CIRCLE. CIRCLEof. FRIENDS of COOKSON HILLS MISSION TRIPS TABLE OF CONTENTS. RR 3 Box 200 Kansas, OK cooksonhills.

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1 TABLE OF CONTENTS About Cookson Hills... 2 Trip Preparation... 3 Directions/Arrival... 4 Things To Bring... 5 Dress Code... 6 Application... 7 CIRCLEof CIRCLE FRIENDS of COOKSON HILLS MISSION TRIPS Medical Authorization... 8 Consent & Release Form*... 9 Questionnaire Campus Map *Only applies to those participating in Adventure Retreats RR 3 Box 200 Kansas, OK cooksonhills.org

2 [ ABOUT COOKSON HILLS ] Set on more than 1,000 acres in the foothills of the Ozark Mountains in rural Northeastern Oklahoma, Cookson Hills provides a rustic and relaxing retreat for children requiring out-of-home care. Since its beginning, Cookson Hills has sought to serve the church by actively placing children and working with families associated with partnering local-church ministries. Children are also placed through state agencies, individual referrals, and voluntary family placements. Family units are composed of a married couple, their children, and placed children. FAMILY-STYLE LIVING Surrogate Mom & Dad Environment of love, support, structure, discipline, and guidance Family activities Daily prayer and devotions SPIRITUAL FORMATION Bible classes Regular church attendance Small group Bible studies Special spiritual growth events Adventure based summer camp CHRISTIAN COUNSELING Talk, play, and art therapy Equine assisted therapy Individual and group therapy Family counseling and training Psychoeducational groups CHRISTIAN EDUCATION Computer assisted and classroom instruction Small classes High School credit recovery program G.E.D. program Sports, activites, 4-Him Commitment to student success OUR VISION To restore children and families in crisis to a life-changing relationship with Christ. OUR MISSION Cookson Hills exists to serve our ministry partners by providing Christ-centered services to children and families in crisis. OUR PLEDGE Offering help, hope, and healing to children and families in crisis. 2

3 [ TRIP PREPARATION & PLANNING ] PRAY Pray that the Lord will be glorified through your work at Cookson Hills. Pray for your team members, that they will work together enthusiastically and effectively. Pray for your family and church members, thanking them for their support of your mission work. Pray for safety in your service and travels to and from the mission. Pray for Cookson Hills and the lives of children and families who are receiving help, hope, and healing. PARTICIPANTS Remember the purpose of the trip is to join up with us in serving the Lord at Cookson Hills. There is a variety of work, so group members need to be willing to work hard and be flexible. We hope this trip will enrich you and your group. High school groups need to have a 7:1 ratio of students to sponsors. PRE-TRIP MEETINGS Prior Planning Prevents Poor Performance. Meetings can be a time for prayer, team building, and discussing the materials contained in this handbook. Each member must complete paperwork from this packet on pages 7 and 8. If possible, send forms to Cookson Hills one week prior to arrival. You will be spending a lot of time together, so you may want to discuss the challenges your team will face. Use this time to orient your team to the mission and project you will be serving in and to strengthen the team unity. IDENTIFY LEADERSHIP It is helpful for us to know who will lead your group while at Cookson Hills. REMAIN FLEXIBLE Several factors impact projects: group skills; length of time they have to serve; funds for the project; Ministry plans; supervision to complete a project; and the weather can limit our efforts. Unexpected things happen... so be flexible and willing to change plans if necessary. PRAYER PARTNERS Encourage your church to be involved and help with different aspects of your trip. Your team will likely sense a deeper commitment when they have the church family behind them. Fund raising, organizing, equipping, and serving as prayer partners are good ways to create involvement. If members back home want to send encouraging notes, just send to Cookson Hills Attn: Mission Trip, with the group name/individual name on the envelope. QUIET TIME & DEVOTIONS We encourage you set aside some time for devotions. You may want to assign different team members to present the Word for the day. COST The ministry requires $25 per night per volunteer to cover housing and meal costs. This helps Cookson Hills retain mission dollars for mission critical expenses. Groups are asked to help fund a project that they are capable of completing. We have a range of projects with associated costs and skills required. You can help us evaluate your group by completing the form on page 10 and sending it to us as soon as possible. High school groups are asked to make a $100 donation to secure a spot on our summer work group calendar. The donation can be applied towards the group project cost. HOUSING Housing will be provided primarily in our bunkhouse. There are two dormitory style rooms with bunk beds separated by bathrooms. Each dorm room has a private entry and will sleep 12 and 16 people. It comes with heat, air, refrigerator, microwave, and phone. WORKING WITH THE CHILDREN... may occur on an occasional basis, but should not be an expectation. Current licensing regulations and staff supervision requirements limit this opportunity. We want you to have time to interact with families and we plan for that during your stay. 3

