Orlando Project FAQs
What is the Orlando Project?
A Summer to Invest
We can invest in many different things: invest money in stocks or bonds, invest time in a school project, invest energy in a boyfriend or girlfriend. Our entire lives are sequences of investment after investment. But many of these investments don’t pay off very much in an eternal sense; you may gain a financial reward, or a good education, or a temporary feeling of happiness. While these aren’t necessarily bad things, where will they get you in ten years? Fifty years? One hundred years? By participating in the Orlando Project, you will be making a lifetime investment! The returns will impact you personally, others around you, and the entire world. The dividends will pay off and affect eternity.
A Summer to Grow
In nature, the things that grow are the things that are alive. Every human, from when they are born until they die, are constantly growing physically. So if you want your walk with Christ to be alive, why should it be any different?
The Orlando Project will provide opportunities to deepen your relationship with Jesus Christ in small groups and project-wide meetings. Staff members and student leaders will be thinking and praying for and with you specifically, as well as designing times of intensive learning tailored specifically for you. You will be given the chance to learn how to better study the Bible, memorize God’s Word, pray, interact with others, and build Christ-like character.
A Summer to Share Your Faith
One of the most challenging parts of the Christian life is sharing your faith with others. Many people are frightened by the very prospect of evangelism. But it was Jesus’ parting command to His followers, and it is repeated throughout scripture: sharing the hope you have with others is God’s plan for spreading His glory across the planet.
At weekly meetings and evangelism training times, you will have the opportunity to learn how to effectively share the gospel. You will also get a chance to practice what you learn with people in the workplace and with others you meet.
A Summer to Build Relationships
You will live, work, grow, and have fun with other college students from IUPUI, ISU, USI, Purdue and others who have a desire to deepen their walks with God. Social and group activities are all part of the summer plan.
At the end of the summer, God will have grown you closer to a large group of people, many of which will be your lifelong friends. Accountability, fellowship, laughter, crying, and a new family should be expected!
A Summer to Work
What good is learning without application? A summer spent closed off from other people will make your knowledge sterile and ineffective. You must have opportunities to practice what you are learning.
During the weekdays and some weekends, you will work a full-time job at Universal Studios! Working will help you build relationships in order to share your faith, give you work experience, and provide the finances for you to attend the Orlando Project. If you raise financial support for the project, you will still be required to work a full-time job.
Who will be there?
The Project will consist of over 150 students from Indiana State University, the University of Southern Indiana, Purdue University, and Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis. Also, Campus Outreach staff members will be present for the first half of the summer.
Where and when will it be held?
The Project will take place in Orlando, Florida from June 3th-August 8th. Participants will stay at the Wyndham Orlando Resort. Work will take place predominantly at the Universal Studios resort, and other activities will be conducted in Orlando and its surrounding areas.
How can I get there?
There are several ways to get to Orlando. Of course, many flights are available to Orlando International Airport through various carriers. However, a cheaper and more beneficial way to get to the Project is to ride with another participant. More information about who is attending can be found by talking to your campus staff.
What about prior commitments?
Out-of-town trips for events such as weddings, funerals, etc. must be discussed with the project director in advance.
How much will it cost?
The Orlando Project’s total cost is $1,500, payable in weekly installments. This price covers your hotel room for the length of the Project, materials used in the Project, and several meals per week.
How can I pay for it?
It is possible to pay for it in weekly installments. Paychecks from the work done at Universal Studios can be used to offset the price. In addition, you may raise support in the form of tax-deductible donations from other believers and churches.
How can I be a part of it?
There are a few things you should do in considering attending the project:
1.First, pray to seek God’s guidance in how He wants you to spend your summer.
2.Talk to your parents or guardians. Parental permission is required to attend, even if you are over 18.
3.Discuss the Project with someone whose opinion you trust.
4.Talk to your campus staff member about it.
If you feel that God is leading you toward the Project, ask your campus staff member for an application or email Patrick Lewis who will be serving as this year’s project director.