Hosted by Center for Student Mission (CSM), students will spend the week being exposed to the unique and ... We will be
CSM - Nashville TN July 1-July 7, 2018 General Information about the trip: Hosted by Center for Student Mission (CSM), students will spend the week being exposed to the unique and challenging needs of the inner city of Nashville, TN. Although Nashville is a town that is experiencing growth in the number of business that are relocating there, overall population, and a vibrant culture - including a charming southern hospitality, there is a desperate need for the love of Christ to a side of Nashville that is not often seen. Nashville is challenged with homelessness statistics that are 20-30% higher than the national average, and a school drop out rate that is approximately 40%, among other pressing needs not typically seen or highlighted by the general public. While on this trip, students will be exposed to a variety of partners that CSM ministers with in the city of Nashville who serve and support a specific area of need. Although our exact areas of service and ministry will not be finalized until closer to the trip, students will daily serve with different organizations to see the ways they can help impact those who are overlooked by society. Some examples may include serving in an urban garden that helps provide sustainable food and employment for residents, passing out water and food bags to homeless residents, assisting at a local health organization, or helping lead and run a Kids Club for local children. We will leave Cedar Rapids Sunday morning, July 1 and arrive onsite in Nashville later that evening. Our accommodations will be at a nearby church, and hosted by CSM staff and their city partners. We will return back to Cedar Rapids late on Saturday, July 7. (exact time: TBD)
Type of student who should apply: This trip is open to any current 9th-12th grade student who is regularly involved and active in the student ministry at Faith Bible Church, has expressed a commitment to and relationship with Jesus Christ, and is willing to be active in serving and meeting the needs of inner city residents of Nashville, TN. This trip will require students to be able to be outdoors under hot and humid temperatures for extended periods of time. Students must show evidence of no recurrent health problems that result in frequent hospitalization. An attitude and spirit of flexibility and understanding are important to help the group accomplish its goals. Students will be expected to uphold all CSM & FBC expectations and standards for the trip, which include CSM code of conduct and behavioral guidelines.
Staff to student ratio: This trip will be led by Eric and approximately 2-3 other adult leaders from our student ministry. There is no limitation on the number of students who can attend.
Accommodations: While onsite, all lodging and meals will be provided by CSM. We will be staying at Eastland Baptist Church in Nashville. Students should expect to sleep on bunk beds or mattresses on the floor (bring your own bedding). Our accommodations may be shared with other groups also attending the Nashville site, so flexibility and understanding are important. Breakfasts will be provided at our housing site (cereal, bagels, fruit, etc), and supplies will be provided for students to make sack lunches before leaving for the day. Evening meals will be eaten at various international restaurants throughout the city. Students should expect and be prepared to try new flavors and ethic foods, and respect the cultures and people who make these foods, as they take great pride and honor is serving them to us.
To Apply: Students must complete and turn in the following: -A completed application with essay answers and all necessary signatures -$100 non-refundable application deposit (made payable to Faith Bible Church)
Deadlines: -Applications, with $100 non-refundable deposit, is due Sunday, February 25, 2018. -A second, non-refundable payment of $125 is due Sunday, May 6, 2018. -A third, and final, non-refundable payment of $100 is due Sunday June 3, 2018. Any payments not received by these dates may result in forfeiting your spot on the trip and forfeiting any payments already made for the trip. Additional trip and/or medical waiver forms may need to be filled out for CSM before the trip, and will need to be completed in a timely manner. Failure to compete these out in a timely manner may result in forfeiting your spot on the trip.
Pre-Trip Trainings: We will host 4 team trainings in preparation for our trip to Nashville. These 4 trainings will take place during Sunday afternoons at Faith Bible Church. Students are expected to be in attendance for the entirety of the meeting. The specific dates and times of the trainings are listed on the attached sheet.
Cost breakdown: $325/student. This cost includes CSM registration fees, lodging, on-site meals, transportation, service project supplies, and pre-trip training materials. Students will be responsible for up to 4 meals while traveling, snacks, and/or personal purchases they may wish to make.
Additional questions: Contact Pastor Eric: 319-393-7790 (church),
[email protected] (email)
