GO Week: Austria

By Samantha DePriest

It’s not every day when a student gets to travel across the world on the trip of a lifetime with friends and teachers to be fully immersed in service and music history experiencing one bucket list item after another for a whole week. GO Week: Austria itinerary included serving with local ministries for two days and was full of concerts, museums, and the Sound of Music Tour. Performing Arts Director Mr. Tim Hurt shared, “Our group of 30 has been praying together and preparing for this adventure all semester. We served with missionaries at a youth conference called Praise Camp in Vienna two full days while we were there. We also took a music history tour in the footsteps of Mozart and a full day trip to Salzburg. The memories and worldview our students gained are amazing, for sure! On the heels of such a successful trip, we are already planning for future GO Week trips and other musical adventures.”

TCS students with Austrian students at Praise Camp

The mission team included students ranging from freshmen to seniors and included a dozen parent chaperones as well. They combined education and service during their time abroad. Praise Camp is a biannual event led by the local grassroots church, Wunderwerk Church. Only 1% of Austria is Christian and since Austria doesn’t have many missionaries, Mr. Hurt gives all praises to God for the connection with the missionaries they partnered with.

While serving at Praise Camp, our TCS students participated in street ministry, prayer time, and serving approximately 2,000 meals in two days. They danced the Macarena and YMCA together and even taught the Austrian students the Church Clap. This was particularly fun for the Austrian students to know a new American dance they can go back and share with others.

Mr. Hurt shared “I loved exploring the rich music history of Vienna, and having so many of our Arts students join us for that. We have been studying music history, and in particular the artists that frequented this city in the classical period. It was special to see and hear their works in the very city where they originated.

TCS students pictured with Mozart Piano Trio outside the Chamber where Mozart performed many concerts.

The missions effort we partnered with was so special! Our students and parents joined in worship and service throughout the Praise Camp, and really connected with the Austrian youth. I love the Body of Christ and that we are connected immediately when we join together in His Name!” Mr. Hurt was encouraged that all the goals they set out to accomplish were met with regards to expanding students knowledge of music culture and history. Our students were eager to share their experiences with us.

“My favorite experience was touring and attending mass at St Stephens Cathedral. My memories of our trip to Austria will last a lifetime.” Collier Benz

“My favorite moment on the trip was celebrating new years in downtown Vienna with my friends.” Kendra Coffey

“My favorite moment was sharing laughs over a good meal with friends.” Madeline Hightower

TCS students, Sophie Young and Hank Woody, participating with a German teenager in street ministry

“My favorite part of the trip was was making new memories while exploring the city with my friends.” Claire Robertson

“While being in Austria, I instantly felt a connection with the kids at the church because they are just like us, teenagers and have an aspiration to know God.” Sophie Young

“This really opened my eyes to a lot of things. I was surprised that the people of Austria were very similar to us. I learned that the world is big, but not that different from us.” Jake Mullins

TCS students working security at Praise Camp

“It doesn’t matter what language we speak or where we live, but that we are all just a bunch of kids who love Jesus.” Emberlynn Wozniak

“I’ll never forget this once in a lifetime experience! Thank you to all the wonderful people involved in making this trip possible!” Anna Marie Flournoy

”The GO Week 2024 trip to Vienna was eye opening and expanded my world view. So happy to have had such a wonderful experience with such amazing people!” Molly Wilson

Flash mob at Praise Camp with Austrian teenagers performing the Church Clap for the first time

“This trip had it all! I got a lecture from a foosball pro, talked to random people in the street, and learned that the Belvedere Museum is not a good place for a game of paintball. It was all very educational. And there was music too, I guess." Anna Manwaring

“It's architecture and people remind me of the beauty in this world.” Addison Davis

“Vienna was awesome. My favorite part was making new friends from another country.” Cody Head