1. family and parenting
2. children

The 2014 Jeremiah Project Preparation Manual
Camp Location: Winchester, VA
Introduction
Greetings fellow youth worker! You hold in your hand (or are viewing on your computer
screen) the 2014 Jeremiah Project Preparation Manual for Winchester, VA. You have
this manual in your possession for one reason; you’ve been given the responsibility of
training the middle school mission team for their week in the mission field! Sound a bit
overwhelming? No worries, we’ll take care of you!
This manual consists of eight sections; each contains important information for your
mission trip. Please take a moment to look through each section and make notes as
needed. Also, please download or email the link for the document entitled, “Adult
Leader Handbook” from our website for all of your adult leaders coming to JP this
summer. It is crucial that they read through that material and become familiar with what
to expect as an adult leader.
I want to share a few thoughts about Section 2 in your manual. We have updated this
section, so the material is NEW! This section contains your preparation sessions, or
training material, that you have made a covenant to use. The training material is
designed to be user-friendly and is a very effective tool in preparing your students and
adults for their mission trip experience with the Jeremiah Project. The key is to use
every session! Let me pass on a few tips that will ensure a successful training event.
First, if possible, plan an overnight retreat at the church or retreat center. Youth
workers have found this to be most effective. Why? Here are a few reasons: 1.)
Students are more focused and participatory. 2.) Mission teams feel a stronger sense
of identity and community after spending twenty-four hours together. 3.) Attendance is
much higher at one overnighter than sessions spread out over several Sunday
afternoons. 4.) And you, the overworked and underpaid (or not paid at all) youth worker
does it all in a one-shot event!
Here’s a quick outline for an overnighter:
Friday
7:00pm – Meet at the church
7:30pm – Session #1
9:00pm – Break
9:30pm – Session #2
11:00pm – Get ready for bed
11:30pm – Lights out
Saturday
8:00am – Breakfast
9:00am – Session #3
10:30am – Break
11:00am – Session #4
12:30pm – Lunch
1:30pm – Session #5
3:00pm – Retreat ends
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Next, look through all of the sessions in advance and get a good feel of the purpose of
each session and how to best lead them. There is a supply list included for all of the
sessions in the event you want to gather all supplies for every session at once.
Otherwise, each session has its own “materials needed” list.
Lastly, Session #5 is a “Practice” session. If you are not skilled in construction, you will
want to recruit someone who is for this last session. Ask them in advance to lead this
for you. One year, I invited the mission team and a few folks who really knew
construction over to my house to finish building a deck. It was a great hands-on
learning event and the kids loved it! And I now have a finished deck! Other ideas
could be a painting project (you will probably do your share of painting at JP), or
building a doghouse and giving it to someone in your community. Be creative!
There you have it! We are available for you should you have any questions about the
training material, forms, or anything else about your mission trip. Please call us toll-free
at 1-866-JP4JRHI (574-5744).
Serving Him together,
Todd Freneaux
Executive
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And now…The Two Most Frequently-Asked
Questions from Churches (and JP’s response)
Question #1: “I have a student who wants to arrive late (Monday, Tuesday, etc.). Is
that okay?
And…
Question #2: “I have a student who wants to leave early. Is that okay?
And the answer to both questions…
JP: “No. JP’s policy requires that all participants arrive on Sunday between 2:003:30pm and depart no earlier than Saturday at 10:00am. Why? Participants that arrive
late or leave early have a significant negative impact on their work team and the
community as a whole. Because of this and many other reasons, we insist that all
participants arrive and depart with their church mission team. The exception to this
policy is a death in the family or a participant that becomes ill.
Youth Leader: Chances are you will be asked this question by one or more parents.
Please indicate to parents that this is JP’s policy and the Jeremiah Project expects all
churches to respect and enforce this policy. It should also be noted that the Jeremiah
Project is not aware of any mission organization that allows late arrivals or early
departures.
Thank you!
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The
Jeremiah Project
Preparation
Manual
Summer 2014
Winchester, VA
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Contents
Introduction ................................................................................. 1 - 2
The Two Most Frequently-Asked Questions from Churches ........... 3
Section 1: General Information ................................................ 6 - 14
Section 2: Preparation Sessions ............................................ 15- 41
Section 3: Forms To Copy and Bring To Camp……….……..42 - 45
Section 4: What to Bring: Individual/Group Lists…….…..…..46 - 48
Section 5: Suggested Contents for First-Aid Kits…………….49 - 50
Section 6: Directions to The Jeremiah Project.…..…….…… 51 - 52
Section 7: Wednesday “Free Day” Activities…...……...….....53 - 56
Section 8: Commissioning Services………………….………...57 -59
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Section
1
General
Information
6
History
Three youth ministers from the Virginia Conference of the United Methodist Church
founded the Jeremiah Project in 1997. Todd Freneaux, the Rev. Abi Foerster, and
Barbara Russell all felt there was a tremendous need for a mission trip experience
designed specifically for middle school students. Selecting Jeremiah 1:7 as their
foundational scripture, the Jeremiah Project was born.
But the Lord said to me, “Do not say, 'I am only a youth', because
everywhere I send you, you shall go, and all that I command you, you shall
speak." - Jeremiah 1:7 (NAS)
The first Jeremiah Project work camp, based in Winchester, Virginia, was held in the
summer of 1998 with nine churches participating over a period of two weeks. As they
prepared for their second summer of mission work in 1999, they were overwhelmed with
the response from churches wanting to bring their middle school students. Work camps
filled in January for the summer of 1999! In the summer of 2000 and 2001, the Jeremiah
Project operated three mission weeks. JP expanded to four weeks in 2002 and opened
a second ministry site in West Virginia in 2003. In 2011, we offered our first week-long
mission opportunity in Goochland, VA and in 2013, we expanded to offer a week of
inner-city mission opportunity in Richmond, VA. 2014 will be an exciting year of 9
weeks of camp with a new fourth mission site in Yellow Springs West Virginia!
Mission Statement
We are called to SERVE God’s people, to EMPOWER middle school students to be
servant leaders, to AFFIRM them as children of God, to ENCOURAGE them to
embrace a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, and to SUPPORT them in their
desire to become Christian disciples.
What You Can Expect From JP’s Staff
The JP staff wants to help make this a great mission trip experience for you and your
students and adults. The staff will do their very best to keep you informed on all issues,
provide support on the work sites, be available as much as possible, be encouragers,
laugh and play together, and be Christian examples in word and deed. The Staff
consists of the Camp Director, Assistant Camp Director, several college-age young
adults, two junior staffers, a Program Director, a Worship Leader, and a Site
Coordinator. If you encounter a problem at any time, or want to address an issue,
please see the Camp Director.
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What We Expect From You & All Adult Leaders
1. Participate
Adults are expected to participate in all of the camp activities because they, like the
youth and staff, are part of the community. We are committed to working, playing, and
worshiping together, with the hope for all of us to see the power of a Christian
community in our lives.
2. Support the JP Staff
Another important element is to support and be in partnership with the Jeremiah Project
staff. Help the staff by enforcing the guidelines for appropriate behavior, participation,
etc. The camp staff will look to the adults as positive role models for their youth.
Maintaining a positive outlook on the camp experience is one way that adults can teach
a valuable lesson in maturity.
3. Empower the Youth
Adults need to “empower” students, not “overpower” them. Take the time to teach
students and allow them to accomplish a task, even if it takes longer than necessary.
4. Be Responsible for your Students
The staff needs you to handle any situations that require disciplining your youth, should
it be necessary. We also ask that you be responsible for getting your youth to sleep at
night, and to see to it they are out of bed and ready for the first activity of the day.
Please ensure that they are present and on time for all events.
Your Arrival
Hunting Ridge Retreat is located approximately six miles northwest of the city of
Winchester, Virginia. Detailed directions can be found in section 6 of this manual. Plan
your travel to arrive at camp between 2:00pm and 3:30pm on Sunday afternoon.
It is important that all groups arrive on time since activities cannot begin until
everyone is in camp. If there is some emergency that will delay your arrival, please
call Kristie McCallum, Project Assistant, at 540-239-2863 to let us know.
Your Accommodations
Hunting Ridge Retreat consists of a lodge, a chapel, and four double cabins with bunk
beds which sleep approximately twelve people on each side. Each side of the cabin
has its own bathroom with two showers, two sinks, and two toilets. The cabins are also
air-conditioned.
