NINEVEHCarolina Cross Connection 2018

CHARLOTTEStudent/Parent Packet

URBAN MINISTRY 2018

Letter to Parents from CCC Dear Parent,

We are so grateful that your son or daughter will be participating in Carolina Cross Connection's urban ministry this summer! Whether it is his/her first time at camp or on a mission trip like this, or this has been a long-time tradition for your family, your child is sure to be in for an amazing experience which will help him/her build leadership skills, make a profound impact in the community of Charlotte, and grow in their relationship with the Lord.

One of the hallmarks of Carolina Cross Connection’s mission is partnership, people joining together to support one another in a very worthwhile cause. One of the most important partners we have is in you , a parent of one (or more) of our campers this summer. You are very instrumental in determining the kind and quality of experience that your child(ren) will have this summer, and we want to help you discover how you can ensure it will be a positive one. Far from just “sending your kid off to camp” we want you to see some simple ideas you can partner with and support both CCC and your child(ren), and the rest of this letter is tailored to that purpose. So here we go...

Help Us Prepare Them, Physically and Spiritually

Your group leader will be providing some materials, such as this letter, to you and your child which will outline expectations, requirements, and other logistics for simply getting to CCC and bringing the right stuff. Make sure you go over these things with your child and help them obtain what they need. Pay special attention to the items we ask folks not to bring and other rules. Talk with your child about why these are necessary toward having the best CCC experience possible and doing the most good in the lives of the folks they’ll be meeting during the camp week. Especially in our media-driven society, help them understand the importance of “unplugging” for their experience. There will be times we ask them to put away their cellphones and electronics.

Trust and Support While They Are Gone

Truly, it is never easy to be separated from your child, but know that when you send him/her to CCC, you can trust that they are in the best of hands. While they are gone, we simply ask you to support them by (a) your prayers, (b) perhaps a letter or care package from home, and (c) nothing else. While it may be tempting to check in on them, we ask that you would put your trust in the adults from your church, the CCC staff, and other leaders. Your trust and support are very valuable to us and enable your child to discover and learn things from the Lord that they might not be otherwise able to see.

If you have legitimate concerns or need to check on your child occasionally throughout the week, the CCC staff has a phone in-camp and adults have phones. We would ask, however, that you limit your contact as much as good judgment allows, so that your child would be absolutely focused on their mission experience and undistracted by what’s going on back home. Likewise, our staff will have your contact information, and should they need to contact you in the event of an emergency, they will do so as soon as humanly possible.

Expect Change

If your child does not come back to you a different person than when they left for this experience, then we have not done our job. It is our goal and hope that your child will learn something new, if not have their life radically changed for the better, during any trip to CCC . Again, pray not only for them, but pray that your eyes will be opened as to the ways you can help support them in their journey of faith, especially once they return. And expect, along with us, that God will move in mighty ways in and through your child.

In Him,

CCC Administration and Board of Directors

CCC RULES

Items NOT to Bring Weapons or other dangerous Items: We do not permit blades (e.g. knives, pocket knives, Leathermans), firearms, paint guns, air rifles, air pistols, BB guns, replicas of firearms, fireworks, water balloons, or water guns in camp. Help us keep our camps as safe and non-threatening as possible. Do not bring these dangerous items!

Tobacco products: We strongly prefer that no tobacco products be brought or used during the camp week. Smoking is allowed only in a designated “smoking area” and is prohibited in all other areas of camp. Cigarette butts and spit cups should be disposed of properly. North Carolina law states that a person under the age of 18 cannot purchase tobacco products. Anyone under the age of 18 should also not be using these products. We expect full compliance with this law, and our logical extension of it: all individuals under the age of 18 are prohibited to use tobacco products at CCC. CCC prohibits all participants using tobacco products on our worksites, or en route to and from worksites, including participants who are 18 or older.

Alcohol or drugs: Possession or use of drugs or alcohol at CCC is strictly prohibited. Anyone who violates this rule will be sent home immediately, no questions asked!

