Group Mission Trips 2021 Catalog

DOMESTIC & INTERNATIONAL HOME REPAIR & COMMUNITY SERVICE MISSION TRIPS

WWW.GROUPMISSI ONTRIPS.COM

TABLE OF CONTENTS Letter

1

Our Values

2

Your Partner in Ministry

4

2021 Program: WORTH IT

6

Choose Your Best Mission Experience

8

Dates and Locations

9

Location Map

10

Workcamps

12

Week of Hope

16

International

20

International Location Map

22

Join Our Team

30

Payment Policy

32

What Others are Saying

33

LETTER FROM GROUP MISSION TRIPS If there’s one thing we’ve learned after 30+ years of leading mission

We are doing the same. For the past year we have poured our

trips, it’s that God often shows up in the greatest way when our plans

time, passion, and resources into preparing for the 20 Workcamps,

fall apart.

5 Week of Hope, and the 10 international mission trips all over the

We hear it over and over again when we invite people to share God Sightings during our evening programs—and the common theme always emerges of how things didn’t go as planned but God still revealed something amazing.

If you’re in youth ministry, you know exactly what we’re talking about. You’ve learned that ministry breakthroughs don’t require perfectly executed plans, or record-breaking attendance, or even sky-high budgets. Ministry happens in the mess, and God shows up in beautiful ways when we’ve dropped to our knees and handed the broken pieces over to him.

We know you’re dealing with the pain of interrupted ministry plans right now, and you’re doing your best to navigate these waters of uncertainty and fear for yourselves, your families, your church, and your students.

world. We’ve put the final touches on our 2021 program theme.

We’ve recruited, interviewed, and hired amazing college students as summer staff leaders, MC’s and camp directors, set-up directors, site writers, and recruited and placed hundreds of Red Shirt volunteers into our mission trip programs throughout the summer.

As COVID-19 has affected every aspect of a mission trip, we have jumped to action working with every individual cosponsor and local ministry partner to plan for safety protocols in sanitation, sleeping arrangements, group gatherings, and food preparation. We’re working with local health officials to ensure our mission trips will follow all local safety guidelines as well.

We trust in a God who is good and has plans greater than we can imagine. And we have faith that something truly amazing is brewing for everyone involved in Group Mission Trips in summer 2021. We’re looking forward to sharing some spectacular God Sightings together.

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1

OUR VALUES

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SPIRITUAL GROWTH

AUTHENTIC RELATIONSHIPS

There is nothing more important than an individual’s personal

As Christians, we are strengthened through unified relationships.

relationship with God. We are all designed to grow in our faith and

One of the greatest opportunities of a mission trip is the chance to

understanding of who God is and who we’re created to be. We are

meet new people while serving together. Participants build authentic

passionate about creating an environment for youth to connect their

relationships with the people they serve and those they serve with.

faith with service. We want teenagers to return home with a profound

Strangers become family. Crew members become best friends.

love for Jesus and new eyes to see how God is at work in their every

Differences begin to disappear as individuals come together to serve

day. We provide intentional times to connect through Scripture,

with a shared purpose. It’s amazing to see the depth of relationships

worship, and devotions to promote spiritual growth. Our mission trip

that form when participants are united in a common mission and

experiences are also designed to encourage the organic moments

share in the celebration of transformed lives and communities.

that happen outside of programmed times: the conversations that happen around the dinner table, the relationships formed at project sites, the stories that connect participants and encourage them in their faith.

INVESTING IN THE

SUSTAINABILITY &

NEXT GENERATION

LONG-TERM PARTNERSHIPS

We believe the next generation is made up of influencers, difference-

We partner with local organizations and ministries to provide

makers, and powerful leaders, and there’s no better time than NOW

meaningful support for their year-round sustainable programs,

to invest in our youth. Our mission trip experiences are intentionally

ensuring our efforts have lasting impact in the communities we

designed to develop teenagers into young leaders by teaching

serve. We believe the best way to serve is through the partnerships

leadership skills, positive character traits, compassion for others, and

we establish in each community. We have a local mission to address

practical life skills that will help our participants grow into the leaders

the specific needs in each community with a global vision to advance

of tomorrow. Through Scripture, service projects, and an opportunity

the kingdom of God through service. We believe sustainable change

to step outside their own worlds, we believe youth will be inspired

is possible when we come alongside the good work of those already

and encouraged to follow Jesus in their school, community, church,

embedded in each community and offer resources, help, and teams

and world.

where they’re needed most.

