What to Expect Financially
$200 (more if flying) – This is a short-term missions trip, and we ask that you prayerfully consider raising this amount as missions support through LightSys. Viewing it this way makes it an important step of faith (see SUPPORT RAISING). Financial support raised through LightSys will cover most of your costs during Code-a-thon.

Your support covers your housing and meals during Code-A-Thon plus some transportation costs. You'll want to plan separately for meals and snacks while traveling, as well as any activities you choose to enjoy during ENJOY COLORADO DAY.

* If coming with either LeTourneau, Taylor, or Cedarville, contact your school's point person or LightSys for your support raising details.

A Week of Coding for Missions
Code-A-Thon is a fun but focused week of creating software for missions organizations. Like a hackathon, teams work Monday through Friday with a midweek break—collaborating intensively, solving challenges, and showcasing creativity in a community-driven environment.

Skills and Roles We Need
Code-A-Thon is for students and professionals who want to contribute meaningfully to a programming team on a project requested by a Christian ministry or missions agency. Participants should either have enough programming experience to work on a team project or bring complementary skills (such as graphic design, technical writing, etc.) that strengthen a team. Projects typically require more than just introductory programming or data structures knowledge, so a healthy mix of experienced and less-experienced programmers is best.

What You'll Be Working On
After registration closes, you'll receive a list of projects sponsored by mission organizations and reviewed by software professionals to ensure they fit Code-A-Thon's timeframe. Past projects have included mobile apps (Android/Java, iOS/Objective-C), web apps (PHP), and others using JavaScript, HTML/CSS, C/C++, or Python. Teams will submit project preferences, and assignments are typically sent at least three weeks in advance so you can prepare.

How Teams Are Formed
The more the merrier. Invite others who have the skills and interest to join. After reviewing the project list, members of a group usually divide into teams of 2-4 people based on their skills, interests, and project preferences. Each team then works on its chosen project for the week. If you come on your own, you will be joined with others to form a project team.

...by Car
We recommend carpooling with other students from your university. A portion of the support you raise (see below) may be used to reimburse travel fuel costs. We will provide detailed instructions, since specific requirements must be met to qualify for reimbursement (either by mileage or with fuel receipts).

...by Plane
If you plan to fly, you must contact LightSys before purchasing tickets to confirm your flight times fit the Code-A-Thon schedule. Once you receive confirmation from us, you will be responsible for purchasing your airfare.

• If you fly into Colorado Springs (COS), we can arrange to pick you up at the airport.
• If you fly into Denver (DEN), you will need to arrange transportation to Colorado Springs (for example, an Uber may cost $100-$200).

If you fly, the amount you will be asked to raise will be $100 plus your travel expenses (which includes airfare and ground transportation to Colorado Springs, if applicable). This amount may be reimbursed upon your arrival.

...LeTourneau, Taylor, or Cedarville
If coming with one of these three schools, your travel arrangements will be arranged by your school's point person.

What's Covered and What's Not
The support you raise through LightSys will cover housing and meals during your stay. We may also be able to reimburse certain transportation costs (see TRAVEL). However, you are responsible for other travel expenses such as food and lodging while en route. In addition, all expenses during ENJOY COLORADO DAY (including food, transportation, and activities like skiing) are your personal responsibility.

How Food Works During the Week
Meals will be provided in a group setting during the event and they are covered by the support raised. Please let us know if you have any food allergies or sensitivities. We are experienced in accommodating a variety of dietary restrictions (see SPECIAL NEEDS). Please remember that meals during ENJOY COLORADO DAY are not provided.

Dietary and Other Accommodations
If you have any special dietary needs, allergies (food, pets, scents, etc.), or sleep-related concerns (such as snoring or light sleeping), please let us know during registration. We regularly accommodate participants who are gluten-free, nut-free, dairy-free, or vegan, but advance notice is essential. We will do our best to honor special needs, though you should also be proactive in avoiding known allergens.

Where You'll Stay
We will arrange lodging for you, either with a local family or in dorm-style accommodations. These costs are covered by the support you raise. While traveling to or from Colorado Springs, you are responsible for any overnight accommodations. However, if you let us know your travel plans at least two weeks in advance, we may be able to connect you with a missions-minded family along your route.

