Bahamas 2013 – june 23-29
international mission trip information
Ministry description:
The crumbling sidewalks and dilapidated cabins of the All Saints Camp in Nassau, Bahamas tell the story of a neglected community, suffering from AIDS and HIV. The dismal conditions of the camp are a result of lack of finances and support. Shunned for their illness, the residents have been placed in an area on the Island separate from the hustle and bustle of Nassau’s tourism and commerce.
Despite the dreary conditions, many of the residents still find time to praise God for each and every day. Gospel music can be heard from almost every cabin and the children at the camp continue to find things to laugh about.
Next Step Ministries has been blessed to lead the renovation of the camp. In the next five years, it is the goal to provide each resident with a new cabin that includes much-needed amenities such as plumbing and electricity. At the camp, you will be faced with the challenging work of demolishing cabins, rebuilding new ones from scratch, repairing sidewalks, building handicap accessible structures and other repairs such as replacing roofs, siding, screen doors and stairs.
In the midst of the work, you will have the opportunity to spend time sharing in the contagious joy of the residents, listening to their amazing stories, and learning how God’s love can overcome disparities. Friday is a community day meant for you to experience the beautiful island of Nassau as well as the culture of the residents.
Consider this life-changing experience that will, surely, leave you wishing to return to Nassau and the amazing hearts of the All Saints residents.
Schedule (7 days) – June 23-29, 2013:
Sunday—fly to Bahamas
Monday-Thursday—workdays at All Saints Camp
Friday—beach day
Saturday—fly home
Housing & meals:
Retreat center in central Nassau. Dorm units with bunks, A/C, showers. Must bring own bedding/pillow.
Transportation:
We arrange for our own transportation TO Nassau, but once there all our transportation is provided (to/from airport, work sites, etc).
Adult-youth ratio
Because this trip is a teenager/young adult trip, it is not a “traditional” youth mission trip as we have done in the past. That said, the adult-to-young person ratio will be no higher than 1:5.
Who can go?
This trip is open to 2012-2013 9th-12th grade students, as well as college-aged students between the ages of 18-22, and parent/adult leaders over the age of 25.
Registration
Due to the intense nature of the trip, the group needs to be registered and solidified, ready to begin preparing for the trip, at least 10 months in advance. We will be engaging not only in support-raising, but intentional preparation of our hearts, minds, and of our team for the experiences we will have on the trip.
Registration deadline is Sunday, September 30th. All registrations MUST include the
$100 non-refundable deposit.
Cost:
Program fee$650ea
Airfare~$500ea
Passports
16 and older$140 + $25ea
Under 16$95 + $25ea
Immunizationsdepends on insurance
Estimated full cost per participant< $1300 (minus immunizations)
(Not including fundraising)
ALL participants (students & adults) pay for:
Passport
Immunizations
$650 program fee
We raise financial support for:
Airfare
Transportation to/from our departure/arrival airport
T-shirts
*Funds raised in excess of these expenses may be returned to compensate participants.
Fundraising
Because of the considerable cost of this trip, participants will be asked to participate in fundraising. However, our fundraising efforts will look different than in years past. Rather than a goods-based fundraising approach, we will be taking a stewardship-based fundraising approach, raising the majority of support for this experience through donations. We will host a few fundraising events, in which participation is required. Participants will be asked to create and mail sponsorship letters requesting donations for their experience. We may also be accepting donations through an online fundraising program.
Scholarships
We don’t want anyone to miss out on this amazing trip due to financial reasons! Please talk with Gloria about scholarships – we have the means to sponsor youth on our trips, so please contact us!
Trip Preparation Schedule & Important Dates
***ATTENDANCE IS REQUIRED***
IF STUDENT/ADULT WILL MISS MORE THAN 2 MEETINGS, PLEASE SPEAK WITH GLORIA
Sunday September 9th–Information meeting for students & adults
Sunday September 30th – Registration deadline ($100 deposit due, non-refundable)
Sunday October 7th – Group prep meeting (participants 1st half, parents join 2nd half)
Sunday November 4th – Group prep meeting (participants only)
Sunday December 2nd – Group prep meeting (participants only)
Sunday January 6th – Group prep meeting (participants 1st half, parents join 2nd half)
Sunday February 10th – Group prep meeting (participants only)
Sunday March 10th – Group prep meeting (participants 1st half, parents join 2nd half)
Sunday April 14th– Group prep meeting (participants only)
Sunday May 5th– Group prep meeting (participants only)
Sunday June 9th – Group prep meeting (participants 1st half, parents join 2nd half)