. Create a blog, email list, or newsletter that helps supporters journey with you before, during, and after your trip. Share pictures and stories so everyone can follow the trip and feel part of it.
The Lord may make raising funds really easy for you, or you may have to throw yourself into it with all you have. Either way, note that God will provide for you through the people around you and the sweat of your efforts. Trust him to build what you need, or else you’ll labor in vain.
On that note, good for you. Seriously…good for you.
If God has called you to a missions experience or trip, nothing can stop it. Every person he wants on that trip will be able to participate, whether or not they’re financially set right now. Your sweat is part of that, so now is the time to find some solutions to your financial hurdles.
Coffee Fundraiser: Amount to raise $161 (23 bags of coffee - suggested minimum goal)
Steps:
- Print or Use digital form https://bit.ly/gobena
- Sell a lot of coffee!!
- Return form (with one check payable to Cross Roads BIC for total amount) by May 21st
- Pickup your coffee at Cross Roads around around May 30th
- Deliver your Coffee ASAP.
FAQ’s
- All coffee is roasted fresh to order.
- All coffee bags/Hot Chocolate/Chocolate Express Beans are all $14-16 each. KCUPs are $14 per box.
- Every bag of coffee sold you get 50% profit. $14 sold = $7 fundraised
- You can have close family/friends help sell on your behalf, to their sphere’s of influence. Giving them a goal of 15-20 bags will help a lot!
- All of our coffees are ethically sources, with many being fair trade and organic.
- 100% of the Gobena profits are donated to Lifesong for Orphans to help families adopt and care for orphans around the world. SO YOU RAISE FUNDS AND YOU HELP ORPHANS!
Total Amount to be Raised/Paid = $355
Minimum amount due: $355 (funds above 355 go towards other group members or as a donation to the organization we are serving) - Make a list. Certain people likely stand out from others in every season of your life. These could include people from previous churches, classmates, teachers, employ- ers, co-workers, neighbors, friends of your family growing up, and more. Consider relatives as well, from extended family members to people they know.
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Mission Trip Parent Details
Have questions? Contact us and we would be glad to help get you signed up!
DEAR PARENTS,
As you may know, our youth group is planning a mission trip this summer. I have chosen to go with an organization with decades of experience in leading youth to serve Jesus all across the country. Group Mission Trips provides a great way, in a safe environment, for your child to gain skills they will use as adults
- Leadership – Your child will be assigned to a supervised crew of 6 where they will fulfill 1 of 6 specific roles and work together to complete a service project or repair a home for a resident.
- Teamwork – Your child will come together with other youth from different states and backgrounds, working as a crew to accomplish a goal that is bigger than each of them individually. They will make a lasting impact by providing a source of hope to those they serve.
- Problem Solving – Your child will work with 4 other youth and 1 adult to transform a home or serve a local agency where they may come up against obstacles, such as miscommunication or difficult people. Every year crews find creative and clever solutions to accomplish their tasks.
- Confidence – Your child will learn they can work with many different people to serve and accomplish huge tasks on their own. Many often arrive thinking they do not have the necessary skills or cannot do this without parental assistance, and leave knowing they can positively influence and change lives.
- Compassion – Your child will work with people from different walks of life which may be different than those they come into contact with at home. This gives teens a great perspective – the reward is as lasting for them as it is meaningful to those they serve.
- Spiritual Growth – Your child will attend morning and evening interactive programs that guide their faith in Jesus to become more powerful and real. There will also be devotions during lunch and opportunities to discuss all they are experiencing with our youth group in the evening. This year’s theme is Forged. Each day your teenager will explore how God forges our faith. Through each powerful, transformational mission trip experience, the group will see how God wants us to know we’re justified through faith and given access to his perfect peace and grace (Romans 5:1-4).
Students who have attended Group Mission Trips have said they grew closer to God, grew closer to people in their youth group, and that they wanted to serve on another trip! Parents have seen their kids come home excited, positively impacted by their service experience, and committed to continuing their spiritual journey with Jesus.
Please encourage your child to attend our youth group’s Group Mission Trip. Since the early 1990’s, over 517,000 teenagers and their adult leaders have experienced serving others with Group Mission Trips all across America and internationally. It is a life-changing opportunity that your child will talk about for weeks, months, and even years to come. If you want to find out more about Group Mission Trips, please visit them here: GroupMissionTrips.com
Sincerely,
Phillip Allen
P.S. Your support is crucial in getting your kids on this life-changing trip! Thank you for encouraging them to put their faith in action. You are sure to find it to be an excellent investment
Basic Info
- 7th-12th
- Wayne County, NY
- July 7th-12th
- $50 Deposit – total trip cost including your deposit – $355
*Register before December 31st and it is $305
About Where We Are Going
Located in a lush region with green rolling hills, Wayne County, New York is a remarkable community with a vibrant, established relationship with Group Mission Trips.