When to Arrive
Plan to arrive the weekend before your Code-A-Thon week, either Saturday or Sunday.

• Saturday arrivals: 5:00-9:00 p.m. (Mountain Time)
• Sunday arrivals: 2:00-5:00 p.m. (Mountain Time)

Exceptions may be approved with at least 7 days' advance notice.

When to Leave
Code-A-Thon concludes on Friday at 8:30 p.m. (Mountain Time). You may depart Friday evening or Saturday morning.

Exceptions may be approved with at least 7 days' advance notice before Code-A-Thon begins.

What a Week Looks Like
Code-A-Thon begins Monday morning at 8:30 a.m. and ends Friday evening at 8:30 p.m. Mornings usually start with devotions and worship at 8:30, followed by lunch at noon and dinner at 6:00. Evenings include scheduled group activities such as worship, games, and additional coding. Your team may also choose to code beyond these scheduled times.

Essentials for Your Trip
Bring your computer, any mobile devices you plan to use for development, your Bible, a reusable water bottle, and spending money. Casual attire is fine (jeans are acceptable).

Colorado can be chilly in March, with typical temperatures in Colorado Springs ranging from the mid-20s (lows) to around 50°F (highs). Higher elevations are colder. We often schedule a game night and indoor pool night, so bring swimwear if you'd like to participate.

What to Bring Tech-Wise
You must bring your own computer, preferably a laptop. Your project assignment will include details on the required software, such as virtualization tools (e.g., VMware Player). Please have your computer set up with the necessary configurations and installations before the first day of Code-A-Thon.

We also have a limited number of extra flat-panel monitors and video adapters, so you may be able to use a second display during the week.

Coverage and Responsibility
You are fully responsible for your own safety and for any health care costs incurred during Code-A-Thon and your travels. You are expected to have health insurance (or an equivalent form of coverage, or the ability to self-pay) that is valid for the duration of the trip.

Take a Break, Explore, Have Fun
Midweek (usually Wednesday or Thursday), we set aside a day to “enjoy Colorado” and take a break from coding. You can choose to ski, hike, rest, or spend the day however you like. The amount you raise does not cover expenses such as meals on this day.

Skiing – If you choose to ski, you are responsible for clothing/gear, transportation to and from the ski lodge, lift tickets, meals, and equipment rental. You are also fully responsible for your own safety. A nearby and affordable option is Monarch Mountain, where a one-day lift ticket is about $100 and full equipment rental is about $70. Larger resorts such as Breckenridge or Vail are available but have much higher rates.

We will monitor the weather and select the best day for your Enjoy Colorado Day.

Funding Your Trip as a Missionary
LightSys is a missions agency that uses technical skills to serve other missions organizations worldwide. All of its members raise their own financial support. In the same way, if you attend Code-A-Thon, we consider you short-term missionaries serving Jesus by assisting the global missions community with your technical skills.

We encourage you to embrace this perspective. Rather than funding the trip on your own, step out in faith and invite others to partner with you in covering the costs. We ask that you raise a minimum of $200 (more if flying) to cover your expenses.

Where to Start
Begin by making a list of at least 10 people to contact. Let them know you are participating in a spring break missions trip and are raising support for LightSys so you can take part. Also, recruit prayer partners who will commit to praying for you strategically during the event.

We will provide a sample email template you can use and adapt for your situation. Remember to consider your audience—some may prefer a phone call, a face-to-face conversation, or even a text message instead of email. Use the method that works best for your community.

How to Give

• Online: LightSys.org/give/sbcat
• By Mail: LightSys Technology Services, PO Box 64527, Colorado Springs, CO 80962

Checks should be made out to “LightSys”, with “Code-A-Thon” and your name in the memo line. All donations are tax-deductible, and each donor will receive a receipt.

Required Footnote
For legal reasons, please include this statement in your support letters:

“Gifts are tax-deductible and are solicited with the understanding that LightSys has complete discretion and control over the use of all donated funds, in accordance with applicable IRS regulations.”