In case you have not heard, we have officially announced our summer student trip! Our Dallas Road Trip will be taking place from July 21-23. We'll be heading up to New Vida Church to join with Pastor Malcom Tyree and his youth to participate in a
youth rally/community outreach event! There will be games, worship, and some pretty
amazing opportunities to grow in Christ. The cost of the trip will only be $30 due to funds raised for the canceled IYC 2020 trip.
As a pastor, I want every student to be able to go on this trip. I think it is a great
opportunity for us to connect with other youth groups as well as grow in relationship with
one another. However, I also want to make sure we are being as safe as we possibly
can be when it comes to how we approach this trip. After consulting with several parties and reviewing statewide and CDC recommendations for church and summer camp-style events, I have composed a list of safety precautions we're asking students and leaders participating on this trip to follow. This ensures the highest level of safety for our group, given the current trends regarding the pandemic.
Here are those precautions:
- GENERAL PRECAUTIONS: We will discuss with students the importance of social distancing throughout the trip and do our best to encourage such behavior. Social distancing will be strictly enforced when setting up our sleeping areas.
- PACK A MASK & SANITIZER: Every student should bring a face mask and hand sanitizer. Mask use will be most emphasized when social distancing is not possible.Those who do not have these items may contact me and I will ensure they have them for the trip.
- VAN PRECAUTIONS: We will work to maximize social distancing by renting enough vans to seat only 5 students in each vehicle. The same students will ride in the same van in the same seats for the duration of the trip. We will frequently disinfect the vans and ask masks be worn in vehicles.
- PLANNED STOPS: We will preplan all rest stops on the road trip. We will pack lunches for students and have an outdoor picnic lunch on our way to Dallas.
- TRIP PREP: We ask students to be mindful of social activities leading up to the trip and ask that they limit activity, especially in the 2 weeks before the trip. Anyone who has firsthand exposure to a diagnosed case of COVID-19 in the 2 weeks leading up to the trip will not be able to attend.
- TEMPERATURE CHECK: Students and leaders will have their temperature checked before departing at the church on Tuesday, July 21. For the safety of everyone traveling, anyone with a temperature higher than 99.8 degrees will be asked to stay home.
If a student begins showing signs of COVID-19 on the trip, their parent/guardian will be
notified and consulted about what immediate next steps to take.
If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please feel free to reach out to me
at any point. I would love to talk with you about what is going on so that we can get on
the same page. You can reach me via email at
awalker@parkgate.org or via my personal phone at 503-936-0924. Thanks, and God bless.
-Pastor Andrew