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YOUR PARTNER IN MINISTRY

Why Group Mission Trips?

ORGANIZATION Our team organizes your service projects and the details of your experience so you don’t have to. Stress-free and hassle-free is the way it should be.

SAFETY At Group Mission Trips, our team consists of experienced mission trip and program developers who have worked closely with communities to develop high-quality, wellorganized

service

project

experiences

since 1990. We’ve built partnerships in each mission trip location to provide meaningful

service

opportunities

that

have sustainable, long-term impact in the communities we serve.

Our ultimate goal is to partner with you and equip you with the resources and support necessary to reach your ministry goals.

Safety is our number-one priority, as we’re sure it is yours. Our team stays up-to-date with all travel advisories and the latest international news to ensure all safety measures are taken.

SUSTAINABLE PARTNERSHIPS We partner with seasoned local ministries, missionaries, and organizations in each location. We come alongside their ministries and provide support for their sustainable year-round programs.

STAFF When you serve with Group Mission Trips, you will have staff on-site to help with coordination of projects and logistics while you’re serving. You’re not alone!

PERSONALIZED SUPPORT You’re not alone in the planning process either. In fact, our all-star mission trip advisors will help you with all the details of executing your mission trip and provide personalized communication and details specific to your mission trip.

YEAR-ROUND RESOURCES Whether you’re a parent, youth leader, teenager, or college student, you are influencers invested in others’ lives. Here at Group Mission Trips, we are all about mission and ministry year-round. We are committed to come alongside you and equip you with resources and encouragement during seasons of change, growth, and all the in-betweens.

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Numbers of Impact Since Our Beginning In

1990

494,220

14,320,000

Participants

Service Hours

56,341 Residents Served Through Home Repair Projects

4,500 Organizations Served Through Community Service Projects

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OUR PROGRAM We are passionate about creating an environment for youth to connect their faith with service. Mission trips are about more than the projects. We believe mission trips create an environment to encourage people outside of their comfort zones and grow in their faith. We want teenagers to return home with a profound love for Jesus and new eyes to see how God is at work in their every day. That’s why every year, the Group Mission Trips team dedicates extensive time to create a new program experience through morning and evening programs, lunch devotions, and youth group devotions.

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4 Spiritual Touch Points: MORNING PROGRAM Jump-start the day with a morning program, an introduction to the daily theme, and thoughtful conversation before launching into service projects.

EVENING PROGRAMS After your day of service, gather for worship & Scripturebased teaching, celebrating the ways God is uniquely working in the community. You’ll also explore the daily theme using video, drama, music, and impactful conversations, all centered on Jesus.

LUNCH DEVOTIONS During lunch, share meaningful conversation about Jesus’ connection to your service and the daily theme with your youth group/crew. Residents often join in on this devotion time too!

YOUTH GROUP DEVOTIONS You’ll meet with your youth group to unpack the day, exchanging stories of how God met you at your site. You’ll cap the day with conversation centered around Scripture and the daily theme and prayer together.

2021 Program Theme We all struggle at times with a sense of worth or significance.

Am I worthy of what I receive? This can be both positive (“Do I deserve the gifts I’ve been given?”) and negative (“Why did this bad thing happen to me?”). This summer at Group Mission Trips, your group will experience a fresh look at the idea of worth through the parable of the prodigal son.

Many people know the basics of the story: A son runs off with his inheritance and loses it all, his father welcomes him back with open arms, and the dutiful older son who’d stayed home to run the family business expresses shock at the outpouring of love for his rogue brother. We’ll look deeper at

each character and discover a common theme: They were “Worth It.” Each day we’ll explore the parable of the prodigal son from the perspective of the father, the older son, and the younger son. Each person will discover how they are Worth It to Jesus as a result. Through each powerful, transformational mission trip experience, your group will see how Jesus wants each of us to know we’re valuable, loved, accepted, and Worth It to him. No matter what we’ve thought in the past. No matter what choices we’ve made. Join us this summer as we explore how we’re all Worth It to Jesus!

