3421 Sierra Drive, Birmingham, AL 35216 • 800-769-0210

© Passport, Inc. 2012 all rights reserved

About the trip

Since 2005 Passport has partnered with Africa Exchange (www.africaexchange.org) to provide a unique international opportunity.  The goal of PASSPORTKenya is to offer mature, Christian youth from the United States a life-changing week of interaction, fun, service and learning with our brothers and sisters in Christ on the other side of the globe! PASSPORTKenya is not designed to be just a mission trip, but a cross-cultural exchange--a dialogue about faith and an opportunity to work alongside each other on mission.

The camp week includes all of the elements familiar to US Passport campers: daily Bible study, recreation, free time, worship, and a nightly party to name a few.  In this unique context, all of the elements take on new meaning and as we build relationships with our Kenyan friends.  Experienced Passport staffers from the U.S. and trained youth leaders from Kenya make up the program team. All campers will stay together in cottage style housing and eat common meals.

This year, we will conclude camp with a 2-day mission experience by traveling to Lake Baringo National Park where we will camp for two nights and work on mission together at a child development center in rural Kenya. Following camp, we will travel on safari (including game drives) to Maasi Mara or Lake Nakuru

Cost

Total cost will be ~$3750 (The final cost will be set when airline tickets are reserved). Included in the cost is airfare from departing airport, room, board, safari, visa, a week of camp (including all camp supplies and a camp t-shirt) and travel insurance.  Also included in the cost is a $100 contribution to Africa Exchange.  A $50 deposit is required for the initial registration, and a $200 application fee is due with the application. These may be refundable, as described below.  Each group is responsible for the travel arrangements and cost to and from the Atlanta airport prior to and following the trip.

New this year: Churches who have participated in PASSPORTKenya previously are also asked to raise a minimum additional donation of $1000 for Africa Exchange.  Africa Exchange is an invaluable partner in the production of PASSPORTKenya.  Students will experience some of the great work of Africa Exchange when we visit and work at one of their Integrated Child Development Centers (ICDC) in Loongeiwuan.

We request that this donation be made by the church, or fund-raised by the youth group and not passed on as a cost to the parents of participating students.

Requirements and Application

Because space is limited, an application process is required for each participant.  Each church group must be at least 2 (1 adult and 1 youth) but may not exceed 12 participants (10 youth and 2 adults). The adult/student ratio for the trip is one adult per 5 students.  No individual applications will be accepted, because this trip is designed for church groups participating together.  At the time of registration, you may place additional participants on a wait list and should space become available, additional participants from your group may be invited to apply.  In an effort to encourage as many churches to participate as possible, Passport may limit the number of applicants for a church in order to provide a balanced camp experience for the entire group.  This is due to one of our foundational goals in this partnership with Africa Exchange, to expose as many churches as possible to the good work of the Africa Exchange team.

PASSPORTKenya is for high school students who will have just completed the 10th, 11th and 12th grade only.  Returning PASSPORTKenya churches may apply but returning participants may not.

            Application Requirements:

•Students applying for PASSPORTKenya will be asked to write an articulate statement of their active Christian faith with a noticeable maturity while exhibiting sensitivity to global cultures.  The experience is demanding, and applicants should be physically and emotionally healthy.

•Applicants must be registered with their group online before the application will be considered.  Online registration opens September 15, 2011.

•All applications are due October 15, 2011.

•The application consists of essay questions, parent consent and medical release forms, and a recommendation from a minister and another adult in your congregation.  Applications are considered carefully and prayerfully by Passport.

•Include the application fee of $200 (refundable according to the payment and cancellations policy below) and all references along with the application and mail to:

PASSPORTKenya

c/o Passport, Inc.

3421 Sierra Drive

Birmingham, AL 35216

Application and Payment Timeline

September 15, 2011 - Registration opens for PASSPORTKenya at

www.passportcamps.org/registration.  $50 deposit due for each participant.

October 15, 2011 - All applications along with $200 application fee due.

November 1, 2011 – Group leaders will be notified as to the status of their students’ application.

December 15, 2011 - First installment of $1500 due.

February 1, 2012 – Second installment of $1000 due.

April 1, 2012 – Final payment of $1000 due.  Photocopy of passport due to Passport, Inc. office.

Post-Application Requirements

Requirements to be completed prior to the trip include:

•Reading a book (assigned by Passport) and writing a response paper

•Working at a local mission site

•Completing a cross-cultural Bible study (provided by Passport)

In addition to these requirements: travelers will be allowed only one personal suitcase and a carry-on backpack. The second allowable checked suitcase will be designated for Passport’s use for the delivery of camp and mission supplies.  A detailed Group Leader Packet will be sent in late winter with any additional details needed to prepare for PASSPORTKenya, along with any supplies which may need to be collected.

Registration

Registration for PASSPORTKenya opens September 15, 2011.  Space is available on a first come, first served basis. Register online at www.passportcamps.org/registration.  Although there will not be a deposit required to make an initial registration, each group is responsible for sending a check for $50 per participant (adult and youth) within 1 week of registration.  Checks may also be sent prior to registration opening; however, this will not reserve your space.  Online registration is required for each group.

Payments and Cancellations

All payments must be made by check (except deposit which can be check or credit card).  If an application is received but not accepted, the deposit and application fee for that individual will be fully refunded. If a registration and application is accepted but is cancelled prior to December 15, the deposit and application fee is non-refundable, but any payments received above the deposit amount will be refunded.  After December 15, each payment is non-refundable.  If an entire group must cancel, none of the deposits or application fees will be refunded.

Each payment installment is non-refundable after the installment due date. Once tickets are purchased, any charges related to changes to tickets will be the responsibility of the ticket holder (change of name, etc.). Because prices for travel and room and board are determined by a confirmed group rate there is no refund available for last minute cancellations.

Questions about PASSPORTKenya? 

Contact Daniel Ingram daniel@passportcamps.org