Urban ServeAsheville, NC

Carolina Cross Connection2016 Adult Packet

Dear Adults,Welcome to Carolina Cross Connection! We are so grateful for your dedication to serve this summer. We realize that you are probably using vacation time to come to CCC, so we will do our best to make this experience as rewarding as any trip you could have planned. You may be under the impression that CCC is a youth-targeted ministry, but this is only partially true. The experience that our adults have is one of our TOP priorities, and we will be working to ensure that you will get just as much, if not more, out of your CCC week. By the fact that you are older, adults are often looked to as role models and sources of leadership. We want you to come prepared to have a great week of serving and feel prepared to serve as a

leader with our staff. Here are some general expectations we have of your role during a week with CCC AND some new and exciting things coming for this year!

PREPARATIONAdults are expected to participate in preparatory meetings, training sessions, and other pre-program activities for the group. The Carolina Cross Connection administration will correspond to adults primarily through one representative of the group often referred to as the Group Contact. It is the administration's goal to ensure that adults are trained on all pertinent aspects of the program prior to arrival and to work within our ability to do so.

IN-CAMP LEADERSHIP● Participation: Adults are expected to participate as members of the Christian community, which means having fun

and growing closer in their relationship with Christ. Adults are expected to participate in activities meant for the building up of the community, such as worship, games, devotions, and sharing. While some may be geared toward younger people, adults are also meant to enjoy these activities and to set an example in attitude and participation.

● Partner with the Director: Once the week begins, a "hand-off" occurs, as the primary point of communication with adults may shift from the office administration to an on-site Camp Director. These individuals will serve as primary liaison to adults, meeting and communicating with them often. Both adults and the Camp Director are expected to stay in contact, to offer positive and helpful feedback, and to address concerns in a timely and appropriate manner.

● Partner with the Staff: The Carolina Cross Connection summer staff is eager to work with adults. The staff will take on many supervisory and disciplinarian roles in camp, but adults are expected to partner with the staff in some situations where their leadership, support, and supervision is needed. This may include gathering for and participating in activities, getting ready for bedtime, medical emergencies, leading small group discussions, enforcing dress code, and cell phone policies.

OUT-OF-CAMP LEADERSHIPTeams of campers/volunteers are sent out daily to engage with the homeless community, do mission activities, and participate in service projects. Opportunities abound for adults and youth to exercise leadership skills, but certain expectations apply exclusively or more emphatically to adults:

● Enforcers of Safety: Adults are expected to ensure that everyone is safe out in the community and back at homebase.

● Positive Role Models: Adults are expected to set a positive, mature example for the youth, and encourage them to be respectful and compassionate towards the people being served.

● Facilitators: Adults are expected to lead in such a way that empowers youth to take responsibility and lead themselves.

● Quality Controllers: Adults are expected to follow instructions, plans, and guidance from the trained staff to ensure that ministry is as excellent as it can be.

● Ministry Leaders: Above all, adults are expected to embrace their role as a unique opportunity to be in ministry with many types of people. Adults should view their actions through the lens of Colossians 3:17: "And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."

POST-PROGRAM FEEDBACKAfter the week, the administration welcomes communication and values feedback from all participants, especially adults. Written or online evaluations are one of the most important methods. Adults are also encouraged to contact the office anytime with questions, comments, concerns, or feedback.

SMALL GROUPSWe are setting aside some time on most evenings for your church group to meet together and have small group time. Our staff has prepared Bible verses and questions for you to discuss with the youth from your church. These small groups times will continue our focus on the theme for that year. Our hope is that this will bring your group closer to Jesus and facilitate discussion on taking the CCC serving experience home with you. A copy of the lessons will be provided to you via our web site in April. Above all, we ask that adults be flexible. Though the camp week is carefully planned to the last detail, we at CCC have come to learn that Murphy’s law definitely applies: expect the unexpected. Go with the flow. Be open-minded, ready to adapt to different circumstances and last-minute changes. With all these things in mind, you will have a wonderful experience this summer. God bless you in your time getting ready for and serving with CCC and our friends in the city. See you this summer!In Him,CCC Board of Directors & AdministrationCarolina Cross ConnectionPO Box 5723Concord, NC 28027www.carolinacrossconnection.org704.721.0033

ADULT FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONSIs a week at CCC geared more towards youth?A lot of our in-camp activities, yes, will be targeted towards youth, but we also believe that adults will learn and grow from the serving, learning, worship, sharing, and even games and fun songs. We encourage you to come with a child-like heart, keeping your eyes open to how God reveals Himself to you.

Am I responsible for planning evening activities? Nope! Our camp staff will plan and lead all evening activities. At times, they may call on youth and adult volunteers to help out, and we will have small group time most evenings that we ask you to facilitate. We do provide you with the materials you need for those times.

Will I have time to meet, debrief with, or have devotions with my youth? Yes! Usually before or after worship on most evenings we have small group church time. This will be a time to meet with the youth and adults from your church, do a pre-designed Bible study and connect with the students from your church.

