Welcome Packet - First Congregational Church
Transcript of Welcome Packet - First Congregational Church
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Welcome Packet
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________CrossingThresholdsw168AIrvingAvenueSuite300KwPortChester,NY10573
DearFriends,WearehonoredthatyouareconsideringCrossingThresholds(CT)foryourtraveladventuretoKenya.Wearelessofabusinessandmoreofapassionatecommitment.Ourgoalsforeveryvolunteerarestraightforward–exposuretoanotherpartoftheworld,dynamicculturalexchangeandlearning,andtheopportunitytogiveyourtimeandtalentswheretheyareneeded.
AtCT,ourmissionistoreclaimtheoriginalmeaningofphilanthropy–aloveforhumanitythatbreedsfamiliarity,loyaltyandgenerosity.Whereverwelive,whateverourethnicorreligiousidentity,andirrespectiveofourmaterialresources,weareallphilanthropists.Wewereborntolocateourselvesinthegive-and-takeoflife’sunfolding;andwewereborntotryandcreateasaferandbetterworldforfuturegenerations.OurtripstoKenyaareonly8-9days,yetyouwillbeamazedathowmuchyoucansee,howmuchyouwilllearn,andhowmuchyoucanaccomplishinashortperiodoftime.Thescheduleincludes3-4daysworkingintheKiberaSlum,and2-3daysonasafariatoneofKenya’snationalparks.TheexperienceinKiberacanbequiteemotional,chaotic,andintense.Itisnoteasytomakesenseofthepoverty,thesqualor,andthefrenzyofslumlife.Atthesametime,youwillbetouchedbythecourage,resilience,andhopeofchildrenandadultsalikewhoareworkinghardtoimprovetheirlifecircumstances.Attheendofeachday,wewillreturntoacleanandcomfortablehotelwhereyouwillfindelectricity,runningwater,andmosquitonetting.Youcanexpecthealthyandgoodmeals.However,eachvolunteershouldberemindedthatwearetravelinginAfrica;theremaybepoweroutages,andhotwaterisneverguaranteed.Ifthesetypesofinconveniencesareproblematic,thistripmaynotbeidealforyou.Ourpledgeistofacilitateanunforgettableexperiencethatwillopenyourheart,challengeyourthinking,andperhapsunleashyourpassionforphilanthropy.TohelpguideyouinmakinganinformeddecisionaboutjoiningaCTtrip,pleaseseetheencloseddocumentsregardingcostsandsampleitinerary.Withanticipation,CarterViaExecutiveDirector
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TripCost&BreakdownOurtripfeescovermostofyourexpensesonthegroundinKenyaincludingroom,board,groundtransportation,andallsafaricosts.Wedonotcoverthecostofflights.Ifyouneedassistancechoosingyourflights,donothesitatetogetintouchwithus!
Ø Adultrate$2,500.00Ø Student/Family/Group*rate:$2,200.00
*Groupsarefifteenormorepersons.If the above ratesmight prohibit you from travelingwithCrossing Thresholds, PLEASE get intouchwithusbyemailorphonetodiscusspossiblescholarshipfundsand/orfundraisingideas([email protected] or 914-815-8620). It is our commitment as an organization tomakethisexperienceaccessibletoasmanypeopleaspossible.
*coversproject,program,andmaterialcosts.
