Trip Details:

Sender:

Good Goers Mission Based Adventure Travels

Title:

Orphan care in Waleska, GA 6/10-6/15/13

Description:

GOOD GOERS MISSION BASE ADVENTURE TRAVELS

Welcome to Waleska, Georgia! It is a privilege that you have scheduled a Good Goerstrip 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. HISTORY ABOUT THE BOYS RANCH

For a thousand years, Native Americans lived in small villages throughout the beautiful mountains of North Georgia. In the early 18th century, the Cherokee Nation, peaceful and spiritual people, had established a commerce and agriculture center in the Etowah Valley. This picturesque place was to become the home of our ministry partner. In 1840, with the start of the infamous and dark “Trail of Tears,” our U.S. Cavalry drove the Cherokee Nation from the Etowah Valley.

Early settlers followed behind the Cherokee. In that same year, the Collins Family came to the Salacoa Valley in the northwest corner of Cherokee County and was deeded a homestead at the Cherokee County Courthouse. A small white house was built. For the next 140 years, the Collins Family settled their farm and raised their families. The house still stands on the Goshen Valley property today.

In 1982, the Blend Family arrived from the northeast and came upon the Salacoa Valley. They met Newt and Lillian Collins Kline who were both in their early 80’s. A friendship was struck, and soon after, John and Connie Blend bought the Collins Homestead. Thus was born the Boys Ranch. The StartTen years after purchasing the land, a partnership in faith was struck between John and Connie and their Atlanta church, Lutheran Church of the Redeemer. With the vision, prayer and support of Pastor Robert Sims, the Boys Ranch journey began in earnest. The need for a faith-based home that would reach kids who had nothing, presented itself with compelling clarity. All manner of design, regulations, fundraising, education, collaboration, and, assuredly, prayer came into play as they came to know better the need of the orphaned. In 2002, the Boy’s Ranch was opened with the arrival of their first young man. In the years leading to this, they established their charitable corporation. They had become licensed to operate as a Child Caring Institution in the State of Georgia, and had built houses, roads, and lakes while writing programs and policies. Our ministry partner recruited first-rate families from around the United States to join them and built a clinical team. Today’s Miracle, A Platform on Which to GrowHaving now been home and sanctuary to over 150 boys these past ten years, they have come to rely on the natural and the super natural. They focus on a child with the most needs and the least resources. Despair, broken promises, neglect and abuse are the norm. At their core, the Ranch is a kind and loving place a child can count on. In this environment, a child is nurtured and will likely prosper. He may go home to a family that has healed the wound that brought him to us. He may find an adoptive couple to fill the space that his family cannot or he may call the ranch home forever. THE CHILDREN WE SERVEThe Boy’s Ranch is a home for 30 young men who are in the Georgia state foster care system. Located in Waleska, Georgia, the Ranch includes six residences on a 300-acre cattle ranch. God is doing great things at the Ranch through their community of families and staff: · Serves young men ages 11-18, and ages 19-21 in their transitional living program North Georgia New Beginnings · 100% occupancy – the highest in Georgia · Seeks to end the cycle of abuse and neglect in the lives of the young men it serves · Seeks healing and life change for the young men who live there, while also helping them to find long term life plans that include: o Reunification with familieso Secondary educationo Transition into the communityo Adoptiono Employment

While serving you will see that the Ranch is a family-based model of care. There are five homes of six young men. Many children go to the Ranch from a background of deprivation, abuse, loss and neglect. The goal is to provide a stable, safe and loving environment that allows new attachments to form. As the boys learn to trust, healing and a positive self-concept emerge. This is accomplished through the Ranch’s family model. A loving, married and highly-screened houseparent couple cares for six boys per home. The home’s design encourages personal responsibility: each boy is responsible for maintaining his own private room and bathroom. Boys learn to do their own laundry and dishes and complete rotating house chores. Through good behavior, boys can earn access to game areas and other rewards. Boys also enjoy daily homework help, family-style meals, theme nights, group outings and community events. All boys attend public school, unless a need arises for home schooling. During the summer, boys form a “work crew” three days a week and tackle the many projects that need implementing on the ranch, such as clearing trails, mending fences, and building small bridges. The Ranch has identified four critical “life tools” that facilitate healing and help the boys to redirect their lives: Family, Faith, Education and Work. Ranch families honor Christian values and beliefs through education and example. Our ministry partner recognizes that education and a positive work ethic are critical to success. The Ranch’s beautiful natural setting in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains gives boys many opportunities to learn, grow and heal. Boys learn how to care for animals such as horses and cattle; they work together in teams to help maintain and beautify the land; and they enjoy the great outdoors through hiking, horseback riding and swimming.

