Volunteers in Mission Trip Summer 2010
Cookson Hills Center, Cookson, Oklahoma

Depart July 17/July 18
Return July 24, 2010 

What is Cookson Hills Center?

Founded in 1948 by the UMW, the center serves Native American people, most being of the Cherokee tribe.  The center first began as a single building medical clinic with one nurse.  It is the only rural mission program in the OK area and the only mission program that is a joint effort of the OK conference, the OK Indian Missionary Conference, the UMW, and the General Board of Global Ministries.

Center activities include a thrift store, food pantry, craft co-op, home repair, counseling, emergency assistance for housing and employment, a Christmas store, children, youth, adult education programs, and a Health Information Center.  The center also provides an opportunity for families to plant gardens by providing seeds and assistance with planting.  

Today, the center has grown to be a Community Center with twelve buildings on 20 acres at the original site with a staff of 18 people.  More information about the Center is available at www.cooksonhillscenter.com.

What is the work?

There are several ways to support the center on mission trips, including working at the center and engaging in construction.  Construction work includes fixing steps, roofing, hanging doors, building a wheelchair ramp, painting, etc.  The team will have an orientation meeting with the Center on Sunday evening.  The work week is M-F, except Wednesday, which is a day of planned visitation with the Center.  The team is encouraged to learn about the Native American population.  We will also be cooking for ourselves using the Center’s kitchen.

Who may participate?

Anybody who feels the call to mission may join the trip.  Membership of a church is not required.  Minimum age is 15 years old.  Parents of youth are strongly encouraged to make the trip with their children.

How will we travel?

Most members will fly from either Boston or Providence.  The closest major airport is in Tulsa, about 75 minutes away.  Each team member may bring one carry-on bag, one personal bag and check on bag.  We will rent minivans for the week.  Cookson is a rural town at the foothills of the Ozark mountains, near Missouri and Arkansas.  There is one restaurant, a gas station and a post office.  The nearest Wal Mart is 20 minutes away.

What are the Costs?

The cost of the trip is about $800 per person.  We will know the final fee when the air fare is purchased in April.  This fee includes air fare, local transportation, food for the week, fees due to the Center, and an allowance for on-site materials and supplies.  In addition, each team member will need to bring cash to cover check bag fees, dinner out at a local restaurant 1-2 nights, souvenirs, etc.

What is the process to Join this Mission Team?

Submit a commitment despot of $400 by April 1, 2010.  This will cover the purchase of air fare.  If you cannot commit by that time, let John Chickering know.  You can still join later, but expect to pay any increase in air fare.  Final funds are due by June 15^th.  Checks should be made payable to Grace UMC.  

How do I learn More?

You may contact John Chickering, team leader, at john@chickering.net