Crosswise Summer Experience

Crosswise is strategically located at the Concordia University Campus in Irvine, California.

Concordia’s hilltop setting is located fifty miles south of Los Angeles, eighty miles north of San Diego, and six miles inland from the Pacific Ocean. The beautiful campus is sits atop a spectacular plateau overlooking Orange County.

And because it’s a university campus, all 70 acres of it is designed for students. Modern dorms, gated grounds, convenient food services, athletic fields, a student union, and fabulous meeting spaces. Easy to find, and quick to get to, the private college campus is an ideal setting for engaging the minds of high-schoolers as they come together from diverse locations and backgrounds to give voice to their ideas.

View our Virtual Tour

At Crosswise, local church workers and Concordia students will serve as facilitators, supervisors, and guides during our time together.

Each Crosswise student participates in small group discussions led by a Concordia professor. In addition, the students can experience the academic and communal life of Concordia by attending breakout sessions that advance the theme of the event in the multiple disciplines of the liberal arts. These sessions promote an atmosphere of question-asking, critical thinking, and personal interaction with our professors and staff. Finally, every Crosswise main speaker is made available for individual questions and conversation after his/her presentation to encourage ongoing relationship building.

Each day we will have a variety of Community Life Activities.  Some of these will happen off campus to nearby places of interest.  Excursions in the past have included a beach trip, a Major League Baseball game and more.  Excursions for this year's Summer Experience will be revealed in the registration confirmation sent a few weeks prior to the event date.

The themes we explore at Crosswise are always considered through the lens of Scripture. Here, we will cultivate an attitude of worship each day as we exalt our Creator God and refocus our minds on Him.

Getting Ready for Your Trip

LIABILITY WAIVER and MEDICAL RELEASE FORM

You need to fill it out and have them signed by your parents. You absolutely need to print and bring this with you, and when you arrive we will collect them. If you don’t bring yours, your participation in the week will be seriously limited. If you want to scan and return it by email, that’s great too!

DON’T FORGET A PHOTO ID

You’ll need it to get through airport security. You should allow extra time to get through security at most airports. Allow yourself plenty of time.

DIETARY RESTRICTIONS/SPECIAL NEEDS

We will do our best to accommodate them by knowing this by June 10.

Arriving in Irvine

PLEASE ARRIVE FOR CHECK IN

Arrive for check in at the residence halls (see map buildings #23 & #26). This will also be your pick up spot for Thursday at Noon.

FLYING

If you are flying, you will be arriving at the Orange County Airport (SNA). Please email your arrival information to [email protected]. If you do not send us your arrival information, we won’t know when to pick you up! We will make every effort to meet you when you come through the security exit. If we miss you, find the baggage return downstairs, retrieve your bag(s) and look for our Concordia University Irvine students who are in charge of pick up and will be wearing Crosswise shirts and making themselves noticeable.

DRIVING

If you are driving, you will need to check in with the gate attendant when you arrive on campus. You will receive a parking permit (even if you are being dropped off) and will also note where you are allowed to park. Tell them you are here for “Crosswise” and they can show you on the map how to get to the Rho/Sigma dorms for check in.

STUDENTS DRIVING THEMSELVES

Cars left on campus for the week must have a valid parking pass from the attendant and it will be parked through Thursday.

AT CONCORDIA IRVINE

FOR THE FOLKS BACK HOME

This is where you’re staying:

Concordia University Irvine
1530 Concordia West, Irvine, CA 92612

Campus Security: (949) 214-3000

We know most people at Crosswise will come equipped with their own cell phones which is fine. We just need them off during sessions. Please, no texting during sessions.

Concordia Irvine is a great place! Students will be housed with three other students in one of our dorm suites - sharing a bathroom. Rooms are equipped with mini fridges and microwaves. Laundry facilities are available for a small fee, bring your own detergent.

WHAT TO BRING

• Dress is school clothes casual. Please keep in mind that you are attending an event for Crosswise Institute and we expect your dress to reflect the quality of participants that have registered to attend. Please don’t be sloppy. Bring your toothbrush and whatever it takes to make yourself presentable. Remember to cover the Five B’s when packing --- we don’t wanna see your butt, belly, bra, boobs, boxers!
• Beach stuff (sunscreen, hat, sandals. Girls: modest suit. Guys: speedon'ts)
• 1 outfit per day, socks, underwear (+ 1 extra of each)
• Pajamas
• Shoes
• Sweatshirt (for cooler evenings at ball game and the beach)
• Toiletries: shampoo/conditioner, soap, bath towel/washcloth, toothbrush/toothpaste, comb/brush, deodorant, any medications needed
• Bedding (twin sheets/blanket, pillow or sleeping bag)
• Bible & something to write with

MEDICATION

If you require medication don’t forget to bring it. Make sure the Crosswise staff is aware of any medical concerns and if you will have prescription med with you. If you take a prescription medicine, be sure to bring it in its original container.

WHAT YOU DON’T NEED

What you don’t need is anything in your bag that will jeopardize your attendance with us! You shouldn’t really need personal entertainment devices. If you plan to listen to music to fall asleep, use earbuds to be respectful to your sleeping roommate.

MONEY???

You shouldn’t need much if any. All meals and activities listed on the schedule are provided. Anything additional that you would like while on our off-campus excursions will be at your own expense. Basically, your needs will be met by Crosswise.

What to Expect

OFF SITE EXCURSIONS

We’ll take you to two local “hot spots” that our Concordia University Irvine students enjoy as well as some others to enhance your Southern California experience. All transportation is by charter bus.

SOCIAL MEDIA

Begin meeting fellow participants as you prepare for Crosswise…
Twitter: @CUICrosswise
Facebook: www.facebook.com/CUICrosswise/
Instagram: www.instagram.com/cuicrosswise/

TEAM TABLE TALK

You will be in groups of 8-12 throughout the week to unpack the content shared by the plenary speakers in a smaller group led by one of our Concordia University Irvine Christ College professors of Theology.

Crosswise is going to be a great experience! You are going to gather with other youth and adults for an amazing week of fellowship, discussion, fun, worship, spiritual growth and a great time. You will be leading devotions, shooting hoops, swimming, expressing your creativity, and enjoying some great food...AND you are going to meet some of the coolest teenagers from across the country! Be prepared for busy days, late nights and lots of fun.

The Crosswise Team and I are looking forward to welcoming you to Irvine. Take time to check out the website again in the coming days to know our faces before you arrive. We pray for your safe travel and for a great week in Southern California.

*subject to change

*activities and additional excursions change from year to year depending on the theme of the week and the speakers that are chosen.

Campus Safety: 949-214-3000