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CHOOSE YOUR BEST MISSION EXPERIENCE

Overview

Trip Length

Camp Size

Ages

How You’ll Serve

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Home repair projects for disabled, veteran, low-income, and elderly residents

Meaningful community service projects alongside strong local ministries and nonprofits

A combination of community service projects and cultural exploration alongside our ministry partners

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6

7+

Up to

Up to

days

days

days

400

100

Varies

Entering 6th grade & up

Entering 6th grade & up

All ages

Volunteer at food kitchen, assisted living, children’s programs, nonprofits, and community centers

Minor home repairs, teach English, volunteer at orphanage, homeless outreach, and more

Separate Sr High camps (14+)

Home repairs, wheelchair ramp construction, porch and deck repairs, painting

Chat with a trip advisor and learn more at GroupMissionTrips.com

2021 DATES & LOCATIONS $468 per person

$276 per person

SENIOR HIGH CAMPS

JUNIOR/SENIOR HIGH CAMPS All locations available on these dates:

Alexandria, MN

July 11-17

Charleston, SC

Chattanooga, TN

July 4-10

Kenosha, WI

Dexter, ME

July 4-10

Loveland, CO

June 27-July 2

Nashville, TN

July 4-9

East Bank, WV

APPALACHIAN

June 27-July 3

Elkview, WV

APPALACHIAN

July 25-31

Erie, PA

July 18-23 July 25-30 August 1-6

June 20-26

Harrison, MI

July 25-31

Hazlet, NJ

July 11-17

Imperial, PA

June 20-26

Mexico, MO

July 18-24 NATIVE AMERICAN

Newark Valley, NY

July 18-24 July 11-17

Winchester, KY

July 11-17

Woonsocket, RI

July 18-24

JUNIOR/SENIOR HIGH CAMPS Cedar Springs, MI

Starting at $699

June 20-26

Wilmington, DE

June 27-July 3

Gilbert, SC

June 20-26

Lincoln, IL

July 25-31

Westfield, IN

July 11-16

Pittsburgh, PA

June 27-July 3

Green Bay, WI

Mission, SD

June 20-25

July 4-10

ALL AGES Our international trips are available year-round and can be customized specifically to your group’s needs.

Alaska | Fairbanks

$799

Belize | San Ignacio

$899

Costa Rica | San José

$999

Cuba | Matanzas

$999

Dominican Republic | Pimentel

$899

Guatemala | San Juan La Laguna

$999

Ireland | Dublin Mexico | Pescadero Baja Peru | Cusco Puerto Rico | Multiple cities

$1,499 $799 $1,399 $699

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ALE

MISSION, SD

LOVELAND, CO

WORKCAMPS WEEK OF HOPE

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LOCATION MAP

DEXTER, ME

NEWARK VALLEY, NY

HARRISON, MI

EXANDRIA, MN

CEDAR SPRINGS, MI

WOONSOCKET, RI

GREEN BAY, WI KENOSHA, WI

ERIE, PA

HAZLET, NJ

IMPERIAL, PA PITTSBURGH, PA LINCOLN, IL

WILMINGTON, DE ELKVIEW, WV

WESTFIELD, IN EAST BANK, WV MEXICO, MO

WINCHESTER, KY

NASHVILLE, TN GILBERT, SC CHATTANOOGA, TN

CHARLESTON, SC

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Group Workcamps Group Workcamps are summer camps with up to 400 teenage participants that focus specifically on residential home repair for elderly, disabled, low-income famillies, and veteran residents. You and your group will step into a resident’s story and transform their home while deepening your faith and building new relationships.

Home repair projects range from painting to constructing porches, steps, and wheelchair ramps, and other general home repairs.

When you arrive at each resident’s home, you bring far more than loaded tool belts and construction materials. Beyond the physical transformation that happens in communities, you’ll bring the hope and light of Jesus to the residents you serve.

You will stay at a local school in the community you’re serving. The lodging facility is filled with fun and energy throughout the week as you engage in indoor and outdoor games, share meals together, and participate in worship and Scripture-based teaching in morning and evening programs led by our staff. You’ll be amazed at how quickly strangers become family and differences begin to disappear as you come together to serve with a shared purpose.

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TYPICAL DAY 6:45 AM

Rise and shine

7:00 AM

Hot breakfast

8:00 AM

Morning Program

8:30 AM

Depart for projects

12:00 PM

On-site lunch & devotions

3:30 PM

Return to lodging

5:00 PM

Dinner

7:30 PM

Evening Program

8:30 PM

Youth group devotions

9:30 PM

Free time

11:00 PM

Lights out

BEFORE

HOW YOU’LL SERVE Porch construction/repair Wheelchair ramp construction Indoor and outdoor painting General home repairs

AFTER

WHAT’S INCLUDED Lodging All meals, except dinner on your free night On-site staff All project materials for each work site Comprehensive safety training

BEFORE

Community Service certificate Professional work-site advisors Project site coordination Morning & evening programs with Scripture-based teaching & youth group devotions Lunchtime devotions with crews Participant T-shirt Participant devotional for the week at camp Unlimited customer support from your personal Mission Trip Advisor

AFTER

BRI

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2019 IMPACT

857

1,015

173

Residents Helped

Paint Projects Completed

Porches Constructed/Repaired

112

98

561

Steps Constructed/Repaired

Wheelchair Ramps Constructed

Other Home Repair Projects (Weatherization, Skirting, etc.)

