Note: This is general information, so some of the specifics may change.
General Description of Youth Camps
Every summer, the Wesleyan Church sponsors a youth camp (called a "Youth Bible Festival") just outside the city of Vladimir. Normally, 50-100 teens attend these camps as well as many of our young adult leaders who serve as
cabin counselors. The camp usually runs from Sunday afternoon to the following Saturday morning. The staff for the camp is comprised of on-field missionaries, national leaders, and a team from overseas. The camps are evangelistic as well as discipleship oriented. The campers attend various seminars and chapels about Christian topics.
Dates for Upcoming Youth Camp Team
Please Contact Jeff Whitney for information on our next camp.
Typical Itinerary for Youth Camp Team (FLEXIBLE!)
Wednesday - Depart from USA
Thursday - Arrive at Moscow airport. You will be met there and brought to Vladimir in a chartered bus or van. Upon arriving in Vladimir, you will be checked into a Russian hotel.
Saturday - Orientation meetings in the morning.
Sunday – Worship services in Vladimir. Depart to camp location.
Sunday through Saturday – Youth Camp (see schedule below)
Saturday (after camp) - Debriefing meetings at camp (a time of reports, sharing and praises regarding each camp), and lunch. Return to city and hotel.
Sunday - Check out of hotel. Worship at Vladimir Wesleyan Church. Depart for Moscow. In Moscow there will be limited time for shopping and sightseeing.
Monday/Tuesday - Depart for USA (or it is possible to stay an extra day and night in Moscow, and depart on Tuesday –that will include additional costs)
Approximate Cost for Youth Camp Team Members
Each person is expected to raise and submit to the Russian field upon arrival the following (amounts are subject to change):
$800 to $1200 Airplane Ticket (Actual amounts will be known at time of booking)
$1000 In-Country and Camp Costs
$150 Russian Visa Costs
Once you have arrived in Russia, the only things that you will need money for will be souvenirs and personal snacks/drinks. All meals, lodging, transportation, cultural events, etc. are covered in the amount listed above. Please note that any American currency that you plan on spending in Russia must be new or nearly new bills. American currency with ink or pencil marking or if torn or excessively worn will NOT be accepted by vendors or currency exchanges. Travelers Checks are also NOT accepted.
Expectation of Youth Camp Team Members
You main role will be to build relationships with the kids. You may be asked to do various activities, which could include things
such as a teaching class, sports, or crafts (using an interpreter). The camp directors will be in contact with you prior to your departure if they need you to prepare a class or craft. You also will partner with Russians during cabin times as well as during evening programs. You are asked to be flexible in your role as well as expectations.
Screening Applicants for Youth Camp
Although the field will never reject any Youth Camp applicants without cause, we do recommend that some guidelines be met. First of all, it should be noted that this is not a mission trip for the mediocre Christian. Those who participate in this ministry are entering a spiritual battlefield and those who do not have a solid walk with the Lord are placing themselves in great danger. Second, anyone with serious health issues should be cautioned. Participants will be required to do a large amount of outdoor walking. Likewise in Moscow, there will be a significant amount of walking as you see the sights and visit the souvenir areas.
Because we do not know the applicants prior to their arrival, we are counting on the local pastor or team leader to make the call on any applicants who may not be best suited for this particular ministry.
Contact Information (E-mail Address and Phone Numbers)
Jeff Whitney, Overseas Camp Coordinator, Russia jewhitney@aol.com
Telephone: (011-7-0922) 33-49-50
Brian Burke, Field Director, Russia burkebc@juno.com
Telephone: (011-7-0922) 23-16-48
Wesleyan Christian Center, Vladimir (1-011-7-0922) 23-08-35 or 23-49-68
Steps to Take / What to Prepare
- Contact Jeff Whitney to inform him of your interest in participating the Russia Youth Camp.
- Make sure you have a valid passport that will not expire within 6 months of the intended trip. If you do not have a valid passport, apply for one as soon as possible, because you will need to have it in hand at least two months prior to your trip.
- Be in contact with Jeff regarding airline tickets, letters of invitation/visas (which are required for entry into Russia), training, and other stateside details.
- Begin gathering your financial and prayer support. We strongly recommend that you gather a broad base of prayer supporters for you and the youth camp ministry, including at least one or two who will faithfully pray for you daily. You will be entering an intense spiritual battle, and prayer is vital if we hope to be successful in this ministry.
- If you are part of a group coming from one local church or area of the country, it is recommended that you start meeting together for prayer and planning, perhaps led by your pastor, mission’s pastor, or team leader. The more time and prayer that goes into this ministry, the more fruitful it will be!
- Make sure you communicate to us any medical conditions, allergies (including food allergies), etc. that you may have.
