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Appalachia Service Project 2012
Information for Students and Parents
 St. Giles ASP Mission Statement
St. Giles Appalachian Service Project is a high school youth ministry program with the goal of empowering high school students to grow in faith and fellowship as they work together to serve the poor families in Appalachia and bring the richness of their experience back to share with our parish community.
Who may apply?
ASP is a relational ministry with construction on the side. Construction experience is helpful, but not a requirement.
- ASP is open to all current high school students.
- Adults over the age of 21 who love working with and empowering teens are needed. All adults must complete a background check and attend a workshop on preventing child abuse.
When will we go?
Our priority for the trip dates are July 21- July 29, 2012. We plan to only request one set of weeks for all ASP participants, but the group will be split into 2 or 3 different counties, depending on how many students apply. When dividing volunteers into separate counties, family members will stay together unless otherwise requested.
 Are there any requirements?
YES! The ASP experience is a year-long commitment. It includes the application process, 5 formation meetings, fundraising, participation in a local service project, meeting with your work crew as needed, a skills-building and safety training day, our parish Commissioning Mass in June 2012, the trip itself, and follow-up when we return. Each of these aspects is an important part of the ASP process and experience.
FORMATION MEETINGS: Formation meetings are vital and required. Anyone missing more than 1 session may be asked to give up their place on the trip. This year’s formation dates (Sunday evenings from 6:30 to 8:30 pm) include: November 20, January 29, March 18, April 29 and May 20.
What will ASP cost?
ASP 2012 total financial commitment = $950 per teen.
- $400 Registration Fee - due October 5, 2011.
- $300 Fundraising - due March 18, 2012.
- $250 Fundraising due - July 1, 2012.
- Registration fee is non-refundable after November 20.
- No student willing and committed to participating will be denied the opportunity to participate because of financial concerns. If there is a financial issue please contact Theresa BEFORE October 5th.
- The cost of trip includes, transportation to and from ASP site, 8 nights lodging, 19 meals (teens pay for 2 lunches and 2 dinners during travel), construction materials, t-shirt, construction skills development day, 2 Sunday liturgies during trip and formation meeting materials.
- During the summer trip, students and adult leaders will each be financially responsible for at least 4 meals during travel weekends, and any additional personal purchases.
 How will we fundraise?
All teens must participate in team fundraisers - Christmas Holiday Fundraiser, Letter Writing, and a Car Wash in late spring/early summer. Students who participate in all of the scheduled fundraisers are generally able to raise the entire $550. Everyone will receive more information on fundraising activities at the first formation meeting.
What is a Declaration of Participation?
On the application form above, you will find a list of expectations required of each teen who is part of ASP. By checking the boxes and signing your form, you commit to active participation in:
- Five formation meetings occurring between November 2011 and June 2012. I understand the importance of these gatherings and that if I commit to not miss more than one formation meeting... If I cannot attend a meeting, I will call one of my work crew leaders ahead of time to let them know of my absence.
- Being a person committed to serving others, and participating in the local service project my crew will plan and perform before May 2012.
- Cooperating and participating fully with my work crew throughout the year to ready myself and our group for ASP.
- Participation in all required fundraising efforts, and paying my balance on or before July 1, 2012.
- A skills-building training work session and the ASP Commissioning Mass in Spring 2012.
- Following all rules, behavior guidelines, and participation expectations throughout the year as asked of me by St. Giles Parish, ASP Adult Leaders, or ASP Staff.
So how do I sign-up?!
By submitting a completed application to St. Giles Youth Ministry on or before Wednesday, October 5th, 2011. Completed forms may be turned into the Youth Ministry office (next to McDonough Hall), dropped off at the Parish Ministry Center c/o ASP (located at 1025 Columbian Ave.), or mailed to St. Giles c/o Theresa Matthews (1025 Columbian Ave., Oak Park, IL 60302). Additional forms and further information may be found at this Youth Ministry webpage of this parish wesite.
A complete application includes:
- Registration form, filled out and signed by both student and parent
- Responses to the application questions (attached to the registration form)
- $400 participation fee (check made to St. Giles ASP)
No incomplete applications will be accepted so please check your forms twice!!
NOTE: For those needing it, alternative methods of application (interview vs. written responses) are also available if you contact Theresa BEFORE the registration deadline.
Who are Teen Leaders?
Students that have demonstrated leadership and a commitment to ASP program in the past… you are eligible to apply to be a Teen Leader for the upcoming year. This is a rewarding experience that can offer new challenges and opportunities for growth and leadership to students who have previously participated in the ASP experience. There is an additional form explaining the various roles and expectations of Teen Leaders, along with a request for an additional response paragraph pertaining to this leadership position.
Where can I go for more information or with questions?
ASP’s website - www.asphome.org
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St. Giles website
Theresa Matthews , Coordinator of Youth Ministry at tmatthews@stgilesparish.org or 708-383-4185
John Lesniak, YCS Youth Coord. (Family Mass) at jlesniak1@comcast.net or 773-213-7950
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