1. How much does it cost to spend the week in Smithville, Texas?

The fee for the week is $430.00; it is due on or before Friday, February 8, 2013. The fee covers the travel costs to and from Smithville, lodging in Smithville, and breakfast, lunch, and dinner Monday through Friday.  You are responsible for the cost of meals on the trip down (5), meals on the trip home (3), and meals during outings in the Smithville area.  The cost of souvenirs and mementos are also your responsibility.

2. When do we leave and return?

We will leave UMD at 10:00am on Saturday, March 16, 2013, and arrive back at UMD on Saturday, March 23, 2013, in the evening.

3. Where will we be staying in Smithville?

We will stay at Faith Village (306 Hudgins Street, http://www.fpcsmithville.org/faith-village.html).

4. What should I bring?

Click here for "What Should I Bring?”

5. Should I bring tools?

Most of the tools are supplied by the Bastrop County Long Term Recovery Team.  If you have favorite tools, you are welcome to them.  Some information on the type of work we’ll be doing will be provided during orientation.

6. What is the weather like in Bastrop?

Expect 65F-80F during the day and 45F-60F at night.

7. What are the bathroom facilities like?

The dormitory (gymnasium) at Faith Village has limited interior restroom facilities.  They are supplemented with exterior restroom facilities in trailers.

8. Will there be a way to do laundry while in Smithville?

Laundry facilities at Faith Village are limited.  Please combine loads with others for efficient use of energy and time - everyone wants clean clothing for the next day!

9. I have a friend that would like to come who is not a UMD student.  Can this person come?

Everyone is welcome to come. This trip is open to members of the UMD, UW-Superior, Lake Superior College, and St. Scholastica communities as well as residents of the greater Duluth area and family members (18 years of age or older).

10. I would like to drive down and meet you at the camp. Is this possible?

No, this is not possible. Going as a group is part of the experience.  Driving yourself also adds an element of risk.  We are willing to put you in contact with organizations in Gulf Coast region who are looking for volunteers.

11. I have a friend who lives in Iowa who would like to join us for the week. Can this friend meet the bus at a designated area in Iowa? OR I want to meet the bus in southern Minnesota because I want to go home to get some items for the trip. Can you pick me up en route at a designated area?

Everyone must board the bus at UMD.  If a special pickup (or drop off) is made for one person, to be fair, these options must be extend to everyone.  This would significantly extend our travel times.

12. Who do I write my registration fee check to?

Write the check to “Campus Service Trip”.  The amount is $430.00.  In the memo line, write “Smithville, TX 2013”. The registration fee is non-refundable.

13. Where do I submit my registration materials?

Direct your registration materials (forms, fee) to Monte Gomke, UMD Housing & Residence Life, Lake Superior Hall 149, 513 Niagara Court, Duluth MN 55812-3046.  Your materials must be received by February 8, 2013.  Space is available on a first come, first serve basis.

14. What are the dates of the orientation sessions?

Two orientation sessions will be scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday, February 20-21, 2013, at 6:00pm (attend only one of the two sessions offered).

15. When and where will the orientation sessions take place?

The locations of the orientation sessions will be established at a later date.  Please check back.