| Who makes up the Appalachia short-term mission teams?
High school and junior high school, or family groups come for a week during spring break or during the summer. Throughout the year other groups come for a week, long weekend, or Saturday in the fall or spring. During the summer program, an estimated 100 people from churches representing a variety of denominations participate each week in the Appalachia mission.
Who supervises the participants?
Each group needs to have one adult volunteer (age 21 years or older) for every 5 students. Your adult volunteers work with the team during the day and provide evening supervision. Our full-time staff provide programming and additional work site supervision.
How much does it cost?
For youth groups each week-long mission trip costs $370 per participant. For families the charge per person is $350 or $175 for children age 3-8 years. This covers housing, meals, tools, t-shirt, programming and a whole lot of fun! A minimum construction donation is requested and based on your group size. Click here for full payment details.
Where do we stay?
Housing is secured for your group by Appalachia staff. Some groups will stay on the campus of Alderson-Broaddus College in Philippi, West Virginia, living in the residence halls and eating meals in the cafeteria. Alternative housing sites also may be used when needed.
What do we do at night?
Every evening World Vision’s staff presents an exciting program designed to draw your group into worship, develop community, and explore God’s desire for Christ-centered leadership. Each group also will have time to meet to share reflections and the day’s experiences.
What do we bring?
Bring clothes, bedding or sleeping bag, towels, construction tools, your friends, and more. Click here to review a personal packing list. A wish list developed by the community also will be sent to you with your registration confirmation.
When do we get there and leave?
Our week-long mission camps begin on Sundays. Please arrive between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. You’ll be packed and on your way home by 10 a.m. the following Saturday.
Will we have any free time?
Yes. Every day your group will have access to the college recreational facilities. So bring your swimsuit, basketball, soccer ball, volleyball, or bocce set. You also will have a day off to either go whitewater rafting, canoeing, or participate in other activities.
Who is World Vision?
Founded in 1950, World Vision is an international Christian aid organization serving the world’s poorest children in nearly 100 countries, including the United States.
Our Statement of Faith
• We believe the Bible to be the inspired, the only infallible, authoritative Word of God.
• We believe that there is one God, eternally existent in three persons: Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit.
• We believe in the deity of our Lord Jesus Christ, in His virgin birth, in His sinless life, in His miracles, in His vicarious and atoning death through His shed blood, in His bodily resurrection, in His ascension to the right hand of the Father, and in His personal return in power and glory.
• We believe that for the salvation of lost and sinful man, regeneration of the Holy Spirit is absolutely essential.
• We believe in the present ministry of the Holy Spirit by whose indwelling the Christian is enabled to live a godly life.
• We believe in the resurrection of both the saved and the lost; they that are saved unto the resurrection of life and they that are lost unto the resurrection of damnation.
• We believe in the spiritual unity of believers in our Lord Jesus Christ.
Why is a leader from each group required to attend cross-cultural orientation?
This orientation will effectively equip team leaders so their groups have the best experience possible in Appalachia. The orientation allows a leader to see where his or her team will be working, and to learn more about the people of Appalachia, the challenges they face, and how team members can be most effective in working among the local people. Leaders also will get to know some of the World Vision staff they will serve alongside during this short-term mission, and will leave with a solid understanding of local conditions, needs, and the transformational contributions team members will make during their time in Appalachia. Leaders also will have opportunities to meet and share with like-minded leaders, some who will be working in Chestnut Ridge during the same time you will be there.
Can my group come back again?
Yes. We are looking for groups that would like to explore a year-round partnership with our communities. If your group is interested in more information contact:
Ruston Seaman
Appalachia Executive Director
1.800.877.5919
rseaman@worldvision.org
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