About Us  

Welcome to the homepage for the 2009 Bridge To Cross HOPE Tour. This page will be used to update all information related to the trip and should be used as your first stop to find any related information.

Itinerary

Thursday, June 11 - Depart from Cincinnati at 4:30pm.

Friday, June 12 – Evening arrival and drive to Pilansberg.

Saturday, June 13 - Soccer tour to enjoy day at Sun City; others can go to Apartheid museum.

Sunday, June 14 – Game drive to Pilansberg to hopefully see “the Big 5 – Lion, Cheetah, Rhino, Elephant, Buffalo".

Monday, June 15 - Morning - Check in to five star resort Season’s Eco Golf Estate.

Afternoon - Mamelodi Experience

Important Dates

May 2 - The final day for all passport details and emergency contact details sent to B2C. We will be flexible with those who have not received their passports yet.

May 16 – Meet the press. Final group meeting to answer all outstanding questions. Meet the video team and take first footage

May 31 – Second suitcase packing party. Meet the whole team of 26 who will be traveling to South Africa and get footage.

June 11 – Depart for South Africa

June 16 – First HOPE Day in Mamelodi South Africa

June 19 – Return from South Africa

Sometime in early July – Post trip get together and final footage for B2C promotional video

Second Suitcase details (no more than 40 lbs with suitcase)

 We would appreciate you getting any of the following items for the second suitcase packing party. Please don’t feel obliged to go and buy anything new. Any second hand items in good condition will work. Feel free to ask friends, neighbors or family members to contribute as well. Cash donations are also welcome and will be used to further the B2C programs in Mamelodi. There are clearly items that can only be new. Most of these are under the "other" category.

Suggested content

Education

Lego’s.

Any Leapfrog products.

Stationary – pens, pencils, erasers, scissors, sharpeners, markers, rulers, notebooks, coloring in books, crayons, color pencils, water paints, board games, class room posters, maps.

Laptop computers, apple computers, webcams, usb memory sticks, external hard drives, network cables, educational software, other relevant software, computer speakers, calculators.

Arts

Any music instruments, battery operated c.d. players, batteries, iPods, drum sticks, music c.d’s,  blank writable DVD’s, blank writable c.d’s,  digital cameras, video cameras.

Sports

Soccer – Any size

Balls, shin guards, socks, jerseys, shorts, pennies, cleats, ball pumps, trainers, backpacks, hoodies, hacky sacks, trophies, portable goals(PUG type), ball bags, cones, water bottles, whistles, referee kit, lines man flags.

Tennis – Any size

Racquets, balls, shoes.

Cycling

Pumps, chains, tubes, repair kits, helmets.

Basketball – Any size

Balls, hoops, nets.

Baseball – Any size

Balls, bats, gloves, catcher gear, bases, batter gloves, helmets.

Other

First aid kits, band aids, surgical gloves, Tylenol, Excedrin, toothbrushes, toothpaste, bandage, wound dressing, dollar store type toys, batteries, batteries, batteries, American t-shirts, sneakers, tents, sleeping bags, microwave popcorn, American type candy – laffy taffy, snack bags, Pringles, sweaters, rain jackets, blankets, winter jackets, camping  lights, jeans, American flags, flashlights,  video game systems and games, handheld video games, marbles, Halloween costumes.

Packing List

SUGGESTED PACKING LIST (no more than 50 lbs including suitcase)

REMEMBER:  Keep everything in one suitcase and one carry-on – your second suitcase will be packed with group giftsand supplies on May 31st.  Do not put personal items in your second suitcase as you will not see it for multiple days once we leave the Johannesburg airport.

Also, remember to pack clothes for Friday evening and Saturday in your carry-on, or in an easily accessible spot in your suitcase.  You will handle your suitcase briefly in the Johannesburg Airport on Friday evening, but you will not see it again until Saturday evening.

CLOTHES:

• Plan to wear things more than once
• Multiple pairs of knee length shorts (it will probably be in the 70s during the day)
• At least one pair of longer pants / jeans that can be used for work if necessary
• Lightweight jacket
• Underwear/socks
• Comfortable clothes for evenings at the hotel and with your host family (temps will probably be in the 40s and 50s in the evenings).
• Multiple t-shirts (use common sense on t-shirts)
• HOPE CUP shirts (1 red and 1 black to be handed out on May 31st). 
• Comfortable footwear including: shoes that can get dirty for work, sandals or something comfortable for hotel at night

TOILETRIES:

• Toothbrush/toothpaste
• Pocket-size tissues
• Brush/comb
• Deodorant
• Shaving supplies
• Necessary Medications (with a copy of prescriptions)
• NO Hair Dryer

MISC ITEMS (not necessary but helpful):

