Editor’s note: the following letter comes from an FRCS student (class of ’22), inviting families to learn and raise awareness about homelessness, particularly homeless youth. It is posted here with permission from FRCS Administration.
Dear FRCS Families,
My name is Maddy Vander Ploeg, a senior at Front Range Christian School. As many of you know, each senior has to complete a capstone project throughout the course of the year about a singular topic. For mine, I chose to explore the idea of Justice through advocacy, and I wanted to practice this in some tangible way.
So, I’m partnering with Covenant House to host a “sleep out” at FRCS. The sleep-out is an overnight event to raise awareness for the homeless youth population. Finding a place to sleep is a daily struggle for the homeless population and they often end up on the streets for the night—an uncomfortable and potentially dangerous situation. By participating, for one night you will have an experience at least somewhat akin to the struggles they constantly face and learn a bit more about the challenges of being homeless that may not be apparent to us. But of course, awareness is only the first step, so I would love for you to donate to Covenant House by using this button:
Every penny helps, so whether it’s $5 or $50 I appreciate your kindness and generosity! 100% of these donations will go to Covenant House and their efforts to assist homeless youth across America.
To Junior High Students and Families:
I would love to have each of you attend the introduction and presentation in the PAC, along with the community time afterwards (see schedule below). This will be a time where you can learn more about homelessness in our city and how you can play a role. Junior high students are not invited to the sleep out.
To Senior High Students and Families:
I would love for you to attend the presentation in the PAC as well as the sleep out. A schedule for the time, along with a gear list is below. If you plan on attending the sleep out, then you need to RSVP and fill out a permission form for the school. Parents, please be aware that you are invited to participate as well. The school will also have FRCS faculty members chaperoning this event.
Schedule:
This event takes place on Friday, April 22, through Saturday April, 23.
Friday Evening:
- 8:45 pm – Meet in the PAC for a brief introduction and presentation (please drop off/park on the commons side, the parking lot by the athletic building will be blocked off)
- 9:15 pm – Head outside to the Patio outside the office for some community time.
- 10:45 pm – Head over to the field and get settled for bed! (If weather is bad we will sleep in the gym)
Saturday Morning
- 7:30 am – Wake up and head to commons, we’ll have some donuts while we do a quick debrief on your experience
- 8:30 am – Pick up and head home!
Gear List:
It may be a bit cold as we enter the spring months (for both us and those currently experiencing homelessness) so bring ample gear and prepare to be a bit uncomfortable! Here’s a gear list to give you an idea of items you may want to bring and shouldn’t bring
- Warm sleeping bag
- Extra blankets
- Sleeping pad (optional)
- Pillow
- Layers!
- Warm jacket
- Warm pants
- Warm socks
- Hat
- Gloves
- Toiletries
- Water bottle
- Headlamp or flashlight
Please do not bring any unnecessary amenities such as tents, blow up mattresses, cots, or inessential technology. Chaperones will confiscate these items if you attempt to bring them, as they are contrary to the purpose of the event.
RSVP
You must RSVP for this event (parents and students) so we know how to best prepare. To RSVP, you must turn in the permission form to the front office by Friday, April 22, at 3pm (forms are also available at the front office). The event is free to attend, but I recommend a $5 dollar donation (100% of which will be given directly to Covenant House), but any amount is greatly appreciated!
Rules and guidelines:
- Anyone attending this event must stay on school property in the designated areas for safety precautions
- If you are sleeping out, you must stay the entire night; you may not leave part way through
- Respect the adults and chaperones helping run the event
- Respect others and the property
- Policies in the Family Handbook apply to this event since it is on school property
- Have fun!
If you have any further questions please don’t hesitate to reach out to me! You can contact me at or you can email Nicole Funk at .
Thank you!
Maddy Vander Ploeg
FRCS Class of 2022