4 [ DIRECTIONS ] KANSAS Coffeyville Miami Pittsburg Joplin Neosho 44 MISSOURI Springfield ON A MAP Find Tulsa, OK and look straight east along Highway 412 or just west of Siloam Springs, AR. Cookson Hills is located 5 miles south of Kansas, OK on Highway 10. Bartlesville Tulsa 44 Vinita 44 Tahlequah Kansas Siloam Springs COOKSON HILLS Bentonville Springdale Fayetteville 412 ONLINE MAPS If you using Google, MapQuest, or Bing; type in Kansas, OK and this will get you to our closest map landmark. Type this address into your web browser to be shown our exact location on Google maps. OKLAHOMA 10 ARKANSAS GPS COORDINATES: N , W [ ARRIVAL ] WHEN YOU ARRIVE Upon arrival, the volunteer coordinator will meet you to help get you settled. If consent forms were not sent in advance, they should be turned in, and we will brief you on some of the basic rules and expectations for your stay on campus A campus tour and orientation for the group can take about two hours, usually held on the day of arrival. WORK PROJECTS & TOOLS Projects can range from technical projects such as electrical wiring or computer networking to basic projects like painting, cleaning, or organizing and everything in between. We try and consider the abilities of our groups as well as ministry needs as we make plans. Some groups will work alongside Cookson Hills employees who will direct the project through to completion. The ministry will provide the tools needed for projects, though you are welcome to bring your own tools. Please treat tools with care and use them for their intended purpose. TRANSPORTATION Transportation will need to be provided by you, unless it relates to the activities planned by the ministry. Other vehicles used for work projects must be operated by Cookson Hills personnel unless approved otherwise. MEALS Meals are usually provided in our dining hall on weekdays only. Weekend meals are no longer served in the dining halls. If you could plan ahead to make provisions for your weekend meals, that would be a big help to us. We ask that you please be prompt at meal times, because this can affect other families. Mealtime and clean up takes about 20 minutes. The routine is important to the children. Please help us maintain this routine by being respectful of the time limits. You will need to designate a breakfast coordinator to prepare/organize breakfast during your stay. We will provide the necessary items from our campus food store. You may choose to serve cereal or prepare a hot breakfast or a mix of both during your stay. FREE TIME/OFF CAMPUS OPPORTUNITIES Anything you would like to do during your free time that is on-campus will need to be communicated to the mission trip coordinator in advance. You will be on your own for any off-campus opportunities. A list of possible things to do in the area can be provided. If you have questions or need anything during your stay, please contact: Kevin Etcher Mission Trip Coordinator missiontrip@cooksonhills.org x327 4