Snacks: Food in sleeping quarters may attract pests and insects. The staff will provide plenty of snacks. So don't bring your own. Please talk to director about dietary restrictions, concerns, or special needs.

Negative attitudes: Closed-minds that are unwilling to experience, grow, and change.

Camp Rules Camp Boundaries: Each camp location has boundaries that participants are expected to stay in during the week. Camp directors explain these on Sunday.

The Buddy System: Participants (both adults and students) should always be in pairs or with the group at all times when out in the community serving or at partnering organizationst. ALWAYS! If ever in doubt as to where you are to be and with whom, ASK A STAFF MEMBER OR ADULT immediately. Wandering off will not be tolerated. Anyone violating this rule will be sent back home at your parents' expense.

Personal Information: Sharing of personal information with community members is not allowed. We ask that adult participants use discretion when sharing personal contact information. Students are not allowed to share personal contact information with community members including phone numbers, email addresses, social media accounts, and mailing addresses. An alternative is to share the church's information to correspond through this method. Exceptions can be made with companions of local organizations that we partner with. Although this rule can be challenging, please understand we have all participant's best interest in mind.

Visitors: We ask that visitation be limited, as it can interfere with the Christian community that is forming. Unannounced visitors can also disrupt an evening’s activities and the amount of food served at dinner. If someone from home wants to visit, you MUST first inform the Camp Director to seek their opinion and approval in advance. The Camp Director has the final say about whether or not to allow visitors. Mail is always a welcomed way for families and friends.

Personal Electronics: We do permit media players, portable game systems, or any similar personal electronics in camp. However, these items can be disruptive to the camp community that we are striving to build. The staff will ask you to put away devices during planned activities, worship, and daily community outings, as well as certain free time opportunities. We will provide audio devices for use during worship, in-camp activities, and free time.

Cell Phones: Adult participants are allowed to bring cell phones. We understand that some adults must bring these for employment reasons, and in some cases having a phone can come in handy during the CCC workday. Outside of communications to and from camp, we ask that adults’ cell phone usage be kept to a minimum. Adults’ cell phones MUST be turned off or left in sleeping quarters during worships and other activities in which they would be potentially disruptive. Youth participants are allowed to bring cell phones but they are to remain in the sleeping quarters during all planned activities and worships unless stated otherwise by staff.

Violence: Participants are prohibited to threaten, fight with, or intentionally harm others — physically, emotionally, or mentally. Intentionally harming of oneself is prohibited.

Gender-Related Rules: Males are not permitted in the females’ sleeping area nor vice versa. CCC also does not tolerate sexual harassment or abuse in any form. Offenders are sent home immediately and possibly reported to authorities based on the offense.

Free time: Groups are allowed to stop at restaurants, malls, stores, and other such establishments. Please be mindful of this time. Participants must be in groups of three with two adults present. Groups are encouraged to stop briefly at local establishments only, such as a local ice cream parlor as well as inviting community members to join in these activities.

Pranks: CCC does not tolerate or encourage pranks from youth or adults. There are plenty of opportunities to build community and have fun together in positive and healthy ways. Pranking can get you sent home.

Lights Out: All participants will go to bed between 10:30 and 11:30 in a time called “Lights Out,” no exceptions. You will be working long hours, and we want everyone to have energy to work well and safely during the day. So when the lights go out, EVERYONE must go to bed.

STUFF TO BRING Required

• Bible• Community clothes: enough for 5 days (See dress code for requirements.) Knee length pants, long

pants and sleeved shirts are required. Leggings do not provide enough protection during daily activities.• HomeBase clothes: Enough for seven days. This is clothing you will wear back at First UMC in the

evenings. (See dress code for requirements.)• Work Clothes: It is wise to bring at least one outfit you don't mind ruining. We sometimes do

painting and work projects with our partner ministries throughout the week as needed.• Sweat shirt, light jacket. It can get cooler in the evenings in Charlotte.• Sneakers are a must! There will be long periods of walking some days. No open-toed or open-heeled

shoes are allowed on certain days with long walks and specific activities. Following this rule will alloweveryone to be flexible and ready for any and every serving or learning situation.

