What is XRS Mission Trip?
When is the 2024 XRS Mission Trip?
Our mission trip will take place from July 15-19. We will leave from Crossroads Pittsburgh West on the morning of the 15th, returning at night on the 19th.
What is the format of Mission Trip?
Each day, your teen will have time for worship with other youth ministries, individual Bible study time, games, and serving at various ministry sites around the Philadelphia area. All food and lodging are provided, but we are asking students bring some additional money for food on the car ride, as well as an activity that will happen when we leave the camp on the final day.
Who will be supervising the students?
Every student is a part of a small group of other teens and 2 or more adult leaders.
Registration information is used to ensure:
Our student ministry will stay as a group for service projects, and broken up into gender specific groups for our small group times.
This year, students will be spending the night in the dorms at Eastern University. Students will be placed in a room with their small group and adult leaders all of the same gender. More accommodations details will come as we get closer to the Mission Trip. The Youth Pastor(s) recruit the Leaders for the small groups. There will not be a small group of teens without an adult.
Leaders will:
- Have background clearances required to work with minors.
- Be able to lead a group of teens and create a safe atmosphere to grow spiritually.
- Be the primary leader, relational contact, and encourager of God’s love to the teens.
What are the student expectations for Mission Trip?
In effort to maximize the spiritual experience for all, each student should understand a few expectations.
1. Cell Phones
If a parent is comfortable with a student leaving their phone at home, our team strongly recommends that students do so. If a student brings their phone, there will be certain times during the weekend that students will be asked to put away and/or turn off their cell phones (including program gatherings, small group time, and after lights out). Parents will have the contact info of the youth pastors and the adult group leaders in case of an emergency, and students will be able to contact their parents in case of an urgent matter. We hope that, by minimizing the distraction of social media and devices, every student will have a powerful experience during the weekend.
2. Student Conduct
Students are expected to conduct themselves respectfully towards others. This includes demonstrating kindness and tolerance toward other participants and leaders. Bullying, physical aggression, and disrespecting an adult leader will not be tolerated. Students are expected to remain with their group and adult leader at all times during the week. The staff reserves the right to contact parents and arrange pick up if a student’s behavior does not follow these expectations. If a student violates our student code of conduct, their parent will be asked to pick the student up from camp in Philadelphia at their own cost.
What is the schedule?
The posted schedule provides a general timeframe of expected activities; however, schedule may change slightly if there is unexpected traffic, waits getting food, etc. Students will reach out to their parents when we are 1 hour away from Crossroads so that they have time to accommodate for pickup.
2024 EASTERN UNIVERSITY CAMP SCHEDULE (5 DAY)
Opening Day
1:00 – 4:00 PM – Registration
5:30 PM – Dinner
7:00 PM – Opening Celebration
7:30 PM – Students: Bible Study Adults: Adult Gathering
8:45 PM – Worship
10:15 PM – Church Group Time
11:00 PM – In Rooms
Full Day 1
7:15 AM – Breakfast
8:30 AM – Morning Celebration
9:15 AM – Students: Quiet Time / Bible Study Adults: Adult Gathering
10:30 AM – Students: Site Planning Adults: Site Planning
11:00 AM – Lunch
11:45 AM – Site Send-Off
4:00 PM – Return from Sites / Hang Time
5:30 PM – Dinner
7:00 PM – Worship
8:30 PM – Church Group Time
9:45 PM – Night Life
10:30PM – Hang Time
11:00 PM – In Rooms
Day 2 (Program elements prior to this are the same as Full Day 1)
9:45 PM – Hang Time
11:00 PM – In Rooms
Days 3 (Program elements prior to this are the same as Full Day 1) *Same as Day 1
9:45 PM – Mega Relay
11:00 PM – In Rooms
Closing Day
7:15 AM – Breakfast
8:30 AM – Students: Bible Study Adults: Adult Gathering
9:45 AM – Closing Celebration
10:45 AM – Churches Depart
11:00 AM – 2:00 PM – Explore King of Prussia Mall (Students will be asked to pay for lunch there, as well as a dinner at a stop somewhere along the way)
2:00 PM – Depart King of Prussia Mall for Pittsburgh West (4.5 hour drive back)
7:00 PM – Rough arrival time back at Pittsburgh West
Who should I contact in an emergency?
Ryan Kick – Pittsburgh West – 716-946-3756
Anthony Jarrell – Pittsburgh South – 724-833-4257
What is the cost?
Mission Trip is $300 until February 7th. After that, it will be $350. Upon registering, you can put down a $50 deposit to hold your students spot, as we do have only limited spots available.
What should I pack?
□ Bible, notebook, pencil and/or pen
□ Refillable Water Bottle
□ Toiletries (tooth brush, deodorant, etc.)
□ Comfortable work clothes (may get dirt or paint on them)
□ Change of clothes after service projects
□ Closed-toe work shoes (may get dirt or paint on them)
□ Sweater or hoodie for layers
□ Prescription medications (as required)
□ Extra Spending Money