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A Typical Week at Camp
(times and activities are subject to change)
Sunday
2:00-3:30pm Groups arrive, unpack, relax, etc.
4:00pm
Orientation Session
5:30pm
Supper
7:00pm
Evening program
10:00pm
To cabins
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday
7:00am
Rise & Shine!
7:30am
Breakfast
8:00am
Morning Devotions
9:00am
Leave for work sites
9:30-4:30pm Work, Work, Work!
6:00pm
Dinner
7:30pm
Evening Program
10:00pm
To Cabins
Wednesday*
7:00am
Rise & Shine!
7:30am
Breakfast
8:00am
Morning Devotions
9:00am
Leave for your youth group’s free day!
9:30-4:30pm Fun, Fun, Fun!
6:00pm
Dinner
7:30pm
Evening Program
10:00pm
To Cabins
Saturday
7:30am
Rise & Shine!
8:00am
Breakfast
8:30am
Clean-up/Pack-up/Load-up
9:00am
Final morning devotion
9:30am
Group pictures
10:00am
Leave for home!
*Wednesday is “Free Day”
Since part of our mission is to have fun, we have set aside Wednesday to be a “day off”
from the camp work week. This is a free day for your church group to have fun
together. You will find a complete listing of activities for your free day in section 7 of this
manual. Church groups are not allowed to stay at camp on Wednesday during the day.
Church teams should plan on leaving after morning devotions (8:30am) and returning
no earlier than 3:30pm.
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Emergency Phone Number / Address to Mail
Letters & Packages
Additionally, some family members, friends, or church members may want to send a
note of encouragement, or a care package for the mission team to receive. We strongly
recommend that any mail be sent no later than Tuesday to ensure delivery by Friday.
The emergency phone numbers you will want to give parents while you are away at the
Jeremiah Project in Winchester, VA are:
540-723-9880 or 540-662-9004.
Send all mail to:
Hunting Ridge Retreat
- Name of participant
- What church they are with
c/o The Jeremiah Project
1011 Hunting Ridge Rd.
Winchester, VA 22603
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Safety
1. Only adults listed by their churches as “designated drivers” are allowed to drive
work crews to the work sites. All drivers must be at least 25 years old.
2. Middle school youth will not operate power saws.
3. No participant will be required to work on roofs or ladders if he/she is
apprehensive about heights.
4. Special care will be taken to remove nails from any lumber lying on the ground.
5. Special care will be taken to encourage each participant drinks adequate fluids.
6. Participants must bring and wear long pants and shirts with sleeves at the work
site. Sturdy shoes, hats, gloves, and sunscreen are strongly recommended.
7. At least one adult participant will be present at each work site.
8. Horseplay and unruly behavior will not be tolerated.
9. Close adult supervision is built into the work-camp program, and church leaders
are asked to bring only responsible, service-oriented youth who will work with
safety in mind.
10. In the event that a camper (student or adult) is injured at the work site and blood
is present, that camper must first have the wound treated and/or bandage before
further participation.
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Transportation Requirements
For teams bringing up to 7 participants: You must bring one van that can
safely transport at least 7 people.
For teams bringing 8-14 participants: You must bring 2 vans that can safely transport at
least 7 people each.
For teams bringing 15-16 participants: You must bring 3 vans that can safely transport
at least 7 people each.
For teams of 25 or more: You must bring a minimum of one van (7-passenger or
greater) for every 7 participants.
Your vehicles must be large enough to seat belt a 7 member team as well as carry
several tools, a large chest cooler, and a water cooler to a worksite. A “team” includes
both student and adult participants.
Churches are responsible for all vehicle expenses, including gas. Drivers must be 25 or
older.
Please do NOT bring cars, pick-up trucks, or any other vehicle that is unsuitable
for the intended use.
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Camp Guidelines
Cell Phones
Students may bring cell phones to the Jeremiah Project but are not allowed to have
them on their person except on FREE Day. Church leaders are expected to enforce
this policy within their own church groups.
iPods, etc
Ipods, mp3 players, or any other electronic entertainment devices are prohibited in
camp. You may bring musical instruments, such as guitars, which would be appropriate
to use during free-time.
Tobacco
Tobacco products of any kind are not allowed and may not be used by any camp
participant – student or adult – during the camp week.
Tetanus Shots
All participants must have had a tetanus shot within the last 10 years.
Medications
Church group leaders will be responsible for ensuring that members of their groups get
any required medications on time.
Clothing
At the Work Site: All participants are required to wear long pants at the work sites.
Pants must be made of jean material or similar to provide appropriate protection.
Sweatpants, or similar, are not acceptable. No torn clothing. Shirts must have sleeves.
These requirements exist for safety and out of respect for the folks we’ll be working for,
fellow participants, and to maintain a good image throughout the community we are
working in.
At Camp: No “spaghetti straps” will be allowed. Tank tops may not be allowed if the
staff deems them inappropriate. Shirts must cover the midriff. Shorts at camp are OK
but must be an acceptable length and not deemed “too short”. Pants and shorts should
not sag to the point of displaying undergarments. Staff will work with adult church
leaders prior to addressing the issue with campers directly.
Other Clothing Requirements: Please do not bring clothing that bears an alcohol ad,
cigarette ad or logo, or questionable wording or graphics.
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Swimming
Swimming in the fishing lakes is not allowed. Use of the pool is allowed only when an
adult from your church is present. No lifeguard is on duty. Swim at your own risk.
Pets
Pets are not allowed in camp.
Conduct
The use or possession of, intoxicating beverages, illicit drugs, firearms, or fireworks is
forbidden! If someone in violation of this guideline, he/she will be sent home at his/her
own expense.
Hunting Ridge Retreat is judged, to a large extent, by the conduct of the group and
individuals using the facility. The accepted rules of Christian conduct shall prevail at all
times. Please keep in mind that our use of this facility may be terminated by their
Directors for failure to obey their rules and regulations.
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Section
2
Preparation
Sessions
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Jeremiah Project Preparation Sessions 2014
Session 1: “Teamwork!”
Purpose: To discover the importance of working together on a mission team
using problem-solving challenges, trust-building exercises, and activities that
stress communication and cooperation.
Session 2: “I Know the Plans I Have For You”
Purpose: Using Jeremiah as an example, this session is designed to help
students understand that there is a reason for their presence on the mission
team. The session also looks at what their mission trip experience may look like
(typical day, “free” day, work teams, lodging, etc.).
Session 3: “Called to Compassion”
Purpose: To help participants to see that, first and foremost, we are to
demonstrate compassion and love to each person we encounter.
Session 4: “Working for the Kingdom”
Purpose: To help participants understand that serving others does not end after
a weeklong mission trip. Our responsibility to care for God’s people begins in our
own backyard.
Session 5: “Practice, Practice, Practice!”
Purpose: This session is all about allowing students (and adults) to practice
some of the basics of construction. Participants should learn the importance of
safety and how to properly swing a hammer, remove a bent nail, and more.
PLUS! Located in Section 8 of this manual are two suggestions for a
commissioning service. Use one of these services during worship on the Sunday
before you leave for your mission trip.
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If you have more than 15 participants, please modify the activities to fit
your group size.
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Supply list:
Here is a list of supplies that you’ll need for all five preparation sessions.
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Box of brownies & everything it takes to make them
Oven
Blindfolds for every other person in your group
Various items for an obstacle course (hats, shoes, tennis balls, beach
balls, rubber chickens, Crock-pot, etc.)
Bibles for everyone
10 Pieces of lumber or carpet squares, varying sizes
Index cards for each person
Pen or pencil for each person
Laptop/Computer (optional)
Projector
Projection Screen
Downloaded PowerPoint game: “Life at JP!”
(www.jeremiahproject.org. Go to “Youth Leader Resources” then,
“Registration/Downloads”)
Large blanket (for a game – won’t get damaged…probably)
Winning prize for your whole group (candy, broccoli, or something similar)
A long piece of rope (about 30-50 feet)
Signs taped on a wall (11x17 or sheets of paper): “What God Hates”,
“What God Loves”
Newsprint
Masking tape
Markers
10 copies of “Life After JP” (session 4, page 3)
Lumber, tools, etc. for practice in Session 5. You’ll also need someone
skilled in construction to lead this session. Plan in advance!
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Session 1: “Teamwork!”
The Essentials:
Purpose: To discover the importance of working together on a mission
team using problem-solving challenges, trust building exercises, and
activities that stress communication and cooperation.
