An adventure of a lifetime... Minimester 2017.

Transcription

1 southwest christian school An adventure of a lifetime... Minimester The Minimester Week, March 6-10, 2017, has been established to support a wide range of travel, enrichment, and service opportunities for our students. This program and these unique experiences are unlike any other school-based opportunities in the Metroplex. The SCS Minimester Travel Experience is currently in its ninth year and has offered travel to over twenty countries on six continents. The Minimester offerings support the educational mission of Southwest Christian School. We are excited about the Minimester program this year, especially. This catalog outlines the Minimester Travel Experience offerings. Please look through the online catalog as a family and follow the specific registration procedure for the offering that works best for you. Contact me if you have any questions or comments regarding Minimester Travel Experience. Our goal is to make the people and cultures of the world available to our students. Thank you for partnering with Southwest Christian School as we work together to equip young adults as Christian leaders in the world! Coby Bird High School Dean of Students/Minimester Program Coordinator Southwest Christian School cbird@southwestchristian.org

2 >> Peru Looking for a true bucket list experience for Minimester 2017? Enter the incredible world of the Inca Empire and find a new perspective on your place in history. This trip highlights a climb to the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Machu Picchu ruins. Utilize the Spanish language skills you have acquired at SCS and master your photographic skills with the help of Dr. Richards as you explore the colorful culture, temples, cathedrals, and markets of Lima, Cuzco, and the Sacred Valley. This trip will not be disappointing! Dates: March 5-13 (depending on flights) Cost: $3,355 Leader: Dr. Joey Richards Minimum/Maximum: Sign Up or Questions: Contact Dr. Richards jrichards@southwestchristian.org

3 >> Kenya SCS will return to Kenya for the 4th time in the last 8 years. This trip is led by Coach Bird who grew up as a missionary kid in Kenya and maintains close ties with many close friends and mission agencies in Kenya. The trip will be centered on work with Rehema Home. Rehema is an orphanage we have grown a strong relationship with over the past 8 years. It is a home for orphaned and abandoned children. We will serve at two locations, both in Nairobi and in a small community in Western Kenya called Bukura. The primary purpose of this trip is to expose our team to the culture of Kenya and the needs that exist in a country that is desperate for help in all areas: physical, emotional, and spiritual. Different service and learning opportunities will be worked out as the size and the gifts of our team emerge. At the conclusion of the trip, the team will have a chance to go on a safari in one of Kenya s many game reserves in the famous Serengeti plains. Over the years, SCS has had over 80 former and current students and staff experience this life-changing experience, and it never ceases to amaze us at what God does as part of the partnership with Rehema. Dates: March 5-15 (depending on flights) Cost: By May 31: $3,400 By August 31: $3,500 By September 31: $3,600 Leader: Mr. Coby Bird Minimum/Maximum: Sign Up or Questions: Contact Mr. Bird cbird@southwestchristian.org

4 >> China Come experience China s history and culture, and learn about what God has been doing there. From the greatest sites to the least of these, join us for a Chinese adventure that you ll never forget! Mr. Pennington and his wife lived and served in China for a number of years, and he will share amazing insight into the culture and history of China. A more personalized trip than what we have done in years past, it will include all of ten major sites such as Beijing (Great Wall, Forbidden City/Tian an men Square) and Xi An (Terra Cotta Warriors) and will provide Mr. Pennington s inside experiences on life and faith in China. Dates: March 5-15 (depending on flights) Cost: By May 31: $3700 By August 31: $3825 By September 31: $3,900 Leader: Mr. Jeff Pennington Minimum/Maximum: Sign Up or Questions: Contact Mr. Pennington jeff.pennington@southwestchristian.org

5 >> Jamaica SCS will return to Jamaica for the 4th time. This trip is centered on the mountain community of Harmons and a ministry called Won by One that is involved in community development and sharing Jesus with the people there. During our time in Harmons, we will help build houses, work in the schools and a public hospital, as well as different agricultural projects. We partner with the people of Harmons on all of these projects and get to experience rural Jamaican culture and share our faith with countless people. The last day of the trip will allow our team a quick getaway to the beach in Ocho Rios for a one-night stay before our return flight to the U.S. This trip is hard work, but will surely be one of the most amazing trips that you have ever participated in. Dates: March 5-12 Cost: By May 31: $1,800 By August 31: $1,900 By September 31: $2,000 Leader: Mr. Brad Davis Minimum/Maximum: Sign Up or Questions: Contact Mr. Davis bdavis@southwestchristian.org

6 >> SPain Spain is back in the SCS Minimester Travel Experience program for the first time in six years and it is going to be amazing. This trip will hit all of the major historical and cultural landmarks across the Iberian peninsula. The trip includes two-night stays in Barcelona, Madrid, and Seville, and ends with a final one-night stop in the Mediterranean coastal town of Costa del Sol. The trip will include visiting the architectural works of Gaudi in Barcelona, exploring the famous Prado (one of the world s premier art museums), walking among ancient Roman ruins in Seville, and amazing food all across the country. Price does not include tips, which will be collected in February. Dates: March 6-14 Cost: By May 31: $3,864 By September 31: $3,964 Leader: Mr. Travis Crow Minimum/Maximum: Sign Up or Questions: Contact Mr. Crow tcrow@southwestchristian.org