Item: Cost:Nairobihotel,meals,andtransportation $1,000.00Safarihotel,meals,andtransportation $500.00Safarientrancefees $200.00Administrationfees $300.00ProjectContribution* $500.00
Total $2,500.00
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TripPreparationForm PurchaseFlights [email protected]
Makesureyourpassportisvalidforthenextsixmonths(Visarequirement) Writedepositcheckfor$500(non-refundable)toCrossingThresholds
FilloutandmailinDisclosureForm,ReleaseForm,anddepositcheckinattachedenvelopeCheckenclosedpackinglistConsultaphysician,and/orgetCDCrecommendedmedsandimmunizations:http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/kenya
Malaria(recommendeddailydose) Yellowfever Typhoid HepatitisA HepatitisB Routinevaccinations:Meningitis,measles,mumps,rabies,polio
GettinganonlineVISA:Pleasegoonlinetoacquireyourvisawellinadvanceofthetrip.Youcanapplyfora$50visaathttps://kenyaembassy.com/nyservices/appforvisaonline.aspx--or--http://evisa.go.ke/evisa.html30daysbeforedeparture:Mailinremainderofpayment(non-refundable)($2,000foradult,$1,700forstudent/family/group)Dependingonshoppinginterestsbring$200–300inspendingmoney.IfyouneedtotakeoutmoremoneywhileinKenya,wewillhaveaccesstoATMs
ContactIfyouhaveanyquestionsorcomments,pleasedonothesitatetocalloremailus:CarterVia:[email protected],914-610-8492AlyLuiso:[email protected],914-815-8620
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PackingListOurfirstsuggestionistotravellightly—youwillberesponsibleforyourownluggagethroughoutthetripandwillprobablywantspacetobringhomegiftsandotheritemsfromKenya.Canvasornylonduffelbagsarerecommendedratherthanhardluggage.And,youareadvisedtopack1-2daysworthofessentialsinyourcarry-onluggageincaseyourbagsaredelayed.Asmostairlinesallowfortwosuitcases,itisourhopethatyoumaybesowillingtocarryasecondbagonbehalfofCrossingThresholdsthatisfilledwithdonations.Ofcriticalimportanceareyourpassport,visa,planeticket,medications,andspendingmoney.Dependingonyourshoppinghabits–youshouldbring$200–300(orplantotakeoutcashatATMs).1USDollaris100KenyanShillings.Meals,transportation,andhotelcostsarecoveredbythetripfee.Alcoholicbeverages,drinksoutsideofmealtimes,laundry,andextrahotelnightswillincuradditionalcharges.Foryourgeneralinformation,theweatherisacomfortable60-70°F.ThoughKenyaliesastridetheequator,thehigheraltitudescreatecoolertemperatures–especiallyatnightwhenasweaterorlightjacketmightbenecessary.
PERSONALEFFECTS• Smalldaypackw/zipper• Flashlight• Camera• Outletadapter• Towelandwashcloth• Toiletries• Sunscreen• Sunglasses• Hatand/orbandana• Insectrepellant(20-35%DEET)• Antibacterialwipesand/orPurell• Journalandpen• Waterbottle• Workgloves(ifdoingconstruction)• Tissues/toiletpaper(notalwaysavailablein
publicrestrooms)• Prescriptionmedications• Lockforsuitcase• Beddingandmosquitonetsareprovided*• Laundryisavailableatthehotel*
CLOTHING• Sturdywalkingshoesandsocks• Sandalsorflip-flopsforeveningwear• Sweaterorsweatshirt• Sweatshirtorrainjacketforsafari
(sunrisegamedrivewillbecold!)• 1-2pairofworkpants/jeans• 2-3pairoflightweightpants• 1-2pairofshorts(kneelength)• 5-6T-shirts(notsleeveless)• 1-2skirtsforwomen(covertheknees)OPTIONAL• Energyconverter• Overnightbagtopackclothesfor
weekendsafaritrip• Paper,crayons,etc.forgroupactivities
withthestudents• Granola/energybarsforsnacks• Cashforexchange,creditcards,and/or
debitcard(1USD=100KSH)• T-shirts,watches,hats,andbandanas
aremuchdesiredandcanbeusedforbargaininginmarkets
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TripInformation
MoreaboutKibera
TheKiberaslumishometoroughlyonemillionpeople.ThisunauthorizedsettlementontheoutskirtsofNairobi,KenyaisthedensestsluminAfrica,andthesecondlargestslumintheworld.SincetheKenyanGovernmentdoesnotrecognizetheresidents’righttolivethere,theydonotprovidelocalinfrastructure.Thereisnosewagesystem,fewschools,andevenfewermedicalfacilities.CThasbeenbringingvolunteerstoworkinKiberasince2008,andleadingworktripstoassistourschool-buildingprojectsontheground.FacingtheFutureSchool(FAFU)
InJanuary2011,CTestablishedapartnershipwithSimeonAjigo.Simeon’svisionwastocreateasafeenvironmentinKiberaforthechildrenofsinglemothers.Simeon’svisionquicklygrewtoincludeapreschool,primaryschool,healthclinic,andcommunityoutreachprogramforat-riskteenagersintheslum.FAFUserves300childrenandprovideseachstudentwithtwomealsperday.Tofurtherenrichthelearningenvironment,CThelpedlaunchadynamicmusicprogram,avarietyofsportsprograms,andmuchneededmedicalandtherapeuticservices.