5 THINGS TO BRING NOTE: This is only a guide, so consider the specific needs of your group. a Sleeping bag or twin bedding / pillow a Toiletries and towels a Sunscreen, hat, bug repellent - Be prepared to work outdoors a Water bottle - Water jugs are provided at work sites, but bringing a personal bottle is a good idea a Work clothes that are appropriate - Check the dress code on page 6! a Shoes safe to work in - Something that laces up with non-slip sole a Shower Shoes - Flip-flops, etc. a Work gloves, sunglasses - Some prefer eye and/or ear protection as well a Frisbees, balls and gloves, or other outdoor activity items DO NOT BRING TOBACCO! Cookson Hills is a tobacco free campus. Thank you! THE BUNKHOUSE Sleeps up to 28 - With 12 on one side and 16 on the other Amenities: Heat, AC, refrigerator/freezer, and small kitchen appliances Phone access: The phone number is x109 and can be used with a calling card. DINING HALLS Meals are provided in our dining halls on weekdays only. Mealtime lasts about 20 minutes from start until cleanup Please be on time at mealtimes so families are able to maintain routines and schedules. GROUP LEADERS, PLEASE KEEP THESE IN MIND... At least one male and one female sponsor on the trip maintain a 7:1 ratio. If you want to plan a time to swim or canoe at the river, take a trip to town for ice cream, or take advantage of off campus endeavors plan and communicate that in advance so we can schedule it. Kids may not wander the campus unattended. Dress modestly, guidelines are enclosed in this packet. Be flexible. Routines at Cookson Hills are necessary to maintain continuity, be sensitive. The use or possession of tobacco, alcoholic beverages, and illegal substances is prohibited. Listen, be friendly, but don t counsel. Help us take care of the facilities, furnishings, and equipment. Possession of firearms, fireworks, or flammable materials by visiting groups is prohibited. To protect the privacy of children in care, do not take pictures of the children. If you would like video or pictures, our promotion department can provide materials for you, your church, or group. No one convicted of abuse or mistreatment of children is allowed on the grounds of Cookson Hills Christian Ministries. How you can help after you depart from the mission... PRAY FOR US Pray for the staff, that we will continue to build bridges of hope for children. Pray for the children and their families to accept Christ as Lord of all. FINANCIAL SUPPORT The ministry relies solely on the support of churches and individuals who believe in the work being done at Cookson Hills. God may use you personally to give or encourage others who can give to the mission. DONATE GOODS & SERVICES Maybe during your visit, the Lord has shown you ways you can contribute to the success of the mission by donating gently used clothing, box tops for education, or expertise to help us achieve our goals. JOIN OUR STAFF We are always looking for mature Christians who have been blessed with the calling, character, and competence to serve the Lord by building bridges of hope for hurting children to our Lord Jesus Christ. 5

6 [ CHCM OFFICIAL GUEST DRESS CODE ] No short shorts, mid-thigh please. No midriff shirts. No tight or form fitting tops or pants/shorts. No spaghetti straps, but modest tank-tops are fine. Pull them up!! Only one-piece swim wear please. No tank-tops in the dining halls. PLEASE DRESS COMFORTABLY, BUT CHRIST-LIKE! 6

7 [ CHCM ON-CAMPUS VOLUNTEER APPLICATION ] Volunteer Name: Address: City: State: Zip Code: Phone (Work): Phone (Home): Address: a Yes a No Please add my name to the Cookson Hills mailing list. a Yes a No I prefer to receive information electronically. Child Welfare Have you ever been involved in a child welfare investigation in this or any other state? a Yes a No If yes, please provide additional information on back of form. Criminal History Have you ever been convicted of or entered a plea of guilty or nolo contendere (no contest) to any criminal activity involving violence against a person; child abuse or neglect; possession, sale or distribution of illegal drugs; sexual misconduct; gross irresponsibility or disregard for the safety of others? a Yes a No If yes, please provide additional information on back of form. I hereby certify that this information is true and complete to the best of my knowledge. Signature: _ Date: If you answered yes to the question about criminal history, you are not allowed by law to be a volunteer who would be able to be alone with a child. A yes answer to the question about child welfare investigations, Cookson Hills must determine proper limits up to the possibility of denying any and all volunteer service opportunities and may require limitations for interactions with Cookson Hills children in any way. RECOMMENDATION FOR SERVICE I,, based on my knowledge of recommend him/her for volunteer service with Cookson Hills Christian Ministries. I know that he/she may be working on a one-on-one basis with a child. I have known him/her for years and have witnessed consistent Christian character and conduct in his/her life and recommend him/her to serve without reservation. Signature: Position: Address: Phone: 7

