Evidence 4 Faith is an apologetics ministry founded in May 2021 to point people to God through the study of History, Science, and the Bible. E4F’s goal through this Marine Biology program is to provide participants with the academics and the opportunity to deepen their relationship with God. You will be introduced to God’s marvelous creation under and around the sea by living and studying in community. There will also be the opportunity to attend nightly Bible sessions.

General Expectations

The Marine Biology course demands a lot of cooperation from each participant. This is a fun course, but it requires a lot of work. This is not a vacation. Much of the work is done outside, which makes for a fun classroom setting. Because of the motel/dorm setting, certain rules and regulations are set by the Executive Director, Michael Lane, and other instructors which you will be expected to follow. Michael and Denise Lane have been taking students to the Florida Keys for over 35 years and never have had to discipline a student for such things. In fact, every year they receive compliments on the behavior of students! We are very proud of this and expect it to continue under E4F’s trips. Thus, we ask for your fullest cooperation.

Eligibility

Applicants must be at least 14 years old AND enrolled in high school. Older students and adults are welcome to apply. For first time applicants you can only select to come as a first year student. Returning students can opt to return as researchers if they passed the first year course:

First Year – Student:  This course is a hands-on approach to Marine Biology. Every day will be spent visiting different habitats, collecting specimens, classifying those specimens, and engaging lectures. All work is done in a small group setting.

Second Year – Research Student: After completing the Marine Biology course, you are eligible to return as a Research Student. Michael will help you come up with a project and provide you with the necessary materials to conduct your research onsite.

Application Deadline – A complete application and $250 deposit must be received before the Application Deadline (see Trip Details & Deadlines) in order to be considered for the trip.

Special Needs and Accommodations: If the applicant requires special accommodations for any type of disability or special need, a legal guardian is required contact us first at denise@evidence4faith.org or (715)499-0067 before applying to confirm it is an accommodation we can provide and that the applicant can navigate all the activities safely. Failure to disclose needed accommodations will result in your student being sent home if we cannot prepare or offer the appropriate accommodations.

Receiving Credit

Applicants are responsible to check with their schools about receiving credit. Most schools have counted the Marine Biology course as one semester credit in biological sciences. If you are interested in credit, you should check into this with the counseling department at your school. Those high schools that do not count this course as credit usually have no reservation at placing the information on your high school transcript as proof to your college choice that you indeed participated in this program. In many cases, colleges seem to count this as more important for scholarship consideration because it shows extra-curricular involvement. In all cases a transcript will be mailed at the successful completion of the course. If you are a homeschooled student, we will send a transcript to you. Read our full FAQs on credit and accreditation here.

Code Of Conduct

Students are expected to always follow directions from instructors and staff for the duration of the trip. Students are expected to:

• Be professional in all their interactions with staff and other students
• Follow safety briefings and expectations when out on excursions and at home base
• Be timely and fulfill their assigned responsibilities within their groups (cooking lunches, dishes, set-up,… etc)
• Respect the privacy and private property of other students
• Respect the private property of E4F and the different organizations that will be hosting us
• Respect and follow the proper guidelines when exploring wild habitats
• Abstain from sexual conduct and behaviors
• Maintain modest dress: chests and bums need to be fully covered. No bikinis or speedos will be permitted, tankinis and one pieces are permitted. Consider UPF swim shirts to help protect from sunburn.
• Maintain daily hygiene and cleanliness
• Notify their immediate group supervisor of any issues or questions

Personal Items and Technology Use Policy

Students are responsible for the care of their personal items and devices if they choose to bring them and/or take them out on excursions. E4F does not take responsibility for any damage, loss, or theft of personal property. Students will be permitted to use their personal electronic devices during class when directed by their group leader for research purposes only.

Personal devices can be used during free times to communicate with parents and legal guardians at home. Students are also permitted to take photographs of their time. Broadcasting devices such as speakers will not be permitted on the trip. E4F highly discourages students from bringing personal entertainment devices such as gaming tablets. There will be plenty to do.

If E4F staff suspects a student is misusing a personal device or is disrupting the trip with their use of a personal device, E4F reserves the right to take appropriate disciplinary action. E4F reserves the right to examine camera rolls and data on personal devices with internet, photographic and video capabilities.

Prohibited Items and Substances

Participants are prohibited from bringing, using, or purchasing the following items during our trip:

• Tobacco products
• Alcohol products
• Marijuana products
• Pornographic content or related items
• Other items and substances as prohibited by law

Medical Needs

If you have a medical condition that requires the use of prescription drugs or special accommodations, you must notify us immediately at denise@evidence4faith.org. If we are unable to accommodate your specific needs, you will be notified and informed of your options.

Disciplinary Action

E4F reserves the right to temporarily confiscate personal items for the duration of the trip if they are found to be disruptive, prohibited or present a safety hazard. Personal items will be returned at the conclusion of the trip.

E4F reserves the right to limit participation or expel students from the program if they are found to be in breach of these terms and conditions.

Application Process and Program Fees

A deposit is required upon application to be considered. If you are not accepted, your deposit will be refunded. If you are accepted, you will receive confirmation and be forwarded an invoice for the remainder of the program fees. You will also be asked to submit a current headshot so our staff can identify you at the airport. All program fees are due by by the Final Payment Due Date. Refer to the current program page for current trip fees and deadlines.

What is covered: Program Fees and your deposit cover all activity fees, boat rides, meals on site, housing, transportation on site, and all instructional material.

Additional Required Fees (not included in Program Fees): If you do not own your own snorkel gear, you will have to purchase a set. There will be no rentals available. A suggested packing list will be provided to help plan for this trip.

What is not covered: your flight to and from Miami Airport is not included. The final excursion at a seafood restaurant is not covered (we suggest $15-30 but it will be up to you to decide how much you want to eat). An optional sweatshirts will be available for purchase (usually about $30, but pricing may vary from year to year). There will be an opportunity to shop for souvenirs, budget accordingly.

Limited scholarships are available on a case by case basis. Contact Denise Lane at 715 499 0067, or denise@evidence4faith.org

Arrival and Departure

Students and staff will be flying to Miami Airport. Staff flight information will be shared with students so students can fly with them if they choose. When booking flights, schedule your arrival on the first day no later than 2:00 PM EST, and your departure on no earlier than 2:00 PM EST on the last day. Refer to the current program page for first and last days.

We encourage you to consider purchasing travel insurance with your airline tickets in case of unforeseen circumstances and/or cancellations., especially if your ticket is non-refundable

Refund Policy

If you have been accepted, the program deposit is not refundable. If you are accepted and choose not to attend before the Final Payment Due Date (see Trip Details & Deadlines), you will be eligible for a partial refund as determined by our registration staff as funds are already invested in the trip. Cancellations made after the Final Payment Due Date (see Trip Details & Deadlines) will have severely limited refund amounts as funds are invested in the trip and your activities, room, and board reservations have been settled. If you must cancel after the Final Payment Due Date (see Trip Details & Deadlines) we recommend you find someone to fill your spot.

Additional Questions

Please review our FAQ section if you have more questions about the program.

Additional questions can be asked of the following staff members:

Questions about the program and its curriculum can be sent to Michael Lane at 715 490 6677, or michael@evidence4faith.org

Questions about registration, scholarships and payments can be sent to Denise Lane at 715 499 0067, or denise@evidence4faith.org

Questions about media/press kits and marketing can be sent to Charlotte Fohner at 815 721 7302, or charlotte@evidence4faith.org