Service trips can be some of the most rewarding and eye-opening faith experiences that youth groups and adults ever encounter.  Traveling abroad and even in the United States to do service work, however, can be expensive and time consuming.  Researching locations, planning local transportation, finding partnerships, confirming housing and work projects all takes time and effort.  RTLC’s Bridging Borders program is an excellent resource for groups trying to find a meaningful service trip experience without the hassle of going at it alone.

At first glance, the fees for Bridging Borders may seem higher, but here are just some of the added values of doing service trips with Rainbow Trail:

• Save Time
  • The Director of Bridging Borders handles all the details of your trip, from finding the location and the partnerships for work leadership, to housing details and the day-to-day schedule.  Rainbow Trail builds long-term relationships with various organizations with whom we serve.  Expectations for each trip are communicated and clarified prior to partnering with any organization.  Your group’s experience is in good hands.  Meanwhile, your group doesn’t have to spend time or energy doing all the groundwork and can focus their attention elsewhere.
• RTLC Staff
  • Each charter (trip of 12 participants) is accompanied by 2 trained Rainbow Trail staff: a Bridging Borders Director and a Counselor.  These intentionally chosen staff members handle logistics throughout the duration of the trip.  Centered on Christ and focused on relationships, they lead the group in faith discussions and devotions and play a vital role in daily team building and processing.  Our staff will strive to connect with every participant and will free your group leaders to really focus on connecting with the other people with whom they are traveling.  Your group’s leaders have a great opportunity to engage in deeper relationships and a richer personal experience without having to constantly keep their attention on logistics.  RTLC staff also serve as the drivers for your trip if the group must travel by van or rental car.
• Inclusive Fee
  • Bridging Borders fees are inclusive of everything your group will need on the trip, with the exception of airfare.  Each fee includes energetic and quality RTLC staff, programming needs, travel expenses (except airfare), food, lodging, insurance (limited domestic/comprehensive international), and sometimes even tourism if the weekly schedule allows.  We budget these fees for groups of 12 in most cases, so fewer participants may require that fixed costs are spread amongst the group.  That being said, RTLC budgets these trips very close to cost.
  • You’d find yourself paying a similar fee if you decided to do everything yourself, but you would not have the benefit of talented RTLC staff leadership on your trip or the Director of Bridging Borders taking care of pre-trip details and logistics.
• RTLC Program
  • Each group receives an optional pre-trip Bible study and other preparatory materials for the months leading up to the trip.
  • A training/Q&A meeting with the Director of Bridging Borders can be set up to give your group and their families peace of mind about the upcoming trip if desired.
  • RTLC staff bring a variety of worship and devotional resources with them to enrich devotional and worship times.  RTLC staff have all been trained on empowering others and growing leaders.  They will help your group embrace the gifts they have to offer, be intentional about including everyone, and keep faith the focus of every Bridging Borders trip.

Register your group today by emailing Cam Regennitter at cam@rainbowtrail.org!

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