Trip Info » Cost
The amount CSM charges you covers project expenses, housing, meals and your City Host. There may be additional costs for your trip. Use the categories below to figure out the total cost. View a printable version.
- (1) CSM Fee ($61 x # nights staying x # of people on trip)
- (2) Gas (travel to, from, and during trip)
- (3) Travel Day Meals (cost of meal x # of meals x # of people)
- (4) Parking (see chart below)
- (5) Airfare (ticket x # of people)
- (6) Vehicle Rental(s)
- (7) Admission – “Fun Day(s)” (Admission cost x # of people)
- (8) Meals – “Fun Day(s)” (cost of meal x # of meals x # of people)
- (9) Lodging – “Fun Day(s)” (cost of room x # of rooms)
- (10) NYC Site-specific costs
- TOTAL COST PER PERSON (Total cost divided by # of people):
- CSM charges $61 per person per night. (For college groups the cost is $51 per person per night.)
- You will need to pay for your own gas (to, from and throughout your time in the city). Factor in a higher cost-per-gallon, as gas is more expensive in the city. Visit GasBuddy.com to figure out the approximate cost of gas for the city you’ll be serving in.
- You are responsible for meals on the road. You will have dinner with CSM when you arrive. The final day you will receive breakfast and lunch. You will receive lunch money if you depart early.
- Parking charges are not included in the CSM registration cost
- Chicago: $3.00 per day per vehicle
- Denver: $8.00 a day per vehicle ($2.00 per day should be in quarters)
- Washington, DC: $6.00 per day per vehicle
- Houston: Usually no charges
- Los Angeles: $10 per vehicle per day ($3.00 per day should be in quarters)
- Nashville: $5 per vehicle per day
- New York: Usually no parking charges, $31 per person for week-long subway pass
- Philadelphia: 1 roll of quarters per vehicle
- San Francisco: $15 per vehicle per day plus one roll of quarters per vehicle for the week
- Toronto: $12 CAD per vehicle per day (exchange your US$ before crossing the border)
- Search for group discounts. Some airlines will book your group at the current price, while you can call back if the flight is discounted later on. Book early (4 months or more before your trip) to guarantee that your group can be on the same flight. Travel agents may be able to get you a discount.
- You are responsible for your own transportation during your trip. NOTE: Buses and mini-buses can be extremely difficult to operate in the city—DO NOT plan on bringing one unless you have cleared it with CSM city staff. 15 passenger vans work best. Check with city staff for a list of rental agencies.
- Determine “fun day” or “night off” costs. Include admission and parking.
- Estimate the cost of meals for your extra fun day. Food at theme parks is pricey.
- If you add an extra night to your trip look into hotel discounts, a church of your denomination in the area or stay at the CSM housing site ($18 per person per night for housing only). Call the CSM Home Office for availability.
- If you are travelling to NY please keep these costs in mind:
- There will be an additional charge of $31 per person per week for subway passes
- Please contact the CSM NYC City Director for information about ground transportation from the airport
TOTAL COST: Add up columns 1-10 to determine the total approximate cost of your trip. Divide by the total number of participants in order to determine the approximate cost per person.
Want to Lower the Total Cost?
- Do you have any funds in the youth ministry budget to help subsidize the cost of the trip? If so, you may be able to reduce the amount you charge students.
- Are there scholarships/sponsors in the church available for students who cannot afford the cost?
- Will you be doing fundraisers? This will take a lot more planning, but may allow for more students to go. Check out CSM’s fundraising ideas.
For price in Canadian dollars, please contact Elizabeth Busch at Elizabeth.Busch@iteams.org
