What is Core?
Core is a concentrated focus on developing the spiritual core of each of our HS students. It is primarily our attempt at creating a change in attitude and priority from being a Sunday-go-to–church-Christian to a devoted follower of Jesus Christ. It is our ministry’s continued response to the overwhelming dropout rate of our children. (Studies show that 70 to 80% of students leave the church within two years of graduation.)
Core is our way of increasing meaningful participation within the ministry. It will also be our way of creating more opportunities for students to be involved in a mentoring relationship with mature Christian adults.
How does Core work?
· Students will sign up to be a part of the Core and pay the $15.00 fee.
· This means they agree to be a part of a Core Group, a small group which meets separately. These will be divided by gender.
· Students are only committing for one Core Season at a time. There is a fall, winter, and spring season. Each season will last for six weeks at a time.
· Students will earn points for attending Sunday School, the Element, and their Core Group. There will also be scripture memorization. From time to time there will be extra service activities that students can earn points by their participation.
· There will be a Retreat at the end of each Core Season. If a student has accumulated enough points they will be eligible to participate in the Retreat.
· It is our hope that parents and students will see the value of this commitment regardless of their availability to attend the Retreat.
· Most groups meet on Sundays. Sometimes we have a group that meets on another night. Students will be able to sign up for the time that best suits them.
The Point System:
· The student must have 40 points. (39 pts. will not work)
· Sundays School Class 2 points each week
· The Element 2 points each week
· Core Group 4 points each week
· Memory Work 1 point for each passage
· Service Activities 2 to 5 points depending on the project
· Students will be responsible for marking the attendance sheet each week for Sunday School and for the Element. The Core Group Leader will report on their attendance.
The Winter Season:
· Registration is December 4th – 18th
· The season begins January 1st.
· The season ends the week of February 12th.
· The Winter Retreat is at Michiana Christian Service Camp in Niles, MI. February 17-19th.
* This includes a day of snow skiing at Bittersweet.
* The cost is $75.00 for the Retreat + three road meals.
* The cost for skiing is $60 to $70. (This is optional)
* We will be leaving at 1:30 on Friday, which means your student will need to get early dismal from school on that day.
The Spring Season:
· Registration is March 25 – April 8
· The season begins April 15.
· The season ends the week of May 20th.
· The Retreat will be Camp at the Beach in Daytona, FL. July 8-14.
* The cost for this will be $350 + meals.
***A deposit of $60.00 will need to be made on Nov. 1.
** If the student should not qualify for this retreat a full refund will be made.
** The balance will need to be paid in full by May 20th.