The historic Erie Canal passes through the nearby village of Newark, allowing boaters to travel along a scenic water route from Albany to Buffalo. The community incorporates a portion of the Canal Way Trail System, giving ample recreation for hikers, bikers, or individuals who just wish to enjoy wildlife and quiet trails. This rural community doesn’t attract the huge organizations, but boasts small town volunteerism. The small town feel is unique to Group Mission Trips as the entire community rallies around us for the summer to provide meals, support, and friendly hellos wherever you go. Our long-term host is a partnership of two churches—and between the two churches is a park that’s home to a weekly farmers market. Participants will experience the benefits of the established relationships in the community, including meals prepared by groups such as Rotary. If you come to Newark, you will leave knowing that you have been a blessing to specific people.
Sample Schedule:
SUNDAY
3–4 p.m | Check-in |
4:30 p.m | Adult meeting |
5:30 p.m | Dinner gathering |
6:30 p.m | Kick-off program Meet your crew and get project assignments |
8:00 p.m | Evening Program Youth group devotions |
11 p.m | Lights-out |
6:30 a.m | Breakfast crew begins |
6:45 a.m | Wake-up call |
7–7:45 a.m | Breakfast and pack lunches |
8:45–3 p.m | Serve at project sites Lunch and crew devotions |
3:30 p.m | Return to lodging facility Camp store is open |
5 p.m | Dinner crew begins |
5:30 p.m | Dinner gathering |
6:30 p.m | Hospitality tasks |
7:00 p.m | Evening program team practice |
8:00 p.m | Evening Program Youth group devotions |
10:30 p.m | Bedtime stories (optional) |
11 p.m | Lights-out |
6:30 a.m.–3 p.m | Same as Monday |
3:30 p.m. | Check-in at lodging facility Free time: dinner and devotions on your own |
8:00 p.m | Lodging facility back open |
8:30 p.m | Movie night (optional) |
10:30 p.m | Bedtime stories (optional) |
11 p.m | Lights-out |
6:30 a.m.–11 p.m | Same as Monday |
6:30 a.m | Breakfast crew begins |
6:45 a.m | Wake-up call |
7–7:45 a.m | Breakfast and pack lunches |
8:45–3 p.m | Serve at project sites Lunch and crew devotions |
3:30 p.m | Return to lodging facility Camp store is open |
5 p.m | Dinner crew begins |
5:30 p.m | Dinner gathering |
6:30 p.m | Hospitality tasks |
7:00 p.m | Evening program team practice |
8:00 p.m | Evening Program Youth group devotions |
9:30 p.m | Lip-Sync battle |
11 p.m | Lights-out |
7–8 a.m | Breakfast |
7–9 a.m. | Room check-out Groups depart |
- Shower locations and times will be communicated at camp. There will be separate shower times designated for those that are 17 and younger from those 18 and older.
- Breakfast and dinner crews/hospitality tasks: Participants have the opportunity to serve other campers by helping prepare meals and clean the facility.
Frequently Asked QuestionsWho can participate?
- Students currently in 7th-12th as of September 2023
- Due to liability, under-aged participants will be sent home at their own expense (NO babies or any children under the required age).
- Only registered participants are permitted at the lodging facility and on the project sites.
- No special skills are required.
Is there a required adult to youth ratio? Can extra adults go?
Yes, we must have 1 adult (21 years of age or older) for every 5 youth (20 years of age and under). If both boys and girls are registered in our group, we must have at least one male adult and one female adult registered for supervision at night.
Are background checks required?
- Yes, Group Mission Trips requires that all participants 18 years of age or older be screened and background checked by your church prior to attending.
- Background checks must be national and no older than two (2) years from the start of the mission trip. You choose your background check organization vendor or we do have a recommendation.
- 18-20 year-olds are not considered “adults” during camp, however because of our commitment to safety, we still ask them to go through your church’s screening process and have background checks run.
- GMT requires a digital pastor authorization for every participant 18 years old and older in order for them to attend the mission trip.
What about transportation?
- We will drive down in vans and leave on Sunday and return on Friday
What’s the schedule?
Sunday
3-4 p.m. Check-in
4:30 p.m. Adult Meeting
5:30 p.m. Dinner gathering
6:30 p.m. Kick-off program (Meet your crew and get your project assignments!)