1 hour, 30 minutes
Overview of Session:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Opening
Icebreaker: 10 minutes
Group-Building activity and debrief: 20-30 minutes
Trust-building activity and debrief: 30 minutes
Closing: 10 minutes
Supplies Needed:
One or two boxes of brownie mix and the ingredients
Kitchen utensils needed to bake brownies
An oven
Blindfolds for every other person in your group
 10 Pieces of lumber or carpet squares, varying sizes
Bible
1. Opening
Open with prayer. Introduce the session to the group. Make sure to explain the
purpose and importance of the session to the group members.
2. Icebreaker
The name of this icebreaker is “Questions”. This game should be done in small
groups of 5-7 people.
How to play:
Have group members stand in a circle. One person begins by looking at
someone in the group and asking a question – any question. It really doesn’t
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matter what the question is, so long as they ask a question. The person who
was then asked a question turns to someone else and asks a different question.
Then that person turns to someone else and asks a different question. Sounds
simple, doesn’t it? It is until you look at the rules of the game.
Here are the rules:
1.
2.
3.
4.
You cannot ask a question that’s been asked before.
You cannot ask a question to someone that just asked you a question.
You cannot answer a question.
You must ask a different question to a different person within 3 seconds.
If a player violates any of the above rules, he or she simply steps out of the circle
and observes until the round is over. Play this 3-4 times.
3. Group-Building Activities
The name of this game is called the “Blindfolded Brownies.”
Divide the group into teams with no more than six in a group (If you have a larger
group, you may want to go through this exercise twice, using two boxes of
brownie mix). The object of the activity is to make brownies following the
directions on the box but with the following restrictions:
o The team members take turns being blindfolded as they follow the
directions from the rest of the team to complete one step of the brownie
making process.
o The other team members may verbally give directions but they may not
assist the blindfolded teammate nor may they move the teammate’s
hands.
o The team must eat the brownies they make!
o While brownies bake, gather the group together and read Romans 12:4-8.
Discuss the following:
1. How does it feel to be working together so closely?
2. How do you think each person’s role will affect the final product?
3. How is the way we’re working together similar to what this
passage says about the body of Christ?
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4. Trust-Building Activity
The name of this trust exercise is Diminishing Resources. You could do this
either in a Fellowship Hall or outside.
Objective:
The ultimate objective is to successfully have the entire team off the floor/ground
at the same time.
Rules:
1. Begin by using all the lumber/carpet squares for the group. Everyone must
be off the ground, but can be standing on the material. The ground has
become a swamp filled with hungry alligators. If you have one square for
each person, great, if not, then people will need to begin getting creative.
2. If one person falls off the square and gets even a toe in the swamp, take a
square away.
3. Once everyone is safe on a square, remove one square at a time (alligator
ate it, it started to sink, be creative) until only one or two squares are left and
the group is huddled together. If the group thinks outside of the box, try and
remove the last square (Hint: The rule is everyone has to be out of the
swamp, they don’t have to be on the square, they can all be in the air
simultaneously, for example)
Debriefing:
IMPORTANT: Allow at least 5-10 minutes at the end to debrief. Make sure to
get several people to answer each question. Work to include everyone in the
discussion - even the quiet and shy members. Have the group sit on the floor
and then ask:
1. What was that excersie like for you?
2. What was the most fun for you? Why?
3. What was the scariest or the most difficult for you? What made it so?
4. Why is trust important?
5. What makes trust difficult?
6. Why might trust be important in our mission team?
7. Why might trust be important to us as Christians?
5. Closing
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Scripture: Have someone read 1 Corinthians 12:12
Say something like this: We have seen through the exercises that
communication, trust, problem-solving and cooperation are all very important if
we want to be an effective team. We need to rely on each other in order to
accomplish certain tasks. God has given us each other so that we can work
together and support each other. Sure, we can do some things on our own, but
the work God has for us this summer will require us to recognize each other’s
gifts, work as a team, and trust each other.
Close in prayer
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Session 2: “I Know the Plans I Have For You”
The Essentials:
Purpose: Using Jeremiah as an example, this session is designed to help
students understand that there is a reason for their presence on the
mission team. The session also looks at what their mission trip experience
may look like (outline of a typical day, their “free” day, work teams, lodging,
etc.) and answer many questions that may be on the minds of middle
school students (Whoa, that’s a scary thought!)
1 hour, 30 minutes
Overview of session:
1. Opening
2. Icebreaker: 10 minutes
3. “Why Are You Here?” 30 minutes
4. “Life at JP”: 20 minutes
5. Closing
Supplies needed:
4 different types of balls (i.e. a tennis ball, volleyball, a ping-pong ball, a
beach ball)
Index cards for each person
Pen or pencil for each person
Laptop, projector & screen and PowerPoint game, “Life at JP!”
downloaded from the JP website (www.jeremiahproject.org. Go to “Youth
Leader Resources” then, “Registration/Downloads”)
1. Opening
Open with prayer. Introduce the session to the group. Make sure to explain the
purpose and importance of the session to the group members.
2. Icebreaker
The name of this game is called the “Four Balls Exercise.”
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You will need 4 different types of balls (i.e. a tennis ball, volleyball, a ping-pong
ball, a beach ball). Other balls will work, of course. In a large group, with
everyone standing in a circle standing, tell the group that you will begin by
tossing a ball (underhand and gently) to someone in the group (cannot be to the
person standing next to you). That person will then toss it to another person who
has not received it yet, and so on until the last person to receive it throws it back
to you. If that person is standing right next to you, have the group start over and
end with someone who is not standing next to you. Once you’ve accomplished
that, tell the group that you will now “lock” the pattern. Begin tossing the ball
using the same pattern as before just to make sure everyone knows whom he or
she is supposed to throw it to. Now, inform the group that you will be introducing
three more balls sporadically while the first ball is being tossed around.
The goal is to have all four balls in the circle being tossed around while not
dropping any of the balls. If at any time a ball is dropped, the following must take
place:
1. Everyone sits down
2. Leader asks three questions:
“What went wrong?”
“How do we fix it?” and
“Does everyone agree on the solution?”
3. Resume the activity
After the group has spent some time with this activity, find a stopping point
and debrief the activity (it’s not crucial that the group “succeed”).
1. How did we do?
2. What did we learn about our group?
3. Why is communication important in a mission team?
3. Why Are You Here?
Give each person an index card and a pen or pencil. Ask them to write down all
the reasons they have signed up for the mission trip. Ask them to give “real”
answers and not ones that they think you want to hear like, “I want to be a
missionary in Africa when I come back from JP”, or, “I want to be the next Mother
Theresa”. Tell them that they are not to put their names on the cards.
Give them a few minutes to write down their reasons and then collect the cards.
Sitting in a circle on the floor or in chairs, read each one out loud. Its okay if
some (or most) of the reasons are silly; after all, they’re middle schoolers!
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4. Why Are You Here Part 2 Scripture Search
After you have some fun with those answers, divide the students into two teams.
Have them do a scripture search to find the answers to this info on Jeremiah.
Team 1:
1. Jeremiah was a(n):
a) apostle
b) epistle
c) prophet
d) pizza delivery guy
Hint: Check out Jeremiah Chapter 1.
2. How old do most historians think Jeremiah was when God called him?
a) 9 – 11 years old
b) 12 – 14 years old
c) 40 – 42 years old
d) 127 – 130 years old
3. What did God call Jeremiah to say to the people of Judah?
Hint: Check out Jeremiah 7:23-24
Team 2:
1. Why did Jeremiah think he wasn’t useful to God?
Hint: Check out Jeremiah Chapter 1.
2. Besides disaster, what kind of other message does God send through
Jeremiah?
Hint: Check out Jeremiah 29:11.
3. How long did Jeremiah proclaim God’s message?
a) 4 days
b) 4 years
c) 40 years
d) 4 decades
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Answer Key:
1. Jeremiah was a(n):
a) apostle
b) epistle
c) prophet
d) pizza delivery guy
Hint: Check out Jeremiah Chapter 1.
2. How old do most historians think Jeremiah was when God called him?
a) 9 – 11 years old
b) 12 – 14 years old
c) 40 – 42 years old
d) 127 – 130 years old
3. What does God call Jeremiah to say to the people of Judah?
Hint: Check out Jeremiah 7:23-24
God calls Jeremiah to give the message to the people of Judah that
they must turn from their idol worship and moral decay and follow
God. Otherwise the people of Judah will meet with disaster.
