Frequently Asked Questions
HOW DO I APPLY?
The application is easy. Simply click the “Apply Now” button above. This will direct you to create a secureOneLogin account, after which you will submit your application on the FOCUS Missions application page (which Summer Projects uses to capture and process applications and fundraising efforts). When asked which program you’d like to apply for, simply click “Summer Projects” in the drop-down menu and choose from one of our seven locations. Please watch the video and read the attached document on the APPLY NOW page.
ANY TIPS FOR THE APPLICATION?
We are looking for college students who desire to take the next steps in their personal relationship with God. The best thing you can do to increase your chances of acceptance is to apply early! Summer Projects is a competitive program, so the earlier you apply, the better! Outside of this, we are looking for students who are (1) excited about the faith and (2) humble enough to allow themselves to be formed by the program.
HOW MUCH DOES THE PROGRAM COST?
The cost of the program varies between locations. The cost covers all formative and community elements of the program. Each participant will be offered a fundraising coach to assist in their efforts. This coach will help students through a time-tested fundraising strategy. Please click on each location on the homepage to see their costs.
DATING FAST?
Summer Projects is a time for prayer and mission. We ask that you do not begin any new romantic relationships during the time you are serving at Summer Projects; if you are currently in a relationship, we ask that you make conscious efforts to be present to your brothers and sisters at Summer Projects. Practically speaking, we ask that you simply respect the boundaries of opposite-gender participants. Spending too much time with another participant will distract both of you from Summer Projects. If you find yourself spending an inordinate amount of time (in person, via phone, by text, etc.) with a single person of the opposite gender, you may consider giving each other a little more space and time with other students.
NOTE: None of these actions are, in themselves, bad or sinful! They can lead to confusion, attachment and heartbreak, which could make it difficult for you to give your summer entirely to God. While it may seem silly, avoiding these types of behaviors can help you guard your heart and those of your brothers and sisters. By the end of the summer, we would hope you could say, “I gave my entire summer to following the Lord and growing in intimacy solely with Him.”
SHOULD I TAKE A CAR THIS SUMMER?
Personal transportation is highly encouraged. FOCUS will provide transportation to all official Summer Projects activities or stipends for those driving the group. You will have a fair amount of free time this summer, during which you may choose to drive to any of the local points of interest. So, though it isn’t required, having a car may include some perks.
DO I NEED TO BRING ANY MONEY?
All Summer Projects programming is covered via fundraising efforts. You will not be required to spend any money for any Summer Projects programmed events. You may wish to bring some funds for extra-curricular fun and incidental costs, but these expenses should be minimal.
DAYS OFF/VACATION?
A lot of people wonder about taking time off and vacation during the summer. Is this possible? Yes, but we encourage you to do it sparingly, and we discourage you from leaving for more than a week at any point in the summer. Further, every time you are gone you run the risk of missing important talks, events and general programming. You are responsible for arranging your own travel.
HOW DO I APPLY?
The application is easy. Simply click the “Apply Now” button above. This will direct you to the FOCUS Missions application page (which Summer Projects uses to capture and process applications and fundraising efforts). When asked which program you’d like to apply for, simply click “Summer Projects” in the drop-down menu and choose from one of our nine locations. As you continue with the application, you may disregard any questions that seem to pertain to international mission trips.
ANY TIPS FOR THE APPLICATION?
We are looking for college students who desire to take the next steps in their personal relationship with God. The best thing you can do to increase your chances of acceptance is to apply early! Summer Projects is a competitive program, so the earlier you apply, the better! Outside of this, we are looking for students who are (1) excited about the faith and (2) humble enough to allow themselves to be formed by the program.
HOW MUCH DOES THE PROGRAM COST?
The program costs $2,600 for all first year participants. The cost covers all details found under the “Formation” tab. Each participant will be offered a fundraising coach to assist in their efforts. This coach will help students through a time-tested fundraising strategy.
DATING FAST?
Summer Projects is a time for prayer and mission. We ask that you do not begin any new romantic relationships during the time you are serving at Summer Projects; if you are currently in a relationship, we ask that you make conscious efforts to be present to your brothers and sisters at Summer Projects. Practically speaking, we ask that you simply respect the boundaries of opposite-gender participants. Spending too much time with another participant will distract both of you from Summer Projects. If you find yourself spending an inordinate amount of time (in person, via phone, by text, etc.) with a single person of the opposite gender, you may consider giving each other a little more space and time with other students.
NOTE: None of these actions are, in themselves, bad or sinful! They can lead to confusion, attachment and heartbreak, which could make it difficult for you to give your summer entirely to God. While it may seem silly, avoiding these types of behaviors can help you guard your heart and those of your brothers and sisters. By the end of the summer, we would hope you could say, “I gave my entire summer to following the Lord and growing in intimacy solely with Him.”
SHOULD I TAKE A CAR THIS SUMMER?
Personal transportation is highly encouraged. FOCUS will provide transportation to all official Summer Projects activities or stipends for those driving the group. You will have a fair amount of free time this summer, during which you may choose to drive to any of the local points of interest. So, though it isn’t required, having a car may include some perks.
DO I NEED TO BRING ANY MONEY?
All Summer Projects programming is covered via fundraising efforts. You will not be required to spend any money for any Summer Projects programmed events. You may wish to bring some funds for extra-curricular fun and incidental costs, but these expenses should be minimal.
DAYS OFF/VACATION?
A lot of people wonder about taking time off and vacation during the summer. Is this possible? Yes, but we encourage you to do it sparingly, and we discourage you from leaving for more than a week at any point in the summer. Further, every time you are gone you run the risk of missing important talks, events and general programming. You are responsible for arranging your own travel.