Frequently Asked Questions
If you have a question about a CSM Mission Trip, this page might contain your answer.
QUICK LINKS:General Questions
Trip Registration
Trip Logistics
Trip Payments
GENERAL QUESTIONS
For questions about our COVID-19 Safety Measures, click here.
Q: What is CSM’s current mission trip theme?
Our theme for mission trips during the Summer of 2022, Fall/Winter of 2022 and Spring of 2023 is Love Thy Neighbor.
We will be talking about things like: what does it look like to be a neighbor and how is love the driving force behind it? We will explore conversations around equity vs. equality, value vs. fairness and how this connects to loving your neighbor and how the Gospel lays as the foundation. We will talk about bestowing dignity and value on and in people. We will do this through disrupting students using their experiences from serving and from conversations.
Q: What are your locations?
We currently offer mission trips to:
Washington, D.C
Nashville, TN
Kansas City, MO
To learn more about our mission trip locations, click here
Q: Who is CYMT?
CYMT (Center for Youth Ministry Training) is our strategic partner. Their initiative, Theology Together, creates resources and curriculum for immersion experiences, such as those we put on here at CSM. Their resources help us:
Positions youth and their communities into spaces of service, storytelling, and exposure that disrupts and challenges their views of the world.
Equips youth and their communities to engage in theological conversations, helping to bridge youths’ experiences with meaningful reflection.
Challenges youth and their communities to build ministry spaces and practices using ‘everyday disruption’ as the foundation for everyday faith formation.
Q: What is Theology Together?
In 2013, Dr. Andrew Zirshcky and Rev. Dietrich Kirk developed the Theology Together project. Theology Together was devised to be a theology program that values all youth as theologians.
Theology Together educates teenagers and youth workers together to engage in theological reflection, spiritual practice, vital service, and vocational discernment, producing reflective action embedded in the fabric of youth ministry in all of its contexts.
CSM is utilizing the Theology Together curriculum as part of our mission trip programming.
Q: Does CSM provide any pre-trip materials?
Yes! Once you are registered, you will receive a password to access the Trip Leader Resource page. There you will find resources and downloads to help you get ready for the trip.
Q: I’m not receiving any emails from CSM!
Check your spam folder. Most of our reminder emails are automated and may end up there.
TRIP REGISTRATION
Q: How far in advance should I book my trip?
The deadline to register is 45 days before the start of the trip. However, availability changes just about every day. Most spring break & summer weeks will fill up quicker than others. We suggest registering as soon as possible to guarantee the dates you want.
Q: How long are your trips?
October – February: Trips can be 24 hours, 2 nights, or 5 nights.
March & April: Only weekend (Friday – Sunday) or 5 night trips (Starting on Sunday evening)
May: Call for availability
June – August: All 5-night trips starting on Sunday evening, ending on Friday morning.
Q: Is a deposit required?
Yes. We cannot set aside any specific dates for your group until you’ve made a deposit. The deposit will be 20% of the total cost per person.
Q: What is a Serving Group?
The sites that you will serve in during your trip with CSM cannot typically accommodate more than 14 people at a time. We set our serving group restrictions based off of the needs of our partners. If you are bringing 2 serving groups on your trip, this means that we will be splitting your team into 2 groups with 2 different serving schedules.
Q: How many people can I bring?
Maximum capacity for each week depends on the city. Call the Home Office (267-928-2620) for availability.
Q: Does CSM require a minimum number of people?
You must register for at least 7 people.
TRIP LOGISTICS
For questions about our COVID-19 Safety Measures, click here.
Q: Can I change the number of people I’m bringing?
Yes! Please call (267-928-2620) or email (registration@csm.org) the Home Office to change your number.
Q: What are CSM’s housing accommodations?
In most cities, we partner with local churches to house our groups. Once you’re registered, you will have access to the group leaders page where you will find photos of each housing site.
Q: What does a typical trip look like?
View a sample schedule here. This structure will be the same from city to city.
Q: Can we have a free day or night in our schedule?
Yes! If you would like to add a free day onto your trip, please contact the Home Office (267-928-2620). You may only add one free day onto the end of your trip. You are able to stay at CSM housing during that additional night for only $20/person.
If you would like a free night during your trip, please contact the City Director before receiving your final schedule.
TRIP PAYMENTS
Q: When are my payments due?
The deposit is due ASAP. After that, we will split your remaining balance into 2 equal payments. The first payment will be due 3 months before your trip, and the final payment will be due 1 month before your trip.
Q: What is included in the cost of my trip?
Housing, 3 meals per day, your service program coordination, discipleship journal, and a member of our staff (“City Host”) that will be dedicated to your team the entire time you are serving with us in the city.
Q: What is not included in the cost of my trip?
Your group is also responsible for all transportation-related fees, including parking, tolls and gas.
