RYM FAQs
Q. What is the history of RYM?
Raleigh Youth Mission (RYM) began in 2013. It was developed as an expansion of Asheville Youth Mission, which was founded by Aimee and Bill Buchanan, Christian educators and ordained PC(USA) ministers. Over the years this ministry has grown to include over a dozen partnerships and hundreds of youth. Our ministry has also expanded to sites in Asheville, NC, Charleston, SC, Dallas, TX and Memphis, TN and an umbrella organization, Youth Mission Co.
Raleigh Youth Mission (RYM) began in 2013. It was developed as an expansion of Asheville Youth Mission, which was founded by Aimee and Bill Buchanan, Christian educators and ordained PC(USA) ministers. Over the years this ministry has grown to include over a dozen partnerships and hundreds of youth. Our ministry has also expanded to sites in Asheville, NC, Charleston, SC, Dallas, TX and Memphis, TN and an umbrella organization, Youth Mission Co.
Q. Who is RYM Staff?
Bill Buchanan is the Executive Director of Youth Mission Co. The Interim Mission Immersion Director for RYM is Nick Case. RYM employs interns for the summer season and relies on many volunteers, adjunct staff, and a support staff to keep us up and running.
Bill Buchanan is the Executive Director of Youth Mission Co. The Interim Mission Immersion Director for RYM is Nick Case. RYM employs interns for the summer season and relies on many volunteers, adjunct staff, and a support staff to keep us up and running.
Q. How do I register?
Please fill out the registration form. You may submit the form on-line.
Please fill out the registration form. You may submit the form on-line.
Q. What is the cost to participate in RYM?
- For a week-long experience (Sunday evening through Friday morning), it is $420 per person.
- For a weekend experience (Friday evening through Sunday morning), it is $220 per person.
Q. When and how is the money due?
Once your registration has been received and you have been notified that your date is penciled-in, please send a non-refundable deposit of $210 per participant (for a week) or $110 per participant (for a weekend). This deposit is due within fourteen (14) days of the email notification from RYM. Please make all checks payable to “Raleigh Youth Mission” and mail them to the following address: P.O. Box 2988 Asheville, NC 28802. (All registrations and payments for YMCo locations are processed at our YMCo office in Asheville.)
Upon receipt of your check, RYM will send a confirmation email that we have received payment and that your spots are reserved. Final numbers and payment in full (the balance due) are due thirty (30) days prior to your scheduled arrival. Click here to see the full Financial Policy.
Once your registration has been received and you have been notified that your date is penciled-in, please send a non-refundable deposit of $210 per participant (for a week) or $110 per participant (for a weekend). This deposit is due within fourteen (14) days of the email notification from RYM. Please make all checks payable to “Raleigh Youth Mission” and mail them to the following address: P.O. Box 2988 Asheville, NC 28802. (All registrations and payments for YMCo locations are processed at our YMCo office in Asheville.)
Upon receipt of your check, RYM will send a confirmation email that we have received payment and that your spots are reserved. Final numbers and payment in full (the balance due) are due thirty (30) days prior to your scheduled arrival. Click here to see the full Financial Policy.
Q. What if we have to cancel?
RYM’s cancellation policy is as follows:
30 days and more: If your group or any registrant in your group must cancel 30 days or more prior to your arrival date, the payments paid prior to cancellation will not be refunded. Any registrant deposit is transferable to a replacement registrant for the original and currently reserved week.
29 days and less: If your group or any registrant in your group must cancel 29 days or less prior to your arrival date, the payments paid prior to cancellation will not be refunded AND payment in full is due for each registrant cancellation.
The deposit and payments that are held for an RYM experience by any group are only good for the original and currently reserved week for that group. If you must reschedule your RYM experience, a new deposit and payments are required. Please contact us ASAP to make arrangements.
Deposits from cancelled participants cannot be used to pay the balance due on remaining participants.
RYM’s cancellation policy is as follows:
30 days and more: If your group or any registrant in your group must cancel 30 days or more prior to your arrival date, the payments paid prior to cancellation will not be refunded. Any registrant deposit is transferable to a replacement registrant for the original and currently reserved week.
