MT/PFO: Schedules & Handbook

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Our Staff

The MK Program requires a staff of 110 people to operate. Positions include Staff, Program Coordinators, Logistics
staff, Logistics coordinators and permanent MK Office staff.

All our staff have come to work this program because they love MKs. Many are graduates of the MK program
themselves. Among our staff are also AG missionaries, youth pastors, children’s pastors, senior pastors, teachers,
social workers, Bible-school students, nursing students, and more.

Every single one of our employees have undergone an application process through the General Council of the
Assemblies of God, provided at least two professional and spiritual references, and have undergone an official
background check. Any staff that drives a vehicle for the program has also undergone a driver’s license background
check and insurance approval. All the Program Coordinators and many of the staff are first-aid and CPR certified.

We have done everything in our power to protect the safety of your children and to provide the best possible
program to prepare your MKs for the mission field. If you have any questions or concerns about our staff, please do
not hesitate to address them with the Program Coordinator, the MK Office Coordinator or with Bwana Chad Phillips.

Program Drop-Off and Pick-Up

The MK Program is available to accept MKs no sooner than 30 minutes prior to the start of program. Parents are
expected to pick up their MKs immediately after their sessions have ended.

Please help make the drop-off time as smooth as possible for all MKs by saying goodbye, dropping off your child,
communicating with the chief as needed and departing. A lingering goodbye makes it more difficult for other MKs, for
other parents, and for the staff. In the younger programs, a tearful drop-off is not unusual. We will contact you if there
is an issue with your MK. Thank you for helping our staff make the program the best it can be for everyone.

Late Pickup of MKs

Parents are expected to pick up their MKs immediately after their sessions have ended either in program. Parents
who do not pick up their MKs within a reasonable time will be charged a $5 surcharge for every additional 15
minutes they are late. The grace period will begin after the session officially ends and the first parent arrives to pick
up a child. Late charges are considered a personal expense.

Unattended MKs on Evangel’s Campus

During MT-PFO and MR, Evangel University campus hosts Assemblies of God World Missions as well as other school
activities. The MK Program wants to do everything we can to respect not only the campus, but also those who are
working in offices. Please be aware of your MK’s whereabouts and encourage them to be respectful of others.
• No running in any buildings
• No shouting or loud noises inside
• Please do not play in elevators
• Pick up all trash and personal items
• Do not damage or destroy Evangel’s property
• Do not play games inside buildings (i.e. no hide and seek or tag)

Extra Childcare or Babysitting

Extra childcare is not provided by the ISMK program. Childcare must be personally arranged between you as
parents and a sitter. The MK Office will provide a list of names and contact information for staff that are willing to
watch MKs during their time off-the-clock. In these instances, arrangements for sitting and payment should be
made directly to the staff. MKs will not be permitted to eat with the MK staff during meals unless you have a meal
plan set up with Evangel.

Guidelines for Sick Children

In order to minimize the spread of illnesses to other MKs in the program, we ask that you keep your child out of
program if one or more of the following conditions exist:
1. Fever
2. A green or yellow nasal discharge
3. Vomiting more than two times in a 24-hour period
4. Diarrhea that has blood or mucus in it
5. Mouth sores in younger children who are still drooling a lot
6. Eye infection symptoms such as eye discharge, severe redness, or burning and itching
7. Head lice
8. Chicken Pox

If your child is sick, please contact or come by the MK Office. Please be prepared to stay with your child if they are
unable to attend the MK program. Children in the PreTeen & Youth programs can usually stay in their rooms on their
own if parents periodically check on them.

If you are unsure whether or not you should put your child in the program, contact the MK Office and explain your
child’s condition. At that point, we can make plans regarding the best course to take. If your child needs to see a
doctor, contact the PMC department for a list of doctors in the area. Please also contact the MK Office to let us
know of your MK’s illness.

Medication and First Aid for MKs

Program Coordinators and MK Office staff are CPR and first aid trained. Program Coordinators will provide basic first aid to MKs as needed. An Accident/Medication report form will be given to parents for any first aid administered while in our care.

In the event your MK has a medical emergency, emergency services will be called and all efforts will be made to
locate you immediately. Please keep your cell phones on silent but turned on while your MKs are in our care.

