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frequently asked questions

What Does a typical day at Street Invaders INclude?

A day in the life of a Street Invader during mission training includes: morning and evening chapels (including worship and a word), a variety of classes during the day, prayer, time with your team, small group time, and outreach opportunities. Throughout the day, there will also be three meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner), games, fun outings, and opportunities to get to know other students and leaders during free time.

During the mission portion, students will participate in different church events with their mission hosts, go on outreaches around the community, and participate in discipleship building practices such as Bible Study with their team. International and national certain teams will have outlines of their mission activities in the mission overview provided to students and parents prior to or at the time of application for the team.

All activities during mission training and mission are supervised by vetted and trusted Street Invaders leaders.

Schedules may differ between various programs. However, if you would like an example of a past mission training schedule or a past local, national, or international mission schedule, please email the office at: office@streetinvaders.ca

where does my child sleep?

For the majority of our programs, there are churches that welcome Street Invaders students and staff to stay for the training week (mission training). Students and leaders will sleep in rooms separated by gender and will potentially sleep on the floor (air mattresses and foamies are strongly encouraged).

For some of our programs, students will be staying in dorms at local Bible Colleges. Therefore, they will have access to beds; however, sleeping bags and pillows are still required. Additionally, air mattresses for the mission portion are still recommended.

Showers and laundry are provided to all students during mission training. All meals are prepared by our kitchen staff.

Sleeping arrangements may vary depending on the mission. For international mission trips, there are families or churches that welcome teams into their homes or buildings. Therefore, students do not need to bring bedding and/or sleeping bags on the plane. For most national and regional missions, students will sleep in the comfort of partnered churches and will require bedding or sleeping bags, pillows, and some sort of foamie or air mattress.

Students will be provided with private areas to sleep in for each gender regardless of their mission and they will have access to amenities such as showers, laundry machines, and kitchens. Meals will be provided by church members or team leaders.

Security is a priority on all Street Invaders missions. Churches, Colleges, homes, and any other site where students are sleeping are kept locked at night and leaders/trusted chaperones will be present at all overnight locations.

what are some safety procedures you have in place to ensure my child’s safety? Can I trust the Leaders?

The Street Invaders staff ensures that every procedure in place protects and ensures every students’ safety and well-being. Administrators work to establish good practices through appropriate staff training regarding allergies, medications, abuse protection and prevention, safety during outreach, dorm supervision, building coordination, and emergency protocols.

We believe that the leaders involved at Street Invaders greatly influences the students faith and and are responsible for students’ well-being during the program. Our leaders — whether they work behind the scenes with strategic planning, administrative work, or they directly minister to the students during mission training and mission — are properly trained and vetted.

All staff are trained and/or vetted using our:

• Safety procedures and policies

• Staff training including: the United Youth Outreach Protection Plan for Minors (United Youth Outreach is our our parent organization), mission management, and more

• Vetting through applications, references, interviews, and required Criminal Record Check with a Vulnerable Sector Check for any adults/leaders in a position of trust

• Special protocols for international and national teams and an international safety manual

• Building and mission security protocols and supervision requirements

We take vetting and training our leaders very seriously at Street Invaders as we know that they are in a significant position of trust. You will be given the contact information of your child’s team leaders as soon as your child is placed on a team so you can call them whenever necessary.

We are also accountable to our insurance company as well as the Apostolic Church of Pentecost Canada, our parent organization. Additionally, all levels of staff have oversight and accountability above them to ensure student safety and support for our staff. For more information on our safety, training, and vetting procedures, please email us at office@streetinvaders.ca

how credible is street invaders?

Street Invader’s credibility is demonstrated through the individuals that have poured their time and effort in this program since 1989. The amazing fruit seen in students, leaders, and other individual’s lives were all because of all the supporters and staff that had faith in all of the students that came through Street Invaders. We firmly believe in the next generation all for the sake of the Gospel, the Kingdom and God’s people.

Street Invaders is also a trusted ministry partner of the Apostolic Church of Pentecost Canada. We have official not-for-profit standing with the Canadian government through our relationship with Apostolic Church of Pentecost Canada. Finally, we work hard to ensure we follow Protection Plan and industry standards for the safety and care of minors. If you would like to talk to one of the churches, ministries, leaders, or families that trusts and partners with our ministry, please reach out to us at office@streetinvaders.ca

What is the no phone rule and how will I contact my child during street invaders?

The phone rule at Street Invaders is that students will only have access to their phones for two-hours a day or mission and during mission training (exceptions may be made for international teams, during outreaches, and on specialized teams such as Hastings Street, BC). The No Phone Rule is in place to help students get the most out of the program. We find that phones can take away their focus from daily activities at Street Invaders. Every day, we collect students’ phones and keep them in a secure location. This rule is outlined in the Code of Conduct form students sign before they enter the program. However, WE WILL GIVE YOU A PHONE NUMBER OF A STAFF MEMBER YOU CAN CONTACT IN CASE OF EMERGENCY. During mission training this will be a senior staff member, during mission it will be the number of your child’s team leader. Therefore, you will always be able to get a hold of your student if necessary.

theologically, is street invaders aligned with me and my church?

STREET INVADERS IS A MINISTRY OF THE ACOP CANADA (Apostolic Church of Pentecost) and we are aligned with their core values and beliefs. However, one important theologically for Street Invaders is that we believe in the gifts of the Spirit. We want to show our students that the Holy Spirit is active and alive in their lives and others, and that they are called by God to do greater things. In showing our students practical ways that God can move today through the work of the Holy Spirit, they are encouraged and inspired to move towards the mission of sharing the Gospel and the love of Christ. For more detailed information on what we believe, please see our statement of faith in the “about” of our website by using the button below.

What is additional registration components are required for students applying for an international trip?

Applying to be on an international team requires extra steps before your child can be accepted. Students will be required to go through the regular student registration process by providing an application, recent photo, pastoral reference, liability form, and a signed code of conduct,. However, attending an international mission trip will further require:

• Passport Photo

• Notarized Letter (permission for Team Leaders to travel with your child)

• Proof of Insurance (travel insurance)

• Secondary Reference

• and Other Team Specific Documents

my question was not answered here, is there anyone I could reach out to?

You are welcome to direct any other questions to: office@streetinvaders.ca or call us at +1 (403) 273-5777.