Group Leader FAQs

Click Here for downloadable CTCYM 2012 Brochure. (coming soon)

Frequently Asked Questions…

Who can go?

Junior High Trip

Youth: Completed 6^th through 8^th grades in spring 2012.

Adults: Ages 18 and over. Some restrictions may apply to young adults 18 to 24.

Senior High Trip

Youth: Completed 8^th through 12^th grades in spring 2012.

Adults: Ages 21 and over. Some restrictions may apply to young adults 21 to 24. Junior leadership positions may be available for young adults under 21. Exceptions may apply for primary paid youth staff person under 21.

Jr/Sr High Combo Trip

Youth: Completed 6^th through 12^th grades in spring 2012.

For all trips, two adults are required for every five youth participating. To comply with the conference Abuse Prevention Policy, adult volunteers for all trips must be active participants with a congregation of the Central Texas Conference for at least six months before participating.

How do we register?

Group Registration

First, as the group leader, you must register your group. Complete and mail the form included with the brochure with the appropriate fee by the dates listed on the fee and registration schedule.

Individual Registration

CTCYM provides online registration for individual participants. They will register and pay through the CTCYM web site. You will be notified on a weekly basis as youth and adults from your church register. Once you have registered your group, you will receive detailed instructions for individuals to register online. Click here to download 8 Simple Steps for Online Registration.

What is the cost?

Senior High/Combo Trip

Group Fee: $100 postmarked by Dec 29, 2011; $150 postmarked after Dec 29, 2011. Group registration closes Jan 12.

Per Person Fees:

Early Bird: $225 with $100 deposit by Mar 8, 2012

On-Time: $235 with full payment by Apr 5, 2012

Late: $250 with full payment after Apr 5, 2012

Junior High Trip

Group Fee: 100 postmarked by Dec 29, 2011; $150 postmarked after Dec. 29 2011. Group registration closes Jan 12.

Per Person Fees:

Early Bird: $200 with $100 deposit by Apr 5, 2012

On-Time: $210 with full payment by May 3, 2012

Late: $225 with full payment after May 3, 2012

Please note: paying $100 deposit for unregistered individuals will not "lock in" the Early Bird Rate. Fees are based on when the individual actually completes their online registration.

For fee and registration details, see the Important Dates page.

What will we do?

Worksite coordinators & CTCYM contact local community agencies and church organizations to identify people in need. These people become CTCYM neighbors when we match their needs with our abilities. Neighbors include home owners, churches, and local service organizations (e.g. daycares). Teams of approximately seven people will work together to complete the repairs needed that week.

Who will be on the work teams?

Typically, each team includes five youth and two adults. These teams usually consist of a mixture of people from different churches, giving your youth and adults the chance to build relationships with fellow Christians. With the group leader input, teams are created by the Living Center Director. Worksite Coordinators will help supervise the work done by the work teams.

Where do we stay?

Participants will live for the week in a CTCYM living center set up in a local church, school or community center. You will learn the location of your Living Center in the Spring before the trip. Lodging will include space for groups to sleep by gender, a common dining room, and a place to worship together. Sleeping will usually be on the floor and require a cot or air mattress and bedding. Showers will be available each day; however, they may be at a different location from the living center.

Who is in charge?

Each Living Center has its own leadership team consisting of a Living Center Director, who has primary responsibility for the Center; a Program Coordinator, who plans worship and other activities; a Worksite Coordinator, who supervises and supports the work teams; and Cooks, who plan and prepare the meals. Depending on the size of the Living Center, each of these individuals may also have one or more assistants.

Will training be provided?

Yes! Training will be provided for each position of the Leadership Team, including Group/Youth Leaders. Training is vital to your success as a leader in fully understanding the various responsibilities of each person and the resources available to you.

How do we get there?

Each group will provide transportation to and from your mission trip location.
During the trip, the vehicles you bring will be used to transport teams to and from the work sites. Each vehicle must accommodate seven passengers, a set of van tools and individual tools. CTCYM REQUIRES 15-PASSENGER VANS or large SUV's (Suburbans, Excursions, etc.) if vans unavailable.

What Do We Bring?

Once you have registered, you will receive a complete list of what to bring – for both your group and each individual. In the meantime, plan to bring a first aid kit, a cleaning kit and a set of group tools. Individuals will bring their clothing, bedding, personal items and personal tools. For the detailed lists, please visit the What to Bring on CTCYM page.

How Can I Help?

CTCYM is always looking for good leadership. If you or one of your adult leaders has been on CTCYM at least one time, you may be eligible to serve in a leadership position. Contact the CTCYM office for more information.

Can our group arrive late or arrive early?

No. It is important for the entire group to be present from start to finish. The Living Centers have a short time to come together as a group. When individuals or groups arrive late or leave early, it slows this process and creates other obstacles. If you cannot arrive on time or need to leave early, please contact the Director of Youth in Mission for help in finding a more suitable mission opportunity.

Safe Sanctuaries

To provide a safe experience for the youth, each Living Center abides by the Abuse Prevention Policy established by the Central Texas Conference. As part of this policy, the Conference service center will conduct national background checks on all participating adults (18 and older).

Conference Abuse Prevention Policy - English

Conference Abuse Prevention Policy - Spanish

What do our fees cover?