3 Days until California 2013 - Introducing Gregg Lockhart

There are many important times in our lives and those important moments shape all of us for the future and determine the trajectory of our lives! There is no tougher time in history to be a teen than today and so I am honored to have the opportunity to create significant moments for students because our community and culture depends on it. I have been a part of leading cross-cultural Mission's Trips to Mexico. The experience of seeing students serving and becoming a part of making our world a better place never gets old and this trip to California is no exception. I look forward to making awesome life changing memories with you all. I could never be able to do this without the support of my amazing wife Char who also works for Youth Unlimited, son Caleb and daughters Kelly, Ellyana and Mattea. Team Lockhart is the best!

4 Days until California 2013 - Introducing Jake Schellenberg

There are many important times in our lives and those important moments shape all of us for the future and determine the trajectory of our lives! There is no tougher time in history to be a teen than today and so I am honored to have the opportunity to create significant moments for students because our community and culture depends on it. The last time I counted I have been a part of leading 9 cross-cultural Mission's Trips and 8 within Canada. The experience of seeing students serving and becoming a part of making our world a better place never gets old and this trip to California is no exception. I look forward to making awesome life changing memories with you all. I could never be able to do this with out the support of my amazing wife Melanie who is a nurse, sons Skylar and Liam and daughter Cady! Team Schellenberg is the best!

Pre-Trip Journal

ONLY 5 days until we leave for California! Does this sound familiar? Don’t forget to go through your Pre-trip Journal (given out at our last meeting) before you leave!

Every day you will be asked a few questions to start thinking about your trip and to prepare you for what you might experience in the next week. We will also be talking about a few of these things throughout our small groups. Have fun and see you in a short few days!

California 2013 - Important Announcement

The bus is on its way ... in less than a week.  

The bus LEAVES Ponoka at 7:00 AM and LEAVES Lacombe at 7:45 AM ... You need to arrive at your departure location 15 minutes before your scheduled departure time!!

IMPORTANT NOTE: You will not get on the bus for this trip if you do not have your Passport in hand - Not packed in your luggage, and not a photocopy - You must turn your passport in to the staff before boarding the bus. Not Negotiable!

In Ponoka the bus will be leaving from the Ponoka Youth Centre (Vehicles can NOT be parked over Spring Break).

In Lacombe the bus will be leaving from YU Turn. See you bright and early :) 

Be on time and bring your passport!

CALIFORNIA 2013 SCHEDULE

7 Days until California 2013 - Introducing Melissa Kuipers

Hi my name is Melissa Kuipers. I just recently moved to Rimbey where I have been renovating a house for the past 7 months which makes going to California with all of you guys very exciting as then I get a holiday from house reno's and also from the messy house that comes along with it. A little bit about me: I like to drive, be creative, I like to laugh, you may notice me to be fairly loud on let's say a bus, I attempt to snowboard at times but usually am sitting on the hill while everybody's is going by. That's a little bit about me, I am excited to get to know you all a little bit better as the we embark to Cali together. Have fun packing.

8 Days until California 2013 - Introducing Bethany Schumacher

Hey Team! I am so stoked to head south to warmer climates, you have no idea! So, with that, let me introduce myself … I am Bethany Schumacher. I am a Youth Worker. I am a Photographer. I am a follower of Jesus – which is my first and foremost. I love adventure, so lets go and have one shall we?!

9 Days Until Cali 2013 - Packing Info

Packing:

•       A Passport!

•       Shorts, pants, t-shirts, swim wear, comfortable shoes / closed-toe shoes, beach towel, work clothes, suntan lotion, sunglasses, other appropriate clothing and personal items (modesty is the key). Only one suitcase, a carry-on bag and an overnight bag and a Sleeping Bag per person.

•       Over night bag is an asset with toiletries, pajamas, and a change of clothes.  We will not be unpacking all of the large luggage when we are overnight traveling so be prepared.  It will also be used for at Union Rescue Mission and the Oasis.

•       A pillow, blanket and some games are suggested for the bus ride.  You will also need a sleeping bag for several nights throughout the trip.

•       Bring a water bottle.

CULTURE AWARENESS

Going to a different country calls for some awareness and sensitivity due to the differences in culture and way of life. Therefore, it is important to understand that when we go to different places – not only when we are going to serve, but even if we are visiting – we need to conduct our mannerism accordingly. This means we need to be aware in all that we say, act and wear for we are representing a group of Canadian youth serving other communities in need. With that, be very aware of your manners – how you act and what you say – and especially how you dress.

To continue further on our dress code, a lot of communication is body language. How you hold yourself, reflects on what you wear. Please be considerate when you pack your choice of clothing for what may not seem too revealing to you can cause others around you to stumble. This trip – although it may have many fun adventures – is centered around helping and focusing on others, not ourselves. If you think some of your clothes are inappropriate, then that is a good sign you shouldn’t bring it!

Leaders Note on Dress Code:

That means when we are serving at the mission's our clothing is to be in no way revealing, the organizations have asked us to wear closed-toe and closed-heel shoes and long pants (no capris or crops). Volunteers may not wear shorts, miniskirts, shirts that expose the midriff, strapless, tank or sleeveless tops, clothing with drug, alcohol or sexual references, or any clothing that is tight or transparent. Please remember to pack accordingly. For all other times (such as Disneyland, the beach, the bus, and everywhere else) please remain respectful of our group and those around us in the way we act, speak, and dress.