By SHANNON CAULFIELD
The Tabernacle Sun
Most teenage boys plan their summers around visiting the shore and spending time with friends, but, for 14-year-old Patrick Brown, giving back will be his main priority.
Brown spent three months re-searching a mission to donate his time to, and after approval from his mother, Tracey, he settled with Teen Missions International.
According to Teen Missions International, Teen Missions is a pioneer for providing young people with first hand experience in the mission field. Participants would see the pressing needs of the world through volunteering. Teen Missions has grown from one base in Merritt Island, Fla., to a worldwide ministry with bases in more than 25 countries. Each base runs at least one annual short-term mission program similar to the one in the United States, enabling native youth to be able to serve in their own countries.
“I can’t believe a 14-year-old is doing this,” said Tracey. “He researched it all on his own and really wants to do it.”
Brown had the choice of 10 countries to work in and then narrowed it to five. Overall, he felt a great need to work in Haiti.
“They don’t live in a good place,” said Brown. “I thought it was a good choice.”
Brown has experienced the needs of orphaned children, with multiple adopted siblings.
He is one of six children, seven counting the foster child his parents are currently hosting and hope to adopt, according to Brown.
“We’ve adopted two children and have seen the kids who need help,” said Tracey.“His heart is really into helping the children.”
Brown’s mission will be working at House of Hope Orphanage and helping out by building a wall and showers for the complex, in addition to performing instructional puppet shows.
The trip will be foreign on many levels for Brown. He will be living in a tent and bathing in a bucket, a far cry from cool air-conditioned houses and pools many experience in the summer.
Additionally, he will not be traveling with anyone he knows.The Olson Middle School student will graduate eighth grade on June 19 and travel to Haiti on June 20.
“It’s kind of scary. I’m more excited than nervous, though,” Brown said.
Before traveling to Haiti, Brown will attend a two-week boot camp in Merritt Is-land, Fla., to help him train for the excessive heat and conditions he will be facing.
In addition, he will be meeting his team and creating a bond.“[Boot camp] is really about teamwork.We have to go across a lake on a rope and climb over walls,” said Brown. “It will help us prepare for what’s in Haiti.”
Before overcoming the obstacles in both Florida and Haiti, he will have to pay for the trip in its entirety.
The total cost of the trip will be approximately $4,000, said Tracey.
“The trip is something he’s been working toward. We want him to see what he’s working toward, rather than mommy just cutting a check for the full amount so he can go,” said Tracey.
To help combat the costs, a fundraiser will be held with the fast food chain Chik-fil-a at its Marlton location on Jan. 25.
“He’s just trying to raise money, so we contacted Chick-fil-A. They’ll give us 10 percent of the proceeds for the trip,” Tracey said.
In addition, there will be baskets and a raffle to help with the costs.“We’re really proud of what he is doing,” said Tracey.
Currently, Brown is focused on the up-coming trip and hasn’t begun planning for possible future missions.
“I want to try out this mission first and go from there,” he said.
To support Brown and his mission to Haiti, visit the Chick-fil-A located on Route 73 in Marlton from 4 until 9 p.m. on Jan. 25.
