Cross Roads BIC Church | Mission Trip

Niagara Falls

Parent/Participant Info

Dear Parents,

This summer, our student ministry is gearing up for a week-long mission trip to Niagara Falls, NY! We'll be partnering with established organizations there, tackling needs in the community through service projects and fostering connections.

Making a Difference Together

Our students will dive into projects like food and clothing distribution, home repairs, and community beautification. Evenings will be filled with cultural immersion, exploring the majestic Falls, and sharing fellowship with local partners. It's a chance to learn, serve, and create lasting memories.

Growth Beyond Service

This trip isn't just about physical work. It's about personal growth. Here's what your child can expect:

Developing skills: Teamwork, communication, and problem-solving will flourish as they collaborate on projects.
Building confidence: They'll discover their own capabilities and the positive impact they can make.
Expanding their world: Through interaction with diverse communities, your child will gain a broader perspective and empathy.
Strengthening their faith: Daily devotions and interactive programs will deepen their spiritual journey.

A Trip They'll Never Forget

Past participants have returned home with renewed faith, closer bonds with their peers, and a passion to serve. This trip will be a transformative experience your child will cherish for years to come.

More Information & Scholarships

For details, visit our youth group page or contact me directly. We offer scholarships and fundraising opportunities to make this trip accessible to all.

Don't miss out! This is an incredible opportunity for your child to grow, serve, and make a difference.

Sincerely,

Phillip Allen

P.S. A $50 deposit secures their spot.

Basic Info
6th-12th (as of September 2024)
Niagara Falls, NY
July 6th-11th
$50 Deposit - total trip cost including your deposit - $395
Scholarships and Fundraising Available

Register/Pay Deposit Here

About Where We Are Going
Our group will come alongside existing organizations to meet ongoing needs through food and clothing distribution, home repair projects, community beautification projects and youth programming at a local community center. We will learn more about the community by participating in Evening Activities where we will explore the community, visit the beauty of the Falls and share a time of fellowship with partners and community members. YouthWorks has been serving in Niagara Falls since 2003.

Sample Schedule
This schedule is an example of what you might expect on a YouthWorks site. Because every community is different, the schedule may vary at some sites and on some days. For more information on each component, check out the Daily Schedule Overview doc on your Trip Resources page.

SUNDAY
4:30–6:00 p.m.            Groups Arrive at Housing Site 6:15 p.m.       Dinner
7:15 p.m.                       Orientation
8:30 p.m.                     The Gathering
9:15 p.m.                     Church Group Time (a time to process the day as a group) 10:30 p.m.         Lights Out

MONDAY THROUGH THURSDAY
6:45 a.m.                     Breakfast Prep Crew in Kitchen
7:15 a.m.                     Breakfast (Everyone also packs their own lunch during this time.) 7:45 a.m. Breakfast/Building Cleanup
8:20 a.m.                     Personal Devotion Time
8:45 a.m.                     Circle Up & Service Orientations
9:00 a.m.                     Depart for Service Sites
12:00 p.m.                    Lunch at Service Sites
3:00 p.m.                     Showers & Afternoon Snack
4:30 p.m.                     Dinner Prep Crew in Kitchen
4:45 p.m.                     Adult Leader Meeting
5:15 p.m.                      Dinner & Cleanup
6:20 p.m.                     Evening Activity & Evening Snack*
8:30 p.m.                     The Gathering
9:30 p.m.                     Church Group Time
10:45 p.m.                    Lights Out

* Some Evening Activities take place in the afternoon. Some sites include one Option Night, when during a portion of the evening church groups can choose between additional free time or activities in the community provided by YouthWorks staff. You’ll learn more about Evening Activities when you learn about your community.

FRIDAY
6:30 a.m.                     Wake Up & Load Vehicles
7:30 a.m.                      Breakfast & Evals
8:10 a.m.                      Building Cleanup, Send-Off, Leave by 9:00 a.m.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a YouthWorks trip cost?
Our actual cost is $429 but we are only asking you to pay $355. Cost per participant includes:
14 Meals
Project Materials and Resources
Program Resources
Evening Activities
Lodging
If cost of the trip is an obstacle for your group or for a specific student in your group please call us to find out more about scholarship opportunities.

Who can come?
open to students who complete 6th grade in spring 2025 through seniors who graduate in spring 2025.

Can our adults go?

Yes! In fact, Adult Leaders play a key leadership role on your youth trips. Leaders need to be at least 20 years of age and willing to take a role of leadership with your teenagers.

What is the adult to youth ratio requirements on youth trips?
High School Trips: 1 Adult Leader for every 7 students
Middle School Trips: 1 Adult Leader for every 5 students
Mixed Trips: 1 Adult Leader for every 5 students

Do you require background checks on your leaders? What about students?
Yes. Each church group will need to conduct a national (multi-site) criminal background check and sex offender registry check on any participant (adult or student) that is 18 years and older. Church groups then need to provide YouthWorks with written confirmation that every participant 18 and older has been approved to work with youth and children, and provide written confirmation that all participants (youth and adults) are deemed safe.

