Despite the lack of time to put Road Trip together, its success was above and beyond what the hospitality team, a part of the Admissions department, had expected.

The first weekend of Road Trip, Feb. 29-Mar. 2, hosted a single youth group from Evart, Mich.  After the instant popularity that weekend, it was not surprising that it grew in attendance.  When the second weekend for Road Trip rolled around, in the last weekend of March, six different youth groups signed up, bringing 32 more high school students to Cornerstone.

“We set a goal to host 30 students over the course of the two weekends, and God blessed us with a total of 48,” said Darci Irwin, hospitality coordinator.

While the high school students were here they not only got a dose of what it’s like to be a student at Cornerstone by eating meals in the cafeteria and sleeping in the residence halls, but also were able to experience the larger Grand Rapids community.

“Our guests outwardly want to know what it would be like to live and learn at Cornerstone, but we anticipated that they were subconsciously asking themselves ‘what would it be like to live in Grand Rapids,’” said Jon Shotwell, junior and Program Assistant on the Hospitality Team.  “Students were able to go beyond the streets that border the university to experience how this institution affects the greater Grand Rapids community.

Irwin explained that Admissions had desired to form a new way to connect with churches.  Road Trip was the answer.  And she said that seeing Road Trip unfold and the excitement of the youth groups that participated meant that “the dream had become a reality.” 

“There were so many moments during Road Trip where I sat back, and with a contented, blessed grin, observed all that was going on,” said Irwin.  “Youth groups were on campus.  They were connecting with current students, and they were having a blast.”

“From a recruitment standpoint, this is a great new addition to one way that a student might get to know and explore Cornerstone,” said Dana Nixon, associate director of admissions.  “We’ve found a creative way to connect with their youth groups and youth pastors which, in turn, should lead them to consider Cornerstone when they are making their college decision.”

With the success of the first year of Road Trip under their belts, the hospitality team is already looking forward to more Road Trips in the future.  Laine Comegys, sophomore, and next year’s program assistant for the hospitality team will be in charge of Road Trip, and is excited about taking it “to the next level.”

“I want them to see more of the city and other places that Grand Rapids offers,” said Comegys.  “I want them to experience what the students of CU are experiencing now.”

If Irwin has it her way, this will become an annual tradition for youth groups across the nation. 

“I believe this can become the type of ministry that will outlive me and bless hundreds of youth groups to come,” said Irwin.  “I envision our community linking arms to provide the best possible weekend for the students.”