The MK Program will not dispense either over-the-counter or prescription medication to your child unless you have
authorized us to do so. If your child becomes ill or needs medication during program hours, Coordinators will try to
reach you by phone to get permission to give medication to your child. You will be asked to sign a form when you
pick up your child from program acknowledging the medication, dosage, and time given.

If your child is on prescription medication that will unavoidably need to be dispensed during program hours, please connect with your child’s Coordinator and give them detailed information about how to store the medication and
time/amount for dosage. Program Coordinators will store and dispense prescription medication only at your request.
All medication dispensed will be documented on an accident/illness report form which you will receive when you pick up your child.

If your child will be attending the MuKappa camping trip and uses a prescription medication, please communicate
clearly with the camp nurse BEFORE they leave for their trip about any medication your child takes. Over-the-counter medications will be dispensed as needed by the nurse during Bootcamp MuKappa week and will be
documented on an accident/illness report form.

Discipline Policy

The ISMK MT/PFO and MR programs provide a safe and loving environment where MKs are welcomed into their
ISMK family. Occasionally the need to address behavioral issues during program hours arises in order to protect
the health and safety of all of our MKs.

Discipline policies in the ISMK program focus on the process of discipleship—learning to live like Christ. Our staff are trained to use two forms of discipline: preventative discipline and responsive discipline. Preventative discipline
helps avoid most issues that arise during MT/PFO and MR. Any kind of responsive discipline required beyond the
most basic correction is handled by the Program Coordinator or the MK Office.

The MK Office does not allow any form of physical punishment in any program. This policy protects both the MKs and all of our staff. If your child is involved in a significant discipline issue within the program, the Program
Coordinator or the MK Office will notify you. It is our intention to resolve whatever situations may arise together with you as a parent and on behalf of the MKs. If you have questions about the discipline policy, please do not hesitate to visit the MK Office to discuss the issue.

MK Electronic Media Usage

Cell phones, iPods, MP3 players, hand-held video games, and other forms of electronic media are not permitted
during program hours at any time. Everyone respects this rule, including our staff. If your child chooses to use one of
these devices during program hours, the chief or coordinator may confiscate it and return it directly to you as the parent.

We understand that cell phones are used regularly for parent-child communication. However, we ask that MKs
completely shut off their phones while program is in session. As soon as program has dismissed, they may turn them back on again.

No forms of electronic media, including cell phones, will be allowed at Bootcamp. They are considered “contraband”
and will be confiscated by the border patrol.

If you have an emergency at any time and need to reach your child during program hours, please come to the MK
Office and we will contact Program Coordinators to bring your child to you or communicate a message.

Dress Code

ISMK staff and MKs are asked to dress appropriately for all activities. Please review the following dress code with
your children.
MKs may wear:
• Shorts
• T-shirts
• Sleeveless shirts (sleeves must meet the
shoulder)
• Jeans

MKs may not wear:
• Tank-style or spaghetti strap tops
• Shorts or skirts that do not reach the end of
fingertips that are fully extended
• Tops that expose the midriff in any way
• Pants that sag, expose undergarments, or
have holes

For water based activities MKs should wear:
• Females—conservative bathing suits.
• Males—swimming trunks (no Speedo-style bathing suits)

MuKappa Camping Trip—What to Pack

MKs in the Bootcamp program will spend four days camping at MuKappa during the second week of MT/PFO. Below is a list of items that your MK will need to pack for this campout. Please note that customs officials at MuKappa can and will confiscate items not on this list:
• MK t-shirt (supplied at registration)
• Tribe ID (supplied in program)
• BC Line/ BCs (supplied in program)
• Personal pillow—CBC does not allow their bedding to be taken off campus
• Flashlight
• 5 changes of clothes—please include items that can get dirty and/or wet
• Tennis shoes that can get dirty
• Shoes to wear in the river
• Swimsuit (Girls: one piece only; Boys: swim trunks, no Speedos)
• 1 Large towel
• Toiletries—1 bar of soap, 1 washcloth, 1 toothbrush, 1 toothpaste
(Note: no deodorant, makeup, perfume, shaving items, or scented items will be allowed)

If you did not bring appropriate “throw away” clothes with you to MT/PFO, we suggest that you visit Springfield’s DAV Thrift Store at 1711 N. Glenstone Ave., or any other local thrift store.

Snacks and Dietary Needs

The MK Program offers a variety of snacks during program hours. Snacks vary and include everything from candy and chips to fruit and cheese. If you have a specific request related to your child and snacks, please communicate it clearly to the child’s Coordinator or
chief.

