RAP, has nothing to do with the
type of music that youth listen to, but it does involve youth.
RAP, also known
as the Rabun Aid
Program provides an interdenominational opportunity for youth
to become involved in a mission experience. RAP is designed to offer
participants an opportunity of service, cultural exchange, spiritual growth and
Christian fellowship while serving the needs of the elderly, handicapped,
economically disadvantaged citizens of Rabun County. We would like to invite
your group to participate in this life changing opportunity. The physical,
emotional and spiritual growth that accompanies the long weekend is a blessing
to all RAPpers, youth, leaders and clients.
The typical RAP day begins in a RUSTIC, peaceful campground setting. After morning devotionals and breakfast, work teams go out into Rabun County to fulfill their assigned task and any other tasks that the client might need. These tasks can include painting, yard work, housecleaning and limited construction such as building wheelchair ramps, repairing roofs, porches, etc. The assignments may be tough but they are spiritually rewarding and coordinated to include time for the physical job, fellowship between team members and those being served.
Work teams are asked to return to camp in the afternoon, by 4 pm, so that work for the next day can be planned, allowing participants to enjoy a time of recreation and fellowship with other RAPpers (including swimming). The evening schedule includes a great 'home cooked' meal, Praise and Worship, free time and snack time.
Why Should We Attend R.A.P.?
RAP
gives each participant the opportunity to experience Christian love in action
through serving others in need, as we live out the words of Christ; "What you do
to the least of these, you do to me." New friendships are made and old ones are
strengthened in the context of a Christian community whose purposes are to serve
others in the name of Jesus and to grow in spirit as we do so. The bonds of
friendship, service and love formed during this time can be a source of growth,
strength and warm memories that will endure long after the last nail is nailed
and the last candle is extinguished. RAP 2010 will become a memory to be
cherished by all participants.
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The Dates . . .
All RAPpers are to be moved into their respective cabins ready to participate in activities by 5 p.m. on Wednesday, June 16 and are expected to participate until after lunch on Sunday, June 20.
This event is a ministry to those we serve but also to those that attend. It is essential that RAPer stay through the entire event. Leaving for even a short time, may drastically affect the entire effort of RAP.
All RAPpers must have a Profile and
Release of Claim form on file. RAP is open to the first 60 registered and paid
youth plus the adults needed to run the operation. Each participant will be
given a RAP 2010 tee-shirt.
Important Info!
~ Please respond by March 1, 2010 with a non-refundable, non-transferable deposit of $30 per person (youth, co-leaders and adults) that you will have participating. It is important that we get this information so that we can continue with our plans for RAP. Registering by March 1 will give you the early bird discount - $60 fee covers it all (Wednesday till Sunday)
~ The cost for RAP 2010 is $70 per attendee, if you register after April 1. All forms and payments are due by May 15.
~ Back by popular demand each group
will be given the opportunity to eat lunch out on Saturday. It will be at each
team members expense (bring money ~ $5 to $15) and each
team
will decide based on their work load and schedule, where they will be eating.
There will be no sack lunches available for Saturday.
~ No one under the age of 21 should bring a vehicle on the premises of the RAP camp. Due to parking problems all vehicles that are not being used by work teams or on site volunteers should be left at Clayton First UMC.
~ All groups that come must bring 1 adult driver for every 4 youth. For insurance purposes, an adult is a person that has reached 21 years of age. All groups attending must have a minimum of 1 adult leader. All groups need to bring one work group transporting vehicle (groups are 5 to 7 people).
~ Those persons that are under 21 but have graduated from high school (for at least a year) may be an assistant group leader, but may not transport campers.
~ We request that each RAPper bring a bible with them. Assistant Work Group Leaders will serve as leaders of the Daily Bible Studies.
~ The only music that should be played at RAP will be Christian music.
~ All forms and money should be turned in no later that May 15, to be able to participate in RAP 2010.
Address: RAP c/o Jeremy Noffsinger; P.O. Box 703 Clayton, GA 30525
Dear Brothers and Sisters in
Christ,
We are profoundly grateful
for your time in considering R.A.P. as a summer mission for your church's
youth. We have a very limited number of spaces available at R.A.P. so please
act quickly. Upon indication of your interest in this summer mission, we will
mail you an information packet containing registration forms and other important
documentation.
God bless you and yours as you minister in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ!
| Jeremy Noffsinger, Youth Minister & RAP Chair |
| Rev. Carol Cook, Pastor |
Please print form; fill out form; then fax to 706.782.7454 or email to umcyouth@windstream.net
Youth Hints for a Great Experience
The program, created by
Clayton First United Methodist Church in 1992, gave young adults from Rabun
County and other parts of the state the opportunity to serve the needs of the
county's elderly, disabled and economically disadvantaged residents.
This year, 42 volunteers from the ninth-grade and older formed 10 work groups,
with each one led by an adult supervisor. The groups performed home improvement
projects, yard work and other maintenance services throughout the county.
Rabun County High School senior Tyler Wells said he felt obligated to serve his
fellow residents.
"I'm glad to help," Wells said. "It's the least we can do."
Dillingham said the RAP volunteers were an answer to her prayers.
"You pray for help, and the next thing you know there are a bunch of little
angels taking care of the problem," she said. "They'll never know how much I
appreciate it."
RAP coordinator Robin Krivsky said the aid program's impact on the county was
widespread.
"I can drive you through this county and say, 'We built that deck and roof or
washed those windows,'" she said.
Another RAP client from Tiger said his only income came from Social Security,
which prevented him from paying professionals to take down dead trees in his
yard.
"I don't know what (professionals) would charge me," he said.
The resident said he was impressed with the strong work ethic displayed by the
volunteers.
"They're doing a heck of a job," he said. "I don't see anyone slacking off."
Lee Krivsky, pastor of Antioch United Methodist Church, said the program
provided young volunteers the chance to learn new skills.
"The thing that's great is it allows kids to learn a trade," Krivsky said.
RAP group leader Bryant Garland said Christian faith played an active role in
the volunteers' motives and daily activities.
"When we first arrive (on a job site), we like to say a prayer over the job, and
at lunch we have a Bible study," Garland said.
At the end of a day's work, the volunteers returned to a campground on Lake
Burton for worship services and relaxation.
RCHS freshman Seth Brown said the program gave him the opportunity to make new
friends.
"You get to hang out with friends and meet people you don't know," he said.
RCHS senior Jackson Trusty said he couldn't get enough of the volunteer
experience.
"I never want it to end," Trusty said. "It's like four days long, but I wish I
could change that."