4. Why did Jeremiah think he wasn’t useful to God?
Hint: Check out Jeremiah Chapter 1.
Jeremiah felt he was too young to be of any use to God.
5. Besides disaster, what kind of other message does God send through
Jeremiah?
Hint: Check out Jeremiah 29:11.
It was also a message of hope.
6. How long did Jeremiah proclaim God’s message?
a) 4 days
b) 4 years
c) 40 years
d) 4 decades
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Debriefing:
Leader: Ask these questions and try to get your students to draw the
conclusions. If they’re having trouble coming up with the conclusions, or if you
want to supplement their answers, there are a few suggestions for what to say.
Ask: What does all this info about Jeremiah have to do with you?
Say: Simple. The story of Jeremiah is not just a story about Jeremiah. In many
ways, it’s a story about us – God’s people. Among other things, it’s a story about
how God calls young people to do great things…even today!
The Jeremiah Project believes that God calls young people today to do great
things. God calls middle school students to be the hands and feet of Christ. God
calls middle school students to show compassion and love for people. God calls
middle school students to bring hope to others. And the Jeremiah Project
believes that you’re on this mission trip for a reason.
Have a student read Jeremiah 29:11.
Ask: What does this passage have to do with our mission trip experience?
Say: God knows the plans he has for you. God knows why you’re going on this
mission trip.
You may have said that you signed up for this mission trip to get away from your
parents, or because your friend talked you into it, or some other reason. But God
knows the real reason you’re here. God wants you to draw near to Him and He
wants to use you this summer to do great things.
5. “Life at JP” (NOTE: There is a PowerPoint game available for download on
the JP website called “Life at JP!”)
Leader: This next section deals with the more practical stuff about the mission
trip. You will want to have your own details of the mission trip to share with your
team, like when you’re leaving for the mission trip, what you will be doing on your
“free” day, etc.
We’ll try to anticipate the other questions that may be rolling around inside their
heads. We’ve developed this little game to address some of the aspects of the
JP mission trip.
Play the game show, “Life at JP!” with your group. Have a podium or music
stand for you – the host – and divide your group into two teams. Teams will take
turns sending a representative to the front of the room to answer a question. If
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they answer it correctly, their team gets a point. Alternate teams for each
question.
1. What time do you wake up in the morning?
a.)
b.)
c.)
d.)
6:30am
7:00am
7:30am
10:00am
Correct answer: b
2. What type of food is served at breakfast?
a.) Cold cereal
b.) Hot cereal
c.) No cereal
d.) Eggs & bacon, pancakes, etc.
Correct answer: a, b, and sometimes d
3. What do you wear to the work site?
a.) Sweatpants
b.) Shorts
c.) Your favorite jeans
d.) Clothes you don’t mind ruining
Correct answer: d
4. How much water will you be asked to drink at the work site?
a.) 4 gallons by 4:00pm
b.) 4 quarts by 4:00pm
c.) 3 gallons by 3:00pm
d.) A sip at least once during the day
Correct answer: b
5. Your work team is made up of:
a.)
b.)
c.)
d.)
Really annoying people
Your best friends from youth group
People from various churches
People who only speak Chipmunk
Correct answer: c
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7. The type of work you’ll be doing could be:
a.) Post-hole digging
b.) Painting, hammering, yard work.
c.) Washing the Camp Director’s car
d.) Changing diapers
e.) Bathing chipmunks
Correct answer: a & b
8. JP likes students who:
a.) Whine
b.) Work hard, play hard, & pray hard
c.) Take showers
d.) Put on clean underwear…everyday!
Correct answer: b, c, & d
9. The cabins are:
a.) Covered by a roof
b.) Equipped with whirlpools
c.) Just right!
d.) For the adults only (students sleep in tents)
Correct answer: a & c
10. I will be sleeping in a cabin with:
a.)
b.)
c.)
d.)
Correct answer:
Chipmunks
Stinky people
My mouth open (how else will the bugs get in?)
People from other churches
d (and possibly b and c)
11. The staff gets to play the campers at what sport each week?
Correct answer: A Water Balloon Volleyball Tournament.
12. What comes immediately after breakfast each morning?
a.) A trip to the bathroom
b.) Morning devotions
c.) A 30-minute Buns of Steel workout
d.) Quiet time with God
Correct answer: b & d (and sometimes “a”)
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13. Each evening is set aside for:
a.)
b.)
c.)
d.)
A 30-minute Buns of Steel workout.
Fireworks
A 45-minute video on the proper way to floss your teeth.
An awesome evening program filled with music, singing,
sharing, praying, learning, and growing closer to God.
Correct answer: d
14. What types of recreation opportunities are there at camp?
a.) Basketball
b.) Volleyball
c.) Ping-Pong
d.) Paintball
e.) Dog pile the youth leader
Correct answer: a & b
15. What time is “lights out” each night?
a.) 10:00pm
b.) 10:30pm
c.) 11:00pm
e.) Midnight
Correct answer: b
 The next three are BONUS QUESTIONS (5 points for each correct
answer)!
16. About how many other churches will be at JP the same week as your
church?
a.) 3-5
b.) 6
c.) 7
d.) 37
Correct answer: a
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17. When do campers receive any mail that was sent?
a.) After breakfast
b.) Right before dinner
c.) Right after dinner
d.) No “Mail Call”. Staff keeps all packages that contain junk food.
Correct answer: c
18. Approximately how many people will be in camp, including staff?
a.) 55
b.) 60
c.) 65
d.) 70
Correct answer: c
19. Wednesday is “Free” Day. What is that?
a.) That’s the day you get anything you want for free.
b.) That’s the day they let all the prisoners from the local jail out for
2 hours to go to Wal-Mart.
c.) That’s the day you go somewhere with your youth group and
have a lot of fun together.
Correct answer: c
20. What special event happens on Thursday night?
a.) The staff plays the campers in Water Balloon Volleyball.
b.) The staff lets the campers stay up all night long.
c.) It’s a day of fasting – no one eats dinner that night.
d.) It’s a banquet for the families we work with.
Correct answer: a & d
Total up your points and give the winning team a big JP staff hug (if you don’t
know what that is, make something up).
Share your church’s details (discuss what you’ll be doing for your “free” day,
departure times, fund raising announcements, handout medical forms, etc.)
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What other questions does your group have?
Make a note of them
in the box below. Then, email them to JP and we’ll answer them right away!
Questions to ask JP:
Email these to “[email protected]”
5. Closing
Read Jeremiah 29:11 once again and then close with prayer.
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Session 3: “Called to Compassion”
The Essentials:
Purpose: To help participants to see that, first and foremost, we are to
demonstrate compassion and love to each person we encounter.
1 hour, 30 minutes
Overview of session:
1. Opening
2. Icebreaker: 10 minutes
3. Listening Test: 15 minutes
4. Disability Relay: 35 minutes
Scripture: 10 minutes
5. If the world were 100 people: 10 minutes
6. Closing

Materials needed:
Large blanket
Winning prize for your whole group
Blindfolds
Bibles
1. Opening
Open with prayer. Introduce the session to the group. Make sure to explain the
purpose and importance of the session to the group members.
2. Icebreaker
The name of this game is called, “Drop Zone”. You will need a large blanket for
this game. The location that usually works best is a narrow hallway in church.
Divide your mission team into two teams. Again, for you visual learners out
there, here you go:
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
  
Team #1
 
 
Team #2
Blanket, held up by one adult
on each end.
Play: Players take turns going up to the blanket with their backs to the blanket.
At the count of three, the adults quickly lower the blanket and the players
standing at the blanket spin around to face the other player. The object of the
game is to see who can say the name of the other team’s player the fastest. The
person that loses is now on the opposite team. The team that gets all the other
team’s players wins. Please note: This game will not work if you have a small
mission team coming to JP.
3. “Listening Test”
Start by telling the youth that a part of ministering, both on mission and at home
with our friends and families, is listening. Really listening means maintaining
frequent eye contact with the person who is sharing and asking questions that
are pertinent to the conversations. Above all, take what the person shares
seriously, and be sensitive to their feelings. Remind them that what is shared in
the group is confidential and stays in the group. This is important to the trust that
is being built. Spend about fifteen minutes practicing listening. (You may want to
refer back to this later when you are discussing meeting social and emotional
needs.)