If your child has any dietary issues or allergies, please make us aware of these needs. Communicate with the MK Office if it is severe, as well as communicating your child’s dietary needs to his or her Program Coordinator. We will be very careful to protect MKs with allergies and specific food needs.

Special Needs

Please help us minister to your MKs in the best way we possibly can by communicating any special needs to your child’s Coordinator or Chief. We are counting on you to tell us when your child needs something special from the MK Program.

Car Seats

The MK Program complies with all Missouri State and Federal laws regarding the use of child safety seats. Our programs use both passenger vans and school buses to transport children. It is important to note that the law regarding child safety seats varies according to which vehicle the child is riding in.

Passenger vans: In the passenger vans, children under 40 pounds will be placed in a car seat and children between 40 and 80 pounds will be placed in a booster seat at all times while riding in a program vehicle.

School buses: Children under 4 years old, regardless of weight, will be placed in a car seat at all times while riding on the MK Program school bus. Children older than four years old will ride on a regular school bus seat without a seat belt. This is in compliance with Missouri law regarding the transportation of children on a school bus. School buses are equipped with a passive restraint system called compartmentalization that means that the seating area of a school bus is built with specially padded highback, wider, thicker seats that protect people in school buses during accidents. The MK Program is equipped with enough seats for children in the Beginner, Preschool and Early Elementary (as needed) programs.

All MK Program drivers undergo a background check, check of their driver’s license, and are approved and insured through General Council of the Assemblies of God. Additionally, school bus drivers are also required to hold a current Commercial Driver’s license with the state of Missouri.

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MK Program Ground Rules

These are the ground rules for the MK Program:
• No put-downs, not even of yourself
• While one person talks, everyone else listens
• Everyone participates in every activity
• Respect all leaders and use their appropriate name/title (Bwana, Program Coordinator, Chief, etc.)

MK Verse

Memorizing the MK verse is a very important part of being an MK. This verse can encourage you when you
go through hard things. If you don’t know the actions to this verse, ask your Chief to teach you!

“If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me,
your right hand will hold me fast.” Psalms 139:9-10

MK Battle Cry & Song

The MK battle cry and the MK song are fun things we like to sing or say a lot throughout the summer, but
especially when we are leaving or coming back to campus.

MK Battle Cry

We’re rough / We’re tough / We’ve got the stuff / We’re young / We’re bold / We’re completely sold.
I’m telling the story / That must be told.
The task is great / The workers are few.
I’m goin’ over / How ‘bout you?

MK Song

If you look at me, And you wonder what you see,
I may be tall, thin, or fat, dark or fair.
I may have long hair, Or freckles there,
But I’m somethin’ extra special, can’t you see?
For my heart beats true to the red, white, and blue, And I love my Lord Jesus too.
So, you old-timers, don’t forget, I’m an MK, a Missionary Kid. YEAH!

MK Flag & Miko

This is the MK flag. It was created while Paul Dobson was Bwana. He asked MKs around the world to
submit ideas for the flag design. This is the idea that won, and it has been our official flag ever since.

The blue section of the flag represents the MK’s
passport culture. The yellow section represents
the MK’s new culture. The chameleon in the
middle is named “Miko.” The name comes from
the letters “MK” and was also chosen by MKs through a survey.

MKs often feel like they don’t belong to one single culture but rather take pieces of both cultures and blend
them in their lives. That is why MKs are represented by the green chameleon, Miko! They are green
because they are a blending together of two cultures, the blue and the yellow. The chameleon signifies an
MK’s ability to adapt to their surroundings and blend into the culture in which they are living at the time.

MK Electronic Media Usage

Cell phones, iPods, MP3 players, hand-held video games, and other forms of electronic media are not
permitted during program hours at any time. Everyone respects this rule, including staff. If you use one of
these devices during program hours, your chief or coordinator may confiscate it and return it to your
parents.

We understand that sometimes your parents need to talk to you. However, they know about this policy and
will contact your Coordinator if there is an emergency of if they have a message for you. Please completely
shut off your phone any time program is in session, you may turn it back on after you are dismissed.

No forms of electronic media, including cell phones, will be allowed at Bootcamp. They are considered
“contraband” and will be confiscated by the border patrol.