• Sandals or flip flops. These are definitely needed in camp at First UMC if you don't want to wear yoursneakers all the time. Sandals are sometimes appropriate in other settings.

• Toiletries: Remember, there are no showers, but you should bring soap, wet wipes, washcloths,toothbrushes, deodorant, and other toiletries. There are sinks available. You can keep clean!

• Towels: For cleaning up, sitting on the ground outside, hiking and fountains• Bedding: You will be sleeping on the FLOOR , so it is up to you to bring whatever you want to sleep on!

We recommend a TWIN SIZE air mattress or cot, sheets and blanket, or a sleeping bag. Don’t forget apillow!

• Water Bottle• Backpack (easy to wear on your back during walks and hike)

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FlashlightSunscreenInsect repellentBathing Suit & T-shirt: No bikinis, speedos, or other revealing suits allowed. Bathing suits must be worn under clothing.Some extra spending money: The staff will have snacks, drinks, and CCC merchandise for sale at reasonable prices.Insurance cardGuitar or other instruments you might playMedicines (note, CCC staff do not administer medicines, but do have First Aid kits for minor needs. )Small fanEar Plugs: If you’re sensitive to people snoring.Any special costumes or skit props: Friday night campfire will give you a chance to perform/share.Devotional materials, music, journalStationary: If you want to write folks back home, our staff will be glad to take your letters and postcards to the post office for you. Feel free to have folks write you; there will be mail call each evening.

CCC DRESS CODE ALL participants (youth and adults, males and females) should follow this dress code. The summer staff will not only enforce the dress code but also uphold it themselves. The dress code is not meant to be restrictive, but to contribute to the building of a Christ-like community. You are an example of Jesus Christ, both in camp and in the community, and we ask that you wear clothing that is appropriate to a Christ-like example. We realize that “inappropriate” is a subjective term, so please just use common sense when deciding what to pack. Ask yourself if what you’re wearing is glorifying to God, or distracting from Him. And remember: this is a mission experience. You don’t need to get all fancied up!

At HomeBase (First UMC) Shorts & Pants: You may wear either shorts or pants while in camp (though sometimes you might need long pants in the evenings!). Shorts with inseams shorter than 4 inches should not be brought to camp. Here is a good way to be sure your shorts are appropriate: if, when you extend your arms by your sides, your shorts are shorter than the tips of your fingers, then your shorts are TOO SHORT! Pants with offensive holes are also prohibited. Shorts and pants must be worn in such a way that no underwear is showing.

Shirts: Shirts are to be worn at all times. All shirts must have sleeves. Tank tops are NOT permitted. Shirts with beer, liquor, sexual innuendos, or other possibly offensive subject matter are also NOT permitted. Please have respect for other participants and staff. Make sure to bring a long-sleeve shirt or two and possibly a lightweight jacket, for those cooler evenings. YOU WILL BE ASKED TO CHANGE CLOTHES IF YOU VIOLATE THESE POLICIES.

Shoes: Shoes must be worn at all times in camp for safety reasons. Any type of shoes are acceptable back at HomeBase, but we always recommend bringing some that you don’t mind getting dirty!

Bathing Suits: While we do not have swimming facilities available, you might get to play in the creek during a hike, or a fountain during an activity in Charlotte. We allow you to wear a bathing suit UNDER YOUR CLOTHING. That means you have to wear a t-shirt and shorts over/with your bathing suit.

In the Community Shorts/Pants: Shorts worn in the community must be knee length. YES: KNEE LENGTH! We understand that this is very conservative but we want nothing to inhibit our ministry. So, head on over to Goodwill or a thrift store and purchase cheap basketball shorts or cut off some old jeans if you have to! Jeans or long pants will be required at least one day. We request you bring at least one pair of pants in case we are able to assist on a construction project with a partnering ministry and for the Invisible Box Walk. Leggings do not provide enough protection for construction projects or from dangerous items at some of the locations we walk to.

