2020 PROJECT SERVE BELIZE APPLICATION GUIDE
FEBRUARY 11 - 24, 2020 BELMOPAN, BELIZE
*please read the GUIDE before completing application
WHY BELIZE?
In our opinion, the most effective way to live out short term missions, both for those going to serve and those being served, involves long term relationship and partnership. Trip director Kristin Clark began a relationship with the people of Belize on her first short term trip, back in 2001. Since then Kristin has led a combined total of fifteen teams back to Belize, and their relationship with the local Belizean ministries have deepened into a lasting friendship and partnership. Belize provides opportunity for many ministry opportunities, and has proven to be both a very safe country to travel to, and an easy culture to adapt to because there is no language barrier.
THE NATURE AND WORK OF OUR MINISTRY
During Project Serve our goal is to serve the people of Belize as best as we possibly can, and learn as much from their culture as possible. Every year we like to contribute to an on going work project in Belize, and for the past several years we have focused our efforts towards the building and maintaining of a new facility for the King’s Children’s Home, a local orphanage in Belmopan, Belize. YFC has been partnering with the King’s Children’s Home for the last thirteen years. There are currently about 50 children living in the home. Five years ago through countless donations and a lot of hard work, the King’s Children’s Home was able to build a new and much needed facility for the children. Project Serve was a part of the building process, and is still involved in developing the surrounding land at the home. (For more information on the King’s Children’s Home, please visit www.kingschildrenshome.org).
We we also be working alongside the local YWAM (Youth With A Mission) base just outside of Belmopan, Belize. We will live on the YWAM base, and serve them any way that we can. YWAM has a very powerful ministry in Belize, and we are honored to partner with them in any way possible. Our contributions this year may include some light construction on YWAM base. Other ministry opportunities may include sharing and serving in a local weekly kids club (leading music, drama, sharing testimonies), and contributing in a local church church service.
*NOTE ABOUT PROJECT SERVE SCHEDULING
One of the first and most important lessons learned on a trip like this is that schedules don‘t always go exactly the way they are planned. The weather, a broken down truck, waiting for supplies or equipment; any number of factors will teach patience and flexibility. However, we want you to have an idea of how you will spend your time while on this PROJECT SERVE trip. A suggested itinerary will be provided closer to the departure date.
INTRO TO FUNDRAISING
Every Team Member will be asked to raise $2800 towards the total Project Serve budget. Fundraising happens though personal correspondence. All team members will be assisted and encouraged by their team leaders to reach their personal financial goals.
1. DEADLINE FOR DOLLARS
Deadlines for having your $2800 in to the YFC® Office are as follows:
$200 deposit required with application (refunded if applicant is not part of 2018 PROJECT SERVE team) *note - the $200 deposit is part of the $2800
$1800 fundraised by December 14, 2019
$2800 fundraised by Jan 31, 2020
We will e-mail students a list of their donors bi-weekly. We recommend that students use this list to send thank you notes to donors, and to keep track of how well they are doing at meeting the deadlines.
If you become a PROJECT SERVE team member, you will receive a complete fundraising packet and a document named “THE GUIDE” at the orientation meeting. You will receive additional fundraising information
at team training sessions.
2. WHAT THE $2800 COVERS...
Round trip transportation from Saskatoon
Ground transportation in host country
All lodging and food
Saskatoon service projects
All building materials and supplies for service projects
Partial staffing costs
Administration
Pre-Trip & Post-Trip meetings and training
Official Duffel Bag and Team Apparel
Fundraising materials and mail-outs
Extensive Travel Insurance
3. WHAT HAPPENS IF I HAVEN’T RAISED $1800 BY DECEMBER 14, 2019?
Individual plane tickets must be purchased by December with team member’s names on the ticket. If $1800 is not in by December 14, you will need to have a meeting with the trip director, and together come up with a plan to reach the goal and secure your place on the team.
4. SPENDING MONEY
We recommend that you bring between $150 US and $200 US in spending money for buying souvenirs and airport meals. All of your other costs while away are covered by the trip fee. A breakdown of what personal spending money is needed for will be provided to team members at the first meeting.
5. WHAT IF I RAISE MORE MONEY THAN $2800?
Additional funds raised will be used towards the general PROJECT SERVE ministry expenses. *Please note that donations given to Youth for Christ® for PROJECT SERVE cannot be refunded (Revenue Canada regulation)
6. PASSPORT
You must have a passport to travel on Project Serve. To apply for a passport you need:
A certified Birth Certificate
A Passport application form (Available from the post office)
Two passport photos (can be obtained at many quick-photo shops)
For more info on obtaining a passport, please click here
7. TEAM MEMBER COMMITMENT
Before you apply, make sure you are willing to agree to all of the team commitments:
I will attend ALL scheduled team meetings, training sessions, and fundraising events.
I will complete ALL pre-field, on-field, and post-field Bible Study and training materials sent by PROJECT SERVE.
I will conduct myself in a manner that will bring honour to Christ.
I will not to be critical of host culture, indigenous people, team members, or leaders.
I will follow PROJECT SERVE rules and instructions given by PROJECT SERVE leaders.
I will demonstrate a servant attitude and strong work ethic.
I will adhere to all PROJECT SERVE deadlines.
*Failure of team members to adhere to these commitments may result in their disqualification from PROJECT SERVE.
PROJECT SERVE BELIZE
MANDATORY MEETINGS, TRAINING SESSIONS AND FUNDRAISING EVENTS
*Please make sure you are available for ALL of these dates BEFORE you apply. You will sign a contract committing yourself to being at EVERY scheduled event.
Complete commitment is key to success!
*Sunday Sept 15 - Project Serve Applications Due
*Friday Sept 20 - Belize Team confirmed
Sunday, September 22 - 7:30pm - 9:00pm: PS Belize Parent/Student orientation. Team members must attend with at least one parent.
Sunday, September 29 - 2:00pm - 9:00pm: Team meeting
*Monday, Oct 7 - fundraising letters and email address list completed
Sunday Oct 27 - 2:00pm - 9:00pm: Team Meeting
Sunday Nov 17 - 2:00pm - 9:00pm: Team Meeting
*Sunday Dec 1 - 2:00pm - 11:00pm: Dessert Auction Fundraiser: Every team member required to fill a table of 8 people.
*Sunday Dec 14 - $1800 IN
Sunday Jan 13 - 7:00pm - 8:30pm: PARENTS ONLY Informational Meeting
Friday Jan 24 - Sunday Jan 26: Project Serve Team Retreat
*Friday Jan 31 - ALL MONEY IN
Sunday Feb 10 - 2:00pm - 5:00pm: Final Team Meeting - Sorting of donations
FEBRUARY 11 - 24 : PROJECT SERVE BELIZE 2020
*Wednesday Mar 11 - thank you letters completed and e-mailed to YFC office
Sunday, Mar 22 - 3:00pm - 6:00pm: thank-you letter stuffing