• Fanny pack or small backpack for day
• Work gloves
• Hand sanitizer (helpful during the workday)
• Electric voltage converter/plug adapters (see FAQ for more info)
• Camera (bring enough film or memory cards for the whole week!)
• Batteries (bring enough to last the whole week!)
• Bible
• Journal, pen
• HOPE CUP nametag
• Books for flight
• Picture of yourself and/or your family to give to your new friends
• Snacks to carry with you during the workday
• Sunscreen (Important!  It will probably be very sunny and hot!)
• Bug repellant with Deet
• Basic first aid (band aids, headache medicine, etc)
• Chapstick
• Sunglasses
• Travel alarm clock
• Watch
• Travel pillow

PACKING TIPS: 

• Don’t forget to pack the most important thing….your passport!
• Pack your carry-on with all of your “must have” items: medicines, an extra change of clothes, important documents, etc. This way if your luggage is delayed for any reason you will not have a problem. (remember that you will not see your luggage from the time you clear South African customs until Saturday evening.  Prepare for this.)
• Pack toiletries in zip lock bags to avoid leakage.  Remember 3-1-1 rule for carry-on toiletries.
• All medications, including vitamins, must be in original container.
• Make copies of your passport and keep a copy in a separate place in your luggage or on your person along with your I.D.
• Your second suitcase full of gifts and supplies can be used to bring gifts back.

South Africa contact details

Marnus De Vries  (SA cell) +27 82 772 8789

marnus.devries@bridgetocross.org

Frikkie Koen (SA cell) to follow

frikkie.koen@bridgetocross.org

Tina Koen (SA cell) to follow

tina.koen@bridgetocross.org

Dave Woeste (SA cell) to follow

dave.woeste@bridgetocross.org

Vaccinations

Vaccine recommendations are based on the best available risk information. Please note that the level of risk for vaccine-preventable diseases can change at any time.

Vaccination or Disease	Recommendations or Requirements for Vaccine-Preventable Diseases
Routine	Recommended if you are not up-to-date with routine shots such as, measles/mumps/rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria/pertussis/tetanus (DPT) vaccine, poliovirus vaccine, etc.
Hepatitis A or immune globulin (IG)	Recommended for all unvaccinated people traveling to or working in countries with an intermediate or high level of hepatitis A virus infection (see map) where exposure might occur through food or water. Cases of travel-related hepatitis A can also occur in travelers to developing countries with "standard" tourist itineraries, accommodations, and food consumption behaviors.
Hepatitis B	Recommended for all unvaccinated persons traveling to or working in countries with intermediate to high levels of endemic HBV transmission (see map), especially those who might be exposed to blood or body fluids, have sexual contact with the local population, or be exposed through medical treatment (e.g., for an accident).
Typhoid	Recommended for all unvaccinated people traveling to or working in Southern Africa, especially if visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas and staying with friends or relatives where exposure might occur through food or water.
Rabies	Recommended for travelers spending a lot of time outdoors, especially in rural areas, involved in activities such as bicycling, camping, or hiking. Also recommended for travelers with significant occupational risks (such as veterinarians), for long-term travelers and expatriates living in areas with a significant risk of exposure, and for travelers involved in any activities that might bring them into direct contact with bats, carnivores, and other mammals. Children are considered at higher risk because they tend to play with animals, may receive more severe bites, or may not report bites. Note: Rabies vaccine is temporarily in limited supply. For updates on the rabies vaccine supply, please check the Rabies News and Highlights page regularly.

FAQ

Where are we headed?

Mamelodi, South Africa—A community of one million people about a half hour outside of Pretoria, the capital city of South Africa. It’s a place overrun with serious problems like HIV and extreme poverty, as well as serious (serious!) dancing, singing and joy. We guarantee you’ve never been anywhere like it.

Pilanesberg National Park, South Africa - is situated on the eroded remains of an extinct alkaline volcanic crater - one of only three in the world. The Park consists of numerous hills, wooded ravines and grassed open plains, making the area very picturesque. A wide diversity of eco-types makes a beautiful home for more than 35 species of large mammals, the sought-after "Big Five" and more than 300 bird species.

Seasons Echo Golf Estate Hartbeespoort, South Africa - this 300-acre eco-golf estate is set in indigenous bushveld, on the northern slopes of the Magaliesberg mountains.  Themed around complementing and enhancing the natural and very sensitive bushveld environment, Seasons boasts a magnificent 18-hole par 72-championship golf course.

Why are we going?

Bridge To Cross is hosting the first ever HOPE WEEK in the township of Mamelodi. Part of the HOPE WEEK is the HOPE CUP. This is an international youth soccer tournament where you will be playing against the children living in the townships. The hope is that, by you coming, you will bring hope of a better future to these kids and your eyes will be opened to a world outside of the USA. In effect, you will be fulfilling part of the Bridge To Cross mission - bringing hope by connecting people. We are specifically going to create more friendships, play soccer, leave a legacy and have some fun.