29 days and less: If your group or any registrant in your group must cancel 29 days or less prior to your arrival date, the payments paid prior to cancellation will not be refunded AND payment in full is due for each registrant cancellation.
The deposit and payments that are held for an RYM experience by any group are only good for the original and currently reserved week for that group. If you must reschedule your RYM experience, a new deposit and payments are required. Please contact us ASAP to make arrangements.
Deposits from cancelled participants cannot be used to pay the balance due on remaining participants.
Q. Can we arrange for our group to be the one and only group staying at RYM when we come?
RYM has a wide variety of groups, from very small to very large. If you have a large group, you may end up being the only group staying with us at that time. However, as long as slots remain for that time, we cannot promise that you will be the only group here during your week or weekend.
RYM has a wide variety of groups, from very small to very large. If you have a large group, you may end up being the only group staying with us at that time. However, as long as slots remain for that time, we cannot promise that you will be the only group here during your week or weekend.
Q. What about transportation while we are there?
We expect groups to bring their own ground transportation while they are at RYM. We will provide parking for your vehicles while you are with us, with a charge of $20 per vehicle for the week that goes to our hosting church for their mission initiatives. Please tell your RYM Mission Immersion Director beforehand how many vehicles, and what kinds of vehicles, you plan to bring during your time with us.
We expect groups to bring their own ground transportation while they are at RYM. We will provide parking for your vehicles while you are with us, with a charge of $20 per vehicle for the week that goes to our hosting church for their mission initiatives. Please tell your RYM Mission Immersion Director beforehand how many vehicles, and what kinds of vehicles, you plan to bring during your time with us.
Q. What if we want to charter a bus to RYM?
We know that some of our groups are coming a long distance and that chartering a bus can be a great way to get to and from Raleigh that doesn’t wear out your adults. However, using a chartered bus can be problematic when it comes to going to visit agencies during the week. We like to keep our work groups small, and only having one vehicle to carry large groups of people to several stops can be challenging. If you are thinking of chartering a bus, contact your RYM Mission Immersion Director before you make final arrangements.
We know that some of our groups are coming a long distance and that chartering a bus can be a great way to get to and from Raleigh that doesn’t wear out your adults. However, using a chartered bus can be problematic when it comes to going to visit agencies during the week. We like to keep our work groups small, and only having one vehicle to carry large groups of people to several stops can be challenging. If you are thinking of chartering a bus, contact your RYM Mission Immersion Director before you make final arrangements.
Q. What can we expect in our time with RYM?
The RYM Staff will accompany your group to all service sites. We will serve as the liaisons between your group and the work sites and will coordinate with the sites to ensure things are running smoothly. You will be doing all kinds of work from physical labor to visitation to playing games with kids or simply sharing a meal with our neighbors who are experiencing homelessness. We will all be experiencing what it means to be Christ’s hands and feet in the world. In the evenings, we will reconvene after showers and dinner for a program where we’ll explore and debrief our daily experiences. We will close our time together with worship, lead by RYM.
You will be staying at First Presbyterian Church in Raleigh, NC (120 West Hargett St. 27601). There are rooms designated in the Stock Building for RYM. The parking lot entrance is on Hargett Street.
The RYM Staff will accompany your group to all service sites. We will serve as the liaisons between your group and the work sites and will coordinate with the sites to ensure things are running smoothly. You will be doing all kinds of work from physical labor to visitation to playing games with kids or simply sharing a meal with our neighbors who are experiencing homelessness. We will all be experiencing what it means to be Christ’s hands and feet in the world. In the evenings, we will reconvene after showers and dinner for a program where we’ll explore and debrief our daily experiences. We will close our time together with worship, lead by RYM.
You will be staying at First Presbyterian Church in Raleigh, NC (120 West Hargett St. 27601). There are rooms designated in the Stock Building for RYM. The parking lot entrance is on Hargett Street.