“Everyone went above and beyond for the repairs to my home. They have made my porch and steps safe, so I do not have to worry about falling again.”

- SOPHIE, RESIDENT

"As a widow and disabled, I was a mess. Often, I feel alone and helpless. But through Group Workcamps, I saw that God remembers me.

Many tears of joy when I saw what these young people did for me."

- GAYLE, RESIDENT

"I must say, I truly needed a fence and received so much more. The kindness and expressions of love were outstanding. To witness children working and praying together was awesome.

I’m grateful for this program, but I’m truly grateful that the presence of God was seen in their work, attitudes, and more. Beautiful job on the fence. My heart is filled. " – KEN, RESIDENT

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SPECIALTY TRIPS

Native American Reservation

Appalachian Workcamps

MISSION, SOUTH DAKOTA

ELKVIEW & EAST BANK, WEST VIRGINIA

Spend a life-changing week with the Lakota people of the Rosebud Sioux Reservation, and you will truly never be the same! Many here face a harsh choice: leave the reservation, family, friends, and culture they love—or stay and potentially live in shocking poverty, where up to 80% cannot find a job. Life is especially hard on the elderly, whose children sometimes move away simply to find work, leaving them alone or left to raise their grandchildren. The Lakota people are proud, kind, and resilient, with a strong connection to the earth and its resources. Come and discover deep cultural connections and rich historical roots as you serve.

The Appalachian region of the U.S. covers an area from New York to Mississippi and is blessed with abundant natural resources. West Virginia is the best definition of this region. Residents know too well the impact of job loss, poverty, and simply getting by with what they have.

Regardless of their circumstances, residents are proud of their history, homes, and communities.

Once you have met the friendly, devoted, and fiercely loyal people of Elkview and East Bank, you will have made a huge impact—and likely a lifelong friend.

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Week of Hope At Week of Hope, you and your group will come alongside seasoned local ministries and nonprofits to make a lasting difference through meaningful community service projects. Teenagers will learn Christlike empathy and compassion for others as you meet the spiritual, physical, and emotional needs of disadvantaged children, youth, and adults.

Our community service mission trips are smaller-sized gatherings (fewer than 100 participants). Whether you’re out serving, enjoying a family-style meal, or wrapping up the day at evening chapel, the intimate environment at each Week of Hope location allows you to build strong relationships that last beyond your week at camp.

Each service project is the result of a partnership we build with organizations, ministries, and individuals who live, work, and serve in each community. Projects might include providing meals to the homeless, tutoring struggling children from low-income families, helping to lead a day camp for kids, working with disabled children, or sharing stories with a lonely elderly person in an assisted-living

TYPICAL DAY 6:45 AM

Rise and shine

7:00 AM

Hot breakfast

8:00 AM

Morning Program

8:30 AM

Depart for projects

12:00 PM 3:30 PM

Return to lodging

5:00 PM

Dinner

7:30 PM

Evening Program

8:30 PM

Youth group devotions

9:30 PM

Free time

11:00 PM

Lights out

facility. Our hope is that you walk away knowing more about what our partners do year-round—and your role in the big picture.

The fun continues back at the local church you’ll be staying at, with themed days, movie nights, lip-sync battles, bedtime stories, group games, and much more!

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On-site lunch & devotions

HOW YOU’LL SERVE

Assist in a local food kitchen Help residents in assisted living General yard work and light home repairs Volunteer with local nonprofits and community centers Tutor children in after-school programs

WHAT’S INCLUDED Lodging All meals, except dinner on your free night On-site staff Community Service certificate Project site coordination Morning & evening programs with Scripture-based teaching & youth group devotions Lunchtime devotions with crews Participant T-shirt Participant devotional for the week at camp Unlimited customer support from your personal Mission Trip Advisor

BRI

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2019 Impact In 2019, Week of Hope participants served:

155

Partner Organizations

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Locations

Partner Testimonials We greatly value the long-lasting partnerships we’ve established with local organizations in the communities we serve through Week of Hope.