MobjapPrimarySchoolOurmostrecentschool-buildingprojectbeganinJanuary2016withcommunityleader,AsanyaBernard.Priortothisdate,Asanyawasfeedingandeducatingmorethan250kidsinunimaginableconditions.Buthiswillanddeterminationwereunflappable.Followingthepurchaseofapieceoflandin2015,CTinitiatedconstructiononthefirstbuildingoftheMobjap(GardenofHope)PrimarySchool.Onourtrip,wewillbeonsiteatMobjapdoingconstructionandinteractingwiththekids.ThresholdsHighSchool,NyeriDistrict,Kenya
Withlessthan10%ofKibera’sgraduatingeighthgradersabletopursuehighschooleducation,CTsawtheconstructionofthishighschoolasimperative.TheschoolcampuswasbuiltapproximatelytwohoursnorthofNairobiintheNyeridistrictofKenya,withaboardingfacilitytogivestudentsthechancetolearnandgrowoutsidetheKiberaSlum.Onthistrip,youwillhavetheopportunitytovisittheschoolandhopefullymeetourpartner,LawrenceKabuthi.WorkingwithCT
NoexperienceisnecessarytojoinaCTworktrip.Ourprogramusuallycontainsanelementofconstruction,butwealsoencouragevolunteerstoutilizetheirpersonalskillsandsharethemwiththechildrenandstaffatourpartnerschools.Pastvolunteershaveprovidedmedicalcheck-ups,startedmusicprograms,trainedFAFUstaffmembersintraumacounseling,ledexercise,drama,and/orartclasses,andprovidedcareercounselingfortheFAFUYouthGroupmembers.Ifyouhaveanyideasaboutanactivityyouwouldliketoplan,pleasecontactusandwecanhelpyoupreparebeforethetrip.
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THEBIGBUILDCELEBRATING10YEARSINTHEKIBERASLUM!
AspartofCrossingThresholds’tenyearanniversary(2018),nextsummerwewilltakeonourbiggestchallengetodate--TheBigBuild.Onthistrip,wewillsetouttobuildanentireschoolfor300+kidsinamere10days.Itwillbethemostlaborintensiveanddemandingtripinour10yearhistory.Butatthesametime,itwillbeanincrediblyexciting,satisfying,andrewardingexperienceforthosewhotakeonthechallenge.Herearethepertinentdetails:
• June22ndthroughJuly4th.Thisincludes6-7workdaysaswellasa2-3daysafari.
• Maximumnumberofspotsforthistripissetat50.Wewillnotexceedthatnumber,SOPLEASEreserveyourspotassoonaspossible.
• Tripcosts--$2500foradults,and$2200forstudents.
• ThecostofanewschoolinKiberaisapproximately$50,000USdollars.Eachtripparticipantwillbeexpectedtoraise$1,000dollarstowardsthenewschool.
