Wonderful LRCA High School Parents and Students,
If I haven't had the pleasure of meeting you yet, my name is Justin Kirkes, the Dean of Students for the High School. I will be coordinating our J-Term Trips for the 2018-19 school year, which is convenient because J-Term is simply my favorite time of the year! We will have incredible course offerings on campus, as well as individual internship opportunities for 10th-12th grade students, but some of the more immersive experiences available to students during J-Term are our stateside and international trips! Exposure to the wonders of the world through travel and involvement in missions is most certainly a life-changing experience that broadens and deepens our students, teaching them to care outside the "world" of a teenager.
We have eight exciting trips available for students this year. Four of our trips are educationally based, three are missions-based, and one is a mission/worship experience available only to senior students. I hope the information included helps you in deciding whether to participate in one of our J-Term trips.
If you would like to sign up for one of these trips, please contact the teacher in charge of the trip and complete the application they provide. Early trip sign-ups are helpful in coordination and cost projection, and may confer a discounted price for your trip.
Please remember that trips are a privilege and, as a participant, the students represent Christ, his/her family, and LRCA. Only students who are in good standing in regards to academics and discipline will be considered eligible for a J-Term trip.
In Christ,
Justin Kirkes
Dean of Students
J-Term Trip Coordinator
International Trips
Costa Rica: On this 9-day trip (tentative Jan. 2 - 10), students will explore Costa Rica's unique, diverse ecology and experience the country's inviting culture. From Tortuguero on the Atlantic, a nesting ground for giant sea turtles, to the treetops of SarapiquÃ, the location of Costa Rica's longest zipline, to beautiful Lake Arenal, and finally, to Guanacaste on the Pacific, students will revel in the myriad of Costa Rica's unparalleled natural and cultural beauty. Activities include exploring Tortuguero Village and canals, ziplining above the forest canopy, whitewater rafting, kayaking, hiking to La Fortuna waterfall, swimming in natural hot springs and snorkeling in Guanacaste. This trip is open to 10th, 11th, and 12th grade students and will be chaperoned by members of the Spanish department and other high school faculty and staff. For more information, see the trip description: https://www.eftours.com/tour-website/2127979NY
Cost: $2,935–3,045 (depending on the number of students who sign up) Additional prices will be paid by those wanting to zipline ($55) and white water raft ($60).
*includes round-trip airline tickets, hotel accommodations, three meals daily, all-inclusive insurance, professional and private tour guide, comprehensive sightseeing of natural attractions, and entrances to all the places listed above.
Faculty Contact: Ari Johnston at Araceli.johnston@littlerockchristian.com
Italy: On this 11-day trip, Ms. Howell and Dr. Cohu will lead students to the land of the Renaissance, the Vatican, Venice, Michelangelo, Dante, and da Vinci, immersing students in the birthplace of European culture. The trip will take students through the waterways of Venice in a gondola, to the top of the Duomo in Florence (where they will visit the Uffizi gallery in the Medici's palace and then stroll down the road to see Michelangelo's David), under St. Francis' medieval cathedral in Assisi, across the town of Siena, to the ruins of Pompeii in the shadow of Mt. Vesuvius, and finally to the Eternal City of Rome (to explore the Colosseum, the Vatican, the Sistine Chapel, and the catacombs). It is going to be an experience students will never forget! This trip is open to all 10th, 11th, and 12th grade students (11th and 12th will have priority). For more information, follow the trip's Instagram account: @lrcagoestoitaly
Cost: The approximate cost is $4,600
*includes round-trip airfare, in-city hotels, all breakfasts and dinners, all-inclusive insurance, professional and private tour-guides, and the entrance fee into all sites and attractions.
Faculty Contact: Becca Howell at rebecca.howell@littlerockchristian.com
Bahamas: On this 8-day (tentative Jan. 3 - 10) mission trip to Eleuthera, Bahamas, coordinated with United Servants Abroad, students will have the opportunity to share the Word of God with almost every elementary school-aged student on the island! Throughout the trip, students will lead presentations at elementary schools, assist with youth events at local churches, complete various jobs at Jordan Stone House, and experience a Bahamian Sunday worship service. This trip packs in a variety of fun excursions, such as seeing the Glass Window Bridge and Leon Levy Preserve, visiting gift shops, eating a local restaurants, stopping for ice cream treats, lounging on beautiful pink sand beaches, and participating in other local activities that are available during our trip dates. The team will have daily devotional time together. This trip is open to all high school students grades 9-12.
Cost: Approximately $1,800 (tax-deductible)
*includes all meals on the island, lodging, and transportation; excludes airport meals and baggage fees.
