Local Teens Feel Summer Mission Trips Were Transformative

Sixteen local high school students went on week-long mission trips this summer. As Andrew Petersen, a Hinsdale South junior from Darien put it, “I have always been passionate about helping others and building things. The experiences that we had are unforgettable. Although this trip was meant for doing work, the relationships we made were amazing!” Cici Stanek, a sophomore at Hinsdale Central from Clarendon Hills adds, “The memories will forever shape me and change who I am as a person. I am forever grateful for this life-altering experience that I was blessed to be a part of.”

Groups of high school students traveled either to West Virginia to do building projects for struggling homeowners or to Camp Courageous in Monticello, IA, to be assistant camp counselors at a camp for youth with special needs. Community Presbyterian Church of Clarendon Hills (CPC) leads and sponsors summer “Caravans,” as they call these trips, as part of Cubes, their high school ministry.

Camp Counselors for Children with Special Needs

CPC has led Caravans each summer to Camp Courageous since the 1970s. This “happiest place on earth” camp allows campers with special needs to have a real camp experience for a week, allowing them to feel limitless – sometimes for the first time in their lives. Each CPC youth assists in leading a small group of campers in daily camp activities like horseback riding, canoeing, bowling, swimming, an overnight campout and more. The campers LOVE their CPC counselors, and the feeling is mutual! As Meredith Rush, a Hinsdale Central sophomore from Clarendon Hills says, “Before camp, I had selfish concerns..afraid I would have difficult campers or be mentally drained. I realized what I should have been afraid of is never wanting to leave, loving my campers too much and getting attached.”

Construction Crews for Struggling Elderly and Families

CPC also organizes building work Caravans each summer. They typically do projects like building ramps, steps or porches for people with mobility issues. Participants gain confidence by stretching beyond their comfort zones, safely trying new tools and learning skills like how to use electric saws and drills. Briggs Templeton, a junior from Westmont High School said, “This was my first Caravan, and I was nervous. Everyone accepted me with open arms, and I bonded with everyone right away. This will be a week I remember for a long time.”

Cubes: A safe space for Youth to connect and be themselves

Cubes is CPC’s high school youth small group ministry that Meredith claims “is the highlight of my week.” Cubes seek to provide space for youth to connect with each other and with trusted adults and student leaders, creating friendships and supporting each other. You come as you are and are accepted as you are. Cubes meet on Sunday nights, and before long students find themselves talking about anything on their minds, asking questions, and feeling comfortable being themselves. As Andrew described it, “Cubes is a family.” After small group discussion time, everyone comes together for dinner which is followed by fun activities including games, scavenger hunts and more. Other big events are scheduled throughout the year including service projects and off-site events like laser tag. As Isaac Schloegel, junior at Hinsdale Central from Clarendon Hills explains, “Cubes gives me a space where I am loved and the opportunity to have fun before the stresses of the school week starts.”

Getting Involved

CPC’s Cubes welcomes all high school age students, whether their families are members of CPC, other churches or no church at all. CPC Youth Ministry is built on a foundation of friendship, curiosity about faith and serving others. CPC Youth Ministry includes a middle school program for students in 6th-8th grade which collaborates with Cubes to provide the same foundation for students throughout their teenage years. The kickoff for this year’s Cubes is September 10, 2023, at 5pm (but one can join anytime throughout the year) at Community Presbyterian Church of Clarendon Hills, 39 S. Prospect St, Clarendon Hills, IL 60514. Please contact Rev. Susan Tindall at susan.tindall@chcpc.org or https://gochcpc.org/youth for more information. All are welcome.