Chicago is one of the most culturally and economically diverse cities in the country. From one El stop to the next you can find almost every race and culture created by God. Millions of people from different backgrounds and economic status and religion are all searching for the same things in life- happiness, success, purpose, peace... They look to their jobs, money, and entertainment to find worth and hope. From the elite businessman who lives for his work to the homeless woman with her children on the streets...Jesus is desperately needed in Chicago.
Attractions: Shedd Aquarium Field Museum Adler Planetarium Museum of Science and Industry Art Museum Lincoln Park Zoo
River/Lake Boat Rides Navy Pier/Fireworks on Wed. nights Blue Man Group Various theater performances/concerts (give website to events calendar) Shopping on the Magnificent Mile
Sears Tower John Hancock
Millenium Park (give website with calendar of events) Buckingham Fountain
Lake Michigan- Beaches
Riding the El/Subway trains
Outside of the City: Six Flags Great America Amusement Park and Water Park Starved Rock State Park Brookfield Zoo
Eating: Gino's East Pizza Rainforest Cafe Hard Rock Cafe Ed Debevic's Cultural restaurants
Campsite
Lodging and meals at a local church campus
The following is only a sample list of available projects. Mission Encounter specializes in adapting work projects to fit the strengths and talents of each individual team.
At Mission: Encounter Chicago you will find opportunities to bring Jesus to people's lives in this city. You can serve meals to the homeless and play with children who rarely get love or attention. Visit elderly people in a nursing home to bring them joy and love for a day. Build, repair and clean buildings so that they can be used for ministry. Paint a school or church that cannot afford to hire someone. Use your music or drama skills to share the message of Christ. Run a Vacation Bible school or Sports camp to teach the Bible. Tutor children, teach English to foreigners, or teach a young girl or boy about their incredible worth in Jesus Christ. Run movie nights, clean parks, have a drive to collect toiletries, school supplies or Bibles for needy families- Be as creative as you'd like in reaching out to the people of Chicago!
Smile. Give a hug. Remember someone's name. Be the light of the world!
Chicago will know we are Christians by our love. Chicago will come to know Jesus by our love. We look forward to seeing your group here in Chicago if God leads you here to share your time with our great big city!
The following is a general outline of the weekly schedule for Camp Chicago. Please note that specific times are subject to change.
Sunday:
4:00 or later 8:00 11:00
Check-In Orientation and Team Leader/Project Meeting Curfew
Breakfast Depart for work site Lunch (brown bag at work site) Return to camp Dinner Free time (showers, games, or team devotionals) Team Leader/Project Meeting/debriefing Curfew
Friday:
7:00-8:00 8:00 11:00
Breakfast Depart for free day activities (*Lunch and Dinner NOT provided) Curfew
Mission Encounter offers you the opportunity to come to Chicago and visit the site after you have registered. These site visits will allow you to become acquainted with the camp site, walk through projects, and get to know Mission Encounter staff.
Please call to set up a date for a site inspection
Accommodations:
Q: Where do we sleep? A: Participants will be sleeping on air mattresses and cots (both not provided) at a local church.
Q: What kind of security measures are in place? A: Both buildings will be locked at curfew each night. Also, M.E. staff will be responsible for making night rounds of the campus. NOTE: Although M.E. assures that your personal belongings are safe while on campus, common sense is still required. Do not leave out wallets, purses, or jewelry. Valuables not essential to your service project should be left at home.
Below are some pictures of the church:
Projects:
Q: What is project money and how much do we need to provide? A: Project money or project funds are the means in which teams obtain the materials necessary to completing a specific project. These funds are sent directly to M.E. before the team arrives at its camp site. These funds are then combined with the funds of other teams at that particular camp site. M.E. then uses these funds to purchase materials for all the teams present at the site. The amount of project funds needed varies depending on the specifics of the project. NOTE: M.E. understands that not all teams have the financial resources as others and would never disqualify a team from participating due to lack of project funds. However, the success of our events is based on our ability to provide the necessary materials to see each project to completion. Mission Encounter strongly encourages all teams to provide $500 – 1000 for each team. This amount will also depend on the nature of the designated projects.
Q: What type of clothes should be worn on-site? A: Modesty and safety should always be kept in mind. Sturdy shoes should always be worn on project sites.
Q: Will water be provided on the work site? A: No, teams are responsible for water and ice.
Activities:
Q: What activities are available for our free day? A: There are a wide variety of activities available in Chicago. Here is a sample list that we have compiled for you.
Q: Are free day activities included in our price? A: No. All activities are done independent of your team cost for the trip.
Q: What meals are provided on free day? A: Breakfast as usual. Lunch and dinner are not provided.
Check-in/Check-out:
Q: Is check-in/check-out always on Sunday afternoon/Saturday morning? What if we want to check-in on an odd day? A: Check-in is always on Sunday afternoon after 3:00 p.m. We are no longer accepting registrations for ‘odd day’ (any day other than the designated Sunday time) check-in dates. Please contact us if you have a schedule conflict that will not allow you to check-in on Sunday afternoon. Trips are always 6 nights starting on Sunday night.
Q: How early can we check-in on Sunday? A: 3:00 p.m.
Transportation/Travel:
Q: We are flying in to the site. Is M.E. responsible for transporting us to/from the airport and to/from our work sites? A: No. Each team is responsible to provide its own transportation to/from the airport, to/from work sites, and to/from free day activities.
Shots/Vaccinations:
Q: Are shots and vaccinations required to attend? A: Yes. Each participant is required to have updated Tetanus shots.