Friday,June22nd–Wednesday,July4thKiberaSlum,Nairobi,Kenya
CROSSINGTHRESHOLDS168AIrvingAvenueSuite300K,PortChester,NewYork,10573(914)815-8620|[email protected]|www.crossingthresholds.org
TensofthousandsofKibera'schildrenarestillwaitingforthechancetobeinschool.Sojoinus,andembarkonthegreatest
journeyCrossingThresholdshasyettooffer!
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THEBIGBUILDTripItinerary:June22nd–July4th,2018Friday,Jun.22nd Evening: -DeparturefromUSASaturday,Jun.23rd Evening: -Airportpick-upandtransferto
GraciaGardenshotelinNairobiSunday,Jun.24th Morning: -Breakfastat9AMinthediningroom
-IntroductionsandOrientation -VisittoDavidSheldrickElephantSanctuary
Afternoon: -Lunch-VisittoGiraffeFeedingCenter-DrivebacktoGraciaGardens
Evening: -DinnerMonday,Jun.25th Morning: -Breakfastat7:30AM
-Departat8:30AMtoprojectsiteinKiberaAfternoon: -Lunch
-Workuntil4PM,returntohotelEvening: -Dinnerandreflections
Tuesday,Jun.26thth Morning: -Breakfastat7:30AM
-Departat8:30AMtoprojectsiteinKibera
Afternoon: -Lunch-Workuntil4PM,returntohotel
Evening: -DinnerandreflectionsWednesday, Morning: -Breakfastat7:30AMJun.27thth-Departat8:30AMforprojectsiteinKibera
Afternoon: -Lunch-Workuntil4PM,returntohotel
Evening: -DinnerandreflectionsThursday,Jun.28th Morning: -Breakfastat7:30AM
-Departat8:30AMforprojectsiteinKibera Afternoon: -Lunch
-Workuntil4PM,returntohotelEvening: -Dinnerandreflections
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Friday,Jun.29th Morning: -Breakfastat7:30AM
-Departat8:30AMforprojectsiteinKibera
Afternoon: -Lunch-Workuntil4PM,returntohotel
Evening: -DinnerandreflectionsSaturday,Jun.30th Morning: -Breakfastat7:30AM
-Departat8:30AMforprojectsiteinKibera Afternoon: -Lunch
-Workuntil4PM,returntohotelEvening: -Dinnerandreflections
Sunday,Jul.1st Morning: -Breakfastat7:30AM Afternoon: -SchoolDedicationCeremony Evening: -AirportDropOff–TravelHome!*Monday,July2nd–Wednesday,July4th*
Forthoseinterestedinextendingtheirtripwithathree-daySafariorBeachexcursion,CTwillhappilycoordinatethroughLukundoSafarisandTours.
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CrossingThresholdsInc.–KenyaTrip
AgreementandRelease
TripDates:______________________________________________
Thisdocumentisalegallybindingrelease,which,incertainsituations,willreduceoreliminateyourlegalrights
andlegalrecourse.Pleasereaditcarefullybeforesigning.
