To assist your student in selecting an ESM experience, follow these steps:

1. Discuss the Importance of the Trip: Sit down with your son or daughter and have a heartfelt conversation about the significance of the ESM trip. Emphasize that these experiences are not just about having fun, but about personal growth and serving others. Explain that the trips will challenge them mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually, providing opportunities to discover passions, develop abilities, and foster leadership skills while embodying Jesus' love for those in need.
   

2. Consider Your Family's Schedule: Carefully examine your family's calendar and commitments to choose the trip that best aligns with your schedule. Keep in mind that deposits for the trips are non-refundable, and once airline tickets are purchased or other costs are incurred, your family is responsible for all fees involved, regardless of whether the student ultimately participates.
   

3. Pray Together: Encourage your student to seek guidance through prayer in selecting the right trip for them. Acknowledge that not all trips may be suitable for every student, and that's perfectly okay. Allow them the space to discern and listen to their inner calling, whether it leads them to a local, national, or global mission.
   

By following these steps, you can help your student make a thoughtful and meaningful decision, ensuring that their chosen ESM experience aligns with their interests, abilities, and schedule while fostering personal growth and enriching their faith journey.

To pay for ESM, follow these steps:

Sign-Up and Deposit:

Students will sign up for their ESM experience by grade on their designated day. For all 9-12 grade students, a $50 deposit is required within 48 hours of sign-up. This policy ensures that students make informed decisions with their parents' involvement. Please note that no changes can be made once the deposit is received. If the deposit is not submitted within the 48-hour window, the spot will be offered to another student, and you will need to select from the remaining ESM opportunities.

Junior high students have a $25 deposit due by September 25. This policy also ensures that parents are aware of ESM and understand that further payments may be deducted from their accounts through Tuition Management.

Payment Options:

To make the cost of the ESM experience more manageable, we offer flexible payment options:

1. One-Time Payment: Pay the entire fee upfront to clear your payment obligations and avoid monthly installments.

2. Monthly Payments: If paying the full fee at once is challenging, you can opt for five monthly payments (October, November, December, January, and February). These payments will be automatically withdrawn along with your tuition payments on the same date each month.

3. Manual Payments: If you prefer not to have automatic withdrawals, you can make individual payments manually. Simply pay the installment through Tuition Management before the scheduled withdrawal date.
   

Financial Planning:

We encourage families to plan and discuss how they will cover the expenses of an ESM trip. Involving the student in contributing to the cost is also recommended, as it fosters a sense of responsibility and investment in the opportunity. Every family's financial situation is unique, so please decide what contribution method works best for you.

Signing up for an ESM trip will be different this year. Please read the following steps carefully to ensure you understand how to reserve your spot.

1. Explore ESM Options: Visit the ESM page on the Troy Christian School website Navigate to Student Life > Spiritual Life > ESM for detailed information.
   

2. On-Campus Sign-Ups: Sign-ups will take place during the first period on the following dates:

   • Seniors: September 17

   • Juniors: September 20

   • Sophomores: September 23

   • Freshmen: September 24 Students should be prepared with three choices in case their top option is full.
     

3. Blackbaud Registration and Payment: On the evening of your student's on-campus sign-up:

   • Log in to Blackbaud.

   • Go to Resource Board > Tuition Management.

   • At the top of the Tuition Management homepage, click on Purchase Optional Items.

   • Select your student, choose their ESM trip or class, and proceed with the $50 deposit payment. Note: Families must pay the deposit within 48 hours of signing up to secure their spot.
     

4. Junior High Registration: Junior high families should also log in to Blackbaud and navigate to Resource Board > Tuition Management.

   • Select Purchase Optional Items, choose the Junior High Retreat at Skyview, and pay the $25 deposit. This can be completed anytime between September 17 and September 25.

To ensure your student gets the most from their ESM experience, consider the following guidelines:

1. Stay Informed: Students should pay close attention to school announcements and attend all student meetings related to their trip. These meetings may provide important information about the itinerary, preparations, and expectations for the trip. Likewise, parents should attend the parent meeting associated with the trip to stay informed about the details and any specific requirements.

2. Team Travel: Encourage your student to travel to and from the destination with their team. Group travel fosters a sense of camaraderie and provides valuable bonding opportunities with fellow participants. If possible, try to avoid scheduling family plans that might interrupt their trip experience.

3. Adhere to Deadlines: Make sure your student turns in all required forms and payments by the assigned due dates. Timely submissions are crucial for the trip's organization, as payments are used for various essential aspects such as purchasing airline tickets, acquiring necessary supplies, and covering fees.

4. Prepare for International Trips: If your student is planning to attend an out-of-country experience, ensure they have a valid passport well in advance. The passport application process can take time (up to 13 weeks), so it's important to plan ahead and apply early to avoid any delays.

5. Leave Phones Behind: It is important for students to be aware that phones will be collected at the beginning of their ESM experience to ensure maximum participation and minimize distractions. The trip leaders will have the discretion to grant time for phone use or picture-taking during appropriate moments of the trip. This policy is designed to help students fully immerse themselves in the educational and cultural aspects of the trip while maintaining a balance with staying connected to their families.

6. Embrace the Experience: Encourage your student to be open-minded and embrace the learning opportunities and cultural experiences that come with the trip. Engaging fully in the activities and interactions during the journey will make the experience more rewarding.

7. Be Respectful and Responsible: Remind your student to be respectful of local customs, cultures, and people during the trip. They should also be responsible for their belongings and follow the guidance and rules set by the organizers.

By following these guidelines, your student can make the most of their ESM experience, grow personally and academically, and create unforgettable memories.