General Information
Cancellation Policy
All contributions are donations to Christ In Youth, and are non-refundable. If a student is unable to go on a trip due to illness or other emergency, their trip expense can be held on request for one year so they can participate on a trip the following year (less administrative and other costs incurred). However, they must provide CIY with a letter from their doctor stating that they cannot go because of medical reasons. In the event that a student does not participate on a mission trip because of other reasons, the contributions will be used for one of CIY's mission endeavors.
Sixty days prior to the trip, the transportation costs, administrative costs, and project funds will be deducted, as that money will have already been disbursed. If they cancel after the sixty-day deadline, these contributions cannot be held or transferred.
For Parents
CIY understands that as parents, allowing your son or daughter to travel with us means that you are entrusting your most precious gift to us. This could be the most important experience that your child has and one that will shape the person he or she becomes. Please read through the information contained on these pages, and if you have questions that aren't answered, please call the CIY office, or e-mail us at . We would love to talk with you and explore the possibilities CIY has for your son or daughter.
"I have told everyone that I come in contact with that I would recommend for any student who is interested in going on a mission trip to go with CIY. I would even feel comfortable sending my son with CIY, alone, on a trip. That’s TRUST from a parent!!"
–Parent on CIY's Leader Training Trip
"My 16-year-old returned home with a greater appreciation for what she has, as well as a clearer perspective as to what is really needed to make a person happy in life. Erin summed it up best when she said, "It doesn't matter what you do or don't have. The only tangible thing that brings peace and happiness is a relationship with Jesus Christ." That statement has been said and heard many times over, but her eyes were opened wide to see the emptiness that abounds in a life without Christ." - Laura Sims, parent
Groups
Do you want to bring a group of people on a trip, but you're not yet sure who can come? A youth minister (or any other group leader) can reserve spots on specific trips (based on availability) for 30 days by submitting a group contract and a deposit of $100 per person. Doing this gives you some additional time to allow your group to complete their applications while the spots have already been secured. After 30 DAYS, any spot for which CIY has not received a completed application will be considered "non-reserved" and will then become open to anyone.
All deposits for accepted applicants will be applied to the cost of their trip. All other deposits are non-refundable and non-transferable.
NOTE: All applicants under a group contract must still complete all of the individual application requirements listed on the "Apply" page.
Click here to download a Group Contract.
Immunizations
Christ In Youth requires certain shots for mission recruits going to some foreign countries. This is a precautionary measure for the protection of each student. Each recruit receives a packing list providing the most up-to-date information on necessary immunizations from the Center for Disease Control, in Atlanta, Georgia.
Insurance
Christ In Youth does NOT provide insurance, as it would greatly increase the cost of the trip. Most teens are covered under their parents insurance. If not, we recommend that a short-term policy be secured.
Medical Attention
Capable doctors and hospitals are accessible in most areas. Parents or guardians are responsible for any medical bills incurred on the trip. If needed, Christ In Youth will advance monies in order to pay all bills, but we expect to be reimbursed for these expenses. In the event a student has to be flown home due to serious injury or illness, the legal guardians will assume full financial responsibility.
Phone Calls
No phone calls or e-mails are permitted once the recruit has reached their destination. It has been our experience at CIY that recruits stay focused on their mission, and less distracted by events at home when contact is limited to emergencies only. When they return to the States for debriefing, they are encouraged to call home. Because of inaccessibility to phones and the high cost of calling overseas, phone calls will be restricted to emergencies only, with permission from a Senior Leader. Those at home may look on this website for updates on trips.
Safety Issues
Christ In Youth has been leading mission trips for more than twenty years, and every mission trip is carefully researched to ensure the safety of each recruit entrusted to us. We thank God that He has allowed thousands of young people to safely experience a CIY mission trip. Information relating to food, water, housing, political unrest, and health concerns are reviewed with the local missionaries. CIY is careful to provide a safe and secure environment to house our recruits. This may be in churches, schools, or the homes of national Christians or missionaries. We monitor reports of political unrest and travel conditions through the U.S. State Department. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention provides CIY with information relating to potential diseases in the regions we visit.
Trip Cost
All staging camp expenses, international airfare, food, lodging, ground transportation, work projects, supplies, literature, leaders, administrative fees, and taxes are included. Trip cost does NOT include domestic airfare, Passport Application fees, or VBS materials.
NOTE: Costs are based on projected airfares and travel expenses, and are subject to change. In the event of political unrest, natural disaster, or unforseen complications, Christ In Youth may alter the itinerary.
Trip Policies
- Unconditional obedience to senior leaders is mandatory. Any direct defiance of this authority will result in immediate termination of your mission trip experience and you will be sent home at your own expense.
- Conduct is to be that expected of a Christian person – willing to give and take and maintain the spirit of unity and harmony of the group, to extend politeness and courtesy to those with whom we come in contact – missionaries, nationals, senior leaders, and team members. You will be expected to have a positive attitude.
- No smoking or tobacco of any form, drugs or alcohol are permitted.
- Participation in all activities is mandatory. You will be expected to give you very best at all times during work, evangelism, and all other activities.
- Due to cultural consideration, practical jokes are not permitted.
- You will be expected to acclimate to the culture whether you are overseas or in the U.S. This may mean eating food you are unfamiliar with or don't particularly like, or participating in foreign customs. CIY's policy is that you will be required to eat ALL of what is set before you unless previous notification concerning allergic reactions is given in writing by your doctor.
- Pairing off is NOT permitted while on a CIY mission trip, as it tends to distract from the real purpose of the trip.
- Separation from a group is never allowed unless accompanied by a senior leader or a designated sponsor.
- It is of utmost importance that you dress in a neat, clean, and modest fashion. Your appearance is important not only for the missionary's reputation, but in the way the local people will perceive you. You may have to submit to certain restrictions regarding dress (not wearing shorts), body piercing (the only acceptable piercing is small earrings for girls), and hair restrictions (hair length for the guys)
- No phone calls or e-mails are permitted once you have reached your destination. (It has also been our experience at CIY that recruits stay more focused on their mission when contact is limited to emergencies only. When you return for debriefing, you will be encouraged to call home.) Because of inaccessibility to phones and the high cost of calling overseas, phone calls will be restricted to emergencies only, with permission from a Senior Leader.