|
Indian Reservation 2010!
Information for Students and Parents
Why are we going?
There are many reasons to participate in a service trip 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 service trips 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?
The Indian Reservation trip is open to all current high school students. We have spots open for 36 students to serve this year and 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. All types of strengths and gifts are needed!
When will we go?
We plan to go at the end of June. We request our date choices with Youthworks and they confirm with us within a few weeks. Our first choice is June 19-June 26, 2010. While our second choice will be June 26- July3, 2010.
Are there any requirements?
YES! The service trip experience is a year-long commitment. It includes the application process, 4 formation meetings, fundraising, participation in a local service project, 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 trip 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 service trip experience, such as Catholic Social Teaching principles, and Native American 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: January 31, March 14, May 9 and June 13.
What will the trip cost?
Each volunteer must pay $200 (payable to St. Giles ASP) to help cover the volunteer fee we pay Youthworks. 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 this trip. 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 the trip, formation supplies, and additional Youthworks fees. The total cost per volunteer to participate in this trip is approximately $825.
The fundraisers planned for this trip 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 this trip. By checking the boxes and signing your form, you commit to active participation in:
- Four formation meetings occurring between January 2010 and June 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 the trip.
- Paying $200 towards trip participation and doing your part to ensure that our fundraising covers all trip costs not covered by the participant fees.
- Attend the Commissioning Mass in Spring 2010.
- Following all rules, behavior guidelines, and participation expectations throughout the year as asked of you by St. Giles Parish, Adult Leaders, and/or Youthworks 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 Theresa Barthel (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.
Where can I go for more information or with questions?
Youthwork’s website - www.youthworks.com
This
St. Giles website
Theresa Matthews, Coordinator of Youth Ministry at tmatthews@stgilesparish.org or 708-383-4185
|