I’m nervous about being with youth! You will usually find that working with youth is easier than it sounds. Keep this word in mind: FACILITATE. Your job is not to have all the answers or to dictate what to do (although occasionally, you may have to ). The best way to lead with youth is to facilitate, to help the youth in your group to show leadership and solve problems as a team. Our staff is there to help you in working with the youth. You are not alone! I’m nervous about being with people experiencing homelessness!Our staff and ministry partners are also there to help guide you in working with the homeless. Note, we said working WITH the homeless. We have as much to learn from the community as to give to them. The Haywood Street Congregation is our partner ministry for a reason: they serve alongside these folks every day. They value each person and have created a community and a church. We feel privileged to share in this faith community for the week. Remember that there are no silly questions or concerns. You don’t need any special gifts or professional training beforehand: simply an open mind and heart to experience God this week. All emotions and feelings are valid. We invite you to come as you are and walk alongside us as we embrace relational ministry. Can I give money or rides to the friends I meet?

We understand that the needs of others can be met in a variety of ways. Our focus during your week is to develop and foster relationships among people the world might typically consider outcasts. This being said, we will encourage youth to leave all valuables at the home base while serving in the community each day.

We encourage students not to have valuables with them on most days out serving. There is not a need for them to have money at those times. We have found that money can inhibit ministering to something greater. If you, as adults, are led to provide something more for a new friend you meet, please talk with a CCC staff member, Haywood Street representative, or representative of partnering organization. They work with most of these folks all summer long and have formed relationships. We do not give car or van rides to people in the community, except during our pre-planned activities directed by the CCC staff in partnership with Haywood Street Congregation only.

Can I be a camper, but not go out each day?Sorry, no. Coming to CCC signifies that you are committed to the entire experience, worksites, community and all. You’d be cheating yourself and everyone else if you didn’t fully participate!

Because of my work schedule, I would have to come to camp late or leave early. Is that okay? Unfortunately, we will not be able to allow youth or adults to come late or leave early during the week. This is disruptive to the bonding that occurs within the community. Please come to Carolina Cross Connection ONLY if you are able to commit to the entire week. Will we have free time?Yes, there will be some opportunity for free time. The staff will always try to plan for some unstructured free-time between evening activities, though some evenings may be more “packed” than others. Most free time will occur in camp, but we also have a few instances where small groups can venture out of camp for free time. There must be a minimum of 1 adult and 2 youth together in a group to leave camp at any time. There is an ice cream shop and a General Store within a short walk of camp.

Can we site see in Asheville, go out to eat, run to Wal-Mart?Taking a mission trip in an urban setting is interesting! We are often asked those questions. While we encourage groups to grab the occasional ice cream cone or snack at a local downtown business within walking distance (during free time only!) please eat the meals provided. Also come prepared so that Wal-Mart trips are not needed (if something important does come up, our staff are happy to accommodate). There are a few reasons behind this rule. First, this can quickly become an expectation of the kids in your group and possibly of the entire camp: that you’ll go out to eat or site see every day. The focus will switch. Kids will be focused on getting done quickly so they can go out to eat, shop, etc. This, of course, results in missing out on opportunities to experience Christ within the community— which is the whole purpose behind the week!

Make your week a spiritual retreat and focused mission on learning new things from God. All that said, if there is an opportunity to spend some free time as a small group, we encourage you to go to a local ice cream shop or some other local establishment. Make it a treat, not an expectation. Make sure it’s not too costly (some youth may not have the money for such things). And go someplace local so that money stays in the community rather than supporting chains and large corporations. I have a question that hasn’t been answered.We would be happy to speak with you! Please contact the CCC office at 704-721-0033 or ccc@carolinacrossconnection.org for any further questions or concerns.

Adults- Empowering Youth and The Community We ServeOne of our core values at CCC is empowering youth and the community. When we go out each day, we want to treat people with respect and care. Anything we can do to involve them in the work we are doing will give them a feeling of worth. It will be empowering. On the other hand, if we ignore the people we are visiting and do not listen to their suggestions, we will overpower them.

This same idea is true for the members of your group for the week. It is important to treat everyone in a way that will empower them. Below are some examples of overpowering and empowering. Please review these and model the example of empowering in camp and out in the community as much as possible. It will make a much more enriching service experience for everyone.

Overpowering EmpoweringThose who are most comfortable meeting and

talking with new people do all the talking, while other group members are left out.

Those who are most comfortable meeting and talking with new people find ways to involve all group members in conversations with the

homeless.

Ignoring requests or suggestions from the because it creates complications or

inconvenience.

Welcoming requests and suggestions from the homeless, making sure they have input,

and inviting them to participate.

Project decisions made by one or a few group members and imposed on the whole team.

All group members share ideas about how to approach a project.

Giving simpler tasks to the youngest members of the group or to girls.

No difference made between sex or age when dividing up tasks that the team has to do. All members should have the opportunity to help with all tasks, from simple chores to complex

work.

The camper mission group is only interacting with each other.

