CARAVAN 2008 QUESTIONS:

Where is Caravan 2008 going?

How much does it cost and what does that include?

Where do I send a payment and when are payments due?

Can I pay with a credit card again this year?

Is there fundraising available?

What are the mission activities like?

Why do we get two t-shirts?

Who can go? Do I have to belong to a church?

Are there any rules, or can I do whatever I want?

Is Caravan safe?

How much spending money should I bring?

I just found out I can't go. Can I get a refund?

What should I pack?

What shouldn't I pack?

Who should I ask if I have questions?

How old are the staff and what is the student/staff ratio?

What makes the Caravan staff qualified to go?

Where is Caravan 2008 going?
Caravan 2008 is headed to DAYTONA BEACH, FLORIDA! Our sessions will join with the Student Life at the Beach Conference! (top)


How much does it cost and what does that include?
Everything is included this year! The cost of your trip will include: transportation, 5 nights lodging, approximately 15 meals, sessions with Student Life at the Beach (teaching by Louie Giglio and worship with Chris Tomlin - and a special concert by Decemberadio), admission to an all-day water or theme park, other group recreation activities, two t-shirts, and a wristband. (top)


Where do I send a payment and when are payments due?
Please don't send cash in the mail. Make checks payable to CARAVAN and write your student number in the memo line. Please send checks to:

CARAVAN
3900 Orchard Hill Drive
Cedar Falls, IA 50613

If you register for the trip before April 1st, 2008, a $100.00 deposit is due with your registration; your registration will not be processed without your deposit. Your deposit is non-refundable and non-transferrable. 50% of your trip cost is due before APRIL 1st. The remainder of your balance is due no later than JUNE 1st. If you register for the trip after April 1st, 50% of your trip cost is due at the time of registration ($369.50), $100 of which is non-refundable and non-transferable. Please keep this in mind before you register. There are NO REFUNDS OR TRANSFERS after MAY 1st. Your final payment is due no later than June 1st. (top)


Can I pay with a credit card again this year?
YES!! You can pay your Caravan account online! For a small fee, you can make payments at any time, day or night! Please visit the Caravan Accounts page for more information! (top)


Is there fundraising available?
If you need some help with funding, talk to the youth director at your church. Many local churches offer scholarships to students that are members at their church. There is an option on your registration form to sign up for fundraising opportunities. As fundraisers are revealed, we'll send an email to those interested. (top)


What are the mission activities like?
Information is coming soon... (top)


Why do we get 2 t-shirts?
This year, you'll get a t-shirt from the Student Life at the Beach Conference AND a bus t-shirt! Both shirts are included in the price of your trip. (top)


Who can go? Do I have to belong to a church?
Any student who will graduate in 2008-2011 can go! Students from all over Iowa and other parts of the Midwest have attended Caravan! While Caravan is a church-sponsored trip, you do not need to be a member at any church to attend. (top)


Are there any rules or can I do whatever I want?
Please see the guidelines section of this site. Caravan staff reserves the right to change, modify, or add rules at any time. General rules of respect should be honored at all times. Caravan rules and guidelines must be followed regardless of the student's age. (top)


Is Caravan safe?
We work very hard to ensure your student's safety! Staff are readily available to students at all hours during the trip. Staff monitor the campus during the overnight hours and are on call at all times. A nurse travels with us and there are several staff who are CPR certified. If you have any concerns or questions, please don't hesitate to ask. (top)


How much spending money should I bring?
Every year, parents ask how much spending money students should take on Caravan. Assume you will pay for: 6-7 road meals/snacks and any souvenirs you purchase along the way. We suggest students bring a minimum of $100 spending money for this trip. Students are asked to keep track of their own money. (top)


I just found out I can't go. Can I get a refund?
Your $100.00 deposit is non-refundable. There are no refunds after May 1, 2008. Substitutions may take place if all information is received by May 1, 2008. (top)


What should I pack?
Below is a SUGGESTED list of items you should bring on Caravan. If you are traveling with friends, work together to bring some items so you don't have to bring so much (i.e. one hairdryer or alarm clock, etc.) Remember that you are limited to ONE suitcase or duffle bag, ONE carry-on bag, and a pillow/blanket for the bus. If you have questions about what to pack or what not to pack, please ask! (top)

• Jeans
• T-shirts or short-sleeved shirts
• Tank-tops (no spaghetti straps)
• Shorts
• Tennis shoes or good walking shoes
• Sandals
• Sweatshirt/sweatpants
• Socks/underwear
• Swimsuit (GIRLS - One-piece swimsuit or tankini - NO BIKINIS)
• Beach towel
• Bathroom items (soap, toothbrush, shampoo, etc.)
• Sunscreen
• Pillow
• Bible, notebook, pens
• Camera and film
• Mission work-day clothing (no shorts or tank tops)
• Small alarm clock
• Plastic bag for laundry

What shouldn't I pack?
PLEASE don't pack the following items:

• Tank-tops with spaghetti straps
• “Short” shorts or skirts (Stand with your arms by your sides. If your fingertips are touching skin, your shorts or skirt need to be longer.)
• Bikini (one-piece or tankini ONLY)

Who should I ask if I have questions?
Send an email to Natalie Brown at nbrown@orchardhillchurch.org if you have questions about the trip, payment, registration, packing, etc.

How old are the staff and what is the student/staff ratio?
The age of our staff ranges from 19 (at least one full year removed from high school) - 60+. Caravan staff is divided into levels: Core, Staff, and Operations. Core is the main Caravan planning team. This is mostly comprised of staff at local churches including junior high and senior high youth directors. A Staff is someone who has been on Caravan as a staff person before. Operations includes our administration team, nurse, and tech team. We work to ensure at least a 1:7 ratio on every Caravan trip; we're working to have a 1:6 ratio on the NYC Caravan!(top)


What makes the Caravan staff qualified to go?
Every staff person fills out an application and those applications are reviewed every year. If you have questions about any of our staff, please don't hesitate to ask! (top)