Frequently asked questions about the High Seas Expedition program...
* Are there Daily Challenges® this year?
* Our summer program is small; do I need a different teacher for each of the seven stations?
* Our summer program is huge; will High Seas Expedition work for us?
* Do I have to use multi-age crews?
* Can kids of all ages really learn when they're in mixed-age groups?
* How does the new Spotlight VBS™ work?
* Can I use the program in something other than a five-day format?
* What Bible translation does High Seas Expedition use?
Frequently asked questions about High Seas Expedition resources...
* If I order crafts I don't use, can I return them?
* Do I really need the Bible Memory Buddies®?
* Does every child need a set of iOpeners: Surprising Conversations About God™ student cards?
* Why do I have to pay for each music CD? Why can't I just make copies?
Frequently asked questions about High Seas Expedition extras...
* How can I connect with other VBS directors?
* How do I set up my VBS P.R.O.™?
* If I have a technical question, who do I call?
Frequently asked questions about the High Seas Expedition program...
Are there Daily Challenges® this year?
Kids will have an exciting new challenge at your Totally Catholic Summer Program in 2010. At High Seas Expedition, kids will be on the look-out for God Sightings™. Kids and
adults will get caught up in the excitement of finding places and situations where they see God in action—or ways they can be a God Sighting! They'll even receive a colorful Watch For God
Wristband to wear throughout the week as a reminder to keep watching for God every day of High Seas—and beyond. Each day during Sail Away Cinema, Crews (a group of five kids and one Crew Leader) will
share their latest God Sightings. Then Crew Leaders will write their Crew's God Sightings on special map marker stickers and add them to a fun God Sightings map. By the end of your summer program,
everyone will literally see a trail of evidence that God is at work in our world!
Our summer program is small; do I need a different teacher for each of the seven stations?
Nope! If you have fewer than 40 children at your summer program, have all the small-group Crews rotate through stations together. That way, each Station Leader teaches just once or can handle several
stations.
Our summer program is huge; will High Seas Expedition work for us?
Yup! Larger parishes tell us that for up to 150 kids, you can use the program just as written. More than 150 kids? Just duplicate the stations. For each 150 kids, you simply set up another station.
For instance, for 300 kids you'll need two craft leaders instead of one. For 450 kids you'll need three craft leaders. For a million kids you'll need... umm... well, you get the idea.
Do I have to use multi-age crews?
No, but you really do need to try this. It works—we've tested this hundreds of times in hundreds of parishes. Children help each other, and discipline problems all but disappear since the
fifth-grade boys aren't all trying to impress each other. Still unsure? Visit the High Seas forum at and ask other Totally Catholic Summer Program directors.
Can kids of all ages really learn when they're in mixed-age groups?
Studies show that children learn as much—or more—when they're linked with kids of different ages. High Seas Expedition Crews are like families, where kids easily and naturally learn with
and from one another. Social skills improve, self-esteem rises, and cooperation increases.
How does the new Spotlight VBS™ work?
Each day a group of Crews skip part of their games time and go to Spotlight VBS, where the photographer takes pictures of them in poses that go with an Internet-based custom slide presentation.
The photographer drops the photos into the presentation using Smilebox® and...voila! Kids love watching themselves onscreen! Plus, you can e-mail the slide shows to parents, other relatives,
and friends who will enjoy seeing the High Seas Expedition adventure.
Can I use the program in something other than a five-day format?
You bet! You'll find format options outlined in your Ultimate Director Go-To Guide. Included are suggestions for weekday mornings, weekday evenings, midweek clubs, day camps, Sunday mornings,
or a weekend retreat! Several of the options allow for the whole family to be involved.
What Bible translation does High Seas Expedition use?
The High Seas Expedition Totally Catholic Summer Program uses the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV): Catholic Edition Bible.
Frequently asked questions about High Seas Expedition resources...
If I order crafts I don't use, can I return them?
We receive materials prepackaged from our vendors, so we can't process returns of opened or partially used packages. If you find yourself with a few extras, use them as special gift surprises for
religious education classes, for siblings of students, or for those who couldn't attend your Totally Catholic Summer Program. They won't go to waste!
Do I really need the Bible Memory Buddies®?
We highly recommend Bible Memory Buddies. It's a great year-long reminder of your Totally Catholic Summer Program... and kids love to collect them and share them with friends.
Does every child need a set of iOpeners: Surprising Conversations About God™ student cards?
Again, we highly recommend purchasing a set for each child. We heard from parents that they really want to continue the High Seas experience at home. When each child has a set of iOpeners cards
(attached to the Ship Clip Bible Buddy Keeper), kids can attach the easy-to-carry cards to a backpack, sports bag, or lunch box as a simple way to share their faith. Each child will appreciate having
their own set of cards to take home, to school... and everywhere!
Why do I have to pay for each music CD? Why can't I just make copies?
You want the best in recognizable, high-quality music for your summer program. To meet that expectation, we work with original artists and other publishers, and we're required to pay a royalty each
time we distribute their songs. We don't have the authority to give you—or anyone else—permission to copy these works. But it's worth it to have energetic music your kids will enjoy for years to come!
Frequently asked questions about High Seas Expedition extras...
How can I connect with other Totally Catholic Summer Program directors?
Visit our High Seas forum and you'll find thousands of other Totally Catholic Summer Program directors from all over the world. Get great advice and prayer support—just a mouse-click away!
How do I set up my VBS P.R.O.™?
To register for the VBS P.R.O., go to VBS P.R.O. link under the Tips and Tools section of harcourtreligion.com/totallycatholic and select the "Get Started" link.
Then just follow the prompts—you're in business!
If I have a technical question, who do I call?
Please call Product Support at 1-800-975-4006.
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