Q. When should we arrive?
If you are a summer week-long group, we will be ready to receive your group at 7:00 pm on Sunday. Please have dinner priort to your arrival. Orientation will begin promptly at 7:30 pm.
If you are a summer week-long group, we will be ready to receive your group at 7:00 pm on Sunday. Please have dinner priort to your arrival. Orientation will begin promptly at 7:30 pm.
Q. What if we’re running late on arrival day?
Please contact RYM Director Nick Case by call or text (919-240-8454).
Please contact RYM Director Nick Case by call or text (919-240-8454).
Q. What are sleeping arrangements?
In our designated (and gender specific) sleeping rooms there is plenty of floor space. PLEASE BRING SINGLE SIZE AIR MATTRESSES as well as sleeping bags and pillows (sheets are recommended during the warmer months). First Presbyterian Church has air conditioning (and heat).
In our designated (and gender specific) sleeping rooms there is plenty of floor space. PLEASE BRING SINGLE SIZE AIR MATTRESSES as well as sleeping bags and pillows (sheets are recommended during the warmer months). First Presbyterian Church has air conditioning (and heat).
Q. Where should we park while at First Presbyterian Church?
RYM related vehicles will be parking in the main parking lot, located in the center of the church campus. Enter the lot at 120 Hargett Street, 27601.
For week-long groups there is a $20 fee per vehicle that will go to our hosting church, First Presbyterian Church of Raleigh, to support their outreach ministries.
RYM related vehicles will be parking in the main parking lot, located in the center of the church campus. Enter the lot at 120 Hargett Street, 27601.
For week-long groups there is a $20 fee per vehicle that will go to our hosting church, First Presbyterian Church of Raleigh, to support their outreach ministries.
Q. What do meals look like? How do we request special diets?
RYM provides a fully stocked kitchen for breakfasts, lunches and dinners (with the exception of dinner on Thursday, which is free afternoon). You’ll be on your own for Thursday dinner and Friday lunch after closing worship. There is also an option to opt out of Thursday’s lunch (a bagged lunch), if you so choose. As for special diet requests, please let us know at least a week in advance so that we can have it ready for you. You will not go hungry at RYM; however, if your group likes to have particular snacks and/or gets hungry in between or after meal times, feel free to bring snack food.
RYM provides a fully stocked kitchen for breakfasts, lunches and dinners (with the exception of dinner on Thursday, which is free afternoon). You’ll be on your own for Thursday dinner and Friday lunch after closing worship. There is also an option to opt out of Thursday’s lunch (a bagged lunch), if you so choose. As for special diet requests, please let us know at least a week in advance so that we can have it ready for you. You will not go hungry at RYM; however, if your group likes to have particular snacks and/or gets hungry in between or after meal times, feel free to bring snack food.
Q. Where do we shower?
Showers are located at the end of the RYM wing at First Presbyterian Church.
Showers are located at the end of the RYM wing at First Presbyterian Church.
Q. Is there a kitchen available?
Yes. There is a smaller kitchen that we use for breakfasts and lunches and a larger kitchen provided for dinners. If you need to bring something refrigerated, please let us know, as we’ll try to make room in our limited fridge space.
Yes. There is a smaller kitchen that we use for breakfasts and lunches and a larger kitchen provided for dinners. If you need to bring something refrigerated, please let us know, as we’ll try to make room in our limited fridge space.
Q. What does RYM provide?
An orientation upon arrival as well as facilitation and activities for debriefing during the week. RYM provides evening programs Monday-Wednesday as well as a closing worship on Friday morning.
An orientation upon arrival as well as facilitation and activities for debriefing during the week. RYM provides evening programs Monday-Wednesday as well as a closing worship on Friday morning.
Q. What do we need to bring?
Please bring the following:
• Flexibility and humility (most important as they’re keys to a fantastic mission experience)
• Work clothes
• One pair of long pants (as some sites require pants)
• Closed-toe shoes or work boots (socks, please)
• Work gloves
• Casual clothes/shoes for non-work times (bring layers, as the weather is unpredictable)
• Shower shoes, toiletries, towel, small bag or caddy for toiletries
• Prescription meds (inhalers, insulin, allergy meds, etc.)
