Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Being an Adult Coach is Spectacular!


Mary Dewey (2010 Trip Leader) her Dad (2010 Adult Coach) in Fiji

Summer is getting closer and we are still in need of Adult Coaches. I have been a trip leader for 5 HEFY expeditions and have seen the lives of our adult coaches change just as much as the youth who participate.  Being an Adult Coach on an HEFY expedition is not just about being a chaperone for the youth, it’s about being a mentor, a friend, and a spiritual leader.
To be an adult coach you don’t need any special training, experience traveling, or be fluent in a foreign language. Our best adult coaches are just moms and dads who love the gospel and have a desire to serve with the youth of the church.
As an adult coach takes part in the humanitarian project, they work side by side with the youth. This has been an opportunity to share mission stories, give the youth confidence,  and build lasting relationships. As a Trip Leader I have often felt like I am too busy trying to run the program and work out details with the project that I don’t get nearly enough time to just be with the youth. I have been so grateful for the Adult Coaches, for the time and love they’ve shared with the youth in our groups. I know the youth really look up to them. I’ve also depended on them so much to help with Trip Leader responsibilities whether it’s running errands in town, helping a youth prepare a talk for a fireside, or keeping the group entertained with magic tricks while we wait longer than expected for dinner.
A couple years ago I was able to bring my own dad on a trip. I was engaged at the time so it was our last trip together just father and daughter. I loved it. We really grew together and created memories that we still talk about today. Meeting other people was fun and exciting and I loved serving the people in Fiji, but the memories I made with my dad will always be my favorite.
At the end of each trip we have a final testimony meeting, I am always touched by the feelings the Adult Coaches express about the ways the experience has really changed them. Check out some of the things the past Adult Coaches have said about their experiences. 
 “The youth participants were inspiring, the interaction with the local members was enlightening, and the service was both challenging and deeply meaningful.”
-Rachel Esplin Odell, Peru 2010

“This trip has changed my life. I went as an adult coach to 20 of the most amazing young people I have ever met. I grew to love the people immensely.”
-Tracy Riley, Fiji 2010

“I was able to take the time to go on this trip with my daughter. We will never be the same. I think the parent/leader program is great and very valuable.”
-Bryce Clayton, Peru 2010

“HEFY deserves my glowing endorsement. As a parent leader, I would have no hesitation recommending HEFY to other parents or their children.”
-Selena Pannell, Peru 2010

As a past trip leader I have to say, our trips would not be successful if it wasn’t for our wonderful Adult Coaches.  
-Mary Dewey
Program Manager for HEFY

Monday, February 13, 2012

More Fund Raising Success!

Last week we received a thick envelope from Kiera, who is coming to Fiji with us this summer. Inside was a large stack of checks she received from friends and family to go towards to her expedition. Here's what she had to say:

 
"Most of my fundraising came from putting together different parts of the sample letters on the HEFY website and sending them out. I sent out over 100 letters to friends and family, telling about what we will be doing to help the people of Fiji. I loved receiving donation mail everyday because it showed how much people actually care and want to help out. I'm so grateful for everyone that helped donate and although I was hesitant to ask others at first, it turned out to be a huge help."



Don't hesitate or fear fund raising. It makes it possible for anyone to go on an HEFY trip, and we promise it works.