We love having Week of Hope volunteers each year to help out with chores at our seniors’ homes. A visit from a group of volunteers for a few hours can make a huge difference to a senior who wants to stay in their home and community.

The Week of Hope groups had a great impact, both practical and meaningful. They worked very hard and completed important projects for us. The greatest impact was the spirit and energy they brought here. They inspired us all. These groups could have been doing many things this summer and they chose to be with us. We are so grateful.

Because of the support of Week of Hope, we’ve been given the opportunity to facilitate therapeutic recreational programming on a larger scale to include off-site events.

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We have such a small staff that without Week of Hope volunteers, we would not be able to give out $40 million worth of free food to the community this year.

Chat with a trip advisor and learn more at GroupMissionTrips.com

Week of Hope allows us to provide 1:1 peer support to our camp participants. We would not be able to provide this very valuable and much appreciated entity without Week of Hope.

COVID-19 PRECAUTIONS Camp season is still nearly 10 months away, as of the printing of this catalog, and so many things surrounding COVID-19 are changing daily.

However, we’re still hard at work preparing for a variety of scenarios for next summer. Our plan is to keep on our website a very detailed list of all the possibilities we could use to add precautions to sleeping arrangements, work sites, large-group gatherings, food prep, and more, but here’s a high-level overview.

ARRIVAL

LARGE-GROUP GATHERINGS

The best thing you can do to keep camp safe is make sure your

Moving the program outside, dividing the group into sections, and

group arrives healthy. We will ensure that the camp environment

running multiple programs are just a few ideas we have to keep the

has been cleaned and disinfected and is ready for you.

program fun, exciting, and safe.

SLEEPING ARRANGEMENTS

WORK SITES

At this point, we will try and keep all groups together, with boys in

We probably will create crews of just your youth, which limits

one room and girls in another. This will allow for more distance in

exposure to other people, and we will most likely limit or exclude

the sleeping rooms.

most of the interaction with the people we are serving. Although forming new relationships is a big part of the camp experience,

MEALS We have lots of ideas on how to provide meals in shifts to avoid

this year serving people from a distance is probably the right thing to do.

tight lines and crowded eating areas, but we have plenty of time to iron out the details.

Our plan is to make summer 2021 as fun, safe, and normal as possible. We are in contact with our partners in each community to make sure we provide the safest environment and follow all local guidelines for camp next summer. Until we are much closer to the summer of 2021, we will not be able to finalize our plans, but this gives you some idea of what we’re thinking.

For more details, please visit GroupMissionTrips.com/covid19-updates.

See you soon!

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International Mission Trips An international mission trip is an incredible faith-building adventure.

Whether you’re a parent who wants to show your kids the value of service, a curious individual who has never stepped foot out of the country, or a youth leader who has been longing to give your youth an unforgettable mission experience, you’ll discover the value of service, leadership, teamwork, and personal and spiritual growth through an international mission trip.

We partner with long-term ministries rooted in the countries we serve.

Our partners are hard at work meeting spiritual and physical needs yearround. When you arrive, you’ll come alongside their ongoing efforts and

WHAT’S INCLUDED Lodging Most meals On-site staff Organized service projects

provide support and encouragement through meaningful service.

All project materials for each work site*

As you disconnect from everyday pressures, you’ll establish a familial

Participant T-shirt

community as you encounter new experiences together with your group.

You’ll find a willingness to be present and engaged as you work hard and develop relationships with residents, community partners, and teammates.

Devotional content Unlimited customer support from your personal Mission Trip Advisor

We believe this fully: You, like us, are not the savior; God is. Yet, as God’s children, we’re given the incredible invitation to partner with what he is already doing—not only to extend but to accept hope, love, relationship, and so much more. There is so much life to experience, joy to be found, and life-changing transformation when you travel beyond your borders.

Are you ready to see for yourself?!

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Chat with a trip advisor and learn more at GroupMissionTrips.com

*Additional fees required for project expenses in Belize

TYPICAL WEEK

CUSTOMIZE YOUR INTERNATIONAL MISSION TRIP No matter the ages or size of your group, there’s an opportunity for everyone to serve internationally! Our trip advisor can help you customize an international mission trip with any size group, family, or friends. We’ve customized international mission trips

SATURDAY

Travel to your destination city and transfer to your lodging for the first night

SUNDAY

Experience a church service in a different culture and get to know the ministry partner

MONDAY

Begin service projects

TUESDAY

Continue to serve

WEDNESDAY

Free day to explore the local area

THURSDAY

Continue to serve

FRIDAY

Complete your project

SATURDAY

Journey home

for individuals, families, school groups, sports teams, dance teams, companies, youth groups, and more.

