Will we do any sightseeing in Germany?

There will be limited sightseeing opportunities during our short-term service. As camp staff, our primary focus is to join a larger team in the body of Christ and serve God by providing exceptional ministry and service to others.

According to the Janz Team missionaries in Germany, the day before camp starts we will go on a staff day trip, which is a sightseeing day. Previous sightseeing trips have been across the border in either France or Switzerland. Also, once camp is over, the staff goes into Freiburg for dinner and sightseeing on Saturday afternoon and evening.

These excursions will provide an excellent time to celebrate God's creation and reflect on His goodness, strengthen relationships with other short-term missionaries, and experience German culture from another perspective.

Where can I learn some basics of the German language?

• German Wikibook
• German Phrasebook

How do I stay in touch with family and friends in North America? Can I use my cell phone from Germany? Will there be opportunities to answer e-mail?

Germany is a well-developed country with many phone and internet access points. While it may seem nice to be in daily personal contact with family and friends (i.e. boy/girl friends, parents, etc.) when we are in Germany, the brevity of our ministry time may make it distracting for daily communication with our loved ones.

As short-term teacher/camp staff and ministers of the Word of God, we want to be wise stewards and focus the time God has given us in Germany. We don't want to create a distraction to the opportunities God provides, other short-term missionaries, or the German campers who are coming to learn English and the Word of God. To focus our efforts, much of our communication when we are in Germany may be through this website to keep friends, family, and financial supporters up-to-date.

There will not be much use for cell phones in Germany as cell phones are on a different system in Europe than in the United States. Previous team leaders have indicated that team members don't need to buy calling cards. If personal phone calls are made, calling from Germany to the States is cheap (around 1 cent/minute). Before our departure, we will make sure everyone has appropriate emergency contact numbers.

Will we need any extra cash for personal items while we travel? What about personal spending?

Our primary expenses (travel, lodging, meals, etc.) will be covered through the support we raise.

If you want some personal mementos not covered by our support, you can use a personal credit card in most countries. Do not bring travelers checks. Germany/Europe is much-more of a cash based society than the US. If necessary, after we arrive in Germany, we will exchange our American dollars for Euro dollars. In Kandern, most places only take cash.