Shirts: Both males and females must wear shirts AT ALL TIMES on worksites and out in the community , for safety and out of respect for the folks we work for and for other participants. All shirts MUST have sleeves (no tank tops, cut-offs, “muscle shirts,” etc.). Short sleeve shirts are recommended. Shirts with beer, liquor, sexual innuendos, or other possibly offensive subject matter are prohibited.

Shoes: For safety reasons, shoes must be worn at all times out in the community. Old tennis shoes are best. Open-toed shoes and open-heeled shoes (sandals, flip-flops, clogs, crocs, etc.) may be allowed outside of the HOMEBASE. We want all participants to be ready and flexible in all situations. Staff will inform you of each day's activities and what is appropriate clothing for the day's activities. Come prepared!

PLAIN IS GOOD! Make sure to pack clothes that could possibly be ruined by paint and other materials! It’s ok to BE PLAIN! Remember what you are in Charlotte to do: build community, serve with the homeless, and make a difference. Be modest in your clothing, shoe and jewelry choices. Plain is good.

MEDICAL INFORMATION Safety FIRST! We strongly emphasize safety on our work sites and in camp. Our staff people visit the community several times a day to ensure the safety of participants. First aid kits are provided for each vehicle during the week. We never anticipate having accidents, but rest assured we are prepared to handle them. All CCC staff members are trained and certified in First Aid and CPR. We strongly recommend each participant have an up-to-date tetanus shot.

Activity Permission and Medical Consent Forms Carolina Cross Connection requires all of its participants (youth and adults) to have an Activity Permission and Medical Consent Form completely filled out, front and back, before we allow them to participate in any camp activities. Of course, adults do not need their parental consent, but they do still need to fill out a form. The most important part of these forms is the participant’s insurance information.

Insurance coverage for CCC participants is as follows: 1. PRIMARY Insurance Carrier: The Participant’s Insurance — Your insurance information is very

important at CCC, which is why it must be provided on the Activity Permission and MedicalConsent Form. Should an accident occur, in or out of camp, the camper’s family insurance willserve as the primary carrier. In other words, during the initial visit to the hospital, the camper’sinsurance is that which will be given to hospital personnel. If possible, each individual shouldcarry his/her personal insurance card.

2. SECONDARY Insurance Carrier: CCC and/or Camp Insurance — Each participant at CarolinaCross Connection is also covered under our insurance policy and a policy at the camp locationthey attend. Should an accident occur in-camp, on a worksite, or in transit to or from a worksite,CCC’s insurance covers any costs not covered by the primary carrier (your insurance policy).Most of the camp locations we use also have insurance coverage that work similarly to ours,picking up any costs not covered by the primary carrier.

3. Any medical costs that are not covered by this participant’s insurance, CCC’s insurance, or campinsurance must be paid by the participant and his/her family.

In the event of an accident or medical emergency… 1. We will take the injured person to the hospital or, if need be, call for an ambulance. Whenever

possible, we ensure that the victim is accompanied by at least two people: a CCC staff memberand an adult from that person’s church. If the emergency occurs on a worksite, the entire workteam will accompany the victim to the hospital.

2. We will contact parents/guardians as soon as possible. If parents/guardians are not available, wewill contact an emergency contact person, as listed on the Activity Permission and MedicalConsent Form.

3. We will give the insurance information of the injured person to hospital personnel in order to file theinitial claim.

4. Following the camp week, we will send parents/guardians the proper claim form and theinformation needed to complete that form.

5. Parents/guardians will complete the form entirely.6. Parents/guardians will attach itemized bills showing the patient’s name, diagnosed condition,

date(s) of treatment, nature of treatment, and charge per treatment. Statements from the primarycarrier showing payment or rejection of the claim should also be included. If there is no coverage

other than CCC insurance, a written statement from the parents/guardians employer(s) verifying no coverage must be provided.