2019 IMPACT

1,170

2

7

International Participants

Homes Built in Costa Rica

Homes Built in Puerto Rico

45

1

48+

Blue Tarps Replaced With Metal Roofs in Puerto Rico

Library and Computer Lab Built for a School in San Juan La Laguna, Guatemala

Mailboxes Made for Residents at a Veterans Home in Palmer, Alaska

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Alaska

Cuba Belize Mexico

Guatemala

Costa Rica Peru

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Chat with a trip advisor and learn more at GroupMissionTrips.com

LOCATION MAP

Ireland

Dominican Republic

Puerto Rico

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LOCATIONS

ALASKA We know Alaska isn’t really an international location, but the distance you travel to get there and the uniqueness of the land and people make it a better fit on our international lineup than domestic.

In Fairbanks, you might help with repair and maintenance at a remote youth camp as they prepare to welcome summer campers, care for elderly or low-income residents through home repair projects, or come alongside a homesteading family and help however is needed most.

Your schedule includes a free day to explore the beauty and culture of Alaska. It’s a great mix of learning, serving, and exploring the beauty of the 49th state. Come be part of what God is doing in America’s final frontier!

BELIZE Our partners in Belize have a far-reaching impact through initiatives to provide clean water to villages, pray for the sick at hospitals, and deliver care packages to new mothers. They are most passionate about building an amazing camp for special-needs children and can’t wait for you to help bring this dream to life. This camp is the first of its kind in Belize. When finished, it will allow disabled children and their families to experience everything that makes camp an adventure for kids, including a handicapped-accessible playground, ziplining, a splash park, and even a petting zoo! You may help organize events for disabled children, deliver care packages to hospital patients, or help with projects at the camp.

Note: Project funds for this location are NOT included in your trip fees.

Additional project funds are required.

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LOCATIONS

COSTA RICA Costa Rica is an amazing country with rich cultural heritage and a proud ecotourism industry. We are connected in several communities near the capital city of San José, as well as the Pacific coastal area of Guanacaste. From simple home-building, to relational ministry, to community engagement and kids ministry, there are plenty of options where you can plug in, serve, and make an impact.

In 7 days, you and your team will work with our ministry partner to transform a shanty house into a new home with a concrete floor, stable framing, and a roof that doesn’t leak. That’s a major blessing to residents who are doing what they can to survive and provide for their families. To ensure that our impact is truly helpful and sustainable, the local church in San José or Guanacaste is involved before, during, and after your stay.

CUBA As a religious organization, Group Mission Trips is able to legally take mission teams to Cuba, and we can help answer questions about obtaining the appropriate visa for your trip. While in Cuba, you and your team will learn about what God is doing through the Cuban house-church movement. Pastors with little to no resources are trusting Jesus and each other, and their vibrant faith is contagious. You may serve kids with disabilities by playing games and help locals with simple crafts. Your team may also do some work with a local women’s ministry, care for the elderly at a forgotten nursing home, or work at a local farm to help provide food to those who need it most. Translators are provided for the duration of your trip, allowing you to engage with local Cubans in a meaningful way.

Along the way, experience the culture through music, food, the locals, and a Cuban house-church service.

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LOCATIONS

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC The vision of our ministry partner in Pimentel is to transform a city through the gospel message by developing leaders from childhood, knowing that children are the key to transforming a generation. They are also actively transforming the community by implementing solutions to community challenges, i.e. the lack of clean water, food shortages, limited access to primary healthcare, and the absence of technical and vocational job training for the poor and marginalized. You will take part in this effort by serving at a local school, doing community service projects, and engaging kids in VBS. You and your team will experience an impactful week of culture, learning, service, and even some beach time in the beautiful country of the Dominican Republic.

GUATEMALA If you’re looking for a rich cultural experience and the opportunity to support and serve those in need, Guatemala is for you! You’ll have an unforgettable week in the lakeside village of San Juan La Laguna, a very safe and charming community about 3.5 hours away from Guatemala City.