Are the sites safe?
Safety is of the utmost importance to our organization. We want participants to feel safe throughout the entire week, and we want parents and church leadership to know that we take every precaution in order to ensure their safety. Our staff are thoroughly trained on a variety of safety practices and procedures. With that said, we do rely on Adult Leaders and youth to help the YouthWorks staff in upholding and following the safety policies and procedures for their mission week.

What type of ministry will we do?
Each YouthWorks site is unique. You may be involved in clothing distribution, painting, yard work, food pantries, relational ministry or more.

Will we be serving in one place all week or various places?
It depends on the YouthWorks site. We seek to meet the needs of our community partners and their ministries. Some of our organizations prefer the same volunteers to come back each day, all week so there is consistency in both relational and logistical aspects. In other situations you might serve with multiple partners during the week.

Will there be other groups on site with mine and how many participants should we expect?
A typical YouthWorks site has capacity for 65 to 80 participants depending on the site and week. Our goal is that as many teenagers as possible would experience mission trips, so there may be multiple groups on site during your week.

Will our group be serving together or will we be split up?
If your group is larger than seven people and has more than two Adult Leaders, you will most likely be split into different ministry/work crews for the week. Each crew will have anywhere from 7 – 10 people with 1 – 3 Adult Leaders depending on the needs of our Service Partners, the size of the group on site, and the number and size of vehicles available.

How do we get there?
We will be taking a 15 passenger van and a follow car.

Where do we stay?
Groups are housed in a local church, school or community building. Participants need to bring their own sleeping bags, pillows and sleeping pads or air mattresses that are twin-size or smaller (Puerto Rico has a slightly different requirement). All females and males sleep in separate rooms, including married Adult Leaders. Showers are available either on site or at a nearby location. Off-site showers may be at local community center, YMCA or public high school which may include open shower rooms or private stalls. Specific details will be available in the spring as they are confirmed in each community.

Can you accommodate participants with special needs or disabilities?
YouthWorks welcomes youth and adult participants with disabilities and works collaboratively with Trip Leaders to provide accommodations to need and circumstance. Due to the diverse nature of each of our mission sites and ongoing changes at service locations, creating a coordinated plan with a Trip Leader is important to help us discern if and how the special need can be accommodated. There are some mission locations that are more equipped to handle special requests than others and some communities that cannot fully accommodate all needs. For more information, please talk with a Trip Consultant.

Service Partners

Where will we be serving?
It is our privilege to partner with organizations already at work serving the needs of people within the community. We want to help these organizations do what they do by providing them with volunteers. Our partnerships include working with the elderly, children, individuals with special needs, people who are experiencing homelessness or in transition, or serving through hands-on labor with food banks, community gardens or neighborhood revitalization projects. While we place a priority on relational service opportunities, we are also pleased to serve behind the scenes through manual labor; many YouthWorks participants will experience a little of both.

In some communities, groups may have the opportunity to partner with churches or other organizations that work with children in the community such as a VBS or a Boys and Girls Club. Because each community is unique, each kids program will look a little different. If you are serving at a kids program, your day will most likely include games, crafts and a storytelling component. You will learn more about the specifics of your service day after arriving in the community.

Do we work with only Christian organizations?
We love to partner with organizations that have a faith-based focus, but we also value what other nonprofit organizations are doing in communities. Our hope is to provide volunteer support to local organizations (Service Partners) that share our desire to love and serve the people in their community. We are blessed when we can be part of the story of what God is doing in a community whether the work is being done through a secular or faith-based organization. YouthWorks does not endorse its partners beyond providing volunteer support, so participants will not be asked to solicit gifts or donations for any of our local partners.

Who determines where we will be serving?
Full-time YouthWorks staff, along with our summer staff, will be responsible for choosing appropriate service opportunities for your week of ministry. The Trip Leader of each group will be asked to place each person from their group on a work crew, with the input and help of site staff leaders.

When will we find out what we will be doing specifically?
You will not know specifically where you will be serving until Sunday night of your trip.

Work Projects

What are Work Projects?
Work Projects are a tangible way for you and your youth to serve a community through painting, yard work and other simple projects. Our goal for Work Projects is to create a meaningful work experience where youth can make a difference with their skills and abilities while also building relationships with families and neighbors.

