Dates for 2012
June 17-22, Available
June 24-29, Available
July 8-13, Available
July 15-20, Available
July 22-27, Available
July 29-August 3, Available
August 5-10, Available

AGAPE MISSION

¨      To foster understanding of Christ’s presence in and through serving in Whatcom County, as well as the reason Catholic Christians are called to serve.  “Whatsoever you do to the least of my brothers so you do unto me.” Mt. 25:40
  
¨    To help participants recognize the Catholic churches rich tradition of generosity, service and compassion.  

¨      To understand what “social justice” is from a Catholic Christian standpoint.

¨      To expand participant’s world view through service experiences.

¨      To help participants realize how they can impact their local community and the world through serving others, and having a mission and understanding of service. 

¨      To inspire participants to continue answering their “call to service” throughout their lives.

¨      To address the needs of the Migrant community by providing food and clothing.

PROGRAMMING
Agape has a two full time Program Directors whom coordinate the service projects, lead ice breakers and community building, and facilitate morning and evening sessions of prayer and reflection.  

GROUPS
The maximum amount of participants per week is 30; if a group is smaller, you may have the opportunity to combine with another group.  Groups will only be combined with groups of the same age (i.e. Jr. High with Jr. High, Sr. High with Sr. High). 

ADULT LEADERS
For every 7 youth you must have an adult chaperone and if there are groups of mixed gender there must be both female and male adult chaperones. (i.e. 3 boys 4 girls = 1 male and 1 female chaperone.)   The Archdiocesan Volunteer Background Check must be filled out completely and have been processed and received by your parish PRIOR to your week.

Adult leaders will chaperone youth at all times and are responsible for the behavior management of all youth. Please be advised the Program Director and Assistant Program Director are not chaperones or drivers.

TRANSPORTATION
Adult leaders are responsible for their group’s transportation to and from The Agape Service Project, as well as to and from service sites during the week.  All drivers must be 21 years or older and have an approved Archdiocese of Seattle Driver Information form on file at their Parish.

 

 MEALS and LODGING
In keeping with the spirit of The Agape Service Project, the meals and lodging are simple. All food for meals is provided.  Each group will share in the responsibility of cooking and serving meals in community.  The Agape Service project includes: 4 dinners, 4 lunches and 5 breakfasts, as well as daily snacks and beverages.  We ask that if you wish to provide special treats for your group you discuss this with the program coordinator prior to your week, so as to not conflict with any programming or other groups.

Please notify us in advance of any special dietary needs, some may require the participant with special dietary needs to supplement their daily meals with food from home. 

Groups will stay at Sacred Heart Parish in Bellingham.  Participants will stay in the Parish Hall & Religious Education Classrooms.  Groups will sleep in separate rooms according to gender, and will be sleeping on the floor.  Participants are encouraged to bring a sleeping mat.  Showers are available at a local swimming pool and YMCA twice during the week.

SERVICE PROJECTS
Your group will have the opportunity to do various service projects throughout the week.  Here are some projects they will be involved in: 

-Walking Food Drive 
    
    Youth will be in groups with adult chaperone to collect food in Bellingham neighborhoods. 
    Food collected will be used for food bank distribution. 

 -Food tables at grocery stores in Whatcom County

       Teams will collect food at local grocery stores to be used for food bank distribution. 

-Agape Food Bank 

    Teams will set up & run a food bank for Migrant workers.

-Migrant Immersion Day

      Experiencing the day of a migrant worker through working on a farm.

-Service at local Migrant Camp

    Groups will promote and invite people to the Agape Food Bank.  
    Groups will have the opportunity to provide & facilitate sports, games, & crafts for children at the Migrant Camp.

-Donations

    Groups are asked to collect donations in their communities prior to their week. What you bring up will be used to stock the food bank along with what is collected through the Walking Food Drive & Grocery Store Tabling.  The Agape Service Project will provide a list of possible items.  Some examples are: school supplies, toys, clothing, and food.