Summer Stretch 2019

Summer Stretch is a program for Middle Schoolers (students entering Grades 6, 7 and 8 in Fall 2019) to put their faith in action and be the light of Christ through reflection of the Word of God and participation in service projects for the greater community followed by afternoon adventures with friends. In August Summer Stretch concludes with an all-day adventure at Valleyfair!
The program begins on June 20th, and there are parent meeting dates listed below. High Schoolers (Grades 9-12 in Fall 2018) are needed to serve as team leaders, too! Service sites will include opportunities to work with community agencies and fun includes Water Parks, Valleyfair and more! Cost is $175/Stretcher, and $125/Teen Leader. Cost includes meals, Summer Stretch t-shirt, transportation afternoon activities and supplies with an additional fee for Valleyfair or use your pass on Thursday, August 2, 2019.

For more information:
Contact Lori Hinker, Director of Middle School Faith Formation, lhinker@stmichael-pl.org

Click here for the Particpant Application Form.
Click here for the Parent Consent Form
Click here for the Leader Application Form.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Who is invited?
Any and ALL teens entering 6th, 7th, or 8th grade in the Fall are invited to become a Stretcher and partake in this opportunity to serve and have fun with friends this summer.
Teens entering 9th grade or older are invited to help as Summer Stretch Leaders.

What do we do in Summer Stretch?
Each young person is part of a small group of 5-8 students with high school leaders. We gather as a large group at the beginning of each day for prayer. Then we split into our small groups for service from 9:30 am to 11:30 am. We have lunch at the Church and then go off as a large group for a recreational activity.

Can we bring friends?
Friends can register for Summer Stretch however, because of transportation and group sizes you cannot bring guest for just one day. Summer Stretch is open to non-St. Michael students. Invite your friends to come serve and enjoy a fun-filled summer!

Do we need to pay anything besides the fee?
The $175 ($125 for High School Leaders) fee covers recreational activities, transportation and Summer Stretch t-shirt. Additional $36 per person for Valleyfair Day (or just $5 if you use your Valleyfair pass).

What if we have to miss a session or two?
That is just fine. The price is the same no matter how many sessions you attend. If you are going to miss 2 or more sessions, you may want to consider whether it is practical for you to do Summer Stretch this summer. We know that kids have camps, vacations, and all kinds of other activities during the summer. Questions on this policy, please ask Lori.

What is expected of Stretchers?
• An open mind
• A willingness to meet Middle Schoolers from other schools
• A readiness to build community with other youth and adults from St. Michael Catholic Church
• An openness to try new things and to do things that may feel uncomfortable
(especially at service sites).
• Respect for all Summer Stretch leaders, volunteers, and staff.
• The courage to apply the Gospel and what they learn at Summer Stretch to their daily lives.

What things should I NOT bring with me?
Any electronics, spaghetti string tops, midriffs, low cut pants, high cut shorts, offensive shirts, bikini’s. If you have a questions about something feel free to ask, but chances are you would be better off just not brining or wearing it. We ask that you not bring a cell phones because we want Stretchers to participate not anticipate and to build community with one another. If you do bring it, it needs to be put away during our time together.

What is the parent’s role during Summer Stretch?
The parents are integral to the Summer Stretch experience. Every parent has the opportunity to drive to service sites, help cook and serve lunch, and help chaperone morning and afternoon activities. Each parent willing to help will need the appropriate background and drivers check, and Virtus trained. Any questions please contact Lori.

What is the role of the high school leaders?
Each high school leader will only be paying less then junior high participants but with a higher responsibility. They are to motivate and lead a group of about 8 teens. They are to participate in every aspect of Summer Stretch; prayer and gospel, service, and afternoon fun events.

** Information updated for 2019

Reflections from Past Summer Stretch

We spent our final day together at Minnehaha Falls where we worked with the Park Ranger to remove invasive species from the prairie, explored Minnehaha Park while learning the history of the area, and lastly rode 6-person surrey bikes around the park looking for clues to answer our scavenger hunt. To say it was a fun day is an understatement!

Upon reflection of our time together and our time spent in service and activities, our Summer Stretchers have grown together and have learned valuable lessons along the way. The Stretchers reflected on what they would take away from this experience and their responses speak volumes:

"To be helpful to the environment."

"I learned that you can help others and still make it fun!"

"The service project experience reaffirmed my interest in giving back to others."

"I learned that there are so many people that are in need of good food and that by just going and packing food we can help so many kids."

"Helping the community can be fun."

"You can make a difference."

"I learned it is better to give than receive, and then you get rewarded."

"If you do good things for your community you may be rewarded, also it is fun to volunteer."