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  • Home
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    • Grand Canyon Tour
    • Schedule an Engagement
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Events / Grand Canyon Tour 2022

Four tour dates for 2022

Jun 20-23  |  Custom Tour (Details 262-422-1918)

Aug 4-7  |  Aug 11-14  |  Sep 15-18

You will learn scores of biblical and scientific facts from your host, Jay Seegert of The Starting Point Project, about worldviews, the Global Flood, and how the canyon was carved in days rather than in millions of years!

We'll view the Grand Canyon, share eye-opening on-the-rim talks, walk along the south rim, and take a fun 17-mile raft trip down the Colorado River, where towering cliffs soar overhead! You'll see the first flood layers and touch rocks from the week of creation!

​This tour of the Grand Canyon is Bible-based, so come as a couple, a family, an individual, or a group and be armored with the knowledge to defend the Word of God . . . critical for our youth today and exciting for Believers of all ages.
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Don't miss out. Register early!
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To register, please call
The Starting Point Project
(262) 422-1918

Pricing Summary

Pastor... Could Go Free!
  • Pastors who attend will receive $50 off for each paid person from their church! 
  • For example, sign up 10 people, get $500 off!  Sign up 20, get $1,000 off (more than the price of your trip!)
  • You can receive up to $2,700 if your church "fills the bus" (54 people).  You are free to use this refund however you see fit!
​The general pricing is:
  • 2 Adults sharing a room: $825 each
  • 1 Child with 2 paying adults: $725. 
  • Each additional child is $625
  • Adult in a single room: $995
  • See the FAQ below for the early-bird discount!

Tour Summary

The tour begins and ends in Phoenix, AZ. The price includes three hotel nights, our Grand Canyon tour, a guided raft trip on the Colorado River, meals from dinner the evening you arrive through breakfast the morning you depart, water bottles, snacks and life-changing information provided by Jay.

You’ll arrive in Phoenix (Thu) for an overnight included in your trip package. We'll end back in Phoenix the night before you depart so you can fly/drive home the next day (Sun) - a great four-day trip/mini vacation with an investment in eternity! 

Day 1 (travel to Phoenix)
Arrive Phoenix, Arizona. Overnight at Drury Inn & Suites Phoenix Airport. Check-in 3:00 PM or later. The tour price includes your evening meal. 7:30 PM - Meet your host Jay Seegert at the hotel. 
Day 2 (Rim)
Breakfast at hotel • Travel to and Tour Grand Canyon - South Rim • Walk the rim with lectures along the way (flat and paved • Tour Mather Point, Desert Viewpoint & Bright Angel • Lunch at Grand Canyon • Dinner - Cameron Trading Post • Overnight - Country Inn & Suites, Page, AZ.  

​Day 3 (River)
Breakfast at hotel • 17-mile raft trip down the Colorado River (no white water rapids!) • Lunch in historic Lee’s Ferry • Dinner and overnight at Drury Inn & Suites Phoenix Airport.
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Day 4 (travel home)
Breakfast at hotel, travel home with tons of eye-opening knowledge and great memories!

Frequently Asked Questions

Registration & Payment

How do we sign up? 
To register, please call Carol at (262) 422-1918.

When is payment due? 
While seats remain available, payment is due upon purchase of a seat.
 
What is the sign-up deadline for this trip?  
We operate on a "first-come, first-served" basis. Your seat is only reserved once paid for in full. The deadline is March 31st for the May trip and June 1st for the August trip; however, space is limited, and trips usually sell out well in advance.  EARLY-BIRD discounts ($25 per person) are available for registrations made by December 31, 2021.

Can I pay by check? 
Yes, written to "The Starting Point Project" or "TSPP" and sent to:
                         The Starting Point Project
                         1010 S Comanche Ln
                         Waukesha, WI 53188
 
Can I pay with a credit card?  
Yes, by calling Carol at (262) 422-1918.
 
What is the price for an adult?  
$825 (18 or older, based on double occupancy) or $995 (18 or older, single occupancy). ​EARLY-BIRD discounts ($25 per person) are available for registrations made by December 31, 2021.
 
What is the price for a child?  
$725 (must be 17 or under and room with two paying adults). EARLY-BIRD discounts ($25 per person) are available for registrations made by December 31, 2021.
 
Who is considered to be a child?
Ages 17 and under (with two paying adults). A child staying with only one adult pays the adult rate but still receives the child discount. 
 
What does the price of the trip include?
  • Dinner and hotel the first/arrival night.
  • Two days with the luxury bus & professional driver
  • Grand Canyon National Park entry fee
  • Raft trip (with additional park-provided professional raft guides)
  • Walk where the dinosaurs walked and see real dino footprints all around you. 
  • Breakfast, lunch & dinner + rim tour + hotel the first full day.
  • Breakfast, lunch & dinner + 17 mile raft trip + hotel the second full day.
  • Breakfast the morning you return home.
  • Dynamic & engaging teaching from two professional creation apologists throughout the tour!
  • Snacks & water bottles.
Note: You are responsible for your own transportation to and from Phoenix (the starting & ending point of the tour). Airport transfers from Phoenix Sky-Harbor International Airport are provided at no cost.