- Each person should prepare a 5-minute personal testimony, because you may be asked to share during the daily assembly/chapel or during cabin devotions. Keep it short and simple, including your life before becoming a Christian, how you became a Christian, and your life since you became a believer in Jesus Christ
Typical Camp Schedule
8:00-8:40 Staff Meeting
8:45-9:00 Line Up
9:00-9:50 Breakfast
10:00-10:40 Cabin Devotions
10:45-11:45 Activities
12:00-1:00 Chapel
1:15-2:45 Lunch and Free Time
2:45-3:30 Preparation for Evening Program
3:30-4:30 Seminars
4:45-6:00 Team Competitions
6:00-6:45 Supper
7:15-8:30 Evening Program
9:00-9:45 Worship
10:00-10:40 Cabin Tea Time
10:40-11:00 Prepare for Bed
11:00 Lights Out
Packing List (what to bring)
As you plan for the trip, we ask that you plan to only bring one suitcase for your personal clothing, etc. In some cases, we may ask you to bring an additional suitcase of supplies or materials for the camp. These will include supplies such as craft items, candies, prizes and
gifts and may even include items that the missionaries or church need/desire that are unavailable here in Russia. Please keep all receipts for these items, as you will be reimbursed for them when you arrive. These official requests will come only from Jeff Whitney. If anyone else contacts you about bringing items for them, it is up to you whether to accept or decline.
Dress Code –While in the city, both men and women are required to wear long pants (slacks, jeans, cargos, …etc.). Ladies may wear skirts. Although trends are changing, by in large, Russians do not wear shorts on the streets. At camp, however, you may wear modest shorts. Tank tops are not permitted. You will need at least one "dressy" outfit for Sunday morning church.
Ladies will need to bring a scarf that can serve as a head covering, which will be needed if we visit to the Russian Orthodox Church.
We recommend bringing clothes that are suitable for layering, so that it is easy to add or remove clothes based on the temperature!
Gifts - During the camp, you will be working with an interpreter and possibly other Russian staff workers. The relationships that develop tend to be very special, and upon leaving you will want to leave them something by which to remember you. Something "American" or special to your area of the country is quite appropriate. Price range should be around $10 (please nothing more extravagant). We caution you to keep it small, just some token to show appreciation and to serve as a remembrance. Otherwise it turns into something that can really hinder or damage the ministry. Some good gift ideas include Christian books, CD’s, journals, …etc.
Photographs - You will also want to bring along photographs to show the kids at camp. Photos of your family, your home, holidays, pets, hobbies, etc. are a great way to share about your life in America. (Note: Please be sensitive that the contents of the pictures don’t appear overly extravagant – i.e. photos of a large home, …etc.).
Miscellaneous – Other items that may be beneficial on the trip: A travel alarm clock, camera (including film and batteries), Bible (required), pajamas, converter / adapter (if you are planning on using any electric items such as electric razor, curling iron, hair dryer), personal diary or journal, small flashlight, basic medicines (for flu, sore throat, upset stomach), & toilet paper (pocket Kleenex work great!)
Regional Information
Time Difference:
The Moscow/Vladimir Region is 8 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time.
Weather:
August: The weather during the summer is usually warm, with occasional hot or cold spells. The average temperature is usually in the high 70s during the day and in the upper 40’s to low 50’s at night. It is best to bring clothes that can be layered, so that you are prepared for any type of weather.
Russian Currency:
The national currency of Russia is the Ruble. As of December 2005, the exchange rate is 28.4 Rubles per US Dollar. The Ruble comes in the following denominations: 1,000, 500, 100, 50, and 10 (paper), and 10, 5, 2, 1 (coins). Kopecks (equivalent to US cents) are worth 1/100 of a Ruble. They come in 50, 10, 5, and 1-kopeck coins. The Ruble is a closed currency, i.e. it is not traded outside of the Russian Federation. Most exchange offices will accept either US Dollars or Euros. Once again, please note that any American currency that you bring must be new or nearly new bills. American currency with ink or pencil marking or if torn or excessively worn will NOT be accepted by currency exchange offices. Travelers checks are also NOT accepted. While a few places, such as the big tourist souvenir markets in Moscow will accept Dollars or Rubles, most places will only accept Rubles.
Geography:
The Republic of Russia with 6,593,391 square miles is the largest nation on earth, reaching from the Gulf of Finland to the Pacific Ocean. Russia still has more than 40 nationalities and 16 semi-autonomous areas.
Population:
The population is more than 150 million. Moscow has more than 9 million; St. Petersburg, 5 million;
the next three biggest cities have from 1.5 million to 3.7 million each. Vladimir, where the Wesleyan work in Russia is headquartered, is a city of 375,000. There are 7.2 million people in the 3 oblasts (states) were the Wesleyan Church is operating. Russians make up 82% of the population.
Religion:
Thirty to Seventy million people have traditionally embraced the Russian Orthodox faith. The Old Soviet Council on Religious Affairs, however, is now defunct and new ecumenical structures are being established. Islam is a strong force also, especially in the southern areas near the Caucasus Mountains.
Towards the end of the first millennium, Prince Vladimir made an alliance with Constantinople, converted to Christianity and introduced Christianity to Russia through mass baptisms. For part of Russia’s history, the city of Vladimir (rhymes with Redeemer) served as its capital.
From 1918 until 1990, communism attempted to annul Christian influence. One high ranking official puts it, "we looked the Devil in the face and our flesh is seared."
Wesleyan Churches:
As of December 2004, there are 5 Wesleyan Churches, all of them pastored by Russian ministers. Average weekly attendance ranges from 10 to 150 and there are 136 official members. There are currently 4 career and 4 Go-Net missionaries working on the Russia field. There are 6 expected to come either in the summer or fall of this coming year.