The Friday Finish - Home Repair & More - 51 Need Clothing - Aerospace Education Excellence - "Like a million bucks!"

June 13, 2025

Work Camp – Home Repair & More!

The “summer season” for Red Bird Mission Work Camp started last week after a pause during Memorial Day week. Teams are coming from various parts of the country to make a difference for families in the Red Bird Mission service area. While replacing a roof or a sagging floor is vital to creating healthy, safe housing for those living below the poverty line, Work Camp volunteers provide support for families in other areas at Red Bird.

It’s a fairly normal occurrence to see Work Camp volunteers unloading items at the Community Store or Community Outreach on Monday mornings before heading out to start their home repair project for the week. On Monday, teams from Washington, Illinois and Cantonment, Florida unloaded baby pantry items, dental supplies and general items needed at Community Outreach. There were plenty of construction workers at the Florida team’s jobsite so a group of ladies joyfully jumped in to help this week at Community Outreach and at Red Bird Christian School cleaning; organizing pantries and classrooms; packing food boxes and school supplies goodie bags; and handing out fresh produce.

A welcome surprise

Mayo and Martha Collier of Florence, South Carolina dropped in for a visit at Community Outreach on Tuesday. Supporters of Red Bird Mission as volunteer leaders organizing Work Camp groups from South Carolina for two decades, they continue to hold the people at Red Bird close in their prayers, hearts and giving.

Staff enjoyed re-living the testimonies of how God had guided and safe-guarded the teams Mayo led over the years. Fascinating stories of lives changed both in the teams coming and the community served were truly an inspiration to hear. It is clear that God was at work through Mayo, Martha and the more than 200 people involved and over $200,000 invested in the lives of people served by Red Bird through gifts to Work Camp, Early Childhood Development (ECD), Day Care start up, and Community Outreach.

Although the Colliers and many of their colleagues are unable to continue serving through Work Camp, their impact is evidenced through the volunteer service of others and giving that continues. Being a member of Red Bird Work Camp is more than a construction project, it transforms lives and families.

Volunteer at Red Bird

51 Need Back to School Clothing Vouchers

A big “Thank you!” goes out to donors that have sponsored 49 of the 100 children needing clothing vouchers in the Back to School initiative. Volunteers packed “goodie bags” for all students that come to the Community Outreach Summer Family Fun event at Red Bird Christian School next month, but there’s some unfinished business. As we finish up this week’s edition, 51 children living below the poverty line need those $25 clothing vouchers for their backpack. Can you help? Share the need with others, please!

Fund Back to School clothing vouchers for children

Red Bird Cadets Awarded Aerospace Education Excellence

Embarking on the journey to earn the Aerospace Education Excellence (AEX) Award has been an incredible achievement and adventure of creativity, teamwork, and learning! For the cadets at Red Bird Christian School, this award highlights their commitment and dedication to aerospace education and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). By engaging in hands-on activities, these cadets explored fundamental principles of flight and engineering, establishing a foundation for future careers in these exciting fields.

The AEX Award program is designed to recognize Civil Air Patrol (CAP) units that engage their members in exciting and impactful aerospace education activities. To qualify, a unit must conduct at least six lessons and include a two-hour experiential activity, such as a field trip or workshop.

A major highlight for the cadets was their exploration of rocketry. Each cadet participated in constructing and launching their own rockets, igniting an interest in the science of aerodynamics and propulsion. One of the coolest parts of the AEX adventure was teaming up with “Miss Patty's” 5th grade class. Together, they set up a series of rocket launches to show off some key rocketry ideas. This collaboration made learning way more fun for both the cadets and the younger kids.

The cadets experienced a flight simulator that allowed them to apply classroom knowledge of flight controls and navigation. As they took to the virtual skies, they encountered and solved realistic flight challenges.

Participating in a local air show gave cadets an incredibly thrilling experience, connecting their studies directly to the exciting world of practical aviation! They watched in awe as professional pilots performed breathtaking aerial maneuvers, igniting their passion and aspirations in the field of aerospace.

The cadets got creative and showed off their innovative skills by building a wind tunnel for the school's science fair. This involved researching airflow, drag, and lift concepts allowing them to apply theoretical knowledge to a practical project. Their presentation at the fair developed valuable public speaking skills and boosted their confidence.

Understanding weather patterns is vital for flying. The Red Bird cadets engaged in lessons about atmospheric conditions and their effects on aviation. They worked together to plan activities based on weather forecasts, proving the importance of data in decision-making.

The last adventure on the journey to the AEX Award involved constructing and launching sailplane gliders. This project taught them basic flight principles and let them experience the excitement of launching their own creations.

The AEX Award earned by the Red Bird Christian School Civil Air Patrol Cadet Squadron is proof of the incredible influence that interactive, hands-on STEM activities can have on young minds! Through engaging in rocketry, flight simulation, and teamwork each cadet gained valuable knowledge that will serve them well in the future. Their experiences show how incorporating fun and adventure into education can ignite a lifelong passion for learning and exploration.

Major Danny Kelton Adams and Lieutenant Kayla Smith are over the moon with pride and excitement for their squadron. They eagerly anticipate diving into the new adventures that the upcoming school year will bring! As they continue to reach incredible new heights, the achievements of these cadets shine brightly as an inspiring example for other CAP units and schools! Fueled by curiosity, creativity, and support, the leaders of tomorrow are ready to achieve remarkable achievements in the exciting field of space and STEM!

Support student development at Red Bird Christian School

“Like a million bucks!”

Kentucky Home Place and Plaza Drug were at Red Bird Mission Community Outreach on Tuesday with another Diabetic Shoe Clinic. The partnership between the three entities has a tendency to “fly under the radar” of publicity, but the impact on health has immediate results for those suffering from effects of diabetes.

One of the obviously happy clients stopped for a “photo opp” in the hallway of the Schaeffer Building. Bobby could hardly believe how comfortable his new shoes fit declaring, “I feel like a million bucks!”

Support community needs at Red Bird