Your group might help with light construction projects that serve single mothers, engage school children through English-language programs at a local school, support a local women’s cooperative with various projects, or help with beautification projects throughout the community of San Juan La Laguna. You’ll also learn about coffee and chocolate making, the history of the Maya tribe in Guatemala, and all that goes into the making of the beautiful tapestries and fabrics you will see throughout the country.

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LOCATIONS

IRELAND Ireland may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of a mission trip, and yet Ireland has some of the highest rates of heroin addiction, suicide, and homelessness combined with some of the lowest rates of religious involvement in all of Europe. Our ministry partners have seen both hope and despair firsthand through years of living and serving in Dublin and surrounding areas. They are actively engaged with recovering addicts, local homeless initiatives, and childcare programs for blue collar workers. During your week in Dublin, you may pack blessing bags and write letters of encouragement to be distributed to homeless individuals, help with a retreat for recovering addicts (must be 18 or older to serve in this capacity), do maintenance and yard work at long-term facilities for recovering addicts, or help with an after-school program for inner-city kids. You’ll also get a day off to explore Ireland on your own— castles, anyone?

MEXICO While many Mexican towns boast of beautiful all-inclusive resorts that Americans frequent on vacation, many Mexicans live in poverty or in constant fear of drug cartels that wreak havoc in their small communities.

It’s easy for young people in Mexico to grow up without hope or a plan for their future, but that’s where you come in.

Serve local residents of Pescadero, about 90 minutes from Cabo San Lucas. A former NFL player built a world-class skate park there, hoping it would become a vibrant, life-giving community center. Skate teams and ministries provide needed upkeep on the park and minister in the community through a local church. Cerritos Beach is nearby, so you can spend late afternoons cooling off from the hot work day. Whether or not your team is interested in skating, your help is needed as we continue working with locals to engage this unique desert community.

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LOCATIONS

PERU Cusco is the historical hub of the Inca Empire. At 11,000 feet above sea level in the Andes mountains, Cusco’s beauty and history are stunning.

We’ve partnered with local pastors and churches throughout the Sacred Valley. Your trip to Cusco will be an impactful mix of service, learning, and sharing God’s love. People travel from all over the world to visit this stunning destination in South America.

You’ll be in the high region of the Andes, serving in local Quechuan villages, learning about culture and ministry through a Quechuan pastor named Marcelina Huamán Chavéz. Marcelina is a pastor of an Assembly of God congregation in Tinta, Peru. Her church is located next to the main plaza in the center of Tinta. She ministers to many of the pastors and their small congregation located in the high Andean region around Cusco.

Marcelina and her church in Tinta recently purchased an adjoining property next to their existing building on the Plaza de Armas in Tinta.

Your team could be helping to add space to their existing church buildings, or making minor repairs. Your week will also include relational ministry opportunities such as ministry to the elderly and Bible school options for local children. Projects vary depending on the needs of local ministry partners. Bring a heart to serve and learn!

You’ll come home with a changed perspective on what it takes to bring the gospel to people in extremely remote locations.

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Chat with a trip advisor and learn more at GroupMissionTrips.com

LOCATIONS

PUERTO RICO Following the destruction of Hurricane Maria in 2017 and earthquakes in 2019, many organizations and individuals quickly responded with aid and resources. Millions of people were left without electricity, with limited access to clean water, and with damaged homes. Although supplies and assistance have been arriving since the hurricane, help will be needed for years to come to rebuild the island.

Group International Mission Trips has had strong relationships with mayors and local churches in several Puerto Rico municipalities for the past 10 years, and never has the time been so right for those relationships to shine. We’re working closely with our partners to provide much-needed assistance to hurricane and earthquake victims, whether by distributing food and supplies, identifying which homes need critical repair, or providing teams to paint, repair roofs, clean up debris, or do whatever else is needed. So far, we have mobilized more than 800 volunteers to bring relief to Puerto Rico. Our teams have handed out water and food, cleaned up debris, replaced roofs, and performed general maintenance for residents impacted by the hurricane.

Because Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory, you do not need a passport to travel there, and many Puerto Ricans speak English, making it an easy location for first-time mission teams to visit. Your team will be lodged in safe and secure facilities with access to electricity and running water, and will be provided with meals and drinking water.

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JOIN OUR TEAM What is a Red Shirt?

At Group Mission Trips, our staff are the backbone of our ministry.

