How can I be part of the ReNew Orleans Mission Trip?
Beginning with the 2012 trip, we are now using an application/interview system for all prospective participants. After reading applications, all applicants are invited in for small-group interviews with a panel of youth and adult trip leaders.
Participation for the 2012 Mission Trip is currently closed to new applicants. Please check back in September for information on how to apply for 2013.
How much does it cost to go?
The trip itself costs about $1,000 per person. However, we use fundraising to cover that cost for two important reasons -- (1) Not every family can comfortably contribute that amount, and (2) fundraising builds teamwork within our group before we begin working together in New Orleans, as well as awareness of what we are doing among our friends, families, and communities.
What should I bring with me?
We have a handy packing list here for you.
What will it be like when we get there?
When we arrive on Saturday evening, we will get our bags and rental cars and make our way to our home for the week. We may have an orientation to the facilities, and we will get settled in to our rooms and enjoy our first dinner together. Sunday we will all go to Mass together at St. Augustine Catholic Church, tour some of the most devastated areas of New Orleans, visit homes we've worked on before, and visit the touristy French Quarter. Monday our workday will begin with an orientation at the St. Bernard Project and head to our worksite, and continue to do so through Friday. In our off hours, we take turns helping with cooking and cleaning, we gather together for group activities, and we enjoy some social "downtime." On Saturday we will bid farewell to New Orleans and fly home.
The weather will be hot and sticky, we will be living in communal dorm-style (gender-separated) housing with bathrooms down the hall from bedrooms. It can be loud and chaotic, but it is always lots of fun.
