Serve orphans in the Cherokee Nation 09/16-09/21/13

Good Goers Mission Based Adventure Travels

Welcome to Oaks! It is a privilege that you have scheduled a Good Goers trip and are taking time from your schedule to serve the needs of orphans and widows as mandated in James 1:27. It is not by chance that you are on this trip; God has a purpose for you. Our desire is that you enjoy this time, exposing you to the missions, the culture, and His Word.

 Facts about OAKS OKLAHOMA

The Oaks Indian Mission has roots which run deep into the history of the Cherokee Nation. Officially, the Mission began in 1801, when the tribe invited Moravian missionaries to open a school in Georgia, a few miles from the seat ofthe Cherokee government. This school would prepare many of the tribe's leaders in the following decades. When the Cherokee were forced to leave their homes and relocate to Indian Territory, the missionaries left their homes as well,  choosing to travel the same "Trail of Tears", reestablishing the mission at, what is now, Oaks, Oklahoma. One of the first school bells to ring in Indian Territory rang there, in 1842. In 1902, Oaks Indian Mission became a Lutheran Ministry. A residential home for Native American children opened its doors in 1926. Thislong legacy of quality education and spiritual formation is at the heart of what still makes Oaks Indian Mission a special place for children and a place to shape their future. 

Oaks Indian Mission Children’s Home

From its beginning, the Lutheran Missions were primarily focused on the education of Native American young people. The Oaks Mission as a Children's Home was established in 1926 and is located approximately 65 miles east of Tulsa, Oklahoma, just 23 miles west of Siloam Springs, Arkansas. Until 1977, children of the Mission were treated without regard for individual needs. The children were housed, fed, clothed, supervised, and sent to school. Individual needs were dealt with only as they surfaced in social and mental displays. The approach to the care of these children was "boarding school provision." In February 1979, the children were assessed according to:- Reason for intake.- Observable needs by categories such as social, psychological, education, parenting, and health.From this assessment, four related sets of needs were identified:

• Pre-delinquent: Young children who have violated federal, state, ormunicipal laws and whom the juvenile workers and courts feel could betterbenefit from an "open" campus rather than the "closed" campus of acorrectional institution.

• In Need of Supervision: The child who has (1) repeatedly disobeyedreasonable and lawful directions of his/her parents or legal guardian; (2) iswillfully absent from home without the consent of parents or legal guardian fora substantial length of time or without intent to return.

• Deprived: A child who for any reason is destitute, homeless, or abandoned; orwho does not have proper parental care; where there is neglect, cruelty, ordepravity on the part of the parent or legal guardian; or where parent or legalguardian desires to be relieved of physical custody of the child.

• Boarding:  This child is placed outside his/her home because of a need ofeducation. This is a nine-month resident who will return to his/her respectivehome after the completion of the school year.

 Specifics about your trip to OAKS OKLAHOMA

Oaks Indian Mission is a 152-acre campus. The main campus of thirty-seven acres is where the cottages, administration office, activity center and otherbuildings are located. One-hundred fifteen acres of undeveloped land is set aside for peaceful nature walks as well as quiet meditation areas. 

THE CHILDREN WE SERVE

The children who call Oaks Indian Mission home are members of tribal nations located in Oklahoma and surrounding states. Most are homeless or have parents or grandparents who simply cannot provide adequate food and clothing, a stable home, education, discipline or spiritual guidance. These loving and caring parents and grandparents make the right choice and ask the Mission for help for their children. Some of the children are orphaned, abandoned, neglected or abused with no secure environment and call the Oaks Indian Mission home.The mission cares for children ages 4 to 18, and up to 48 residents are at home at the Mission throughout the school year. Some children stay through the summer months. The children represent a proud and noble heritage and bring with them talents, hope, prayers, and dreams for a bright and successful future. Thousands have called the Mission home throughout history. Many return as adults bringing their children and grandchildren with stories to share. 

ACCOMMODATIONS

Groups stay in bunkhouses; one house for the gals and one house for the guys.  Each bunkhouse has two bathrooms with showers and a full kitchen. 

MEALS: Meals are served in the cafeteria. Sack lunches are packed on Adventure Day. 

LUGGAGE AND PACKING

Airlines are constantly changing and updating their policies concerning luggage. Many now have restrictions on weight and may also impose fees for checked bags. Please check with your airline company for up to date information concerning luggage and fees. 

CURRENCY & MONEY

There is a small convenience store within walking distance. Bring money if you would like a soda pop, ice cream, or a favorite treat. We will have an opportunity on Adventure Day to get souvenirs.

DONATIONS

Necessities, Laundry Detergent, Dish Soap, Feminine Hygiene Items, Disinfectant, Wipes, Trash Bags (15 & 40 Gallon), Carpet Cleaner, Lysol, Mr. Clean (All Purpose), Bleach, Lysol Neutra Air (Refill), Home Sweet Home, Pillows, Multiple Toothbrush Holders, Lamps, Storage Containers, Laundry Baskets, Clothes Hampers, Area Rugs, Alarm Clocks, Home Décor Items, Energy Light Bulbs, Brita Water Filters for Faucets, Towels, Wash Clothes, Swim Suits, Flip Flops, Large Items Office Supplies

Matching Reception Chairs (12)

Food Items

Ground Beef&Pork

A complete list of updated needs will be included in your conference call notes.

ITEMS TO BRING�� Bible�� Journal / pen / pencil�� Take old work clothes. Buying items to wear from Goodwill is a good idea – saves your good clothes. You can leave them behind if you wish.�� Casual clothing which is respectful of the ministry and kids: Shirts that cover the shoulders; shorts that are knee length or longer; and NO tank tops or short shorts.�� Rain jacket/poncho/sweatshirt (for rainy or cooler weather in the evenings)�� Work gloves�� Work boots or sturdy shoes for outdoor work.�� Travel medicine (Ibuprofen, Pepto Bismol tablets, Imodium AD, etc.)�� Backpack�� Camera, film, batteries�� Hand sanitizer (small travel size)�� Hat / Bandana�� Sunglasses�� Sunscreen/ Bug spray�� Ear plugs in case your roommates snore�� Flash Light�� Snack items for yourself (granola bars, crackers and cheese, etc.)�� Bathing suit (ladies one piece only) and beach towel�� Alarm clock (battery powered)�� Personal hygiene products�� Spending money�� Dirty clothes bagPillows, blankets, sheets and towels are provided

GENERAL INFO AND GUIDELINES

• Be prepared to be very flexible. Plans will change daily!!

• Be on time every time. Each night we will discuss the next day's schedule.

• Stay together at all times. Never leave the group without first talking to your group leader.

• For your own protection, never be alone with a child.

• Please do not ask a child about their past or why they are there.

• Any interactive game or craft you want to bring is a bonus.

• Be prepared to share your testimony at any time.• Look for God to do something amazing in your life on this trip!!

We Plan It  We Lead It  

You Live It