What's included in the registration fee?
We want to make sure your trip is as easy on you as possible. That is why we provide the following so you don't have to:
- Lodging during the week
- All meals, except for dinner on your free night
- Supplies and project materials for each work-site (Check here for more details)
- Themed t-shirt for each participant
- Development of Bible-based thematic, fun, faith-building programs
- Devotions to read before, during and after your trip
- Highly trained, mission-minded staff
- Comprehensive Planning Center and project preparation materials online
- Fund raising ideas and support
- Site selection and organization
- Unlimited customer support from professional and courteous staff
- Mission trip handbook for each participant
Who can participate?
Junior/Senior High Trips: Participants must be at least 12 yrs. old or entering the 7th grade in the fall of 2013.
Preteen Trips: Participants must be 10 to 12 yrs. old, or entering the 5th grade in the fall of 2013.
No special skills are required…just a willingness to serve. The minimum group size is one young person and one Crew adult leader (21 or older) of the same gender.
How many adults need to chaperone?
Crew Adult Leaders (age 21 and above) are a critical part of the mission experience. Crew Adult Leaders provide safety, relationships, spiritual guidance, and discipline. And adults serve on project crews, shoulder to shoulder with young people.
Please bring a minimum of one adult for every five youth. If you register both males and females, bring at least one adult male and one adult female. If additional adults want to come, bring them along! Or have them apply on our website to serve as staff volunteers for the week.
How are crews organized?
A typical "crew" is a group of four or five young people and one adult. Some projects require multiple crews or slight modifications of crew size based on local partners and community needs. Project crews usually include participants from a variety of churches. If you'd rather have your teenagers serve with your own group members, call us and we'll gladly accommodate your request.
What about transportation?
You need to provide transportation for your group to and from your mission trip. Also, during your mission trip, the vehicles you bring will be used to provide daily transport to and from project sites. Please ensure the number of seats and seat belts in your vehicles matches or exceeds the number of people you bring. Vehicles with at least six seats and seat belts are preferred. All vehicles, including chartered buses, must be available for transportation to sites during the week. If you intend to bring a large bus, please be sure your trip location can accommodate it. Check the trip description on the website.
Where do we stay?
Most lodging is in local churches, Christian schools, or community centers (accommodations vary by trip). Accommodations will include areas for groups to room together by gender, a common eating area, and a program area. Showers will be available, though they may be indoor showers (locker room style) or may be outdoor (cold, semiprivate, temporary) showers. Have all participants bring a swimming suit so they're prepared for any showering situation. Participants will sleep on the floor and need to bring their own sleeping bags, pillows, and a twin-size air mattress. Facilities may or may not be air-conditioned, so consider bringing a small fan. Cell phone coverage may or may not be available, but there will always be an emergency phone on-site.
What happens if the trip I want is full?
All trips are filled on a first-come, first-served basis, so it pays to register early. However, if you register for a trip that's "full," we'll give you the option of being on a wait list for your first choice or registered for your second-choice location. Call us. We'll help.
When do I have to pay?
To make it easier for fund raising, we've broken your payment into three convenient steps:
Deposit: A nonrefundable deposit ($50 per person) is required at the time of registration to reserve space on your trip.
Payment 2: 50% of your group's remaining balance is due March 15, 2013.
Payment 3: Your remaining balance is due May 15, 2013.
Early Bird Registration: This special offer lets you hold spaces free and delay the deposit until September 30th, 2012.Registration fees are in U.S. dollars and can be paid by check, money order, or credit card. Payment 2 and 3 are refundable when cancellations are made at least 30 days before the start of your trip.
Do you have references?
Absolutely! Don't just take our word for it-give us a call (1.800.385.4545) and we'd be happy to connect you with other youth leaders who have served with us.
What if I need to change the number of people I have registered?
You may alter (up or down) the number of participants you have registered to bring on your mission trip as long as there's capacity at the location. However, there are a couple of things you want to be sure you know before you change anything:
- Deposits you've paid for any registered space are nonrefundable.
- Deposits can be used to add new participants to your group BUT cannot be transferred to an account balance or to another group.
- Registration amounts paid (less deposit amounts) are refundable when the Registration Team is notified at least 30 days before the first day of the trip. The entire fee will be forfeited for cancellations less than 30 days from the start of your trip.
- All of this can be done by contacting your Registration Team at 800.385.4545, option #3.
What does the Pre-teen schedule look like?
SUN: 3-4 p.m. ---Registration/Check In
5-6:30 p.m. -Dinner & Free Time
7-9 p.m. ---Evening Program
9-10 p.m. --Youth Group Devotions
10 p.m. ---Lights Out