Use the question ideas in Handout #1, or make up some of your own. Have the
kids start with a partner then after about five minutes, switch partners and move
on to new questions.
4. “Disability Awareness”
Divide your groups into teams of three to five people. (Adapt to the size of your
group.) The following “characters “should be identified:
 One person who is “blind” (blindfolded)
 One person with an arm tied in a sling. (They may not use the arm during the
relay.)
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 One person who is designated as being unable to walk. (They must be
carried throughout the relay.
 Two people to be “carriers”, but one cannot speak and one cannot read.
The following are possible tasks for the team to complete but also may be
adapted as space and facilities warrant.

Look up a given Bible verse and be ready to paraphrase it to the group.
 Take a walk around the building and come back in a different door. (Try to
use stairs or steps if possible.)
 Call the youth director’s cell phone and leave a message.
 Get each person in your group a cup of water and everyone must drink it.
 Sit down in a circle when you are done.
Aside from the obvious physical limitations of some of the members of the relay
team, the only rules are that everyone on the relay team must participate in each
task.
Being middle schoolers, they will get a little wild and crazy while doing this.
That’s okay. But when the activity is over, you will need to tie them up calm them
down and have a brief but “serious” discussion.
Process this activity with the group by asking:
1. How did you work differently to accomplish your tasks?
2. What things were you able to do the same?
3. How did this activity make you feel?
4. How might you better understand someone living with a disability?
5. How did working within a team help you accomplish your tasks?
Scripture
Let’s look at some scripture to see what God has to say about compassion and
loving one another:
Read: 1 John 4:1-12
Divide your team into groups of 5 or 6 (each with an adult). Give each team
paper and several Bibles. Have each group list as many facts about love as they
can find. For fun, give out a prize to the group with the most.
After a few minutes, gather the groups and discuss the newfound facts. Facts
could be: God is love. We’re to love one another. If we love, we know God. We
love because God first loved us, etc. Award the winning group a big bag of
candy hearts for each fact listed (Tell them that a true sign of love is sharing!).
36
Read John 13:35
37
Small Group Questions
1. Will people know we are disciples for Jesus if we build a wheelchair ramp
for them? Based on the scripture, how will people know?
2. What are some ways we can show love and compassion to those we are
serving?
Read 1 Corinthians 13:1-13
As a fun exercise and one that will drive home the message of this scripture,
have each small group rewrite the scripture to include examples from the work
site. Example:
“I may be able to hammer a nail without missing it once, but if I do not have love,
I am only a…” You get the idea. Encourage them to have fun with it and allow
them to be silly as well. Take a moment at the end of this exercise to reinforce
the importance of the message.
5. “If the World Were Only 100 People”
Visual Document: If you’d like to hand out the following information in a visually
attractive and colorful way, go to this link and print off a copy:
http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_llub3kQjzy1qiuwg7o1_r1_1280.png
Have the youth fill in the blanks on Handout #2. Ask the students for their
reactions after they fill out the handout. You can do this as one large group or
have individuals or teams complete then discuss as a large group.
Ask the group after you review the correct answers:
1. What kinds of needs might most families have?
2. Name some other things at home that you take for granted?
3. How might we be called to serve people that do not have all the resources
available that we have?
Share the following with your students (list them on newsprint): All of the
activities we have participated in during this session identify the kinds of needs
we may be called to fill:



Physical/ material- either due to a disability or a material need around their
property.
Emotional/social- a need for company; to be listened to; to feel somebody
cares about them.
Spiritual - a need to be invited to pray, to share noontime devotions or a
scripture reading.
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Say something to this effect: Now that we have identified the kinds of needs
we may be filling; we have to keep in mind who identifies that “need”: The
person who requested help or us? For instance we may get to a house where
our directions are to rake a yard even though the porch is falling down and the
whole place needs painting. How do we handle that?
Optional:
Have one or more students that have been to JP share about their own
experiences with families and individuals they’ve encountered.
6. Closing
Use the scripture Luke 10:30-37, the parable of the Good Samaritan. Jesus
used parables frequently because it helped the people relate his message to
their own life. We could say Jesus met the people “where they were”. We are
called to do the same. Serving means empowering the people we serve; it builds
them up and shows Christ’s love through us.
Gather your team in a huddle and, as a closing prayer, lead your students in a
prayer for wisdom and guidance in demonstrating love and compassion to each
person they encounter this summer. Do a “popcorn” prayer where students can
share, as they feel led. NOTE: Don’t go in order around the circle for each
student to pray. Instead, create a safe environment where students can pass on
praying out loud.
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Handouts for Session 3: “Called to Compassion”
Handout #1
The Listening Test
Your favorites:
* What do like most about school?
* What’s your favorite time of year? Why?
* What is your favorite Bible verse?
Exposing weaknesses:
* What do you think is your worst personality trait?
* What is your most annoying habit?
* What habit annoys you most in your friends?
* What do you disagree with parents about most often?
The pits:
* What bugs you most about school?
* What is your least favorite vegetable?
* When were you last bummed out and why?
Revealing strengths:
* What is your best personality trait?
* What is your greatest skill?
* What is your best spiritual strength?
Helpful scripture: Proverbs 18:2, 13
Proverbs 22:17
Ecclesiastes 3:7
Taken from Up Close and Personal by Wayne Rice
(Youth Specialties Books, El Cajon, CA., 1989)
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Handout # 2
If the World Were Only 100 People
Guess how many out of 100 would fit these categories. For example, If the world
were only 100 people, 61 would be Asian.
If the world were only 100 people…
*
*
would be females
would be males
If the world were only 100 people, there would be
* ____ Asians
*
Europeans
*
from the Western Hemisphere (The Americas - North and South)
*
Africans
100 people total
If the world were only 100 people,
*
would be children (under 18 years old)
*
would be adults
100 people total
If the world were only 100 people, out of 100…
*
would have a college education
*
would own a computer
*
people would live in substandard housing
*
would be unable to read
*
would suffer from malnutrition
*
would be dying of starvation
*
would be overweight
*
people would have no clean, safe water to drink
*
people would have some supply of food and a place to shelter
them from the wind and the rain, but
would not. (Totals 100)
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Handout #2- Answer Sheet
If the World Were Only 100 People
* 50 would be females
* 50 would be males
* There would be:
* 61 Asians
* 12 Europeans
* 14 from the Western Hemisphere (The Americas - North and South)
* 13 Africans
* 30 would be children
* 70 would be adults
* 1 would have a college education
* 1 would own a computer
* 80 people would live in substandard housing
* 14 would be unable to read
* 50 would suffer from malnutrition
* 1 would be dying of starvation
* 15 would be overweight
* 17 people would have no clean, safe water to drink
* 75 people would have some supply of food and a place to shelter them from the
wind and the rain, but 25 would not.
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Session 4: “Working for the Kingdom”
The Essentials:
Purpose: To help participants understand that serving others does not
end after a weeklong mission trip and that their young age does not
prohibit them from acting or give them a free pass to not act. Our
responsibility to care for God’s people begins in our own backyard.
1 hour, 30 minutes
Overview of session:
1. Opening
2. Icebreaker: 10 minutes
3. I Don’t Get It: 45 minutes
4. “Life after JP”: 10 minutes
5. Closing
Supplies needed:
A long piece of rope (about 30-50 feet)
Newsprint taped to the wall with the headings “What God Hates” &
“What God Loves”
Masking tape
Markers
10 copies of “Life after JP”
Bibles
1. Opening
Open with prayer. Introduce the session to the group. Make sure to explain the
purpose and importance of the session to the group members.
2. Icebreaker
The name of this game is “Blind Polygon”.
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Divide the mission team into groups of 8 to 10. Take the groups to different
locations. Blindfold each person and have them sit down. Place the rope about
15 to 20 feet from the group at a location where they do not know where it is.
The Challenge: Your challenge is to find the rope that is nearby and make a
(right triangle, square, rectangle, etc. - whatever you choose) without using your
sense of sight. When you agree - as a group - that you have successfully
completed the challenge, sit down, take off your blindfolds, and see what shape
you have created. After you look at if for a minute, talk about the exercise.
Debriefing
The real goal of this exercise is communication, teamwork, cooperation, and
problem solving - not just succeeding. The more mistakes that are made, the
more learning that will take place. Make sure to allow time at the end to debrief.
Even failure to complete the task can mean successful learning. That is your
“real” goal.