Dress Code

ISMK staff and MKs are asked to dress appropriately for all activities. Please review the following dress
code and ask your Coordinator if you have any questions. If you are not dressed appropriately you will be
asked to change or may not be allowed to participate in an activity.

MKs may wear:
• Shorts
• T-shirts
• Sleeveless shirts (sleeves must meet the
shoulder)
• Jeans

For water based activities MKs should wear:
• Females—conservative bathing suits.

MKs may not wear:
• Tank-style or spaghetti strap tops
• Shorts or skirts that do not reach the end of fingertips that are fully extended
• Tops that expose the midriff in any way
• Pants that sag, expose undergarments, or have holes
• Males—swimming trunks (no Speedo-style bathing suits)

MuKappa Camping Trip—What to Pack

MKs in the Bootcamp program will spend four days camping at MuKappa during the second week of
MT/PFO. Below is a list of items that you will need to pack for this campout. Please note that customs
officials at MuKappa can and will confiscate items not on this list:

• MK t-shirt (supplied at registration)
• Tribe ID (supplied in program)
• BC Line/ BCs (supplied in program)
• Personal pillow
• Flashlight
• 5 Changes of Clothes—please include items that can get dirty and/or wet
• Tennis shoes that can get dirty
• Shoes to wear in the river
• Swimsuit (Girls: one piece only; Boys: swim trunks, no Speedos)
• 1 Large Towel
• Toiletries—1 bar of soap, 1 washcloth, 1 toothbrush, 1 toothpaste
(Note: no deodorant, makeup, perfume, shaving items, or scented items will be allowed)

If you did not bring appropriate “throw away” clothes with you to MT/PFO, we suggest that you visit Springfield’s DAV Thrift Store at 1711 N. Glenstone Ave., or any other local thrift store.

Respect Evangel’s Campus and All Meeting Times

During MT-PFO and MR Evangel campus hosts Assemblies of God World Missions as well as other campus
activities. The MK Program wants to do everything we can to respect not only the physical Central campus,
but also those who are working in offices. Please be sure to pick up your trash, do not damage or destroy
Evangel’s property, and respect all persons in authority including Evangel’s personnel.

If you are released from program without a parent, please be aware that there may be sessions going on in classrooms, or babies may be sleeping in dorm rooms.

Please read and follow these guidelines:
• No running in any Evangel buildings
• No loud shouting or loud noises inside (unless you are with your program and in your program room)
• Please do not play in elevators
• Pick up all trash and your personal items
• Do not damage or destroy Evangel’s property
• Do not play games inside buildings (i.e. no hide and seek or tag)
• If you are in charge of watching a younger sibling, please make sure you keep them with you

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PROGRAM PACKING LISTS for MT/PFO

NURSERY (Birth–12 Months) and TODDLER (12–27 Months)

• A diaper bag packed daily with disposable diapers, change of clothes, and any special food or toys
• Individual baby food jars and bottles labeled with your child’s name (refrigerators and microwaves are
available for us on-site)

BEGINNER (28 Months–3 Years) and PRESCHOOL (4 and 5 Years)

• A change of clothes to leave in the program homeroom
• Dress clothes for Commissioning Service (MT/PFO families only)
• Beach towel and bathing suit
• Child safety seats: In Missouri, these are required for children under four years of age (or up to 40 lb).

EARLY ELEMENTARY (Ages 6-8)

• Dress clothes for Commissioning Service (MT/PFO families only)
• Beach towel and modest bathing suit
• Bible

Bootcamp (ages 9-18)

During MT/PFO only, Ages 9–18 experience our BOOTCAMP, which is a simulated experience to help prepare them for culture shock and other overseas experiences, including preparation and travel off-site to a “foreign country” we call MuKappa. Additional items needed specifically for the MuKappa experience:

• Official program T-shirt (supplied at registration)
• Sleeping bag (will be provided)
• Pillow
• Flashlight
• Five changes of clothes that can get dirty and wet
• Tennis shoes that can get dirty, plus shoes to wear in the river
• Modest bathing suit and beach towel
• Dress clothes for Commissioning Service (MT/PFO families only)
• One (1) each of the following: bar of soap, washcloth, toothbrush, tube of toothpaste
• Not permitted: deodorant, makeup, perfume, shaving items, or scented items
• Other camping supplies are provided by ISMK.

Request a list of babysitters (All official sessions are covered by ISMK. Meals and special meetings will require a babysitter)