It has been three years since the youth of our diocese have gone on a service trip. Three years since they have served and worshiped side-by-side in a space well out of their comfort zones. Not only has it been that long since they went on a trip together, but they have also spent the last two years processing an increasing number of canceled plans. Resilient doesn’t seem to fully encompass what it means to be a young person living through the Covid-19 pandemic.
It was with that in mind that this past fall I looked with hope towards Summer 2022 and the opportunity for the youth of our diocese to serve and grow together again. I booked a service trip with Sierra Service Project and then almost immediately the Omicron variant began to close things down again. As we considered the implications for the trip, we decided to let hope lead the way. And so we paused, and we prayed.
I am thrilled to say that we are now in a place where we can announce this year’s trip and open registration. We are ready to walk out of this season of separation and walk with the youth of our diocese as they connect and serve together this Summer. Truly, connection is one of the most important pieces of a service trip, and it is also something that Sierra Service Project does so well.
Please share the information below with the youth in your congregation.
EDSD High School Youth Service Trip Summer 2022
San Diego South Bay
July 17-23, 2022
From July 17-23, 2022, high school youth concerned about poverty, immigration, and the environment are invited to serve with SSP in San Diego’s South Bay to explore these issues which are very real in the communities adjacent to the US / Mexico border. Youth will visit Friendship Park. The group will decide together if we will take a day trip to Tijuana, or stay in the US for a day of learning and serving.
This is a service trip, and so in addition to learning about the communities in the South Bay of San Diego, we will also work on service project for that community. Sierra Service Project works both with homeowners and community-based organizations, including The Imperial Beach Neighborhood Center, Wildcoast, The City of Imperial Beach, El Faro: The Border Church and The Tijuana River National Estuarine Research Reserve. The service projects may include painting, rebuilding fences, and other general home repairs. No construction experience is needed!
Our group will be camping at Tijuana River Valley Regional Park Campground located just south of The Tijuana River National Estuarine Research Reserve and managed by the County of San Diego. It has on-site bathrooms and showers. Our meals will be hosted at The Imperial Beach Neighborhood Center.
Registration for the trip is now open and is first-come, first-served. There are 15 spots for this year’s trip. The cost of the trip is $450 and will be made in two payments: $225 at the time of registration and $225 by May 15, 2022. Scholarship assistance is available for those for whom the cost would be an obstacle.
Vaccination for Covid-19 (including a booster) and a valid U.S. Passport are required for this trip.
Please contact Charlette Preslar, youth missioner, with any questions: cpreslar@edsd.org
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