| Christmas International House A Holiday of Friendship with International Students |
FLORIDA PROGRAMS - Lithia
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The Sunshine State |
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Cedarkirk Camp and Conference Center
We welcome you to Lithia, Florida (45 minutes outside Tampa) where we will host our students in two settings. First, you will join other international students for your stay at Cedarkirk Camp and Conference Center. This is from your arrival on December 18th or 19th, whichever date is most convenient, until December 23rd. Individual families will then welcome students into their homes until December 27th when all students return to Cedarkirk until January 2nd.
Cedarkirk is a Presbyterian center with air-conditioned dorm-style facilities and many camp activities. We will offer times to canoe, challenge yourself on high ropes course, climbing wall and zip line. In addition to camp activities we have trips planned for Busch Gardens, a Disney theme park of your choice in Orlando (Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, MGM, or EPCOT) and a trip to the beach and Tampa.
We will provide all the meals including a pack lunch for the beach. However, you will be responsible for all costs, including meals at the theme parks (Busch Gardens and Disney). The cost for the park entrance and food is approximately $100 for each day. There is also a $5.00 charge for the high ropes course if you choose to participate.
We will also plan an international dinner where each student prepares a dish from their home country to share with others. We end the evening with a talent show or just sharing something about your home country with everyone. This is always the highlight with lots of laughter and fun. It is helpful to bring a recipe and perhaps traditional dress from your country.
Our site has hosted Christmas International House for many years. Most students are always excited to visit the theme parks and beaches. However, by the end of the holiday, most say that the time spent with others at the retreat center is what is the most memorable. It is for this reason, we strongly encourage you to join in all the activities to build a strong community with one another.
Please feel free to view our camp at our website www.cedarkirk.com Typically, the temperature is moderate during this time. Temperatures can vary from 30 degrees Fahrenheit at night to 80 degrees during the day.
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Program Size |
14 students |
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Program Type |
Combination Home Stay and Group Stay |
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Accommodations |
Single, Married Couple |
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Dress |
Warm clothes for possible cold evenings, swimming and sports clothes for daytime activities. |
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Suggested cash for optional personal expenses |
$130-$150 for theme park visits (optional), $5.00 for High Rope Course (optional), spending money for souvenirs |
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Program Dates |
December 19, 2009 to January 2, 2010 |
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Airport |
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Train Depot |
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Bus Depot |
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Driving Directions |
On request |
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Weather |
Ranges from possibly 30F in the evening, 80F during the day |
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Local Attractions |
Tampa, canoeing, high wall climbing, high ropes, Busch Gardens, Disney Theme Parks, beaches |
08/30/09