Ask: 1) Were we “successful?” Why or why not?
2) What were the problems or difficulties we encountered?
3) How did we overcome these?
4) What did you learn about us as a group?
5) What did you learn about yourself?
6) What does this exercise have to do with our misson team?
7) What does this exercise have to do with being a Christian?
3. “I Don’t Get It”
Leader Info:
When we think about injustice in the world, we often think about events that
happen a in other parts of the world – children starving in third world countries,
the AIDS epidemic in Africa, child bonded labor. Your group is half a world away
from many of these injustices that we think about, but just because they may not
be as obvious here at home, doesn’t mean injustices don’t happen.
For this section, the goal is to help students realize their place in helping others
not just during this one mission week, but throughout their lives. Students will
also get an opportunity to examine any underlying feelings they may have about
injustice in the world and the responsibility they have to address these issues.
As Christians, we are called to not only love what God loves, but hate what God
hates as well.
Don’t be shocked if some individuals seem less-than-positive about being asked
to join the fight against injustice. Press on. If you connect with the skeptics,
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you’ll really connect with the tenderhearted. And don’t overlook the value a
skeptic’s questions can bring to your process: some kids take things to heart on a
shallow and unconsidered level; the skeptic invites hem to think deeper, which
can lead to deeper conviction and long-lasting commitments. And wouldn’t that
be nice.
What God Loves/What God Hates.
For this part of the session, have two pieces of newsprint on the wall. On one,
write What God Loves. On the other, What God Hates (you can do this ahead of
time and cover it with a blank piece of newsprint so the students don’t see it).
Divide your students in half and have each group go to a different piece of paper.
Give them 2 minutes to write down all the things they can think of for each
category. Then, switch the groups and give them 2 minutes at the other station.
Leader Tip:
Here are some suggestions if your group is having trouble coming up with
a few:
What God Hates
What God Loves
Abuse
Kindness
Starvation
Mercy
Lying
Forgiveness
After each group has had an opportunity to list what they think God hates
and what God loves, bring them all back together to discuss the following
questions.
1) Have a couple students read the lists out loud to the whole group.
Does anyone disagree with anything that was put on these lists?
Why? Is there anything we forgot to put up there?
2) Why do you think that God hates these things on the “What God
Hates” list?
3) Why do you think that God loves these things on the “What God
Loves” list?
4) How do you feel when you see these two lists? Helpless? Angry?
Some students may feel sad, helpless, or angry especially when
looking at the “What God Hates” list. It’s good to talk about these
because we can segue into what they can do about these issues.
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Potential follow up questions:
1) How angry are you? What do you feel like doing?
2) Why do you feel helpless?
3) Who feels determined to change things? What do you want to do?
4) Who feels numb or who feels nothing when looking at these lists?
Talk about that.
5) What did I leave out? Talk about that.
Scripture.
Have someone read Micah 6:8.
Ask: What does this say about our responsibility to people and/or to God?
Have someone read Hebrews 13:1-3.
Ask:
1) Who are the human beings in these three verses?
a. Write down the list, including brothers, sister, strangers, prisoners
,victims, us (by the way, in the Bible, “stranger” usually refers to a
resident alien.)
2) How does this passage describe our responsibility to each of these?
3) What is the hardest thing about loving other Christians as if they were your
brothers and sisters?
4) What’s the hardest thing about being hospitable to aliens and strangers?
5) What’s the biggest challenge to remembering prisoners as if you were in
jail too?
6) What’s your biggest challenge in remembering those who are mistreated
as if you were suffering yourself?
7) What’s the biggest challenge to actually doing something about injustice in
the world?
Bringing It Home
Ask:
1) How do we bring what we’ve learned today into our everyday lives?
2) What are some things we can do in our own community to show God’s
justice to people? (You can list these ideas on newsprint if you like).
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Brainstorm ideas for now. Don’t commit just yet, but write down the ideas
that surface and follow up with them after you return from your mission
week with JP. If your group is set on making a commitment during this
very session to be part of an outreach ministry, that’s okay too.
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4. Life After JP
Have your students and adults take turns reading. It’s always a good idea to
allow students to volunteer when it comes to reading. Some students may not be
very good readers and it may embarrass them. Again, it’s important to create a
safe environment with middle school students.
Reader #1: So, what happens when we come back from the Jeremiah Project?
What will happen to the feelings that we will have experienced? What will
happen to our group?
Reader #2: Will we still be on fire to serve God in our own community and to live
out our faith every day? Maybe we’ll take on new and exciting service projects in
our own community and fall in love with mission work instead of just mission
projects.
Reader #3: The truth is, it’s gonna be hard. Many of us will come back changed
and excited about our newfound faith. For others, it was a great week, but it
wasn’t as powerful for us spiritually as it was for others – that’s okay. God
speaks to us in different ways and at different times.
Reader #4: Now what? For many, this will be the last opportunity to serve with
the Jeremiah Project…or will it? In a few short years, we could return to serve on
staff. Wouldn’t that be awesome! Maybe then we’ll be on the winning waterballoon volleyball team!
Reader #5: The staff of the Jeremiah Project realizes that it’s hard to keep the
fire of faith burning inside you. It’s tough to be a Christian in a non-Christian
world. It’s tough not to cross the line and compromise your beliefs and values –
particularly at school.
Reader #6: To help us in our walk with God, JP encourages us to regularly
attend Bible study, youth group, worship, and also develop habits of daily prayer,
devotion time, quiet time, and to surround ourselves with other Christians at
school.
Reader #7: The Jeremiah Project also offers a spiritual retreat in the spring
called “JOURNEY.”
Reader #8: This is another way for us to continue growing in our faith after our
mission trip experience is over. We get to see old friends, worship our awesome
God, and be challenged in our walk with God.
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Reader #9: And of course, JP wants to encourage us to look beyond the
Jeremiah Project for our mission trips. There are lots of other mission
organizations out there that will expose us to other cultures and different needs.
Reader #10: Remember, fall in love with mission work, and not mission projects.
We should be open to where God wants to send us and our group. Let’s not put
God in a box – God’s much too big for that!
The JP staff looks forward to an awesome work camp this summer with you.
Bring an open heart and an open mind and let God rule!
5. Closing
Gather the mission team into a circle and ask each person to share something
they hope for at the Jeremiah Project this summer (for themselves, the mission
team, or the people they will be serving).
Have someone read Jeremiah 1:4-8. Close with prayer.
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Session 5: “Practice, Practice, Practice!”
The Essentials:
Purpose: This session is all about allowing students (and adults) to
practice some of the basics of construction. Participants should learn the
proper way to swing a hammer, remove a bent nail, and more. Remember
that many of your students have never used a hammer in their life – at
least not correctly! It is important that they have time to become familiar
with the basic tools that they will most likely be using while at JP. Allowing
time to become familiar with these and to practice ahead of time will
greatly reduce the anxiety that many of your students have going into this
project.
1 hour, 30 minutes
This session is one that is planned and led by YOU! We have made some
suggestions for things to cover during this session that we feel will be beneficial
to your students. However, you will need to structure it for your group.
Ask someone in your congregation who is skilled in the area of construction to
spend some time going over some of the basics of construction. Here’s what we
think that person should cover:
1. Safety (wearing goggles, proper way to use a ladder, proper shoes for the
work site, being aware of your surroundings with lumber and nails).
Please remember that middle school students will NOT be allowed to use
power saws.
2. Proper use of tools. We suggest that someone demonstrate the proper
use of a hammer, saw, level, chalk line, square, and measuring tape, as
well as how to properly drive a nail and how to remove it.
3. Techniques for painting and how to clean up after painting.
4. Allow time to practice. Supply scrap wood and nails and let the students
(and adults) practice driving nails and removing them as well.
Structuring this can be a daunting task, and trying to make it fun, while conveying
the seriousness of it is just one of the fantastic challenges you get to face as a
youth leader! But to help you out, there are a few suggestions and ideas you can
incorporate to make it easier on you and your students!
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Bright Idea!
Have the group build
a doghouse and then
give it to someone in
the community.
Once again, ask someone
skilled in construction to
bring pre-cut wood and/or
nails to make a doghouse
or similar structure. Break
into small groups, give
them the supplies and tools
and let them go at it!
Remember this is after
you’ve gone over the
proper use of tools!
Another Bright Idea!
Have the students
build a set of
freestanding steps!
Same stuff applies as
before!