8 p.m. Evening program followed by youth group devotions
11 p.m. Lights-out
Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday
6:30 a.m. Breakfast crew begins
6:45 a.m. Wake-up call
7-7:45 a.m. Breakfast and pack lunches
8:00 a.m. Morning program
8:45-3:00 p.m. Serve at project sites and have on-site lunch and devotions
3:30 p.m. Return to lodging for clean-up and free time
5 p.m. Dinner crew begins
5:30 p.m. Dinner gathering
6:30 p.m. Hospitality tasks
7:00 p.m. Evening program team practice (Not on Thursday)
8:00 p.m. Evening program, followed by youth group devotions
10:30 p.m. Bedtime stories (optional and not on Thursday)
11:00 p.m. Lights-out
Tuesday:
6:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Same schedule as Monday
3:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Youth group free time (dinner and devotions on your own)
8 p.m. Lodging facility is back open
8:30 p.m. Movie night (optional)
10:30 p.m. Bedtime stories (optional)
11:00 p.m. Lights-out
Friday:
7-8 a.m. Breakfast
7-9 a.m. Check-out, hospitality tasks, and depart for home
What will we be doing?
Be ready to tackle any project and expect to interact each day with local partners from the community. Crews typically serve at the same organization for the entire camp (or at the most 2 organizations), creating an environment where meaningful relationships develop.
Projects could include working with children at a day camp, serving at a food bank or homeless shelter, leading a Vacation Bible School, improving the homes of people in need, assisting the elderly, tutoring struggling kids, working with disabled children, facilitating a sports camp, and/or serving churches and other human service organizations in different ways. If there are any minor repair projects, we may ask your group to bring a few small hand tools and paint brushes.
Will our group be working together?
Our work crews are made up of six people with one adult and five youth–typically each person from a different church. We are happy to keep your group together if needed, just let us know. If the goal of your ministry is to have your youth meet new friends and develop social skills outside of your youth group, then there is no need to contact us–we’ll mix your participants to make crews.
What about safety?
Safety is our top priority!
- We require groups to bring 1 adult (21 or older) for every 5 participants that are under 21 years of age.
- We require participants that are 18 and older be screened and nationally background-checked by their church every 2 years. Their pastor signs off that they meet Group Mission Trips’ requirements and are approved to attend.
- Every staff member has been screened, background-checked, and reference checked by GMT.
- For overall protection, we have separate shower times designated for participants that are 17 and younger from those that are 18 and older.
- We review safety procedures at camp.
- Participants are not required to do any work that they consider unsafe.
- Although we do serve in needy areas, we require work crews to stay together at all times. No one should ever be left alone and all participants are back at the lodging facility by their designated check-in time.
- GMT staff visit crews so they are aware of where a crew is working and any issues in the area.
- Every crew has the direct phone number to the GMT office and directions to the closest hospital. If an injury occurs on the project site, and is not serious, GMT staff will contact the youth leader and coordinate any transportation needed. If the injury is serious, the adult on site will call 911 and GMT staff will offer support and ensure needed medical forms are delivered to hospital.
- Each crew will have a small first aid kit and a bigger one in each vehicle.
Where do we stay?
A Week of Hope can hold up to 100 participants and we house them all typically at a local church. Our staff transforms the facility into a home away from home–there will be a separate boy’s hall and girl’s hall, a space for meals, adequate bathrooms and showers, and a space for the programs.
Participants need to bring twin-size air mattresses, pillows, sleeping bags, or other bedding to sleep on floors. Youth groups are assigned to sleeping rooms together, gender-separate. Sleeping rooms may be shared with other youth groups, depending on the size of the groups and the size of the room.
Registered groups will have access to more information about their lodging facility under their customer account.
What is the menu? What if there are special dietary needs?
Meals will consist of hot breakfasts, picnic-style lunches, and hot dinners. All meals are prepared by participants on a rotating basis supervised by staff. Picnic-style lunches will be assembled in the mornings and brought to project sites. The first provided meal is dinner on Sunday and the last meal will be cold breakfast on Friday morning. IMPORTANT NOTE: Dinner is NOT provided on Tuesday, youth groups have free time this day and dinner is on their own.
For registered groups: If you have a participant that has to eat gluten-free–please let us know. We can have a few gluten-free options at camp but need to have an accurate number to plan for. The sample menu is available to youth leaders under their customer account and under Helpful Resources. Share this with your participants so they can start planning. Participants with special diets or allergies are welcome to bring their own food items to fill in as needed during the week. Please know that we do have peanut butter on the menu. GMT is unable to guarantee there will not be any cross-contamination during meal preparation by staff. There will be a staff member available at camp who will be able to answer any questions about food.
What are the programs like?
- Focused on Jesus. Our goal is to point people to Jesus. Programs focus on Bible passages and daily themes that challenge us to respond to Jesus in ways we will never forget.
- Interactive. People learn better by doing. Participants will be involved in sharing, speaking, acting, reflecting…not just sitting and watching.
- Relevant. Through creative multimedia, thought-provoking sound and video, programs are designed to reach everyone.
