Kentucky Changers
Kentucky Changers goes way beyond the typical “summer camp” experience. Participants are challenged to become “On Mission” Christians as they live out their faith while getting their hands dirty doing hard work. Participants work on exterior home repairs for low-income families. They discover “missions as a life style and not a location” as they make a difference in their world. Kentucky Changers offers churches a pre-packaged project at an affordable cost.
Click here to see Kentucky Changers in action.
All Kentucky Changers are expected to engage in the mission preparation process before arriving on site. These pre-project preparations are designed to prepare groups in three ways:
- CORPORATELY: Kentucky Changers is a team effort from start to finish. While at their project, participants will work on crews with students from other churches. An understanding of being on a team is a vital part for participants to learn prior to arriving. All church groups must plan to meet for five “On Mission” Training Sessions, using the provided “On Mission” Discipleship materials. These training sessions are tailored to lead participants (youth and adults) through elements of team building and personal evangelism. Each group is to meet for three sessions prior to their project, meet once during their project week, and finish the process with a follow-up meeting during the week immediately following the project.
- SPIRITUALLY: Kentucky Changers utilize The Blueprint to help them grow individually. This “On Mission” development guide is one of the primary tools for participants in their spiritual development. The Blue Print contains everything needed for personal spiritual preparation, except for a Bible. Participants are given three weeks of daily devotionals, dress code information as well as the weekly schedule in their copy of The Blueprint. Each participant is expected to work through this preparation guide.
- PHYSICALLY: Replacing roofs, installing siding or building a ramp is not easy labor and participants need to come ready for hard work. Physical preparation before participants arrive is a must. Each group is expected to plan and perform two local, hands-on, mission projects in their hometown as a part of Kentucky Changers. The first project needs to happen prior to their Kentucky Changers project date. This project provides a “hands-on” experience that gets bodies and minds working as a team together. The second project happens after the group returns home. Participants learn missions as a lifestyle through practicing at home and while they are away. Ideas for your local mission project, as well as for leading your group sessions, are enclosed in the “On Mission” Training Sessions portion of your Leader’s Notebook.
What’s New for 2010?
- A Collegiate Track added to each week-long project:
College-age young adults are encouraged to join the Collegiate Track at any of the 2010 Changers projects. Collegiate Changers will be housed together in a separate area within the school. Collegiate Changers will have a separate schedule, devotion time and will be working together on a Collegiate-specific project during the project week (ex. a Habitat for Humanity house or other challenging project). Collegiate young adults can register as church groups, campus ministries, or as individuals. - One shorter project:
Kentucky Changers will offer a shorter project in Bullitt County. The week will start on Saturday and will leave for home on Friday morning. Participants will not be off work on Wednesday afternoon at this project.
Dates & Cost for All Youth Changers Projects
Click links below for more information and to place your deposits and indicate your project preference.
- Bullitt County (June 12-18) $180 Early Bird $210 General Registration
- Princeton (June 19-June 26) $195 Early Bird $225 General Registration (PROJECT FULL AS OF 2/4/2010)
- Crittenden Association (July 3-10) $195 Early Bird $225 General Registration
Deposits are NOT refundable but are transferable to a new participant deposit.
Deposits are NOT transferable to any balances.
Adult Changers Dates and Locations
Click below to register:
What is Kentucky Changers? History
Kentucky Changers began in 1994 with one project in Hopkinsville. Less than 80 total participants were involved in fewer than 10 projects during the first summer. In 2009, Kentucky Changers’ 16th season, 88 projects were completed by more than 1,100 participants from 70 churches across Kentucky, Tennessee, Ohio and Virginia.
Who Can Participate in Kentucky Changers?
All Youth Projects -Middle school students who have completed seventh grade before the project or were born prior to 1/1/98, high school students, college age young adults. Participants don't have to be in college to attend.
Adult Project - Must be at least 18 years old (or out of high school) to participate.
Collegiate Age Changers - Must be 18 (or out of high school)-24 years old.
Housing and Accommodations
Kentucky Changers are housed at a local high school, middle school or large church in the project area. Participants will need to bring cots, air mattresses, pillows and/or bedrolls. Breakfast and evening meals are served at the school/church, prepared by a disaster relief team. Lunch will be provided by the sponsoring Baptist association of churches and will be served at the work site. Participants may bring their own snacks and drinks to the school/church, but these must be consumed in the cafeteria. No food or drinks are allowed in the sleeping area.
Contact
Phillip Ritchey, Mission Service Corp Missionary
Advocate, Kentucky Changers
Phone: (C) 502-680-0734
Email: ritchey_p@hotmail.com
