Mission Trips Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Buffalo Christian Center?
The Buffalo Christian Center is a 66,000 square foot building located in downtown Buffalo NY. It has a 700 seat theatre, indoor heated swimming pool, roller rink, basketball gym, game room, miniature golf, Christian bookstore, snack shop and classroom space. The Buffalo Christian Centers mission is to facilitate the proclamation of the gospel and the training of disciples of Jesus Christ, by serving the church and reaching the city for Christ.

Where do we sleep and shower?
The young men of the teams will sleep in the basement of the BCC. The young ladies will sleep on the 4th floor in one of the Houghton extension classrooms. Please bring an air mattress and bedding (i.e. sleeping bags, sheets, blankets). Showers and lockers are located on the 4th floor for women and basement for men. Participants can leave some of their belonging in that area if they bring a lock for their locker.

Where do Families Call in Case of an Emergency?

The Buffalo Christian Center offices are open 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM EDT.
Buffalo Christian Center phone number is 716-856-7495.
Mission Trip calls can be directed to the Program Coordinator.
Buffalo Christian Center fax number: 716-856-7497.
Please give these numbers to your student’s parents and to your church office.

When should we arrive?
Please arrive between 1:00PM and 3:00PM. We want to give you an opportunity to get settled and organized before we start the orientation.

Where Can Students Get Mail?

Students like to like to get words of encouragement while away on mission trips. Please send mail at least one week in advance so that it arrives when addressee is at camp. Letters can be sent to the following address:

Student’s Name/ Student’s home church
Week attending
The Buffalo Christian Center
512 Pearl St.
Buffalo, NY 14202

Mail delivered after the student has left will be marked “Return to Sender

How Do Groups Register?
One copy will stay in our office and the other will be taken to any off-site projects your group will be participating in. Participation fees are as follows:

$ 250.00 participant fee
-$ 50.00 non-refundable due on June 1.
$200.00 balance due on July 1.

What Time is Bedtime?
Nightly bedtime is at 11:00PM sharp. Group leaders are responsible for promoting slumber among the students. Remember rested participants are happy workers.

Will we have free time during the week?
Friday is a non-work day. Group leaders and their participants can explore the city. There are a variety of thing through out the city of Buffalo that groups can participate in. The daily schedule permits participants to enjoy free time (roughly) 3:30PM- until dinner time and after evening service project. During this time the participants can use the gym, game room and roller rink. The pool will be open for use at scheduled times. That schedule will be made available during your orientation. Please bring modest swim wear and a towel if you would like to swim.

What will we eat?
Morning meals will be continental style including, but not limited to juice, cereal, yogurt, bagels, fruit, and muffins. Lunch will consist of cold sandwiches, chips, fruit/veggies and cookies. Dinners are hot meals, including entrees like chicken, lasagna, pizza and wings.

Do we need spending Money?
Your participation fee covers the cost of meals, lodging and a t-shirt. There will be opportunities to purchase snacks and drinks from the snack machines in the building. The Buffalo Christian Center has a book store which has a variety of Books, music, and gifts. You may want to bring money for Friday (free day) because your group leaders will probably plan some special events for your group.

What Vehicles should we bring for the week?
Please bring enough vehicles that can transport your entire group for evening activities. Only adult leaders from your group are permitted to drive students. It is always a great help to make sure all leaders are authorized to drive any of your group’s vehicles.

Can we bring radios/ Discmans / TV’s / ipods.
No. Please inform students and leaders that they are not to bring them with them. We have found that a retreat from normal music and television usage can be valuable. If you are traveling a long distance and kids want Discmans / ipods for the road please collect them and store them when you arrive.

Tentative Schedule for the Week
 

What to Bring
Bible
Notebook
Pen
Swimsuit (modest suit please girls one-piece)
T-shirts
Shorts
Sneakers
Towel
Toiletries
Air mattress
Pillow
Sleeping bags
Water bottle
(Roller blades, sporting equipment, board games)

*We have basketballs for gym and roller skates for rink

*DO NOT BRING VALUABLES - this is a very big building and lots of people will be coming through during the time you will be here. It will be very easy to misplace something of great value. The Buffalo Christian Center is not responsible for lost or stolen property.