What kind of work will we be doing?
We seek to meet needs in the community through various types of Work Projects. Ultimately we want to do projects that are at, not above, your teenagers’ skill level. This allows youth to take ownership of a project. Projects may include painting, yard work, community beautification, building cleanup or any other project that will serve individuals or groups in a community.
When we do paint homes, a painting project typically consists of scraping old paint, filling holes with insulation, caulking windows and applying a fresh coat of paint to a home. You may be involved in any or all of the painting process and may or may not complete an entire house during your time. Painting is a relatively easy task and is something in which youth can be successful. Done well, it can create a real sense of pride both by the painting crew and the homeowner. Occasionally, we encounter lead-based paint at a project; however, our staff are trained to take extra safety precautions during lead-paint scraping in order to follow health and legal standards.

How does YouthWorks choose which people to serve?
We find and establish partnerships with homeowners through trusted local leaders and reputable organizations in each community. These connections are often made by networking in the community and partnering with local churches, service organizations and community members to find people we can work alongside of in home repair and landscaping projects.

Are supplies included?
All the supplies are included in the price of your trip.
Sometimes there is a site-specific need for supplies and materials, including but not limited to gloves, paintbrushes, tarps, paint scrapers or other project-specific materials. Two weeks before your trip, the Site Director will contact your Trip Leader to talk through specific trip details and help you finalize your plans. This would be a great time to ask about any supply needs that the site may have.

What is the role of Adult Leaders at a Work Projects Site?
The Adult Leaders have three main roles on a Work Projects site. The first is to watch for safety. Safety is our number one priority on all aspects of your mission trip, and the work site is no different. Additionally, Adult Leaders oversee all aspects of the work project. Our hope is that the youth will take leadership of the work and of the site, but as the adult you are ultimately in charge. Lastly, the role of Adult Leaders is to work alongside the youth. By participating with students, you will have an incredible opportunity to serve the community in a very tangible way, as well as build some great relationships with the youth you are working with.

What is the role of a teenager at a Work Projects site?
Although adults at Work Project sites are ultimately responsible, our desire is that youth feel empowered to take leadership in every aspect – from beginning to end. Look for ways to empower your youth at Work Projects sites and throughout the week.

What types of relationships will we get to build at a Work Projects site?
At Work Projects sites, relationships can develop among students working side-by-side. Since your work crew will most likely be made up of people from at least two different churches, you have the great opportunity to get to know people from a different church and perhaps even a different part of the country than you.

Additionally, our desire is that you also get to know the people you are serving. Although health issues or work schedules sometimes prevent community partners from interacting with groups, we seek Work Projects partners who can be present with the work crew when possible. As visitors in the community, you and your youth have the opportunity to seek these relationships – but do so humbly, understanding that cultural, economic and other barriers are factors to be considered.

Will there be a supervisor on site with us?
YouthWorks hires and trains a Work Projects Coordinator who will be supervising your worksites. However, because there will likely be multiple work projects running at once, the staff will not be on your site with you the entire time. They will check in with you at various points throughout the week. You will also receive an orientation and training before arriving at your Work Projects site.
In some communities, we partner with existing home repair or hands-on service organizations who may plan and/or lead these projects for your group instead of a specific Work Projects Coordinator. In this scenario, you would still have a YouthWorks staff member who is your point person during the service day.

Is there a need for specialized skills at a Work Projects site?
Primarily, we seek to do projects that are at, not above, teenagers’ skill level, so students are able to step into leadership of those projects. Occasionally, however, there is need for skilled labor in the community. Two weeks before your trip, the Site Director will contact the Trip Leader to finalize any details. This would be a great time to let them know if you have adults with specialized skills who are coming with you. We cannot guarantee we will have projects that require those special skills, but it is helpful to know what skills are available as we are considering how to best serve the community.
Register/Pay Deposit Here

Basic Info
6th-12th (as of September 2024)
Niagara Falls, NY
July 6th-11th
$50 Deposit - total trip cost including your deposit - $395
Scholarships and Fundraising Available

About Where We Are Going
Our group will come alongside existing organizations to meet ongoing needs through food and clothing distribution, home repair projects, community beautification projects and youth programming at a local community center. We will learn more about the community by participating in Evening Activities where we will explore the community, visit the beauty of the Falls and share a time of fellowship with partners and community members. YouthWorks has been serving in Niagara Falls since 2003.

**There will be an additional email with registration requirements for Youth Works (the organization we are going with)

Dear Parents,

This summer, our student ministry is gearing up for a week-long mission trip to Niagara Falls, NY! We'll be partnering with established organizations there, tackling needs in the community through service projects and fostering connections.

Making a Difference Together
Our students will dive into projects like food and clothing distribution, home repairs, and community beautification. Evenings will be filled with cultural immersion, exploring the majestic Falls, and sharing fellowship with local partners. It's a chance to learn, serve, and create lasting memories.