In the event of an serious illness… Our staff will keep that person in camp to supervise them, attend to their needs, and help them to feel comfortable. If their condition becomes serious and needs medical attention, we will follow the same steps as above. Depending on the seriousness of the illness, the sick person may have to return home for the sake of their health and the health of other participants.

Safety, First Aid & Mental Health Please note that you are responsible for relating this information to your students and adults.

A First Aid Manual is available to adults in camp and all our CCC staff are certified in First Aid & CPR.

The Buddy System - We're SERIOUS ABOUT It, folks

Charlotte is a big city and you will be spending the week in the heart of uptown. Like most urban settings, there are people who live, work and shop, there are visiting tourists, and there are people passing through. There are stoplights, street signs, street vendors, and shops...All vying for attention. It is easy to get distracted in the big city. At CCC we spend most of our time in this exciting environment and every moment of the day and evening has a purpose. We ask that you stay focused on the purpose of the activity--whether it is serving water and ice cream in the park or free time with your small group to grab an ice cream cone. There will be designated time for some shopping and exploring but only when designated. Both adults and students should always be in pairs or with the group at all times when out in the community serving or with a partnering organization. Always! If ever in doubt as to where you are to be and with whom, ask a staff member or adult. Wandering off will not be tolerated and anyone violating this rule will be sent home. Adults should always know where students are at all times and students are responsible for communicating with staff and adults

More specific safety information will be given during orientation in Charlotte on Sunday as you begin your week, but the understanding of the buddy rule is primary to everyone having a focused, fun and safe week of missions in Charlotte.

First Aid You have full access to our First Aid information at https://sites.google.com/a/carolinacrossconnection.org/projectmanual/xiii-first-aid

You can cover as much First Aid as you'd like but we would ask that your students come to camp with a good understanding of how to effectively handle the following things:

● Ticks (How to identify and remove them, and warning signs after a bite)● Bee Stings/Bug Bites (How to treat them)● Heat-related issues (Heat exhaustion/stroke, staying hydrated)● Scrapes/Cut (How to clean and bandage them)

Mental Health According to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Point-In-Time Count, over 610,000 people experience homelessness on any given night in the U.S. About 35% of people have no shelter and about 10% of that number are veterans. In NC, there are 11,448 people experiencing homelessness. Of that number, there are 1,303 families experiencing housing instability and 12% are considered chronically homeless. In Charlotte, there was said to be 1,476 people experiencing homelessness on one given night in January 2017. Of that number, 10% are considered chronically homeless.

Your adults and students may or may not have any experience with people dealing with the stress of homelessness and/or mental illness. Having conversations and making friends with veterans and those with mental illness is an important part of CCC Urban mission and ministry all summer long. Rest assured, your group will go through orientation on Sunday of your camp week with our staff and with the staff at our partnering organizations. Any extreme situations are usually handled by those organizations, but you may be interested in sharing information about Mental Health First Aid with your group, which is available online at: https://sites.google.com/a/carolinacrossconnection.org/projectmanual/xiv-mental-health-crisis-readiness

PRE-CCC SESSION Devo, Stuff to Bring, Safety, First Aid, Mental Health

(Estimated time 1 hour)

The purpose of this session is for your group to get to know each other a little better and share WHY you are going. This meeting will also be a valuable time for you to communicate important information about your week at Urban Ministry. Below is a suggested outline for your meeting.

● Have everyone sign in, so you know who is there and who is missing and will need thehandouts given to them.

● Hand out Parent/Student packets to each participant.● Who is going to CCC from your group? Get to know each other. Ask each person to introduce

themselves and share why they feel like they are supposed to be going to CCC Urban thissummer? Why are they excited? Why might they be nervous?

● Go over the devotion provided. This is a wonderful way for your group to discuss where theystand in preparation for the trip. Whether it's someone's first mission trip, or their tenthtime, this lesson will help level the playing field and help your group grow together andshare openly.

