When should I book?
It’s important to select and commit to a specific week as soon as possible. This allows JAARS to steward the time, skills, interests, and hopes of those God calls to serve with us. Also, our ability to accommodate groups is dependent upon the availability of meaningful work and housing.
Note: Teams without grade-school children should prayerfully consider selecting a week other than mid-June through mid-August to allow teams with younger children to participate in our elementary program called Summer Safari.
When do my reserved dates lock in?
All dates are tentatively scheduled when the online reservation is submitted. Dates are not locked in until JAARS confirms with the team leader.
Can I volunteer at JAARS on my own?
Yes you can volunteer on your own, but it is best if you serve through our volunteer department.
Mission Teams focuses on providing a group experience of service on our campus.
What size of group can you accommodate?
A minimum of four is required in order to register for a one-week mission team experience. The maximum we can accommodate is 15 due to housing and project capacity.
What types of groups are likely to participate on a mission trip to JAARS?
Church youth groups often come during summer months. The minimum age for a youth mission team is 14. During the fall, winter, and spring months, mission teams are made up of adults and family groups of all ages, as well as school groups.
What age are the mission trips most geared for?
Our projects are mostly geared for 14 years and older. Children younger than 14 must be accompanied by a parent. During the summer months, we offer a morning children’s program (Summer Safari) for grade-school students who come with their families.
What leadership and adult-to-student ratio are expected for student groups?
One adult leader for every 5-6 teens is required for all youth groups involving minors (under 18 years).
What is expected of adult leaders?
Adults are responsible for supervising their group at all times, caring for medical needs, providing non-program meals, and setting a good work ethic example on projects.
What does a JAARS service project look like?
Depending on the week, service projects might include the following:
•Construction/maintenance: building projects, painting, sanding, wood splitting
•Landscaping: weeding, path trimming/clearing, power-washing, etc.
•Housekeeping: general cleaning, deep cleaning, window washing
Some adult groups may bring specific skills that may be used. Such skills have included but are not limited to: sewing, hair cutting , bicycle repair, blade sharpening, etc.
What are the accommodations like?
Mission teams stay in a two story house (Rossi House) fully furnished. The house has 5 bedrooms and four bathrooms (including the downstairs flat). Upstairs there are two bedrooms with 1 bunk and 1 twin bed, and two bedrooms with 1 bunk and 1 full size bed (total of 12 beds upstairs). Downstairs there is one large room with 1 bunk and 4 twins. Downstairs the sleeping area can be divided into two with a curtain divider.
In addition, there is a full (albeit small) kitchen supplied with dishes and cookware and two meeting spaces as well as a large back deck. The following are also included with our housing: air conditioning, blankets,
pillows, towels, and swimming pool access.
Whether you’re a group of four or 15 you will likely stay in the Rossi House on campus. Groups with a male/female ratio that cannot be accommodated in Rossi house will be assigned to additional campus housing.
What about food?
All lunches are provided by our center café, the cost of which is included in our pricing. (Dessert is available for an extra cost.) Also, we will coordinate two evening meals with speakers during the week. (Sometimes this is planned so that teams can connect with missionary contacts they already know.)
Note: Each group is responsible for their own breakfast, as well as any additional meals beyond the five lunches and two dinners already planned.
What about transportation?
Groups are responsible for their own transportation to and from site and during the week. Groups traveling a long distance may fly to the Charlotte Douglas International Airport. On those occasions, we help to arrange their transportation.
What is the schedule like?
Mission teams arrive on Sundays between 4:00 and 7:00 p.m. Departure is Saturday between 7:00 and 10:00 a.m. If other arrival or departure times need to be arranged, talk with us ahead of time.
What does it cost to bring a mission team to JAARS?
We have established the following baseline cost structure to include key elements of bringing a mission team to JAARS:
- First-time groups: $160 per person, which includes housing, lunches, 4WD and airplane rides, and two dinner programs
- Returning groups: $130 per person, which includes housing, lunches, and two dinner programs
Additional Team Expenses
In addition to the base cost per person we do ask groups to contribute $800 to project costs as well if they can. Often groups will do an additional fundraiser to cover the $800 project costs and end up raising extra to cover extra JAARS projects.
Additional Individual Expenses
Individuals bringing children for the week may want to consider either of the following options, depending on when they are here.
- MK Station: $5 per day, per child – morning care for infants, toddlers, and early elementary
- Summer Safari: $5 per day, per child – summer-only day camp for grade-school children
Young children not able to join the team in the afternoons will need someone to supervise them.