The camper mission group is interacting with people in the community on a personal level

with real interest and care.

Working with the goal of getting done early to get back to camp for more free time.

Working with the goal to meet as many people as possible and patiently listen to their stories.

Adult Self-Screening Formto be completed by any participant age 25 and older

Camp week ________________Camp _________________________Church ____________________________________Last Name _______________________________ First Name____________________________________ MI _________Address __________________________________________________ City ______________ St _______ Zip __________

Phone ________________________ Cell _______________________email _____________________________________Occupation and Employer ____________________________________________________________________________Date of Birth ________________________________ Driver's License #_____________ Issuing State _________

Circle One

1. Have you ever been convicted of a felony? Yes No

2. Have you ever been convicted or formally accused of any sex related or child abuse offense? Yes No

3. Have you had any major driving infractions over the past year? Yes No

4. Have you had a background check completed within the past 3 years verifying the responses above? Yes No

5. Have you participated in Safe Sanctuary or a similar youth protection training program? Yes No

● If you answered YES to questions #1, #2 or #3, please fully explain on back of form.

● If you answered YES to question #4, what was the date of your background check?Date of check _________/________ /_______ Your background check MUST be on file at your church.

● If you answered NO to question #4, you must have a background check completed before arrival to camp. If needed, CCC will provide contact information for this service but your church is responsible for the follow-through. Contact the CCC Office for more information.

I fully support Carolina Cross Connection's effort to increase the probability of having a safe environment in our camp week for youth to perform mission work without fear of irresponsible adults who may take advantage of them or put them at risk of being hurt. I certify, to the best of my knowledge, the information that I have provided on this form is true and accurate. I authorize any investigation, including a background check, of any or all statements made on this form.

Print Name __________________________________________________________

Signature __________________________________________ Date _____________

Group Leader Signature _______________________________ Date _____________

Pastor Signature _____________________________________ Date _____________

TURN THIS FORM IN BY MAY 1st with GROUP ROSTER.

HOMEBASE - Central UMC, Asheville

Central United Methodist Church in downtown Asheville will serve as our HOMEBASE. It is located at 27 Church St. Asheville, NC 28801. Central UMC will be our sleeping, eating, worshipping, devotional and general “headquarters” for the week. This is where your group

Please make sure to arrive on Sunday at Central UMC, 27 Church St. Asheville, NC 28801.NOT at 297 Haywood Street Asheville, NC.

STUFF TO BRING

Required● Bible● Community clothes: enough for 5 days (See dress code for requirements.) Knee length and long pants, 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 Central 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 Asheville.● 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 allow everyone to be flexible and ready for any and every serving or learning situation.● Sandals or flip flops. These are definitely needed in camp at Central UMC if you don't want to wear your sneakers all the time. Sandals are

sometimes appropriate in other settings.● Toiletries: Remember, there is no shower, 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 a pillow!● Water Bottle● Backpack (easy to wear on your back during walks and hike)

Highly Recommended● Flashlight● Sunscreen● Insect repellent● Bathing Suit & T-shirt: No bikinis, speedos, or other revealing suits allowed. Clothing will be worn over bathing suits at all times.● Some extra spending money: The staff will have snacks, drinks, and CCC merchandise for sale at reasonable prices.● Insurance card● Guitar or other instruments you might play● Medicines (note, CCC staff do not administer medicines, but do have First Aid kits for minor needs.)● Small fan● Ear 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, journal● Stationary: 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 CODEALL 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 (Central 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 Asheville. 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 CommunityShorts/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. Jeans or long pants will be required for at least one day. We request you bring at least one pair of long pants in case we are able to assist on a construction project with a partnering ministry and for the day of the Invisible Box Walk.

Leggings are not appropriate long pants and do not provide protection from plants or other dangerous items in areas we walk during the Invisible Box Walk or other activities. 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 activites. 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 Asheville 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 INFORMATIONSafety FIRST!We strongly emphasize safety on our work sites and in camp. Our staff people visit and check work sites several times a day to ensure the safety of participants. Our staff also train participants in some basic first aid tips on Sunday of the camp week, and 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 FormsCarolina Cross Connection requires all 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 Medical Consent Form. Should an accident occur, in or out of camp, the camper’s family insurance will serve as the primary carrier. In other words, during the initial visit to the hospital, the camper’s insurance is that which will be given to hospital personnel. If possible, each individual should carry his/her personal insurance card.2. SECONDARY Insurance Carrier: CCC and/or Camp Insurance — Each participant at Carolina Cross Connection is also covered under our insurance policy and a policy at the camp location they 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 camp insurance 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 member and an adult from that person’s church. If the emergency occurs on a worksite, the entire work team will accompany the victim to the hospital.2. We will contact parents/guardians as soon as possible. If parents/guardians are not available, we will contact an emergency contact person, as listed on the Activity Permission and Medical Consent Form.3. We will give the insurance information of the injured person to hospital personnel in order to file the initial claim.4. Following the camp week, we will send parents/guardians the proper claim form and the information 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 primary carrier 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.