If I drive to Phoenix in my RV, do I need to pay for the hotels on the first and last nights? 
Not if you let us know in time for us to cancel your hotel rooms.

Discounts

​We are offering three discounts:
  1. Early-Bird Registration:  $25 off each person.  This will be available for registrations made prior to December 31, 2021.
  2. Family discount: The first child (or grandchild) pays the full child rate of $725. Each additional child is $100 off the child rate. Example: A family of 5 with two parents and 3 children under 18 receives a total of $200 off.  This discount will be available during the entire time registration is open. 
  3. Pastor Discount: Pastors will receive $50 off for each paid person from their church! For example, sign up 10 people, get $500 off!  Sign up 20, get $1,000 off (more than the price of your trip!) You can receive up to $2,700 if your church "fills the bus" (54 people).  You are free to use this refund however you see fit.​
Physical Requirements

How physically challenging is this trip?  Do I need to be a tri-athlete to go? 
This is a very user-friendly tour.  You should be able to walk a distance of a half mile at 7,500 feet elevation and step into a raft. We do an optional 2.8 mile walk along the rim on a paved trail. The rim walk as well as all other walks are optional and there are no strenuous uphill climbs (no rock climbing or repelling either!)  The rafting portion is in a motorized raft (no paddling) and on calm water (no whitewater rapids).  
 
How much hiking is there? 
Most places require a walk of less than a half mile on fairly level ground.  There is an optional 2.8 mile walk along the rim on a paved trail.*
 
Is this a "family friendly" trip? 
Absolutely!  It's a great opportunity for families to experience memories that will last a lifetime.  It will also help parents (and grandparents) mentor their children (and grandchildren) as God commands us in Deuteronomy 6:4-9.  The minimum age is 4.  Children 17 or under need to be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
 
What if I am afraid of heights?
Not to worry… you never have to get that close to the edge of the canyon and there are guard rails.  In addition, if you think about it, the canyon isn't actually high... it's just very, very deep!
 
What if I am afraid of widths?
Sorry, can’t help you with that!
 
*Please consult your physician should you have any questions regarding your physical capabilities to participate on this trip.

​CANCELLATION POLICY

With Insurance
We recommend that Tour participants purchase optional "trip insurance" to protect themselves in case unforeseen events prohibit them from attending. The insurer is Travelex Insurance Company and you can obtain the protective insurance directly through them. The primary purpose is to cover the expense of our tour, plus your airfare. There are other benefits stipulated in the details of the policy. Note: at this time, there is an option for children 17 or under to be covered for free if signing up with a paying adult. To see details, your cost and/or purchase insurance visit: Individual Trip Insurance Quote
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Without Insurance
If you choose not to purchase trip insurance and cancel (90 days or more) prior to the first day of the tour, you will receive a full refund, minus $45 per ticket for processing & credit card fees.  If you cancel from (89 days to 28 days) prior to the tour, there will be a $225 per ticket cancellation fee, with the remaining balance being refunded to you.  If you cancel (27 days or less) prior to the tour, there will be a $500 per ticket cancellation fee, with the remaining balance being refunded to you. (See "Additional Info" listed next.)

Additional Info
Tour tickets are transferable.  If you have to cancel and are able to find someone to go in your place, we will retain your payment and apply it towards the appropriate fee of the substitute (which depends on whether they are an adult, child, single or double occupancy, etc.). Your substitute can refund you directly as agreed upon between the two of you.  If their tour fee is higher than what you paid, they would be responsible for paying the difference to our ministry.

When you sign-up, you will be required to officially acknowledge you are aware of these trip insurance options. 

Miscellaneous
​

​Can you arrange lodging for additional nights?
Yes, we can arrange lodging for additional nights (before or after the tour) at the Hyatt Place Tempe/Phoenix Airport location. Additional fees apply. Please ask about availability (262) 422-1918. 

What it is and What it Ain't - Visual

Lodging...
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Sight-Seeing...
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Rafting...
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More Frequently Asked Questions

General Trip Questions 

What can you tell me about this trip? 
We will provide great Biblical information and point out tremendous geological evidence of the Global Flood, and the rapid formation of the Grand Canyon. Your faith in Jesus Christ as Creator, Judge and redeeming Savior, as well as your trust in the non-compromised Word of God will skyrocket as you see fact after fact proclaiming the Truth of God's Word.  Day 1: We're off to Grand Canyon National Park. In route DVDs are eye-opening and make the drive fly-by. On-the-rim-talks; a picnic and hikes along the Canyon's Rim provide an incredible day. Day 2: We travel along the edge of the Painted Desert to Page, AZ. From there we enjoy a 17-mile long Colorado River raft trip below towering rock walls and around world famous Horseshoe Bend. We often see Peregrine falcons, osprey, eagles and bighorn sheep along the way. We also provide: a luxury bus, a professional driver, your seat on the raft, a professional raft crew, entrance fee to Grand Canyon, hotels, meals, bottled water, snacks, and an unforgettable family-friendly adventure.