7 >> PhiladeLPhia boston Are you fascinated with American history? Do you like to shop, eat great food, and have fun? If the answer to these questions is yes, then this minimester trip is for you! Brand new to SCS, this multifaceted, six day trip will take you through the streets of Brotherly Love and Beantown (3/5/17-3/10/17 will not interfere with spring break). While there, you will see some of our nation s most historic sites and attractions such as the National Constitution Center, the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, Betsy Ross s home, the Franklin Institute, the Rocky Steps, Elfreth s Alley, Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Freedom Trail, the State House, Beacon Hill, Old North Church, Paul Revere s home, Boston Commons, Lexington and Concord, Bunker Hill, the U.S.S. Constitution, the Boston Aquarium, and much, much more! Lastly, you will dine at some of America s most renowned restaurants (authentic seafood dinner in Boston, genuine Italian cuisine in the North End, original Philly cheesesteaks, etc.), shop at premier locations (ex: Newbury Street), and even go on an evening dinner cruise. Parents are welcome to attend. Dates: March 5-10 Cost: $1,850 Leader: Mrs. Kim Chaulk Minimum/Maximum: Sign Up or Questions: Contact Mrs. Chaulk kchaulk@southwestchristian.org

8 >> New York City - Fine ArTS The Southwest Christian School Theatre Arts department is taking THE CITY by storm! This trip will expose students to the arts enriched community of Manhattan and develop disciplines through an interactive educational experience in the performing arts. Students will participate in musical theatre master classes led by Broadway performers, visit world class art museums, see 4 Broadway shows, tour historic performing arts venues and experience the best in NYC fine dining. This trip will require a selected concentration and participation in the performing arts. Come live, learn, and play March 6-11, 2017, in New York City! Dates: March 6-11 (depending on flights) Cost: By May 31: students $2750 parents $2600 By August 31: students $2850 parents $2700 By September 31: students $2900 parents $2750 Leader: Mrs. Cyndi Woodward Minimum/Maximum: Sign Up or Questions: Contact Mrs. Woodward cwoodward@southwestchristian.org

9 WE WANT TO BE PART OF MINIMESTER 2017! registration Each trip will have a different process for signing up. In order to sign up for a trip, you will need to contact the trip leader directly and let him or her know you want to secure a spot for the trip. You will be directed to the appropriate avenue to secure the spot, which will require putting down a deposit. Deadline for trip sign-ups is September 31. After that date, trips will be closed and decisions will be made as to whether a trip will make or not. In the event that spots are still available, students may be able to add a trip, but it cannot be guaranteed. Any questions regarding the program should be directed to Mr. Coby Bird. Trip-specific questions should be directed to individual trip leaders.

10 important info Participating in Minimester Travel Experience activities is a privilege granted to our students to provide an experience beyond the traditional classroom. Students who are on any form of corrective action plan for behavior issues or have been suspended within the 2016/2017 school year run the risk of being ineligible to participate in any way during the Minimester Travel Experience portion of the Minimester program. If a student is unable to attend a trip due to behavior issues, he or she will not be eligible for any refund of trip costs. Discipline issues that arise while on a trip can result in a student being sent home at the family s expense. Please note that trip information is based on a minimum number of required participants. If that number is not met by final registration, you may be asked to select a different trip. Once registration has closed, you will be allowed to select another available trip if your trip did not make. Trip information is based on current rates and availability. Prices may vary dependent upon airfare or other adjustments. All trips have a $500 deposit due at sign-up in order to secure your spot. All deposits are non-refundable, unless the trip does not make. Final registration for all trips is September 31, If you wish to cancel your registration after your deposit is made, it may not be refunded, and the traveler will be responsible for any costs associated with the trip that cannot be recouped by the trip leader. All payments and due dates are final. If you drop out of a trip after enrolling, you will still be responsible for all fees. NO REFUNDS CAN BE GUARANTEED.

11 minimester faqs Q. Is a student required to join a travel Minimester? A. No. All students are required to participate in Minimester, but they may choose from travel, local, parent-led, or internships. Q. How are students selected for trips? A. Students will sign up for trips on-line. Once they submit their names, they will be put on the list and contacted by the trip leader. Some mission trips do require an application that the trip leader will provide after sign-up. After that, it is based on grade level with older students having priority and on the number of spots available. Q. Can parents travel on these trips? A. It is very common for parents to travel with students on trips, but it all depends upon space available. Each trip is different, and you should contact the trip leader to verify. Q. Can I get college credit for my trip? A. Each year we try to offer at least one trip that will offer dual credit. If you are interested in that, you will need to make sure you meet the qualifications with your school counselor. Q. If I go on the dual credit trip, do I have to be enrolled in the dual credit portion? A. No, however, priority will be given to those students who are enrolled in the dual credit. Q. If I decide to drop out of a trip after I have already put down a deposit, can I get my money back? A. If you drop out of a trip after the initial deposit is made, you will be responsible for the full price of the trip. The trip leaders will try to find a way to refund as much money as possible, however, no refund is guaranteed. the mission of SCS is to provide families a Christ-centered, college-preparatory education that graduates young adults equipped as Christian leaders in the world.