Here’s a cool idea!
We know one church
group who combined
this session with a
pool party for
participants! It was
lots of fun and gave
the group another
opportunity to hang
out and bond as a
mission team!
Be creative and make this a fun, informative session! Your students need to feel
encouraged and empowered to do the work God has prepared for them this
summer.
51
Section
3
Forms To Copy
and Bring To
Camp
52
The Jeremiah Project
Youth Workers:
Bring 1 additional
copy of this form to
camp. You may
keep the original.
Medical Information / Parental Permission for Treatment
Participant_______________________________________Birthdate________________
Church Name____________________________City/State________________________
Address_________________________________________________________________
City/State/Zip Code_______________________________________________________
Father's Name_________________________Home Phone (
)___________________
Address________________________________Work Phone (
)__________________
Mother’s Name_________________________Home Phone (
)___________________
Address_______________________________Work Phone (
)___________________
Emergency Contact (Relative, Neighbor, Friend) in case parents cannot be reached:
Name__________________________________Phone (
)______________________
Allergies or Medical Conditions we should be aware of:
asthma
convulsions
diabetes
fainting spells
insect stings
allergies (describe below)
reaction to medications (describe below) other (describe below)
current medications (reason, name, dosage - describe details below or on back of page)
Please note: The Jeremiah Project is not responsible for dispensing medicine to any youth. That
responsibility rests solely with the leaders of the participating church.
My child_________________________ has my permission to attend The Jeremiah Project outreach
ministry camp including all trips to project locations associated with this ministry. In the case of a medical
emergency, I understand that every effort will be made to contact the parent(s) or guardian(s) of the
participant. In the event that neither I, nor the emergency contact person listed above, can be located, I
hereby give permission for the Jeremiah Project Camp Director, or my church group leader to select a
physician, to hospitalize, to secure proper treatment for my child listed above. This information will be
required in the event that the participant listed above is taken for medical treatment. Jeremiah Project
insurance serves as a secondary coverage. I release the following from any liability in the event of an
accident or injury en route to, during and/or returning from Jeremiah Project activities, both work and
recreational related: The Jeremiah Project, Inc. and all staff persons connected within, all adult leaders,
chaperones, churches.
Parent(s)/Guardian(s) Signature______________________________________Date________________
FAMILY INSURANCE INFORMATION
Company Name_____________________________Policy Number______________________________
Policy Holder_________________________________________________________________________
Other insurance
information___________________________________________________________________________
53
The Jeremiah Project
Covenant of Participation 2014
I am committed to making The Jeremiah Project a meaningful experience for all
participants. I understand that certain rules and guidelines must be followed and
appropriate behavior and full participation is expected at all times.
The following are not consistent with the mission of The Jeremiah Project and will
not be permitted by student or adult participants:
Leaving the Jeremiah Project at any time during the week, unless there is
a family emergency.
Use or possession of illegal drugs or alcohol.
Swimming without the supervision of a designated adult from your church.
Defacing camp property.
Leaving cabins after lights out.
Visiting cabins of the opposite sex.
Fireworks of any type.
Smoking.
Students in possession of cell phones.
By contrast, the following is what The Jeremiah Project is all about:
Being on time for all events
Participating in all events.
Growing in faith.
Serving God.
Having fun!
I understand this covenant and will abide by it from the moment my group leaves
my church until we return. If I break this covenant, I realize my parents may be called
and, if necessary, asked to pick me up from The Jeremiah Project.
Signed________________________________________________________________
(Youth Participant)
Signed________________________________________________________________
(Parent/Guardian)
Signed________________________________________________________________
(Adult Participant)
Date___________________
54
Photo Release Form
The Jeremiah Project
Summer 2014
During the work camp weeks, the Jeremiah Project will be taking photos of most
participants at the work sites and at camp during recreational times and evening
programs. These photos could be used in future Jeremiah Project publications such as
newsletters and brochures, multimedia presentations, to place on the Jeremiah Project
web site, or to store on compact discs for the purposes of archiving or making available
to churches that wish to purchase a collection of photos from the mission week.
By signing below, you are giving the Jeremiah Project permission to take photos of your
child for the purposes stated above and that you do not expect, nor require, any
financial remuneration for the reproduction or sale of such photos now or in the future.
_________________________________________________________________
Please print: Name of Youth Participant
_________________________________________________________________
Signature of Youth Participant
_______________________________/__________________________________
Please print: Name(s) of Parent(s) or Legal Guardian(s)
_______________________________/__________________________________
Signature of Parent(s) or Legal Guardian(s)
_________________________________________________________________
Name of Church
55
Section
4
What to Bring:
Individual List
&
Group List
56
What to Bring
Individual’s List
Each person attending The Jeremiah Project should bring the following
(Please note that there are no laundry facilities at the camp. Bring enough clothes for
the entire week):
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Necessary Items
Any required medications (advise your group leader of dosage amount and timing)
Sleeping bag or sheets and a blanket/pillow case
Towels and washcloth
Toilet articles and personal items
Sunscreen
Insect repellent
Work clothes (clothes will get dirty-maybe ruined):
o Long pants made of denim or sturdy material (required for safety on work sites)
No
pajamas, sweat pants, or scrubs for the work sites.
o T-shirts (no offensive logos) or shirts. All shirts must have sleeves.
o Sturdy shoes or boots (no open-toed on job sites)
o Work gloves
o Cap or hat
o Rain gear
Leisure clothes (to wear in camp) NOTE: No “spaghetti straps” will be allowed. Tank
tops may not be allowed if the staff deems them inappropriate.
Jacket or sweatshirt
Swim suit
Water bottle
Flashlight
Bible, notebook, and pen
Pajamas
Optional Items
Camera
Sandals for shower
Small amount of spending money
“River shoes” for tubing if your group chooses this option.
Fishing pole and tackle
Stuff NOT to Bring
Ipods, mp3 players, etc.
Electronic games
Snacks and food to keep in cabins (these tend to attract skunks, mice, etc.)
Inappropriate clothing (no sleeveless shirts on the work sites)
Negative or bad attitudes
57
What to Bring
Group List
Each group attending The Jeremiah Project must bring the following:
___ Each group must supply one ice-chest cooler (56 quart or larger) for each vehicle.
The cooler will be used to carry your lunches and beverages to the work site each day.
NOTE: This will be your lunch cooler for the week! Failure to bring the required
number of coolers (and size) means your group goes without!
___One large (5 gallon) insulated water jug for each vehicle.
___Emergency funds, vehicle registration, and insurance information readily available
in each vehicle.
___First aid kit for each vehicle (see Section 5: “Suggested First Aid Kit Contents”).
___Several 2”, 3”, or 4” paint brushes to donate to JP.
___One (1) copy of each participant’s “Medical Information/Parental Permission for
Treatment” (form can be found in Section 3 of this packet)
NOTE: Students will NOT be permitted to leave for work sites without a
signed and completed medical form. Medical forms are required for all adult
participants as well!
___One (1) copy of each participant’s “Covenant of Participation”
(form can be found in Section 3 of this packet)
___One (1) copy of each participant’s “Photo Release Form”
(form can be found in Section 3 of this packet)
58
Section
5
Suggested
Contents for
First-Aid Kits
59
Suggested First-Aid Kit Contents
Each group attending The Jeremiah Project must bring a first aid kit for each vehicle.
The kit should contain as many of the following items as possible:
Team members personal medications, if any (be sure group leader knows about all
medications for members of the group - youth and adult)
Aspirin, Tylenol, and Motrin (or similar)
Antacid tablets or liquid Non-prescription diarrhea remedy
Antihistamine
Latex gloves (several pairs, large & small sizes)
Adhesive bandages in assorted sizes (especially large size for elbow & knee)
4 X 4 gauze pads
Butterfly strips (for pulling sides of cut together)
Gauze roller bandages (assorted sizes)
Several triangular bandages and cravats
Rolls of elastic “Ace” bandage (large & small)
Tube of triple antibiotic ointment
Hydrogen Peroxide
“Moleskin” (for blisters)
Cotton tipped swabs
Burn ointment
Bandage scissors
Tweezers
Needle
Safety pins
Small bar of non-perfumed soap
Container of commercially bottled water
Fever thermometer (forehead or disposable type)
Sunscreen Lip salve
Poisonous plant lotion (Calamine)
Chemical ice packs
Small flashlight
Quarters for emergency phone calls/Calling Card
First Aid Manual
60
Section
6
Directions to
The Jeremiah
Project
61
Hunting Ridge Retreat
Directions to The Jeremiah Project at Hunting Ridge Retreat:
From Richmond and points south:
(Approx. drive time from Richmond: 2 hours, 15 minutes)
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Take I95 North to exit #133 (Rt. 17 North to Warrenton)
Take Rte. 17 North toward Warrenton for 26 miles at which point you will come to a
3-way intersection - take a RIGHT and continue following signs for Rte. 17 North
toward Winchester (From here on, follow the signs very closely - you will soon need
to exit RIGHT in order to stay on 17 North)
Once you exit RIGHT, go approx. 9 miles and follow signs for I 66 West (this will be
a LEFT exit)
Stay on I 66 West until you see signs for I 81N. Take I 81N toward Winchester.
