Serving the Church and reaching the City for Christ

How Do Groups Register?

All participants including adults must fill out a registration form which is located on the website and will be included in this manual. This form needs to be given to the Missions Coordinator when they first arrive. 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 (includes ministry projects and lodging)
-$ 50.00 non-refundable due on 60 days upon arriving.
$200.00 balance due before arrival

Staying at the Christian Center

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.

Where do we sleep and shower?
Both men and women 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). The Christian Center has a limited amount of air mattresses available to mission team participants. Locker rooms are located on the 4th floor for both men and women can shower and change. Participants can leave some of their belonging in that area if they bring a lock for their locker. The Houghton Class rooms will be locked during all Summer Camp activities.

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 on Sunday, and checkout by 1:00PM the following Saturday. We want to give you an opportunity to get settled and organized before we start the orientation. This time may not be convenient due to different traveling circumstances. If you need to arrange a different time to arrive please contact the Mission’s Coordinator at 716-856-7495.

How do we prepare Meals?
We have a full kitchen, walk-in cooler & freezer, kitchen freezer, upper/lower convection stove, 6 stove top burners, microwaves, coffee maker, grill, fryer, commercial sinks, cups, plates, silverware (group responsible for clean-up and put-away).

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

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) after all summer camp obligations are taken care of. 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.

Do we need spending Money?
Your participation fee covers the 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.

Parking
Due to the fact that you are bringing a large amount of people to the center, it would be best to bring your group in vans. Please inform the Mission’s coordinator of the number of vehicles you will be bringing on the trip. This will help us to plan for your arrival.
When you park your vehicles make sure you clear the front seats and backseats of all items and lock in trunk or put them out of sight. Also disconnect your GPS and other gadgets and place inside of your glove compartment and lock it (please cover the brackets of your GPS).

Security
If your need to leave the Center for any reason make sure you take another member of your team with you. Always travel in groups and any one under the age of 18 should always be accompanied by an adult if they leave the Center’s property.

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.