Frequently asked Questions

 

 Q: Who comes to CrossRoad?

A: Since its inception in 2004, CrossRoad has welcomed participants from over 40 states as well as Canada. We have had students from the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese, the Antiochian Archdiocese, the Orthodox Church in America, the Carpatho-Russian Archdiocese, the Bulgarian Archdiocese, the Romanian Archdiocese, the Russian Church Abroad, and the Coptic Orthodox Church. All students from Eastern and Oriental Orthodox Christian backgrounds are welcome.

 

Q: What is the staff to student ratio at CrossRoad?

A: The staff to student ratio is about 1:5. Each participant is assigned a small discussion group for his/her classes, as well as a devotional group for evening reflection in the dorm, each led by a CrossRoad staff member.

 

Q: Who are the staff members?

A: CrossRoad staff members are all theological students enrolled in a Master's program at Holy Cross School of Theology or seniors studying theology at Hellenic College. CrossRoad staff members receive at least 75 hours of in-depth training beginning in the fall to prepare for CrossRoad. To learn more about current staff members, click here.

 

 Q: Where will my child be spending most of his/her time, and what will he/she be doing at CrossRoad?

A: Participants spend much of their time on the campus of Hellenic College/Holy Cross (HCHC) in Brookline, MA. Many program activities, as well as meals, are held in the school's facilities. CrossRoad activities include on-campus theology classes and church services, visits to area churches, excursions in the Boston area, a ropes course, an afternoon at the beach, and outreach activities in the Boston area. To get a good idea of what your child will be doing at CrossRoad, please watch the promotional video which can be viewed from our homepage (scroll to the bottom). You may also review pictures from prior years here.

 

 Q: If my child is traveling to Boston for CrossRoad, how will he/she get from the airport to HCHC?

A: Your child will be met at Boston Logan airport by a CrossRoad staff member and will travel to campus with other participants. Staff members have the participants' travel information and are prepared ahead of time with knowledge of the flight's arrival time, gate information, etc. CrossRoad staff members will be clearly visible, wearing CrossRoad shirts and holding a CrossRoad sign. More detailed information is sent out to participants and their parents before the program begins.

 

 Q: I am coming to Boston with my child. Can I participate in CrossRoad activities too?

A: Parents are welcome to drop their child off the first day of the program and meet the staff. However, CrossRoad and HCHC do not have the facilities to offer housing or other accommodations for parents and non-program participants. Participants must stay with the CrossRoad program and all program activities for the ten-day duration of the program. Family members and friends are not permitted to participate in CrossRoad activities, which begin the evening of the first day, and end the late morning of the last day. There is an appointed time during the CrossRoad schedule where participants may call home to check in with their families. Parents are informed before the program of the day and time for this opportunity. This is consistent with the practice of other academic summer programs and allows participants to have the full educational experience of CrossRoad.

 

 Q: If I want to come early or stay in the Boston area when dropping off my child for CrossRoad, where should I stay?

A: Here are links to some accommodations in the Boston area:

Holiday Inn Brookline: 617-277-1200

Hilton Dedham: 781-329-7900

Sheraton Newton: 617-969-3010 

 

  Q: What preparations must my child make before coming to CrossRoad?

 A: Once accepted into CrossRoad, your child will receive 2-3 mailings with additional information, including CrossRoad policies, a health form, packing list, and preparatory readings for the theology courses they will be taking during CrossRoad. To prepare for coming to CrossRoad, you and your child must return all the necessary forms, submit his or her travel arrangements, and he or she must complete the preparatory readings. 

 

Q: My child has a food allergy. Are you able to accommodate special dietary needs?

A: While CrossRoad and Hellenic College/Holy Cross cannot guarantee an allergen-free environment, we do our best to work with parents and our vendors to accommodate special dietary needs to the best of our ability. We do not have a full time doctor or nurse on campus during CrossRoad, although our staff members are trained in basic First Aid and CPR. We will be in contact with parents of accepted applicants who have food allergies to ensure that the program will be able to meet your child's needs.