Date: July 21-25
Location: Calvin University
Cost: $275

Serve GR is a local serving opportunity for middle and high school students. Students will have the opportunity to go to different non profit organizations in the area to learn about what they do and who they help in our very own city and get a chance to help that organization. Students will get to experience the dorm life by staying overnight at Calvin University! This trip is a lot of fun, but a lot of work as well, and provides experiences for students to serve our city through word and deed.

All spots on the trip have been filled but we have a waitlist open! We are hoping to take as many students as we can with a safe and good experience. We recommend signing up on the waitlist if your student is still interested in attending!

FAQ

• What is included in the trip cost?

  All meals, transportation, accommodations for 4 nights and 5 days and a t-shirt!

• Who is this trip for?

  This trip is for all Middle School and High School students (grades 6-12)! Whether your student has attended Lifeline regularly or not, we would love to have them.

  
  *Current 5th graders are not included on this trip! We will have a summer event for them in August!
  

• What will my student be doing?

  Students will spend Tuesday -Thursday serving with various organizations around the Grand Rapids area and will learn about what they do, before helping with a service project on site. Organizations we work with include:
  
  Kids Food Basket
  Alpha Grand Rapids
  In The Image
  Wedgewood
  Hand2Hand
  Grace’s Table
  West Michigan Down Syndrome Association
  ICCF
  Lavender Life Company
  Women at Risk
  
  Monday will be a time to prepare for the trip through team bonding and training to prepare students’ hearts and minds for what they will experience and learn and also how to engage at different organizations.

• Why are we sending students to Grand Rapids?

  For the past couple of years, Lifeline has been attempting to expose students to the need that exists right here in Grand Rapids, while giving students a peek into dozens of local organizations who are helping meet those needs in our very own city. We hope that each student going on this trip would leave understanding the needs around them and how God may use their gifts to bless others.

• What are students going to hear in the sessions?

  During our times of teaching, we are going to unpack Ada’s mission or vision around serving; that we are all Created, Called, and Gifted to serve! So each night, we will look at one of these works and how it relates to serving.

• What are the accommodations like?

  Students will be staying at Calvin University in the dorms. Most of the dorms are suite style, with a bathroom in the middle.

  
  Students will be separated by grade and gender in the dorms. Leaders and staff will be monitoring each dorm and will be housed throughout each floor.

• What should my student bring?

  • Bible (we won’t be using phones. If your student does not have a Bible, please let us know!)

  • Journal & pen

  • Reusable water bottle ( very important for working outdoor in the the sun)

  • Alarm clock and/or Watch (not a smart watch)

  • Work pants and shorts (no short-shorts or spandex please!)

  • Close-toed work shoes (that can get ruined with paint, water, dirt)

  • T-shirts for worksite and evenings

  • Pajamas, underclothes and socks

  • Sandals or tennis shoes for evening

  • Pillow and blankets (linens will be provided)

  • Toiletries (soap, shampoo, deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste, brush, washcloth)

  • Beach towel (1 bathroom towel will be provided)

  • Sunscreen and bug spray

  • Sunglasses/hat/bandana

  • Spending money (optional, may not have the opportunity to spend)

  • Any medication needed (see Lifeline waiver)
    

    Optional:

  • Work gloves

  • Small backpack

  • Fans (box or personal fan) for evenings or sleeping (1 fan provided per room)

  • Board games/cards

  • Snacks
    

    
    Leave at home:

  • Speakers

  • Phones, smart watches, laptops, etc.

  • Energy drinks

  • Bikes, scooters, and/or skateboards
    

• Can my student bring their phone?

  Our hope for this trip is that students can fully immerse themselves in the work and people whom they are serving! We are asking that all students leave their phones at home for the duration of the trip. A few years back we made this trip a no-phone trip and were glad we did.

  
  Staff and Leaders will have their phones and be with students during work projects. We will provide contact information to all staff so you have our information as well. Thank you in advance!
  

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