Specifics about your trip to boys ranch ACCOMMODATIONSTeams will stay in The James House. This has classrooms that will act as a bedroom. Gals stay with gals and guys with guys. Each room contains a cot. Pillows, pillowcase, twin sheets and blankets will be provided. Bathrooms and shower facilities will be available. MEALSAll meals will be included in your trip cost. CLOTHINGLadies, modesty prevails! Make sure you are extremely careful in what you wear. Your clothes should be loose-fitting with no cleavage showing, etc. Remember, these are impressionable young men we will be serving. No tank tops, midriffs or spaghetti strap shirts. Swimming suits need to be one-piece. No tankinis are allowed. Old work clothes, i.e., sweatshirts, shorts and t-shirts, jeans. Clothes/shoes may be ruined from work projects. We recommend packing extra clothing to change into each evening. Due to cultural considerations ALL shorts (guys and gals) must be at least knee length. LUGGAGE AND PACKINGAirlines 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.

ADVENTUREWe include one day of pure fun on your mission adventure trip. We travel the Georgia aquariumThis is included in the cost of your trip. CURRENCY & MONEYBring money if you want souvenirs while on the Adventure. DONATIONSGift Certificates (Wal-mart, Target, Restaurants, Movie, etc.)Gas Gift CardsEvent passes (Braves, Falcons, college, Six Flags, Christian concerts)Grocery gift cards (Publix, Ingles, Wal-Mart/Sam’s)Fast food coupons (McDonald’s, Chic-fil-A, Sonic, Wendy’s, etc.) Household Cleaning SuppliesBath TowelsToilet paper/Paper Towels/KleenexGarbage BagsAir FreshenersGarbage BagsPlastic Containers (Laundry & Storage)60 & 100 Watt Light BulbsZiploc BagsAluminum FoilPlastic WrapPaper PlatesPaper TowelsDinner NapkinsDryer SheetsFabric Softener (sheets/liquid)Laundry DetergentBleachTwin Bedding and PillowsDigital Alarm ClocksSun ScreenNew SocksNew Underwear/BoxersBoys Personal Hygiene ProductsShoes or $ for shoesWatchesAll Sports/Recreational EquipmentCamping- Sleeping Bags and 8 Man TentsGames indoor and outdoorBatteries (All Sizes)Sore Throat LozengesPepto BismalIbuprofenSinus Allergy MedicineFirst aid kitsA 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. * 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* Sturdy shoes for outdoor work. * Travel medicine (Ibuprofen, Pepto Bismol tablets, Imodium AD, etc.)* Backpack* Camera, film, batteries. Due to privacy issues surrounding the children at Boys Ranch, we ask that you do not to take photographs of the boys until our ministry partner provides direction. You are NOT allowed to post pictures of the boys or use their full names on any social network sites, e.g. Facebook, Twitter, etc.* 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.)* Alarm clock (battery powered)* Personal hygiene products* Spending money* Dirty clothes bag* Towels, wash cloth* Water bottle (heavy duty) for refilling ** Pillows, pillowcase, twin sheets and blankets will be 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 with out first talking to your group leader. Groups of at least four are recommended.• Be prepared to share your testimony at any time.• Look for God to do something amazing in your life on this trip!! We Lead It We Plan It You Live It

Dates:

June 10-15

Length of Trip:

6 days/5 nights

Country:

United States

Region:

North America

Team Logistics:

Team Description: (how many people can come)	Group size max is 16 people
Individuals:
Married Couples:
Families:
Groups:
Requirements: (age, abilities, qualifications)	Minimum age is 8-15 with parent
Cost: (travel expenses, room & board...)	$699 + airfare $699 fee includes lodging, food, in-country transportation, mission project supplies, 3rd party outfitter fees, insurance, leader expense, credit card fees, and support materials.