● Go over Safety, First Aid and Mental Health information provided.● Go through the Parent/Student Packet with your team members.

TEAM DEVO 1 Corinthians 9:19-23

Lesson Overview So, we’re just meeting people? You want me to just talk to them? I don’t know what to say to the people in Charlotte... Honestly, sharing Jesus can be hard. We might not know the right things to say, but looking at 1 Corinthians it looks like we need to become the people we are serving. But how? And why? Verses22-23

say, “so that we might tell some about the gospel of Jesus Christ.”The only way to share Jesus effectively is becoming someone’s friend. The only way to become friends with someone is to get to know them. Ask

questions, talk about their families. Take yourself from being the average hardworking adult, or the average teenager, and become a reflection of Jesus. It might mean that we have to lay down our rights, and take up

the cross of Jesus, and entrust our rights to His keeping.

Lesson Objectives WHAT: Becoming friends with the people we serve. WHY: So that we might share the gospel with them.

HOW: Moving from being scared to talk to people to being empowered by Jesus.

Scripture Read 1 Corinthians 9:19-23

Take time to read through this release of rights. Some or all of these might be really difficult for you, but for a week this summer consider giving up control to God.

RELEASE OF RIGHTS We live in a world that is full of rights. Our particular culture is one where we take pride in our rights. As a matter of fact, the rights of individuals are constitutional but as we see the demanding of individual rights increase, we see much of the moral fiber of our society decrease. Our Lord Jesus Christ laid down his rights

and all His glory, to the heavens, to become a man and to serve, not to be served. (Phil 2:5-11 and Mark 10:45)

We ask you to consider laying down your rights on this week. Not to lay them down for better or for worse, but to entrust them to the Lord or transfer the responsibility of them to a place of safe keeping. These

rights may seem unreasonable but in a week of mission work could cause dissension. Would you take time to search your heart and willingness to surrender your rights to the Lord? (Romans 12:1)

I GIVE UP MY RIGHT TO: I ENTRUST TO GOD: A comfortable bed My strength and endurance

Dressing fashionably My security in Him Seeing results His purpose and fruit in His timing

Control of myself My need for His Spirit control Control of others His workmanship in others

Control of circumstances My circumstances and making me Christ-like

Having pleasant circumstances The privilege of suffering for His sake Making decisions His sovereign hand in my life Taking up offense My deepest needs Being successful My security in His love Being understood My reputation

Being heard My need for recognition

Team Devo cont. When we visit these people in Charlotte we are their guest. We have been joyfully invited into their community. We don’t have all of the answers to their problems, we are not better than them in any way, we are guests entering their space. What type of guest are you? If you are in one of the first three categories, what is it going to take to get you to the fourth?

4 Types of Guests

INSULATED INTERESTED INVOLVED INTEGRATED Stays by self / group

Only interacting with very few

Open and friendly to all

Having conversations where they share openly and listen well

Laughs at differences

Polite in new situations; Is sensitive

Asks good questions

Ask good questions and seeks to fully understand

Hangs out close to leaders and uses hand sanitizer often

Will learn names and take pictures

Learns about the lives of our hosts and is in the middle of whatever we are doing

Dirt all over at end of day from working; Has deep conversations; Prays with those hurting

Does devotions but never shares

Does devotions and shares thoughts

Participates in group discussions and seeks to add value to talks; prays for teammates and new friends

Begins to ask questions not posed in devotions; seeks to see what God may want them to see in the everyday interactions

COMMITMENT: I give God permission to do anything He wishes to me, with me, in me, or through me that would glorify Him. I am also committing to faithfully participate on a CCC team. I understand that requirements of serving on this team will be to help with team development and preparation for departure. This will involve completing the requested Bible Study, raising costs or personal expenses, and other activities. I also understand that throughout the time of our camp, I will be supportive of leadership and other team members, assume the best about others, remain flexible and be a blessing.

(Date) (Signed)