8 [ MEDICAL CARE AUTHORIZATION & LIABILITY RELEASE ] I,, hereby grant authority for my mission sponsor,, and Cookson Hills Christian Ministries to seek appropriate medical treatment/attention or make health care decisions on my behalf as may be required by emergency circumstances. Circumstances may include but are not limited to medical doctors, hospital visits, dental care, and other medical procedures. I understand that I am responsible for any charges or other costs that may be incurred as a result of medical care and/or attention. INSURANCE INFORMATION REQUIRED: Name of insured: Name of insurance company: Policy/Group number: Date of birth: I, and my heirs, in consideration of my participation in activities at Cookson Hills Christian School, hereby release Cookson Hills, including the Board of Directors, the executive director, its officers, employees and agents, and any other people officially connected with this entity, from any and all liability for damage to or loss of personal property, sickness or injury from whatever source, legal entanglements, imprisonment, death, or loss of money, which might occur while participating in an event held on its property. Specifically, I release said persons from any liability or responsibility for my physical condition, for the condition or selection of course route and for the presence or actions of any other participants. I am aware of the risks of participation, which include, but are not limited to, the possibility of sprained muscles and ligaments, broken bones and fatigue. I hereby state that I accept responsibility for the activity which I choose to engage in. I understand that participation in any activity is strictly voluntary and I freely chose to participate. I understand that Cookson Hills does not provide medical coverage for me. I verify that I will be responsible for any medical costs I incur as a result of my participation. Participant (print): Signature of Participant: Date: Signature of Parent (if participant is a minor): Date: 8

9 [ HIGH & LOW ROPES/EQUINE ACTIVITY: CONSENT & RELEASE FORM ] NOTE: This page only needs completed if you are participating in ADVENTURE RETREATS I, the undersigned understand that I may be participating in the High/Low Ropes Challenge Course and/or Equine Activities at Cookson Hills Christian School, Inc.. Any medical conditions which may be relevant to a physician in the event of an emergency, have been listed below. In the event an emergency occurs I hereby authorize Cookson Hills Christian School, Inc. and/or (sponsor) to authorize emergency medical procedures and/or services as needed. I understand that my participation is not required but optional. I UNDERSTAND AND HEREBY AGREE TO FULL AND TOTAL RESPONSIBILITY AND LIABILITY WHICH MAY BE ENCOUNTERED DURING HIGH ROPES ACTIVITIES, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO TRANSPORTATION ACTIVITIES, PRELIMINARY ACTIVITIES, WARM-UP ACTIVI- TIES, HARNESSING ACTIVITIES, CLIMBING ACTIVITIES, TRAVERSING ACTIVITIES, GROUP AND INDIVIDUAL ACTIVITIES, MOUNTING AND DISMOUNTING ACTIVITIES, GROOMING ACTIVITIES, GAMES, AND DEBRIEFING ACTIVITIES. I agree to hold Cookson Hills Christian School, Inc., its agents, assigns and employees, harmless from any and all liability, actions, causes of actions, claims, expenses, and damages on account of injury to myself or my property, even injury resulting in death, which I now have or which may arise in the future in connection with the activity or participation in any other associated activities. I expressly agree that this release, waiver, and indemnity agreement is intended to be as broad and inclusive as permitted by the law of the State of Oklahoma and that if any portion thereof is held invalid, it is agreed that the balance shall, notwithstanding, continue in full legal force and effect. This release contains the entire agreement between the parties hereto and the terms of this release are contractual and not a mere recital. I further state that I HAVE CAREFULLY READ THE FOREGOING RELEASE AND KNOW THE CONTENTS THEREOF AND I SIGN THIS RELEASE AS AN ACT OF MY OWN FREE WILL. This is a legally binding agreement which I have read and understand.' Signature of Participant: Date: Signature of Parent (if participant is a minor): Date: Medical Conditions to be aware of: 9

10 [ MISSION GROUP PLANNING QUESTIONNAIRE ] CONTACT INFORMATION Name of Church/Group: Group Leader: Street Address: City, State, Zip Code: Phone: Address: Is your group a financial partner with Cookson Hills? GROUP INFORMATION Group s accommodation costs are $25 a night/per person (includes lodging and meals). Number in Group: Males: Females: Adults: College: 9 th 12 th : 8 th grade/under: Arrival Date: Arrival Time: Departure Date: Departure Time: Our group is looking to fund a project between $ and $ SPECIAL SKILLS Summarize special skills or trades that your group will be bringing. COMMENTS 10

11 [ CAMPUS MAP ] 11