What age range is this trip appropriate for? 
Ages 4 to 94 have gone on these user-friendly tours.  
 
What does the price of the trip include? 
Please see details under “Registration & Payment” questions.
 
What is the sign-up deadline for this trip? 
Please see details under “Registration & Payment” questions.
 
What is the weather going to be like?
This can vary widely.  Generally, temperatures range from 40 to 55 degrees at night; then from 80 to 89 during the day, and we’ve experienced both snow and rain showers.  We suggest you dress for a warm day and pack a light rain jacket, a hat, sunglasses, comfortable walking shoes and a camera.

Would this trip be good for inviting unsaved friends and family members? 
Definitely!  It will be a very welcoming, gracious environment where the sincere skeptic would be graciously challenged regarding their worldview.  It is not meant to be a debate environment, because that is not the intent of the trip, and we want to ensure a great and comfortable experience for all who attend.  We will be discussing evidence for the flood and the validity of the Genesis creation account, but the main point will be the authority of Scripture and the Gospel message (which will be directly presented along the way).
 
Can we follow the bus in our car?
Sorry, but no. We will not return to the starting point of the raft trip. You would also miss too much valuable information while in route.
 
When are the lectures given and what will be discussed? 
Information will be shared on the bus while in route; there will be several on-the-rim talks and lectures during the raft trip.  There will also be time for Q&A.  We will primarily be revealing the authority of God’s Word through the Genesis flood and Grand Canyon.  We will also discuss the creation vs. evolution debate and answer questions on Christianity and the Bible in general.
 
What should I bring? 
In addition to a regular overnight suitcase (for the hotel), bring a daypack for the tours, because your luggage will be in the bus’s cargo bay and inaccessible during the day.  Keep a light rain jacket, sunglasses, sunscreen, lip balm, brimmed hat and water bottle in your day pack.

What should I wear? 
Comfortable walking shoes, sunglasses and a sun hat. Plan on warm daytime temperatures with cool mornings and evenings, and a possible rain shower. We recommend a light rain jacket to cover these needs. Bring a daypack to put a water bottle, sunscreen and lip balm in.

Bus Related Questions 

Is there a bathroom on the bus? 
Yes.

What equipment does the bus have? 
There will be a DVD and microphone system on the luxury coach.
Raft Trip

Is this considered a whitewater trip?
No. This is a family-friendly float in motorized rafts that will hold up to 24 people each.
 
Do I need to wear a life vest?
Children 12 and under are required to wear a life vest. Vests are both optional and available for everyone else.
 
What age range is this trip appropriate for? 
4 years of age and older.
 
Do I need to wear a swim suit? 
You can. Or you can wear shorts. Your feet may get wet, and you may get an occasional mist while the raft is motoring along. We do not recommend swimming on the raft trip.
 
Will my camera get wet? 
Your camera should be fairly safe, but this is outdoors and around water! We suggest you have a waterproof container or bag for it as you may get an occasional mist while the raft is motoring along.

Hotel Questions

Are all hotel nights included in the price of the tour? 
Yes. The tour price includes 3 hotel nights. 
 
What hotels will we be staying in? 
This varies due to location and availability. We often stay in Holiday Inn Express, Hampton Inn, Drury Inn, Cameron Trading Post Hotel, Embassy Suites, Comfort Inn,  Days Inn and Sleep Inn & Suites. Lodging for the tours Aug 11-14, 2022, & Sep 15-18, 2022, is to be determined.

How much is the price for a single traveler staying in their own room? 
Adult prices are based on two paying adults per night covering the cost of the hotels. A private room would require a traveler to cover the hotel costs. The price for a single traveler is $995.

What rate do three adults sharing a room pay?
2 or more adults sharing a room (i.e., parents and an adult son or daughter each pay $825).
 
I am a single parent.  Can my children stay with me at the kids rate? 
The children’s rate is based on two paying adults per night covering the cost of the hotels. The first child would be at the adult rate (to cover the cost of the room) other kids would be at the kids' rate.
 
How many kids can stay in one room? 
Usually two kids are fine. This can vary by hotel, so please call us directly to discuss this should you have a family of five or more.
 
If I drive to the starting point in my RV do I need to pay for the hotels on the first and last night? 
Not if you let us know in time for us to cancel your hotel rooms.

Food Questions 

Are meals and snacks gluten free? 
Typically there are such options. Please apprise us well ahead of time if this is an absolute need, and we will try to accommodate.
 
Are meals and snacks peanut free? 
We cannot guarantee that everything will be peanut free.
 
Are there vegan or vegetarian food options? 
Typically there are such options. Please apprise us well ahead of time if this is an absolute need and we will try to accommodate.
 
What restaurants will we eat at? 
Breakfasts are at the hotels. We will also eat in restaurants as well as having picnics on the rim of the Grand Canyon and other remote locations. Please see the itinerary for this tour.
 
Are the meals included in the price of the tour? 
Usually the first breakfast (morning following the arrival date) through the last morning’s breakfast are included but please see the itinerary for this specific tour.


More Questions???
Call:     Carol Westendorf     (262) 422-1918  
Telephone: (262) 422-1918
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