Host Family Information & Obligations
American host families have a small number of obligations after they are accepted. All of these obligations are easily met, and are listed below.
- Provide to your Belfast child what the ICP considers to be your greatest responsibilities of being a host family: love, room, and board - the operative word being “love.”
- Fill out the application form and sign an ICP Contract. We have both of these forms available at the information meetings.
- Attend several mandatory meetings. There are three meetings prior to the arrival of the Belfast children. There is also a debriefing shortly after the children’s departure to return back to Belfast. Selected host families will get more details about these meetings.
Attend the mandatory opening, intermediary, and closing events while the Belfast children are in America. Obviously, you are also required to be present at the children’s arrival to and departure from Rochester. - Attend as many optional events during the summer as you can. These events allow the Belfast children to interact while in America. In the past, some of these events have included Red Wings and Rhinos games, bowling, roller and ice skating, miniature golf, and trips to the zoo, area museums, and amusement parks.
- Agree to actively support the ICP’s fund-raising events this year. These events will include a carnation sale at the area malls, the ICP’s annual Benefit Concert & Silent Auction, and the sale of raffle tickets.
- Provide insurance coverage for the child while in your care. This coverage has typically been around $60 and is be obtained through the ICP.
- The only financial obligations to a host family are: the above-mentioned insurance; sell or purchase $150.00 worth of raffle tickets; The cost of feeding your Belfast child; The cost of optional summer events tickets (there is no cost for your Belfast child); and other activities and trips planned by individual host families during the Belfast child’s visit.
Host Family Events for 2009
St. Patrick's Day Parade (date and time to be announced)
The Saturday prior to St. Patrick's Day, Downtown Rochester
Line up at designated spot at around 11:00 a.m. Parade lasts until about 2:30 p.m. We will march down East Avenue to Main to Plymouth Avenue. This is an extremely fun event, provides great publicity for the ICP, and is a great way to get to know other new host families. The board normally provides hot dogs and warm beverages prior to "stepping off".
Carnation Sales
Early March through St. Patrick’s Day (or until we run out)
Eastview, Greece-Ridge & Marketplace Malls
Families are asked to sign up for three or more slots to sell carnations in one of the malls. Host families will be accompanied by a board member or board member family. We also hand out information on the Silent Auction & Benefit Concert, answer questions about the ICP, sell raffle tickets and cookbooks.
Benefit Concert & Silent Auction / Raffle
Ususally the first or second Sunday in April (date and time to be announced)
This will be a fun day of Irish music and dancing, featuring many popular and local bands. Food and beverages will be available. The Silent Auction will run throughout the day and the winners of the raffle will be drawn that evening. Contact the ICP Hotline at (585) 225-8550 to order tickets.
Match-Up Event
A Sunday in May (date and time to be announced)
At this mandatory event, you will learn the name of your Belfast child. A photograph and a brief description of each child will be presented. Afterwards, we will create a video to send over to Belfast that will include a short greeting from each of the Host Families to their Belfast child. Start thinking about how you would like to introduce yourself to your Belfast child. Be creative, use posters, and sing...anything goes! More information will be sent to you later.
Host Child Event
A Sunday in June (date and time to be announced)
This event provides the American host children with the opportunity to get to know each other before their Belfast visitors arrive. Emphasis will be on team building and fun.
Pre-Arrival Meeting
June (date and time to be announced)
At this mandatory meeting, you will receive important information on the arrival of the Belfast child and any last minute changes and procedures. More information will be sent to you later.
Arrival of Belfast Children
Last week of June or first week of July (date and time to be announced)
Opening Picnic
Early July @ Greece Canal Park.
This mandatory event, held shortly after arrival, will be the first chance for everyone to get together for some fun. You will have the opportunity to talk with Board members as well as chaperones about any questions or concerns you may have. This also gives the Belfast children an opportunity to reconnect with their Belfast peers.