- Fun. Relationship-building activities, games, and having fun are part of every program. Expect to have a great time!
Is there a dress code?
We request modest clothing choices in our Code of Conduct. While Group Mission Trips doesn’t have a formal dress code, we serve local organizations that do have specific requirements for volunteers. Don’t be turned away from your assigned project due to inappropriate dress!
- Pack plenty of t-shirts, longer shorts, capris or pants, and close-toe shoes.
- Please have your females bring a one-piece swimsuit in case they are assigned to a project site teaching a resident how to swim.
- Many of our partner organizations don’t allow volunteers to wear spaghetti straps, shirts that reveal the midriff, short shorts, or flip flops. And, of course, no clothing with offensive language or images.
What are hospitality tasks?
- Hospitality tasks are opportunities for participants to serve each other during the mission trip week.
- Hospitality tasks include: cleaning the cafeteria, restrooms, shower areas, and other common areas. Trash will also need to be taken out. The lodging facility will NOT have the services of a custodian.
- Participants will prepare and serve breakfast and dinner. A staff member will oversee the meal preparation, cooking, serving, and cleanup of all meals. Everyone participates!
- Meal shifts are divided into teams that will help prepare, cook, serve, and clean.
What’s included in the registration fee?
- Lodging during the camp.
- All meals, except for Tuesday dinner.
- Site selection and organization.
- Supplies and project materials for each project site.
- Bible-based thematic, fun, faith-building programs.
- Devotions to do before, during, and after camp.
- 3 highly-trained staff plus 2 volunteer staff to handle all the details.
- An online customer account full of camp information and resources to help prepare you and your group for camp.
- Unlimited customer support from professional and courteous staff.
- T-shirt and Mission Handbook for each participant.
What if someone in our group has to leave early or arrive late?
We ask that all participants arrive on time and stay for entire time. Every part of the program is valuable and helps guarantee a life-changing experience. We really try not to make too many exceptions to this because it does impact other participants, partners, and work projects–so please check the schedule and make travel arrangements accordingly. Contact us if a situation arises.
Can participants be more involved?
Yes! There are many ways participants can be more involved in the camp:
- There may be a couple skits during the programs for any participants that enjoy acting.
- There will be a lip-sync battle during the week! If any participants, or your entire group, want to prepare a little something for this, the camp staff will just need to approve your song (at camp) beforehand.
- Bring fun stuff for theme dinners! There will be 3 evenings where participants can have fun dressing up: Christmas Monday, Wacky Wednesday, and Tropical Thursday.
Do participants have to have insurance?
- Personal health insurance is not required to attend, although highly recommended.
- If you carry personal health insurance, bring your info to camp. It is needed if treated at any health-care facility.
- All healthcare costs are the responsibility of the participants or his or her parent/guardian.
- If you have participants without adequate medical insurance and/or you desire to purchase trip protection insurance, you can purchase from any insurance provider of your choice.
Packing List
PERSONAL ITEMS:
- Air mattress, cot, or foam pad (twin-size)
- Sleeping bag or sheets
- Blanket and pillow
- Towels and washcloths
- Modest swimsuit and shower shoes
- Toothpaste and toothbrush
- Soap and shampoo
- Any prescription medications
- Laundry/plastic bags (for dirty clothing)
- Long pants or jeans
- Modest shorts and work t-shirts
- Pajamas, socks, and underwear
- Closed toe sturdy shoes
- Water bottle (refillable, to be used at your work site)
- Personal health insurance card or copy
- Bible
- Jacket
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen and insect repellent
- Bandanas, a hat, or visor
- Work gloves
- Mirror*
- Camera*
- GPS* (recommended for drivers)
- Rain gear*
- Snacks*
- Fans* (most churches do not have AC)
- Flashlight*
- Alarm clock* (battery-powered)
- Spending money*
- Games for free time*
- Fun items for our theme dinners*: Christmas Monday, Wacky Wednesday, Tropical Thursday
- Pen/Pencil for program and devotions
- Instruments for worship*
*Optional Items
WHAT NOT TO BRING:
- Alcohol, tobacco products, or illegal drugs
- Expensive clothes or jewelry
- Anything really valuable
- Fireworks, weapons, or toy guns
- Skimpy or revealing clothes
- Please bring clothes that are appropriate in any situation. Longer shorts, t-shirts, modest swimsuits, etc.
CELL PHONES/IPODS/LAPTOPS/ETC.
For security reasons, it’s best to leave these items at home. However, we do understand that they are great for capturing moments, sharing life, and communicating back home. If you decide to bring any of these items, don’t let them distract from your experience. How can you be tethered to your devices and expect God to work in unexpected ways? If you decide to bring them, be sure to put them away during the programs and on your project sites.