When are we going?

We leave Cincinnati on Thursday, June 11, returning  (back in Cincinnati) on Saturday June 20.

Who can go?

We have space for up to 22 players, coaches and parents. We need a minimum of 12 players and 2 coaches.

How much does it cost?

$2100. A similar trip with more than 600 people last year cost $3000. We are not making any money on this trip. This is to test the waters for the BIG trip in 2010, for the World Cup. This covers your flight, hotel, meals, and activities. Stuff not covered are things like souvenirs, snacks at the airport, passport fees (if you need a new one) and shots (if you decide to get them).

What if I don’t have that much money?

Join the club. We have a handshake. On similar trips in the past, close to 90% of people who went to Mamelodi did not have the funds sitting in their bank account when they decided to go. And nearly everyone raised the funds. Don’t let money stop you. Raising money is actually a very cool part of this experience.

Is there a deposit?

Of course. Airlines and hotels demand one and so must we. The deposit is $200 per person and is due with your application. It can be paid online via credit/debit card, or via check. And  $100 of the deposit is non-refundable because it costs us that much to change your tickets if you cancel.

When is the rest of the money due?

$500 of your money is due on March 31. $1100 of your money is due on April 10, and the full amount is due on April 22 ($2100). We have these deadlines because we will be spending real money on plane tickets, hotels, transport, safari tickets, game tickets, etc. and we need real money to spend real money. We know that's un-American but it's how we have to operate.

How do I sign up?

Fill out a signup form no later than March 27 at 5pm. We’ll ask you all kinds of questions like who you’d like as your roommate, do you snore and so on. Once you complete your signup form, you will need to pay your deposit of $200, either online or by mailing a check. Sign up forms are not complete until the deposit is received in the Bridge To Cross office. All applicants will be contacted by March 31 to confirm their trip participation.

The Other Stuff

(More info to convince you that we know what we're doing)

What else are we doing in South Africa?

Seriously?  We will go on a safari, go to an African market, go to two confederation cup matches, go to an African water-park, eat bugs (joke), and generally have a seriously awesome adventure. Let’s just see what happens. Check out the itinerary if all else fails.

Will I have to preach or pray in front of people?

Not unless you want to. This trip is for everyone, regardless of where you are on your spiritual journey. You will not be required to do anything you are not comfortable doing back at home.

What is the travel like?

It takes about 24 hours to get there. It’s a great time to catch up on sleep, talk to the 100 or so people you are traveling with, read, watch movies on your 21st century in-seat entertainment system, listen to every song on your iPod twice, or just do nothing…which you probably haven’t done in a long time. Everyone departs from Cincinnati and lands in Johannesburg. And you will fly on a commercial airline, most likely Air France, Delta or South African Airways.

Where are we staying?

The first couple of days we are staying at a bush camp outside the Pilansberg Game Reserve. The Monday - Thursday we will be in 5 star timeshare units about 45 minutes away from Mamelodi. You’ll have access to the basic stuff – showers, beds, food, strangely compelling Afro-Euro TV programming, etc. We will eat breakfast and dinner together. And yes, you will have a roommate and/or bedmate.

Is it safe in South Africa?

Of the hundreds of people who have been to Mamelodi before, not a single person has had a serious incident. If you are smart, you will be perfectly fine. We will always travel in groups, and we will always have people with us who speak the many languages (English is common). You’ll probably need to get some standard shots (that’s up to your doctor), and we’ll have plenty of water available. And the only place you will see an animal that is capable of eating you is on the safari…where you’ll be in a big truck.

What is the trip preparation like?

We will have a series of meetings (approx. one per month) leading up to the trip, where you will learn more about South Africa, learn more about what we are doing, meet others who are going on the trip and just have a good time. We also have a webpage full of trip resources.

SKYPE Details

SKYPE Names

frikkiekoen

marnusdv

Roster

Team USA

Head Coach: Dave Woeste

Assistant Coach: Carl Eifert

Assistant Coach: Terry Caddo

Chris Richardson

Killian Richardson

Tyler Eifert

Brad Zinnecker

Hayden Menshouse

Brendan Uetrecht

Alex Henn

Logan Wells

Tyler Galley

Tyler Brun

Garret Listo

Cory Campbell

Kylor Mackey

Devon Climmons

Weather

http://weather.weatherbug.com/South%20Africa/Mamelodi-weather.html

Other Internet links

Pilansberg Game Reserve

Sun City

Confederations Cup

Seasons Eco Golf Estate

Mamelodi

Lesedi