Growth Beyond Service
This trip isn't just about physical work. It's about personal growth. Here's what your child can expect:
Developing skills: Teamwork, communication, and problem-solving will flourish as they collaborate on projects.
Building confidence: They'll discover their own capabilities and the positive impact they can make.
Expanding their world: Through interaction with diverse communities, your child will gain a broader perspective and empathy.
Strengthening their faith: Daily devotions and interactive programs will deepen their spiritual journey.
A Trip They'll Never Forget
Past participants have returned home with renewed faith, closer bonds with their peers, and a passion to serve. This trip will be a transformative experience your child will cherish for years to come.

More Information & Scholarships
For details, visit our youth group page or contact me directly. We offer scholarships and fundraising opportunities to make this trip accessible to all.

Don't miss out! This is an incredible opportunity for your child to grow, serve, and make a difference.

Sincerely,
Phillip Allen

P.S. A $50 deposit secures their spot.
Please fill out the Youthworks required forms here https://go.youthworks.com/trip-signup/aef529e6-80bc-ef11-b8e8-6045bdecd9d0
Let Me Help You Fundraise!
It is fundraising time! You have two potential options. Pay the total trip amount yourself or do some version of the suggested fundraising outlined below. Need other ideas? I can help. Give me a call!
Total Funds due by July 1, 2024.

Have questions? email me at students@crbic.org

Fundraising Guide:
Letter Writing Fundraising: Amount to raise $155 = 15 letters receiving $10 each (suggested minimum goal). We suggest sending at least 20-30 letters. Who do you send your family Christmas cards to?
Online Donations can be made here http://bit.ly/tripsupport
Don’t boil this all down to asking people for money.
Instead, let them know what God is doing, how he’s called you to join him, and how they can be part of it. People will give more willingly to vision than they will out of guilt. Throw yourself into that with prayer and sweat, whether the money comes quickly or slowly. In addition, be wise in who you ask to become a supporter:
Make a list. Certain people likely stand out from others in every season of your life. These could include people from previous churches, classmates, teachers, employ- ers, co-workers, neighbors, friends of your family growing up, and more. Consider relatives as well, from extended family members to people they know.
Categorize. Pray over who God wants you to reach out to first. Make a list of the top 10 people you sense you need to reach out to first, and categorize others into similar groups of 10 to follow.
Appeal. Create a one-page letter that outlines the opportunity you’ve been given, the timeline you need to raise your funds, and the gift range you’d like them to consider. You may also want to provide a link to the website of the organization you’re using for your trip so people know it’s reputable.
Contact. Determine who to send your letter to and who to sit down with personally. Don’t be afraid to make a big ask, and never say anyone’s “no” for them. You may also want to contact churches you’ve been part of to see if they’ll take an offering for you or give a gift out of their budget. SEE SAMPLE LETTER HERE and See online donation link here
Connect. Create a blog, email list, or newsletter that helps supporters journey with you before, during, and after your trip. Share pictures and stories so everyone can follow the trip and feel part of it.
The Lord may make raising funds really easy for you, or you may have to throw yourself into it with all you have. Either way, note that God will provide for you through the people around you and the sweat of your efforts. Trust him to build what you need, or else you’ll labor in vain.
On that note, good for you. Seriously…good for you.
If God has called you to a missions experience or trip, nothing can stop it. Every person he wants on that trip will be able to participate, whether or not they’re financially set right now. Your sweat is part of that, so now is the time to find some solutions to your financial hurdles.

Coffee Fundraiser: Amount to raise $161 (23 bags of coffee - suggested minimum goal)

Steps:
Print or Use digital form https://bit.ly/gobena
Sell a lot of coffee!!
Return form (with one check payable to Cross Roads BIC for total amount) by March 18
Pickup your coffee at Cross Roads around around March 31
Deliver your Coffee ASAP.

FAQ’s
All coffee is roasted fresh to order.
All coffee bags/Hot Chocolate/Chocolate Express Beans are all $14-16 each. KCUPs are $14 per box.
Every bag of coffee sold you get 50% profit. $14 sold = $7 fundraised
You can have close family/friends help sell on your behalf, to their sphere’s of influence. Giving them a goal of 15-20 bags will help a lot!
All of our coffees are ethically sources, with many being fair trade and organic.
100% of the Gobena profits are donated to Lifesong for Orphans to help families adopt and care for orphans around the world. SO YOU RAISE FUNDS AND YOU HELP ORPHANS!

Total Amount to be Raised/Paid = $355
Minimum amount due: $355 (funds above 355 go towards other group members or as a donation to the organization we are serving)
Pay by clicking here https://crossroadsbic.churchcenter.com/giving/to/trip-payment-not-tax-deductible

Dear Parents,

Service Partners

Work Projects

Dear Parents,

Please fill out the Youthworks required forms here https://go.youthworks.com/trip-signup/aef529e6-80bc-ef11-b8e8-6045bdecd9d0