How to Plan a Youth Group Mission Trip
A mission trip can be a life-changing experience for members of a youth group, one which can challenge them to grow personally and spiritually. A mission trip can teach adolescents about the importance of service and volunteerism. The focus towards a common goal can also build camaraderie within the youth group. Plan a trip that is fun and meaningful.
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Instructions
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Plan a trip to an area set up to accommodate and facilitate missionary work utilizing youth groups.
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Hold an interest session with youth members and their parents. This is an opportunity to provide details on the location, discuss costs and inform interested individuals of the requirements to participate.
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Make sure the youth group is spiritually ready to make the trip. A mission trip is not just about having a good time, but is an opportunity to serve a higher authority and share a spiritual belief with others.
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Hold interviews with each interested youth member to make sure the trip is being pursued for the right reason. The adolescent should have a strong spiritual faith, a sincere compassion for others and a desire to make a difference in the lives of those less fortunate.
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Require an essay and letters of recommendation to ensure further that an individual is ready for the trip. The essays should give you an insight into the individual's reason for participating in the trip. The letters should be from anyone who can attest to the individual's spirituality or character.
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Hold meetings and educational sessions with the individuals approved for the trip for at least 6 months prior to the journey. The meetings should be used to focus on trip objectives and team building.
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Make reservations for the group and provide details and payment deadlines to the attendees.
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Hold a final meeting to discuss the necessary items to pack, distribute a contact list to parents, collect medical releases for each participant and answer last-minute questions.
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Tips & Warnings
Plan a abbreviated missions trip to a neighboring community before making a long journey to spread your message. It is important to start locally and share a spiritual message in your own community before venturing abroad.
Visit Youthworks, a group missionary organization that can help you organize the trip (see Resources below).
Missionaries reflect upon the congregation. Make sure the youth members on the trip are appropriate stewards of your organization.
