* Required

Minimester takes place during the week prior to Spring Break (March 9- 13, 2020) and offers a highly participatory service-learning experience that is intensive, hands-on and authentic. Minimester offerings serve as an extension of our academic program, helping students to establish essential links between what is learned in the classroom to the world in which they have been called to serve. As a result, students experience multi-dimensional change including investigative inquiry skills, positive attitudes toward learning, increased civic engagement, leadership competencies, and spiritual development. Participation in Minimester is mandadory. Upon completion, students will be evaluated by the lead instructor and receive either a PASS or FAIL grade, which will be listed on their permanent transcript. A follow-up reflection assignment will be afforded to document both personal experience and learning. Registration will take place from September 16-27.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Upper School Office at 561-354-1923.

(I understand that by submitting my electronic signature, my JCS family account will be invoiced in three equal installments which will be reflected on my November, December and January statement for any Minimester over $300. I also acknowledge that my Minimester trip must be paid in full on or before February 15, 2020.) ​​​
If you were offered the opportunity, would you be willing to commit to a Bahamas Mission Trip for Minimester? It would be 5 days, building houses, manual labor, possible sports camp, child play, cost $1800. Leader TBD. If there is enough interest we may try to create a trip for Minimester. Until we have the survey results, please proceed with selecting your first choice of the trips below and pay your deposit.​
10th-12th International Dominican Republic
 
Mission trip to Mission Emanuel, D.R. Mission Emanuel, located outside Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic, seeks community transformation through discipleship. While our JCS team will work primarily on a construction project, the main focus is always on building relationships in the community. Opportunities may be available to serve in one of the mission's two schools, both helping in the classrooms or on the playground. Students also work in the medical center and physical therapy clinic, dental office, water filtration plant, women's cooperative workroom, screen-printing room, and more. Mission Emanuel hosts short-term missions teams year-round offering clean, safe lodging, food, and it is a great opportunity for students experiencing international missions for the first time. This trip is open for all 10th/11th, and 12th graders who need to complete their service-learing project. 
 
March 7-13
Cost $2200/Deposit $700
Led by Mr. Zambrano and Mrs. Zambrano
Student Cap: 30
 
10th-12th Grade International Costa Rica
 
This week will start with Vacation Bible School and presentations in the public schools, as you work with a church in Atenas, Costa Rica. The week will end with sports camps and gospel presentations. We will be working with a missionary who has been in Costa Rica for many years. This trip is ope for all 10th/11th, and 12th graders who need to complete their service-learning project.
 
March 9-13
Cost: $2000/Deposit: $700
Led by Mr. Murawski and Mrs. Malone
Student Cap 30
10th-12th Grade Orlando
 
Experience days helping other with bonding with other members of the JCS family. Students will serve at the Christian Service Center Soup Kitchen, The Orlando Union Rescue Mission, CRU Ministries, and spend a day brainstorming and learning how they can minister more effectively at JCS. Ask God if this is how you are called to serve and lead during Minimester. This trip is open for all 10th/11th, and 12th graders who need to complete their service-learning project.
 
March 9-13
Cost: $500-600 (depending on sign ups)/Deposit: $100
Led by Pastor Charlie
Student Cap: 20-25

9th, 11th-12th Grade Urban Youth Impact Local Missions

Students will volunteer at Urban Youth Impact with elementary aged inner-city children at their afterschool program called The Leadership Academy where they will tutor, make art projects, play games/sports, and gather each day for worship and Bible study with the children. UYI is celebrating its 21st year of ministry bringing Christ to an underserved neighborhood. Open to all 9th/11th graders & any 12th graders who need to complete their immersion or service-learning project.

March 9-13 1:00-6:30 p.m. daily & March 15 8:00-11:00 a.m. on campus
Cost: $100 /Deposit: $50
Led by: TBD
Student Cap: 30

9th, 11th-12th Grade House of Hope

Join us as we are the hands and feet of Jesus in our local community. We want to generate an awareness of needs locally and a desire and compassion to serve. The group will help CROS Ministries, House of Hope Martin County, and Feeding South Florida. Open to all 9th/11th, and 12th graders who need to complete their immersion or service-learning project.

March 7 & March 9-12
Cost: $100 / Deposit: $50
Led by: Mrs. Knight
Student Cap: 30

9th, 11th-12th Grade Real Life Childrens Ranch

Real Life Children’s Ranch exists to provide a Christian residential group home that cares for boys and girls who have been abused, abandoned, and/or neglected. Our students may have the opportunity to tutor, play and work on the facility so these children have somewhere safe to live and play.

This option is open to all 9th/11th and 12th graders who need to complete their immersion or service-learning project.

March 9-13
Cost $150 / $50 deposit
Led by: TBD
Student Cap: 15

11th-12th Grade Hannah's Home
 
Hannah's Home of South Florida, Inc. provides a safe and loving Christian environment for single pregnant young women. Through counseling, life skills, and continuing education, we offer hope and transform lives. Our student will work on facilities, cook meals, work in childcare and serve the women and children as representatives of Christ. Open to all 11th graders and any 12th graders who need to complete their service-learning project. 
 
March 9-13
Cost: $200/Deposit $50
Led by Mrs. Carman and Mrs. Meier
Student Cap 10
 
 
11th-12th Grade Homeless Coalition of PBC
 
The Homeless Coalition has been the voice for those who are experiencing homelessness, advocating for their rights and a place they can call home. The Coalition has been a strong leader within the community by recommending policy changes to improve services. Our students will serve by packing kits with supplies to help end homelessness (toiletries, underwear, socks, t-shirt, gift cards, coupons). Will also include other activities aimed at positively impacting the homeless. Open to all 11th graders and 12th graders who need to complete their service-learning project. 
 
March 9-13
Cost: 200/Deposit $50
Led by Mr. Eagan
Student Cap 15
11th-12th Grade Quantum House
 
Quantum House is a caring and supportive home that lessens the burden for families whose children are receiving treatment in Palm Beach County for a serious medical condition. Our students will serve through meal planning, purchasing food, cooking/serving meals and more. May include other activities to serve the children and families staying at Quantum House. Open to all 11th graders and any 12th graders who need to complete their service-learning project. 
 
March 9-13
Cost: $200/Deposit $50
Led by Mrs. Childers and Mrs. Boshammer
Student Cap 15

11th-12th Grade Horses Healing Hearts

Horses Healing Hearts helps children who have been affected by a family member with addition to heal emotionally, build self-esteem, and learn life-coping skills by working with horses. The only one of its kind in the nation, this program is unique and made strong by the commitment of our volunteers, host brans and magnificence of the horse that help these vulnerable kids open their hearts to trust again. Students will have the opportunity to  explore and serve in various ways including data entry, public relations, artwork/graphic design, landscaping, painting, leadership development and more! Open to all 11th graders and any 12th graders who need to complete their service learning project. 

March 9-13
Cost: $200/Deposit $ 50
Led by TBD
Student Cap: 15