We are so glad that your child has shown interest in taking part of our Cross Training for 2008. If your child has never been to Cross Training before, I am sure that you naturally have questions and concerns about an event of this nature. The purpose of this letter is to give you a basic idea of what Cross Training is and how we have addressed many of the common concerns. If you have any questions or concerns that are not covered in this letter, please feel free to contact me at any time.
FAQ’s about Cross Training
What is it? – The purpose of Cross Training is to teach students how to be disciplined in their spiritual walk. The students stay at the church building for a week, going about their usual school routine in the mornings and afternoons. In the evening, we focus on the importance of discipline and of practicing habits that will deepen their relationship with God.
Why during school? Wouldn’t this make more sense in the summer? – This is a very legitimate question. I want to personally assure you that we take education very seriously in our youth ministry. The reason we do Cross Training during the school year is because I feel it is most important for these students to learn these habits in a busy season of their life. School can sometimes consume so much of teens’ lives and energies that they feel they have very little left for their spiritual disciplines. This week is designed to teach students to prioritize their time so that they can do well in school and spend time strengthening their relationship with God. Each afternoon will consist of a 2 hour block to work on homework: one hour of mandatory study hall (they must be working on homework or something school related), plus another hour of optional study hall (if they still have homework left, they can still work on it). To the best of my knowledge, in the four years I have been involved with Cross Training, no student’s grades have slipped during this week.
How do they get to school? – If your child ordinarily drives to school, he or she can continue to do so during this week. Otherwise, rides will be provided daily to and from Fort Dorchester and Summerville High School. This will either be in the church vans or with other students. Students will not be allowed to ride with other students unless you as parents have granted permission for them to do so.
What about extra-curricular activities and jobs? – I ask the students to clear as much of the week as they possibly can, but I understand that some things cannot be missed. Students turn in a schedule, signed by the parent, of where they will be and when. The student must either be at the church building or where the schedule specifies at all times. If the student must make a change to this schedule during the week, I will talk to parents to make sure they are aware of the change before the student is permitted to leave. Students must arrange rides for all activities other than school.
Will my child get enough sleep? – Cross Training is not an extended lock-in. Each night the students will have the option of being in bed by 9:30 pm, and they must be in bed by 11 pm. The guys will sleep in the Family Life Center's classrooms during the week under my supervision, and the girls will sleep in the annex under the supervision of female adult volunteers. Students will need to bring blankets, pillows, air mattresses, or whatever they need to sleep comfortably.
How much does it cost, and what about meals? – Cross Training is basically free. Dinner is covered each night by different volunteers from the congregation. On Sunday night, we will go grocery shopping to allow the students to buy breakfast and snack foods for themselves during the week with money they bring (usually about $10 covers it), and they are responsible for their lunches at school.
I hope your child will be joining us for Cross Training this year. It has been one of the most fruitful events that we have done in this ministry. Again, if you have any more questions or concerns, then please feel free to contact me.
No comments:
Post a Comment