• Sunscreen
• Sleeping bag/sheets, twin air mattress/pad, pillow
• Bible
• Reusable water bottle (RYM has water bottles available to purchase for $5)
• Bathing suit (if your group is doing something water-related on your free day)
Please bring the following:
• Flexibility and humility (most important as they’re keys to a fantastic mission experience)
• Work clothes
• One pair of long pants (as some sites require pants)
• Closed-toe shoes or work boots (socks, please)
• Work gloves
• Casual clothes/shoes for non-work times (bring layers, as the weather is unpredictable)
• Shower shoes, toiletries, towel, small bag or caddy for toiletries
• Prescription meds (inhalers, insulin, allergy meds, etc.)
• Sunscreen
• Sleeping bag/sheets, twin air mattress/pad, pillow
• Bible
• Reusable water bottle (RYM has water bottles available to purchase for $5)
• Bathing suit (if your group is doing something water-related on your free day)
Q. What is the dress code for RYM (adults and youth participants at work sites)?
We have a fairly strict dress code for work sites for the safety of our participants.
Dress code for work sites:
We have a fairly strict dress code for work sites for the safety of our participants.
Dress code for work sites:
- shorts (wear what is recommended by your group)
- closed-toe shoes
- t-shirts
- socks/underwear
- It is also helpful to bring a pair of long pants.
Q. What things won’t we need?
Please leave all valuables (jewelry, bags, electronics, clothing, etc.) at home. Don’t bring anything you wouldn’t want to lose, as RYM will not be held responsible for lost or stolen personal items. Do not bring lots of money. Leave clothes/shoes that you don’t want to get dirty/sweaty at home.
Please leave all valuables (jewelry, bags, electronics, clothing, etc.) at home. Don’t bring anything you wouldn’t want to lose, as RYM will not be held responsible for lost or stolen personal items. Do not bring lots of money. Leave clothes/shoes that you don’t want to get dirty/sweaty at home.
Q. What are some suggestions of things to do on our free day?
Please refer to your Leader Packet for the “Fun in Raleigh” resource provided by RYM. Please let RYM know BEFORE your arrival if you are doing something on your free day that takes the entire day and therefore takes your group out of the Urban Faith Walk.
Please refer to your Leader Packet for the “Fun in Raleigh” resource provided by RYM. Please let RYM know BEFORE your arrival if you are doing something on your free day that takes the entire day and therefore takes your group out of the Urban Faith Walk.
Q. Where is RYM located?
The RYM offices are located at First Presbyterian Church in Raleigh, NC.
The RYM offices are located at First Presbyterian Church in Raleigh, NC.
Q. What age groups does RYM host?
We welcome rising 6th graders through graduated seniors during our summer mission immersion. We also welcome college-aged groups.
We welcome rising 6th graders through graduated seniors during our summer mission immersion. We also welcome college-aged groups.
Q. What can we expect in our time with RYM?
The RYM Staff will accompany your group to all service sites. We will serve as the liaisons between your group and the work sites and will coordinate with the sites to ensure things are running smoothly. You will be doing all kinds of work from physical labor to visitation to playing games with kids or simply sharing a meal with our neighbors who are experiencing homelessness. We will all be experiencing what it means to be Christ’s hands and feet in the world. In the evenings, we will reconvene after showers and dinner for a program where we’ll explore and debrief our daily experiences. We will close our time together with worship, lead by RYM.
The RYM Staff will accompany your group to all service sites. We will serve as the liaisons between your group and the work sites and will coordinate with the sites to ensure things are running smoothly. You will be doing all kinds of work from physical labor to visitation to playing games with kids or simply sharing a meal with our neighbors who are experiencing homelessness. We will all be experiencing what it means to be Christ’s hands and feet in the world. In the evenings, we will reconvene after showers and dinner for a program where we’ll explore and debrief our daily experiences. We will close our time together with worship, lead by RYM.