Faculty Contact: Ann Polson at ann.polson@littlerockchristian.com
Jamaica: On this 7-day mission trip (tentative Jan. 2-10), students will partner with Mission Discovery and the Jamaica Christian School for the Deaf, ministering to hearing impaired and special needs children. This project includes both construction work and sharing the love of Christ with the residents of the school. The team will also lead a Children's Bible School in the community of Eden, Jamaica, as well as spend time caring for residents at Blossom Garden Children's Home, an orphanage for more than 70 children. One of the highlights of this trip is spending time at the Westhaven Home for the severely disabled. The last day in Montego Bay will be spent enjoying the beautiful beach at Doctor's Cave. This trip is available to all high school students 9th-12th grades.
Cost: Approximately $1950
*includes all transportation, accommodations in Montego Bay, and meals at the hotel. Spending money and money for meals while traveling is not included in this cost.
Faculty Contact: Stefan Jones at stefan.jones@littlerockchristian.com
Stateside Trips
Arizona and Southwest Utah: The amazing 6-day adventure (Jan. 3 - 8) of Chasms, Canyons, and Creation will start in Las Vegas with a visit to Red Rock National Conservation Area and meander to Southwest Utah where students will experience Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks. From there, the group will take in the ineffable grandeur of the Grand Canyon, returning by way of one of the marvels of modern man, the Hoover Dam. Throughout this trip, students will have the opportunity to experience God's creativity and majesty as they hike and experience some of the most breathtaking scenery in the United States. With faculty member Brandon Jeffus, students will explore the historical and scientific significance of these areas, investigating Aztec sandstone formations, Puebloan petroglyphs, exploring the multitude of biomes in Zion National Park, and examining the rock formations and sedimentary layers of the Grand Canyon. This trip is available to all high school students 9th-12th grades. For more information, see trip description: https://trips.grandclassroom.com/Trip/Index/LRCAGrandCanyonTrip2019
Cost: Approximately $2,563
*includes transportation, accommodations, insurance, tickets to attractions, meals and a 24-hour guide
Faculty Contact: Brandon Jeffus at brandon.jeffus@littlerockchristian.com
California: Join the Fine Arts Department on an 9-day excursion (December 31-January 7) to the Los Angeles area where students will explore a wide range of artistic experiences and career possibilities in both visual and performing arts. This trip will start with bandstand seats for the Tournament of Roses parade in Pasadena, CA where students will observe the artistry of the floats as well as a variety of performances. Students will have the opportunity to tour museums, galleries, and studios in the Los Angeles area, and then participate in animator and performance workshop with Disneyland Studios. Students will also participate in a two-day workshop at A Noise Within, exploring all aspects of theater from language and stage combat to costume and set design. Students will have time to sketch in an area of the country many great artists have used as inspiration. Students will also attend multiple performances at theaters, including the Pantages. This trip is open to all 10th, 11th, and 12th grade students (with priority given to students with an interest in the arts).
Cost: Approximately $2,800
*Includes round-trip airfare, all hotel and transportation costs, breakfast and dinners during the trip, two-day passes to Disneyland, and all tickets and admissions.
Faculty Contact: Hollie Shepherd at hollie.shepherd@littlerockchristian.com
Houston: This 6-7-day mission trip (tentative Jan. 3-10) provides the opportunity for students to be the hands and feet of Jesus to the Houston community. LRCA students and teachers will be a part of the rebuilding efforts in a city that was drastically damaged by Hurricane Harvey, partnering with local churches to assist in meeting physical needs and playing an important role in meeting the emotional and spiritual needs of those impacted by the storm. Projects can range from manual labor, clearing debris, painting, feeding local workers, or helping local ministries continue their service of the Houston people directly impacted by the storm. Interested students must be prepared for rough conditions, potential exposure to hazardous materials, or other concerns associated with storm damage situations. Ministry housing will likely mean sleeping on floors and participants will bring their own linens and toiletries. Each day will end with devotions. This trip is available to all high school students 9th-12th grades.
Cost: Approximately $800
*Includes transportation, ministry-style housing, and all meals on work days. Additional cost for food on travel and sightseeing days (2 travel, 1 sightseeing).
Faculty Contact: Brian Gibson at brian.gibson@littlerockchristian.com
Passion Conference in Atlanta: Seniors who attend the 3-day Passion 2019 conference (Jan. 2-5) will join thousands of other 18-25 year olds and their leaders in Atlanta, Georgia, uniting in worship, prayer, and justice for spiritual awakening in this generation. From its start in 1995, the passion movement has had a singular mission- calling students from campuses across the nation and around the world to live for what matters most. Speakers this year include Louie Giglio, Matt Chandler, and Christine Caine with worship led by David Crowder, Kari Jobe and Cody Carnes, and Lecrae. This trip is only available to 12th grade high school students. For more info please visit: https://268generation.com/passion2019/
Cost: Approximately $500 (based on the number of registrants; more details later)
*includes conference registration, hotel, and transportation.
Faculty Contact: Patrick Salman at patrick.salman@littlerockchristian.com
Thank you for your time and attention!
If you have any questions about how J-Term works, or you would like to learn more about the philosophy behind J-Term, please visit the J-Term webpage by clicking below.
