Dear Parents,

 

I am writing today to tell you about some changes we have made to our summer schedule.  As we discussed a few weeks ago in our parents meeting we could not say with complete clarity what our summer schedule would be because we still had two big outstanding issues.  The first issue was if we would be returning to Africa this summer and the second was the unfilled Jr. High ministry position.

 

You may not have heard yet but last week we hired a new Jr. High Minister!  Jason Allen graduated from ACU in 2008 with a degree in Youth Ministry and is about to finish up his masters in communication.  Jason will graduate in May but will be joining us several weekends in-between now and May 8.  We are excited to have him join our team.

 

We also have made a decision about Africa this summer.  After much prayer (and lots of meetings) we have decided to not go to Africa again this summer but to instead focus our attention onto going every other year.  As you well know going to Africa is a big undertaking.  It is our feeling that going every other year is a more feasible schedule.

 

You may remember we discussed what the summer schedule would look like if we did not go to Africa in our last parent meeting. At that time we talked about how the outstanding decisions would affect our summer schedule.  Now that we have more clarity I wanted to let you know the amended summer schedule.

 

Here are major dates for youth events this summer with a brief explanation of what each trip is.

 

High school mission trip June 12-19 (est cost $315 per person)

This year we will be going to New Orleans to do rebuilding work.  Because of the long drive (13+ hours) we will most likely need to leave on Saturday June 12 in the afternoon in order to break the driving up.

 

Girls Trip June 27-July 2 (est cost $225-250)

This year we are retooling Girls trip to include more teaching/discipline experiences.  It is our belief that these gender trips serve to connect and teach our girls and guys.  The trip will be to the Denver Colorado area and is open to all 9-12 grade girls.

 

Opportunity Camp July 4-9

Every year we send lots of teens to serve as counselors at Opportunity camp.  Opportunity camp is a inner city camp experience for underprivileged kids.  In order to be a counselor your teen must go through a sign up and interview process.  You may sign up to be a counselor or get more information at www.opcamp.com

 

Guys Trip July 18-23 (est cost $200)

This year we are retooling the guys trip to include both teaching/discipline experiences and outdoor challenges like rock climbing, hiking and white water rafting.  The trip will be to either New Mexico or Colorado and is open for all 9-12 grade guys.

 

Sr. Retreat July 31-Aug 2 (est Cost TBA)

This trip is for all about to be seniors in high school and is our chance to kick off the senior year with a bang.  We will spend the weekend developing relationships, hanging out and working on some senior year goals.

 

Since these out of town trips are so vital to getting connected we hope that your teen will be able to join us this summer for one or more trips.  If you have any questions feel free to call Paul or Eryen in the church office at 432-694-8836.

 

 

Paul Talley

Youth Minister

Golf Course Road Church of Christ

www.gcrcc.org