ThisAGREEMENTandRELEASEisbetween________________________________________(“Participant”)and
CrossingThresholds,Inc.(CT).ThisAgreementandReleaseisenteredintoinconnectionwiththeprogram
sponsoredbyCT,whichprovidestheopportunityforParticipanttotraveltoKenyatoengageinvolunteerservice
andculturalexchange.ParticipantentersintothisAgreementandReleaseinconsiderationoftheopportunityto
participateintheProgramandforothergoodandvaluableconsideration,thesufficiencyofwhichtheparties
acknowledge
ParticipantacknowledgesthatthePrograminvolvestraveltoadevelopingcountrywithapossiblyunstable
politicalsystemanddifferingculturalexpectationsandpractices.Participantacknowledgesthattherearerisks
inherentinsuchtrips,including,butnotlimitedto,forcesofnature,accidentorillnessinremoteplaceswithout
immediateaccesstoadequatemedicalfacilities,alowerstandardofsanitation,jobsiteinjury,andtravelbyair,
automobile,truck,onfootorbyotherconveyance.ParticipantassumesalltherisksoftheProgram,including
healthandpersonalsafetyrisks,andwaivesallclaimsforlossorinjurytopersonorpropertywhileparticipatingin
anyoftheactivitiescontemplatedthereby,whethersuchlossorinjuryresultsfromthenegligenceofCTorits
officers,directors,employees,liabilityinsurancecarriersoragents,orfromsomeothercause.Therefore,in
considerationoftherighttoparticipateintheProgram,andoftheservices,foodandtransportationarrangedby
CTanditsagentsandassociates,theundersignedParticipant,intendingtobelegallybound,consentstothe
assumptionofsuchrisks,andagreestoforeverwaive,dischargeandreleaseforParticipantandParticipant’sheirs,
executors,andadministrators,allrightsandclaimsforinjuries,damages,illness,losses,demandsandother
actionsofeverykindandnaturewhatsoever,whichParticipantmayhaveagainstCToritsofficers,directors,
employees,liabilityinsurancecarriersandagentsandallofthoseentities'representatives,successorsandassigns,
resultingfromorinconnectionwiththeProgramoranyotheractivitiesarrangedforParticipantbyCTand/orits
agentsandassociates.
Signature:__________________________________________________ Date:____________
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CrossingThresholdsInc.–KenyaTrip
PersonalandHealthInformationDisclosurePleaseletusknowofanyphysicallimitationsormedicalconditionswhichmay,foranyreason,
interferewithyourabilitytofullyparticipateintheprogram.
TripDates:_______________________________________
Name(asitappearsonyourpassport):
_____________________________________________________________________________________
MailingAddress:
City/State/Zip:
HomePhone: DayPhone/Cell:
PreferredE-Mail:
Passport#: ExpirationDate:
Issuingcountry:
(Pleasenote-Passportmustbevalidforatleast6monthsfromdateofdeparture!)
•Doyouhaveanymedicalorsurgicalcondition(s)thatrequireyoutoseeaphysicianregularly?
❑Yes Ifyes,pleaseexplain:
❑No
•Haveyouhadanymedicalconditionwhichisnowstable,butwhichmayrecurwhiletraveling?
❑Yes Ifyes,pleaseexplain:
❑No
•Pleaselistanyphysicallimitationsthatyouhave(i.e.impairedvision,hearing,breathing,mobility,
etc):
❑Yes Ifyes,pleaseexplain:
❑No
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•Doyouhaveahistoryofmentaloremotionalinstabilityforwhichyouhavesoughtmedical
attention?
❑Yes Ifyes,pleaseexplain:
❑No
•Areyoucurrentlyunderthecareofaphysicianforanyoftheabove-mentionedconditions?
❑Yes Ifyes,pleaseexplain:
❑No
•Pleaselistallmedicationsthatyouarecurrentlytaking;bothprescriptionandover-the-counterand
thereasonfortakingthemedication(s):
•Pleaselistallallergiesthatyouhave(includingmedication,food,environmental,etc.),orindicate
none:
•Pleaseindicateifyouhaveanyspecialdietaryrestrictions:
•WhoisyourPersonalPhysician:
Phone#:
•Yourcurrenthealthinsurancepolicy:
Company:
Policy#: Group#:
NameofInsured: SSN#ofpolicyholder:
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•Areyouplanningtopurchaseemergencymedicalevacuationinsurance?
❑Yes
Ifyes,providethenameofthepolicy
____________________________________________________________
❑No
EMERGENCYCONTACT:
Name:
Address:
City/State/Zip:
EvePhone:
DayPhone/Cell:
Iaffirmthatalltheaboveinformationistrueandaccuratetothebestofmyknowledge.Iunderstand
thehealthrisksinvolvedintravelingtoadevelopingcountry.Iconsidermyselfingoodmentaland
physicalshape.
Signature:________________________________________________ Date: