Alaska Mission Trip - Parent/Student/Leader Meeting

LOCATION:
Eaglecrest Alaska Missions
P.O. Box 538; Sutton, Alaska 99674
O-11248 Linden Drive N.W.; Grand Rapids, MI 49534
eaglecrestdirector@gmail.com
(907) 745-8203
DATES: June 17-24, 2023
DEPARTING:
Leaving via charter bus at 4:30AM (pack up at 4:15am)
Arriving at Chicago Airport at 6:30am (Chicago Time) Flight leaves at 8:50am
Arriving in Alaska at 12:30pm (Alaska Time)
PLEASE NOTE: Alaska is 4 hours behind!
RETURNING:
Leaving Eaglecrest 8:00pm
Arriving at Alaska airport at 9:15pm
Arriving at Chicago airport at 10am (Chicago Time)
Arriving at Bentheim Church at 2:30pm / 3:00pm (Michigan Time)

LODGING:
Eaglecrest Campus is a rustic camping area in Sutton. The camp includes bunk
houses with bunk beds. A kitchen with indoor and outdoor dining, a camp store
and a bathhouse with restrooms and showers. Rented sleeping bags and pillows.

MEALS:
All meals from Sunday breakfast to Saturday breakfast will be provided by
Eaglecrest, except for Wednesday. On Wednesday, Bentheim will pay for meals.
Students will be responsible for paying for their own meals on traveling days
(Saturdays). Dietary needs? Let’s chat!

EMERGENCY CONTACT:
Jessica VanZee (616) 834-3057

LEADERS ATTENDING:
Jessica VanZee (director), Dustin VanZee, Myra Scholten, Shawn Scholten,
Brandon Bristow, Jen Bristow, Helen Derks, Paula Scholten

FLIGHT PLAN:
ID. Either a driver's license, school ID, or Passport. Basically something with your
legal name and a picture.
Allowed 1 checked bag that needs to be under 50lbs.
Allowed 1 carry on that fits in the overhead bin.
Allowed 1 personal bag that needs to be able to fit under the seat.
STUDENT MANAGEMENT:
Each leader will have 4-5 students who are in their care. They will be in charge of
those students in the airport. 35 students, 8 leaders.

PERMISSION FORMS:
Please fill out a form before leaving today! Need to have these by June 4. I also
need a medical release form for Bentheim if you haven't already filled one out.

MONEY:
Please bring money for your meals on the way there and back, as well as for
shopping while in Alaska. There is a store close by where we will make a snack
run when we get there.

INCLUDED:
As part of your experience, we will lead you in a short but challenging mountain
hike, visit a historic gold mine that is rich in history and offers more hiking for
those who care to venture out, and if weather allows, we’ll also head to a local
lake after work for a swim.

REST DAY:
Wednesday is a rest day, giving you the opportunity to see more of Alaska. We
will be headed into Anchorage for shopping, and other fun activities. MORE TO
COME!

TYPICAL SCHEDULE:
Sunday - Orientation, Worship, Afternoon activity, Campfire
Monday - Work teams, Mountain hike, Campfire
Tuesday - Work teams, Evening off, Campfire
Wednesday - REST DAY
Thursday - Work teams, Afternoon swim, Camp activities, Campfire
Friday - Work teams, Community cook-out, Campfire

DAILY SCHEDULE:
7:30 - 8:30 Devotional / Quiet Time
8:30 - 9:15 Breakfast
9:15 - 9:45 Prepare for work / Make Lunches
10:00 - 3:30 Work Teams / VBS / Day Camp / Lunch
4:00 - 5:30 Showers / Free Time
5:30 - 6:15 Dinner
6:30 - 11:00 Evening Recreational Activities and Campfire
*** We encourage full participation in all activities!
PACKING LIST:
Work clothes (enough for 4 days)
Sweatshirt
T-shirts
Shorts
Long Pants
Work shoes
Hiking boots
Athletic Shoes
Work Gloves
Light Rain Gear
Light Jacket (or fleece)
Nice Casual Clothes
Pillow CASE
Towel and Washcloth
Personal Hygiene Items
Sunscreen (cannot take on plane so we will buy when we get there)
Insect Repellent (cannot take on plane so we will buy when we get there)
Sunglasses
Camera
Flashlight
Bible
Notebook and Pen
Spending Money
Water Bottle!!!
Your Alaska t-shirt that was given to you at the auction!
*** Eaglecrest Alaska Missions and Bentheim Reformed Church are not responsible for lost or
stolen items. Bringing expensive items is not advised. ***

RULES:
No drugs, alcohol, or weapons.
No boys in girls quarters, no girls in boys quarters.
RESPECT each other, the property, and everyone you come in contact with.
Remember, you are representing Bentheim Church, but more importantly, you
are representing God.
If any of these rules are broken, you will be sent home at the parents expense.

COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

● Is there air conditioning?
No. There is no air conditioning in the sleeping quarters. However, there are
plenty of fans and the temperature is usually in the 60’s at night.
● How long is the drive?
We will be taking a charter bus from Bentheim Reformed Church to the Chicago
airport. The drive is about 3 hours. Same on the way back.
● What kind of work can I expect?
We can share that we do a lot of wood cutting and splitting, as well as lawn
maintenance and small construction type of projects. Our serve list changes
daily as needs arise within the local community. There always seems to be plenty
to do!!
● Will I be able to have my cell phone?
Students and leaders are more than welcome to bring electronics and cell
phones on the trip. However, student cell phones should be left in sleeping
quarters during the work day. If students have their phones on work sites, they
will be taken and put away until we return back to camp. This is a chance to get
away from the regular routines of home, to detox from social media, and to relax.
No distractions!
● What should I NOT bring?
Sleeveless shirts, low-cut shirts, tank tops, bikinis, short shorts, jewelry,
tablets, new clothes, knives, weapons.