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Appalachia Service Project 2010!
Information for Students and Parents
 Why do we go on ASP?
There are many reasons to participate in ASP but the most important is to answer the call of our Catholic- Christian faith to serve others and do God’s work on earth. Of course, you will also learn a lot about yourself and others, build an amazing community, grow in your faith, laugh, cry, stretch your comfort zone, experience a new culture and area of our country, learn new skills, meet wonderful people, work hard, and have fun. But the main purpose of our ASP trip is to live the Gospel call to serve, and to be open to the presence of Christ in every person and situation we encounter.
Who may apply?
ASP is open to all current high school students. While we will do everything possible to serve any student willing to make the necessary commitments, teens who are part of St. Giles may receive preference if necessary. 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. Handy repair skills are welcome but not necessary. All types of strengths and gifts are needed!
When will we go?
We plan to head down to Appalachia on July 24-August 1, 2010. 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, a skills-building and safety training day, our parish Commissioning Mass in June 2010, 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 help build community among the St. Giles Team, allow for planning the many dimensions of the trip, and expose participants to issues and topics relevant to the ASP experience, such as poverty, Catholic Social Teaching principles, and Appalachian culture. Thus, participation in these sessions is vital and required. Anyone missing more than 1 session will 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 22, January 10 (NEW), January 24 (CANCELED), February 28, April 25 and May 23.
What will ASP cost?
Each volunteer must pay $200 (payable to St. Giles ASP) to help cover the volunteer fee we pay ASP. This fee is due with the application on October 21, 2009. Should a student need to drop-out of the trip, all but $50 can be refunded to you before February 15, 2010. Alternate payment options are available if you talk to Theresa BEFORE the Oct. 21 deadline. We do not want financial concerns to influence any student’s decision to participate in ASP. Scholarships and alternative methods of payment are available by speaking with Theresa Matthews.
During the summer trips, students and adult leaders will each be financially responsible for approximately 5-6 meals during travel weekends, and any personal spending they wish to do - t-shirts, CDs, ice cream treats during the evenings of the trip, snacks at rest stops, etc.
 How will we fundraise?
The group will work to raise the remaining amount needed to cover van rental, lodging to/from ASP, work supplies, formation supplies, and ASP’s work crew fee. The total cost per volunteer to participate in ASP is approximately $825.
The fundraisers planned for ASP include: Poinsettia Sales after Masses in December, Stock Sales after Masses following Easter, and a letter writing campaign to family members and friends, with possible additional efforts. Participation in each fundraiser is required and vital to raising enough money for the trip! Those who do not participate will be asked to forfeit their place on the trip. If someone feels uncomfortable with any of the fundraising efforts or is unable to participate, substitute arrangements can be made by talking with Theresa or one of your adult leaders.
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 2009 and May 2010.
- Being a person committed to serving others, as well as participating in the local service project each crew will plan and perform before May 2010.
- Cooperating with your work crew throughout the year to ready yourself and the group for ASP.
- Paying $200 towards ASP participation and doing your part to ensure that our fundraising covers all ASP costs not covered by the participant fees.
- A skills-building and safety training session and the ASP Commissioning Mass in Spring 2010.
- Following all rules, behavior guidelines, and participation expectations throughout the year as asked of you by St. Giles Parish, ASP Adult Leaders, and/or ASP Staff. Responsible, mature, and engaged participation and behavior is expected at all times.
So how do I sign-up?!
By submitting a completed application to St. Giles Youth Ministry on or before Wednesday, October 21st, 2009. After that date, a waiting list will begin and applications will be added to this list on a firstcome, first-serve basis depending upon availability. 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).
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)
- $200 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?
For students who have previously gone on an ASP trip, 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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