Bethesda 2007

Summer, August 7-13 (requested, isn't confirmed)

Testimonials About Bethesda:
“Bethesda was a major event in my life, I grew in my faith and had fun at the same time. It's a great experience and I can't wait to go again. We all grew closer to each other and to God.”


What is Bethesda?
Bethesda Lutheran Homes and Services provides care and services to people with developmental disabilities. One of their facilities, Camp Matz in Watertown, WI, provides opportunities to connect student servants with disabled campers for a week of summer camp.

What we’re doing at Bethesda:
During the week at Camp Matz, the Bethesda team will provide one-on-one attention to campers who are cognitive and physically disabled. Camp activities include crafts, games, hayride, music, chapel and more! Servants will interact with staff and campers who have unique and varied backgrounds and wonderful experiences to share.


Where we stay:
Camp Matz in Watertown, WI, run by Bethesda Lutheran Homes. (see “conditions”)

WHO CAN PARTICIPATE:
We invite any student entering 8th grade through 10th grade in fall of 2005.
INCOMING 8th GRADERS ARE ELIGIBLE for this trip. Students must be 13 to participate in this trip.
HOW IT WORKS:
Participants MUST be available for 2 Pre-trip meetings, to build the team in community and prepare for the trip with the materials provided by Bethesda. The meeting dates will be announced when our date is confirmed in January.


CONDITIONS:
The team sleeps in cabins in bunks with students from other churches (up to 36 total) who are there to serve as well. Meals are served in the dining hall. Students spend the day with their assigned camper, and there are “break times” for the students for their own meals and occasional free time.

HOW MUCH:
$125 includes transportation, housing, meals and a T-Shirt! (includes $50 deposit)

Money you should bring:
Varies from person to person, here are some guidelines*:
2 meals for the trip up on Sunday.
Meals are provided, but students have opportunities to go to an ice cream/snack shop in town.
Students should plan for 2 meals on the way back as well.

*The official (Webster Gardens) suggestion for the average Bethesda participant is $50.

Note: After last year’s trip, the possibility arose of spending an extra day (the 12th-13th in this scenario) in Chicago, maybe spending a day on the beach at Lake Michigan. Participants and leaders will determine whether or not they want to explore that option. There are a few churches in the area that would probably allow our team to stay in their facility for free.



Special Needs:
We need adult leaders to make this trip possible.

The camp takes care of most of the logistics like eating and housing, but our adult leaders lead and encourage our students as they serve.

Adult leaders may or may not be assigned to a particular disabled camper. If you can attend or lend a vehicle to this trip, that is also a need.