2019 ST. MICHAEL'S YOUTH MISSION TRIP JUNE 15-22 Little Rock Arkansas
ABOUT ARKANSAS... While Arkansas is known for it's abundant wilderness areas and beautiful hot springs, it also is known for it's rising levels of poverty. 18.9% of people in Arkansas live below the poverty line, which is well above the national average of 15.2% (Compare that to 9.5% of Minnesotans living below the poverty line!) 26% of Arkansas children live in poverty. About 21,000 veterans live in poverty. 1 Not all things you've listed in the baseline will be followed to the letter as the National project Forest moves along. Ozark Little Rock Because of Arkansas's vast wildlife and the effects environmental changes have on surrounding populations, protecting the local ecology is an important justice issue for this region. LITTLE ROCK Little Rock is the Capitol of Arkansas and is the closest city to where we will be staying and serving. Little Rock is home to Little Rock Central High School, the historic site for where the Little Rock Nine challenged racial segregation in public schools.
WHERE WE ARE STAYING Our hosts for the week will be Ferncliff Camp, a ministry of the Presbyterian Church USA. Ferncliff is located 20 miles west of Little Rock. Ferncliff places a large emphasis on sustainability and eco-justice. One of the lodging areas we will be staying in is solar powered and built with recyclable and sustainable materials such straw bale and rice hull insulation and, radiant floor heating. Ferncliff has solar powered vehicles, geothermal heating and cooling, and boasts its own recycling center, compost site, worm farm, and garden to grow their own food. Ferncliff Eco Center Solar Panels While other youth will be at camp while we are there, we will be running our own program and cooking our own meals. We are welcome to use the Ferncilff facilities such as bonfire rings, gaga pits, hiking trails, canoes, swimming pool, etc.
WHERE WE ARE SERVING Ferncliff is unique in having its own 10,000 sq ft Disaster Assistance Center (DAC) where donations are received, sorted, and then sent all over the country after natural disaster or crisis. Our group will spend time volunteering at the DAC. Ferncliff also partners with local non-profits and organizations to provide meaningful service learning around Little Rock and surrounding communities. Possible service projects include: serving at homeless shelters, gleaning farms for food shelves, serving meals at soup kitchens, working at the Habitat for Humanity Restore, completing biodegradable maintenance and construction projects at Ferncliff, and working at the Heifer International Ranch. Ferncliff Disaster Relief Center
DETAILS SCHEDULE June 15 - We will leave St. Michael's Lutheran Church on Saturday morning and drive to Kansas City. That evening we will explore the city and stay overnight at a local church or hotel. June 16 - We will wake up, worship at a nearby church, and then hit the road to arrive at Ferncliff by late afternoon. We will get settled into camp, shop for groceries, and learn about our service projects for the week. June 17-21 - During the day we will break into smaller groups for service projects around Little Rock and at Ferncliff Camp. We will spend our evenings on outings such as touring the Little Rock Central High School Historic Site, Heifer International Ranch, etc. or utilizing the camp facilities for swimming, canoeing, hiking, etc. June 21 - We will leave Ferncliff in the morning and spend the night in either St. Louis or Kansas City. Our last evening will feature a special meal before turning in for the night. June 22 - We will wake up early and plan to arrive back to St. Michael's by late afternoon June 23 & 24 - We will worship on Sunday and Monday to share with the congregation all that we learned and experienced.
COST DETAILS Because of the generosity of St. Michael's members the cost for each youth to attend the mission trip is $250. Youth may choose to bring additional money for snacks and souvenirs. Financial scholarships are available. Contact Pastor Ali for more information. Payment $50 non-refundable deposit is due January 13th to reserve your space $200 balance is due May 5th. FUNDRAISING It is expected that each youth participate in fundraising opportunities prior to the mission trip. Youth who do not participate in the fundraising opportunities are expected to pay an additional $100 per fundraiser towards the cost of their trip. Fundraiser Dates December 16th April 20 April 21 Bake Sale Easter Breakfast Prep Easter Breakfast CHAPERONES Brian Thompson and Pastor Ali will be leading the trip. We are looking for 2 additional adults to serve as chaperones. The church will cover the cost of chaperones attending the trip. Adults who wish to chaperone should contact Pastor Ali to learn more. Chaperones will help drive 15 passenger vans. Chaperones should plan on participating at the pre-trip meeting, fundraisers, and worship following the trip. All chaperones must successfully pass a background check and be active members of the congregation.
IMPORTANT DATES December 16 January 13 April 7 April 20 April 21 May 5 Bake Sale $50 non-refundable deposit due Information Meeting, 12:30 pm Courtyard Room Easter Breakfast Prep Easter Breakfast $200 balance due