Church youth groups from all over the US travel to one of the summer sites for an unforgettable week of serving, learning, worship and fellowship.  SSP is open to all churches. Youth from United Methodist, Episcopal, Lutheran, Presbyterian and United Church of Christ churches are all part of SSP’s network. SSP is affiliated with the United Methodist Church, but welcomes groups from all churches.

To participate in the Junior High Program, youth must be entering 7th or 8th grade the following school year.

To participate in the High School Program, youth must be between those entering 9th grade and those who have just graduated high school.

SSP is dedicated to creating a smaller group environment at our service projects, with about 55 participants each week. A smaller group creates a more intimate setting where youth are safe to grow in their faith, create many new friendships and experience acceptance and love for who they are right now on their personal journey.

We intentionally mix the groups that come into different work teams which helps build community amongst church groups.

For our Junior High Program, group size is limited to a total of 20 youth and adults from any one church per site each week.

For our Senior High Program, group size is limited to a total of 30 youth and adults from any one church per site each week.

Each day at SSP consists of a full day repairing homes, team building activities, singing, sharing homemade meals together, reflecting on the experience, and a program centered around the summer theme.

At least one evening is devoted to learning about the local community, including tribal culture, traditions, history and future. In Los Angeles the group takes a bus tour of South Los Angeles and Downtown, visits social agencies and has local speakers. Every Wednesday afternoon is spent relaxing and rejuvenating, usually at a water spot (if available), including a BBQ.

Junior High		Senior High
Week 1: July 1 – July 6		Week 1: July 1 – July 7
Week 2: July 8 – July 13		Week 2: July 8 – July 14
Week 3: July 15 – July 20		Week 3: July 15 – July 21
Week 4: July 22 – July 27		Week 4: July 22 – July 28
Week 5: July 29 – August 3		Week 5: July 29 – August 4
Week 6: August 5 – August 10		Week 6: August 5 – August 11

Note: Junior High programs begin on Sunday afternoon and end on Friday morning.

Note: Senior High programs begin on Sunday afternoon and end on Saturday morning.

Safety of every type – physical and emotional – is our top priority.  We want each youth to have the best possible experience so we create an environment dedicated to safety, adequate rest, nutritious meals and snacks, and lots of emotional and spiritual support for everyone. Each week begins with a safety presentation before anyone begins service work.

Each program location is staffed by a Site Director, Spiritual Life Coordinator, three Construction Team members and two Cooks. They are trained and present at the site for the entire summer, working with the community to provide quality service opportunities. The Staff participates in a ten-day training which consists of hands-on job specific training, sessions on leadership, conflict resolution, youth ministry, and cultural sensitivity among others. This training equips these young adults to be prepared for difficult situations that they may encounter over the summer.

At site, groups will need to provide their own transportation to and from the work sites each day. Because work teams are composed of six to eight people, minivans and cars work best. Our policy and the law requires that seatbelts be used by all occupants. 15-Passenger vans have been shown to be very unsafe. We strongly urge you not to use these vehicles.

Van Rental Information:

SSP has been able to arrange for a special rate with Enterprise Rent-A-Car for the rental of vans in California for your trip to SSP this summer.  If you choose to take advantage of this, you need to remember that this arrangement is between you and Enterprise Rent-A-Car.  SSP can take no responsibility for reservation problems or any other problems that might arise.

Rate Information (California only): 7-passenger Minivan:  $63/day; $347/week

To take advantage of these rates:

• Call: 1-800-Rent-A-Car or 1-800-736-8222
• Or visit www.enterprise.com
• Corporate Account Number: 30C2900
• Pin: SIE
• Tell them: "We are a Sierra Service Project Church."

Churches outside California: Send an email message to Ivayla K. Voyvodova, referring to our Corporate Account Number and stating that you are interested in taking advantage of this contract.  She will then contact your nearest rental agency and let you know if those rates are available to you.

Recommendation: Regardless of where you rent your vans, we strongly advise you to call one week ahead of your pick-up date and the day before to verify that your reservation is intact and your vehicles are there.

The Summer Program costs $360 per participant. We offer a $35 discount per participant to encourage new groups to enroll.

Payment Type	Due Date	Amount
Deposit	At registration to reserve spaces	$60 per participant
2nd Payment	March 1st, 2012	$200 per participant
Final Payment	June 1st, 2012	$100 per participant ($65 for new groups)

The fees cover all accommodations, meals, program supplies, building materials and tools, a T-shirt for each participant and supplemental health insurance (excess coverage only).

Financial Assistance: SSP has some financial assistance available for individuals. Download an application.

Registration material for the following summer will be available by September 15th; priority registrations are to be postmarked no later than November 15th. If there are specific weeks or project locations that you prefer, we highly suggest turning in your group's registration before then as some weeks are more highly impacted than others. Open spaces after that date will be updated under current availability as groups register throughout the year.

Download the registration packet and forms.  After you download and read the packet, call our office at (916)488-6441 if you have any further questions.