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Alamosa (San Luis
Valley)
Grades: 7 to 12 Price: $248.00 per individual
The deposit of $50 per person has been
paid for by Judson. Please submit your payment to Katie as soon as able.
Alamosa, Colorado is
located in the San Luis
Valley on the Rio Grande
River nestled between the San Juan and the Sangre de
Cristo Mountain ranges. With breathtaking views, some of Colorado's tallest mountains, a semi-arid
vista valley floor and surrounding cottonwood trees, Alamosa sets the stage
to illustrate God's power, might and beauty. Yet, in the midst of beautiful
scenery lies a town in wait of the ministry of your group. Your group will
have the opportunity to minister to the diverse population of Alamosa,
whether through serving at kids programs, visiting the elderly, painting
homes or assisting ministry organizations.
Demographics
A town with a population of approximately 8,000, Alamosa is found in south
central Colorado in the San
Luis Valley
on the Rio Grande
River. Established in
1878 by settlers who named it the Spanish word for cottonwood trees,
"Alamosa," the town quickly grew due to agricultural production and
the development of the railroad. However, despite the beauty of the area and
the richness of the land, Alamosa faces problems. 1 out of 3 families with
children under the age of 5 live under the poverty line and 25% live under
the poverty line as compared to 9% for the rest of Colorado.
About the Ministry:
Our goal is to help meet the needs
of the residents of this community by leading our own ministry projects, as
well as by providing support and volunteers to already existing social
service organizations. Participants will run a Kids Club and will have the
opportunity to do work projects. Kids Club is a hands-on afternoon program
led by your youth, offering high-energy games, crafts, skits, songs and interactive
lessons all designed to help kids learn about Jesus. Work projects include
minor home repair and painting projects. Groups will also work alongside
social service organizations to support children ministries, the elderly and
the homeless. Examples of ministries we have partnered with in the past
include: Colorado
State Veterans
Center - visit with
residents; La Puente Home - serve meals to the community; and Mountain
Meadows - visit with the elderly. At the beginning of the ministry week, once
on site, Adult Leaders will work with the Site Director to separate their
participants into work crews. Your group will be mixed with the youth from
other groups for their week of service. Due to multiple church groups and
varying needs of the ministries we partner with, we cannot confirm until all
groups arrive on site exactly what service your youth will be involved with.
We ask that you come to serve with a willing and flexible spirit.
Activities:
Evening activities during a
YouthWorks week are designed to give participants insight into the lives of
local residents and the culture of the area. A list of possible
evening/cultural activities include: Dinner and concert at Essen House;
Swimming at Sand Dunes Hot Springs; Youth Rally at River of Life; Community
Potluck. These examples are subject to change due to weather or availability.
In case of change, suitable substitutes will be provided.
Ministry Week:
Two days of house painting, and
two days of ministry with children.
Mileage:
Alamosa is located approximately 4
hours and 10 minutes south of the Denver
airport, 4 hours and 15 minutes north of Sante Fe,
NM and 3 hours south of Colorado Springs.
Transportation & Travel:
Each group is responsible for
transportation to and from the site, and during the mission week.
Additional Information:
If you would like more information
on what there is to do in Colorado
before or after your trip visit: www.alamosa-co.worldweb.com
and www.colorado.com.
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