Sunday Worship
9:30 AM
2024 Intergenerational Mission Trip
Every four years, the youth mission trip cycle includes a local/intergenerational mission trip to allow for full congregational participation and to promote local service. Our summer 2024 trip will be to CranHill, located just east of Big Rapids (1.25 hours from TCC). CranHill is a Christian summer camp that offers family camping, summer camps and retreats. Thornapple has long time connections to CranHill in a number of ways. In our effort to stay committed to TCC's mission to serve children, youth and all abilities, we selected this opportunity to serve not only due to the deep roots we have with CranHill, but because it allows all ages and abilities to participate in some way.
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When: Sunday, June 16 - Friday, June 21
Where: CranHill (Rodney, MI)
Who: All ages can participate! Middle school and younger will require a parent to attend with them.
Cost: $100/person for the full week (5 nights) or $20/day if participating partially
Serve Options
Highschool Youth & Adults
Highschoolers, along with other interested persons (ages 14+) will serve with Friendship Camp. Volunteers will participate alongside adults with IDD in all aspects of camp. A typical day will mean helping serve meals, participating in worship, and helping with crafts, riding horses, swimming, boating and other camp activities. The day runs from 8:30 AM - 8:00 PM with a 2 hour break in the afternoon. This is a relational ministry and requires little physical work. No personal care or conflict resolution will be required of volunteers.
Families & Adults
Families with students in middle school and younger, along with other interested adults, will serve by plugging into different roles around camp. This might be helping prepare and clean up from meals in the kitchen, assisting with housekeeping needs, or other support staff positions. Additionally, we are working on some special projects (construction, painting) that could be done. Children can help with several small projects around camp such as clearing nature trails and helping with table setting for Friendship Meals.
Housing
Several housing options are available for volunteers. If you require special accommodations, please get in touch with us so we can discuss options. We don't want housing to be a deterent!
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Highschool youth and leaders will be staying in the Stonehouse Cottage. This cottage has several bunkrooms, one bedroom with a queen bed, and 3 bathrooms, as well as a full kitchen, dining room and a large meeting space.
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Adults (ages 18+) serving with Friendship Camp are invited to fully immerse themselves by staying in the Saddle Ridge cabins with campers. Or, if you'd prefer the separation (or aren't serving alongside Friendship Camp), adults can stay in the campground in a tent/trailer.
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If there is enough interest and commitment from adults, renting a cottage on the property could be an option if several people are willing to share that space.
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For families, is it recommended that you stay together in the campground in a tent/trailer. You will need to provide your own housing unit, but TCC will cover the cost of the campsite rental.
FAQs
What does the cost cover?
The price you pay to participate covers your housing (campsite/cottage rental), 3 meals a day, a t-shirt and any additional materials for the week.
Can I come for a day?
There will be flexibility for people to participate for a full week or less. Ideally, you'll commit to at least two days of services.
Will I have free time?
Yes! No matter where you serve, you will have free time to enjoy camp life for yourself. We will also all gather together as a group in the evenings.
What's Next?
We will need firm commitments of participation, including dates you plan to attend, by December 1st. A 50% deposit will be taken at that time to hold your spot. We need commitments in order to book campsites and housing, and begin discussing what special projects could be completed, based on our group size and abilities.
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If money is the reason you can't participate, please get in touch with us. We want everyone to who wants to participate to be able to do so.
If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please get in touch with Pastor Tim, Steven Exoo (YMT Chair) or Rachel Exoo (Director of Children's Ministry).