At Exit 310, follow the signs for Rte. 37 N/W. This is a bypass around Winchester.
Follow this for approximately 6 miles.
Just past the hospital exit (the hospital will be on your right) take the exit for
Rte. 522 North. ~ Go LEFT at the light.
Follow Rte. 522 for about 4 miles to country road Rte. 608 (Hunting Ridge Rd.).
Turn RIGHT onto Rte. 608.
Go 1.5 miles to Hunting Ridge Retreat on LEFT.
From Northern Virginia:
(Approx. drive time from Northern Virginia: 1 hour, 30 minutes)
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From 495 Capital Beltway, take I 66 West to I 81 North.
At Exit 310, follow the signs for Rte. 37 N/W. This is a bypass around Winchester.
Follow this for approximately 7 miles.
Just past the hospital exit (the hospital will be on your right) take the exit for Rte.
522. ~ Go LEFT at the light. Follow Rte. 522 for about 4 miles to country road
Rte. 608 (Hunting Ridge Rd.)
Go 1.5 miles to Hunting Ridge Retreat on LEFT.
62
Section
7
Wednesday
“Free Day”
Activities
63
Wednesday “Free Day” Activities
We invite you to review the following information and decide on what your group would
like to do on your free day, particularly if advance reservations are required.
Historically, many of the youth groups choose the tubing trip because it is less
expensive and a lot of fun (unless the water level is low). Please remember that you
are responsible for your students on your free day for transportation, insurance, and
adult leadership. All groups are required to be out of camp from 9:00am—3:30pm. You
may return at 3:30pm to swim at the camp. The camp will provide a bag lunch if you
request it in advance (by Tuesday of your week at camp).
Tubing on the Shenandoah River
Front Royal Canoe Company - P.O. Box 473, Front Royal, VA 22630
www.frontroyalcanoe.com
1-800-270-8808
Group rate with 20 minimum is around $12.00 per person (includes, life-vest, and free
cooler tube) Continuous departures - time on the river varies with water conditions
(approx. 3-4 hours) Located approx. 1 hour from camp. Prices subject to change.
Please call to confirm rates.
Cacapon State Park
www.cacaponresort.com
 Horseback riding, swimming (lake), paddle boats. Only 45 minutes from camp.
Reasonable rates. State park number: 304-258-1022 (for stables- extension
170).
Mini-Golf:
Appleland Sports Center (Between Winchester and Stephen’s City on Rte. 11)
Also has go-carts, batting cage, and snack bar. Call 540-869-8600
 Shenandoah Miniature Golf Call (2 miles from camp). Opens at 1pm
Call (540) 888-4407
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Sportsplex
540-868-2200
www.sportsplex.us
Opens at 9:00, closes at 11:00. Arcade ($20.00 for 100 tokens), $75.00 an hour to
reserve an arena for group (basketball, lacrosse, in-line hockey, indoor soccer,
volleyball, batting cages), Climbing Wall ($35.00 for ½ hour, $75.00 for 1 hour). Call
504-868-2200 during April to reserve if you’re using an arena or the climbing wall as
they have sports camps during June and July.
Also has snackbar. Signed waiver needed to participate.
64
Wilson’s Wild Animal Park
540-662-5715
www.wilsonswildanimalpark.com
Group rates available for more than 15 people.
Northside Bowling Lanes
540-667-1470 to make a reservation for group and to get information on group rates.
www.nslanes.com
coupons available on website
Dinosaur Land
540-869-2222
www.dinosaurland.com
Offer group rates of less than $5.00 per person. Opens at 9:30am
Route 11 Potato Chip Factory:
www.rt11.com
1-800-294-SPUD
Mount Jackson, VA
Open to the public Monday- Saturday 9am- 5pm
Cavern Tours
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Endless Caverns - New Market, VA 1-800-544-CAVE
www.endlesscaverns.com
Opens at 9:00am, closes at 6:00 p.m.
Approx. 1 1/2 hours from camp
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Luray Caverns - Luray, VA 540-743-6551
www.luraycaverns.com
Opens at 9:00am..
Approx. 1 1/2 hours from camp.
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Skyline Caverns - Front Royal, VA 1-800-635-4599
www.skylinecaverns.com
Opens at 9:00am, closes at 6:00 p.m.
Approx. 1 hour from camp
Other:
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Sherando Park- Stephen’s City, VA 540-655-5678
www.co.frederick.va.us/parks/sherandopark.aspx
65
In the event of a rainy Wednesday…
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Magic Valley Food and Fun
(540) 667-3495
1107 Berryville Avenue
Winchester, VA 22601
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Apple Blossom Mall
(540) 665-0201
www.simon.com/mall/default.aspx?ID=329
1850 Apple Blossom Drive
Winchester, VA 22601
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Movie theaters
Carmike Apple Blossom 6
(540)655- 0012
1850 Apple Blossom Drive
Winchester, VA 22601
Carmike Cinema Center 6
(540) 678-1225
601 East Jubal Early Driver
Winchester, VA 22601
66
Section
8
Commissioning
Services
67
Option #1:
The Jeremiah Project Commissioning Service
Leader: Dear friends, today we recognize the ministries of our students and adults and
consecrate them to a special task in the service of Jesus Christ. Hear the words of our
Lord:
“You did not choose me but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and
bear fruit and that the fruit shall abide; so that whatever you ask of the Father in my
name, He may give it to you.” - John 15:16
Leader: Do you believe that you have been led by the Holy Spirit to engage in this
work and to assume the responsibilities, which God has placed on you as you go
forth to your assignment at the Jeremiah Project?
Mission Team: I do so believe.
Leader: In humble reliance on God’s grace, do you commit your time and spirit to
giving of yourselves during this mission to the work of Christ, both in the community
and in the lives of your fellow campers?
Mission Team: Yes, God being my helper.
Leader: In the name of this congregation, I commend you to this work and pledge
to you our prayers, encouragement and support. May the Holy Spirit guide you and
strengthen you that in this and in all things you may do God’s will in the service of
Jesus Christ.
Congregation: We rejoice to recognize you as missionaries from this church. May
the blessings of God go with you and keep you safe throughout your mission.
68
Option #2:
The Jeremiah Project Commissioning Service
Pastor: Next week these students and adults will leave for an incredible mission of
service and love in Winchester, VA. Please join in this commissioning with this
responsive reading:
(Mission Team will be facing the congregation)
Youth #1: Matthew 25:37-40 reads, “Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you,
or thirsty and give you something to drink?”
Youth #2: “When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and
clothe you?”
Youth #3: “When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?”
Pastor: “The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of
these brothers of mine, you did to me.’
Entire Mission Team: During the week, we will be ambassadors for Jesus by sharing
God’s love with each person we come in contact with;
Guys: The elderly...the forgotten...the tired
Girls: The children...people with disabilities...the poor
Entire Mission Team: ALL of God’s children
Pastor: Lord, bless the attitudes and actions of these your servants. Help them to see
you have made them into valuable tools of love.
Congregation: All of us cannot be with you on your mission trip. Will you be our
representatives in the mission field?
Mission Team: We will gladly represent this church
Congregation: Will you freely give of your time, energy, and love?
Mission Team: We will cooperate and participate as eager servants of God.
Congregation: We are grateful for your commitment to serve, and pray God’s blessings
upon your experience.
Mission Team: Will you, as a congregation, continue to support us with your prayers?
Congregation: We will pray that the people see a glimpse of God at work through you.
Pastor: And now let us pause for a moment of silent prayer...
Pastor: With the strength and power of the Holy Spirit, go and serve the Lord. May
God’s presence shine on you! Amen.
69