They make our mission of creating experiences where people encounter Jesus come alive. Each year, our team consists of 75 summer staff, 70 leaders, and nearly 450 volunteers. They come from around the country to organize the details and logistics of our mission trips. The “Red Shirt” has become iconic and carries with it the weight of expectation, joy, and relationship. When you put on your red shirt, you’re not just abiding by a dress code, you’re stepping into a family and an unmatched legacy of service. Joining our Red Shirt family means you’ll share your skills, passions, and interests and help make our mission a reality. See how you can join our team this summer...

SUMMER STAFF

Who said summer jobs couldn’t be fun?!

TRAVEL THE COUNTRY. SERVE GOD. GET PAID Each year, we hire the greatest college-age young adults and students from across the country to facilitate the details of our Workcamps and Week of Hope mission trips. You and 2-3 other

DETAILS

summer staff travel from training in Colorado to mission trip locations across the USA in a Group Mission Trips vehicle.

At each location, you’ll help create a mission trip experience for

Summer-long positions (Memorial Day - August)

up to 400 participants who come to serve a community in need.

Paid positions

You’ll make lifelong friends, gain hands-on work experience, grow

(minimum salary of $4,000)

in leadership, create a memorable experience for first-time and returning participants, and, most importantly, show the love and light of Jesus!

Must be at least one year out of high school Includes 2 weeks of training in beautiful Colorado Available at Workcamps and Week of Hope

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Chat with a trip advisor and learn more at GroupMissionTrips.com

VOLUNTEER Looking for a way to volunteer with family, friends, your church group, or individually over the summer? When you volunteer at a Week of Hope or Workcamp location, you’ll use your individual gifts

DETAILS

to serve God and others together as a team. Whether you volunteer to serve as a worship leader, cafeteria host, hospitality member, site coach, or more, you can guarantee the hours you commit to serving will be full of fun and long-lasting in impact!

Is your youth group attending camp? As a volunteer, you receive a free registration and can travel to and from camp with your youth group!

One week commitment Must be 21+ Opportunities to travel or volunteer locally Opportunities to serve with friends, family, or church community Available at Workcamps and Week of Hope

VOLUNTEER POSITIONS Cafeteria Host

Program Team Member

Office Team Member

Hospitality Team Member

Worship Leader

Site Coach

Facility Team Member

Applications for all Red Shirt positions open in the fall.

To learn more about Red Shirt positions, visit: WWW.GROUPMISSIONTRIPS.COM/ABOUT-US/JOIN-OUR-TEAM

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PAYMENT POLICY Our payment policy is designed to give you the most flexibility when reserving your mission trip experience with Group Mission Trips.

Workcamps & Week of Hope Register at any time. No payment due until October 31, 2020.

REGISTER JULY 2020 - OCTOBER 2020 Pay the $50 deposit per person by October 31, 2020.

REGISTER NOVEMBER 2020 - MARCH 14, 2021 Pay the $50 deposit per person upon registration.

REGISTER MARCH 15, 2021 - MAY 14, 2021 Pay the $50 deposit per person plus 50% of your group’s balance upon registration.

REGISTER AFTER MAY 15, 2021 Your full final balance is due.

*Deposits are non-refundable. All payments are due and become non-refundable on May 15, 2021. Registration fees are in U.S. dollars and can be paid by check, money order, or credit card.

Payments can be made online, by phone, or by mail. Please call us or chat with us online if you have any questions about the payment schedule.

International When you register for a trip, a $100 per person non-refundable deposit is due to reserve your space(s).

Payments are due and become non-refundable 60 days prior to the trip departure date.

For groups reserving more than 50% of a trip’s capacity, a $200 per person non-refundable deposit is required.

Registration fees must be made in U.S. dollars and can be paid by check, money order, or credit card. Payments can be made online, by phone, or by mail. Please call us or chat with us online if you have any questions about the payment schedule.

STAY CONNECTED @Group Mission Trips

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Chat with a trip advisor and learn more at GroupMissionTrips.com

@Group Missions

@groupmissiontrips

@Group Mission Trips

WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING

“I’ve been involved with Group Mission

“Being a part of Group Mission Trips is

“Group Mission Trips is an incredible,

Trips

capacities

the best part of my year. I get to connect

Christ-centered

over the past 10 years. From being a

with youth, youth leaders, residents,

consistently brings Jesus to youth, adult

participant, to being a staff member,

and other volunteers. I am blessed to

leaders, and the residents served by

to my current role as a volunteer, what

experience life-changing programs that

the ministry. My experience as a camp

has always stood out to me is their

bring me and all who take the journey

participant was awesome. The programs

commitment to their mission. They go

closer to Christ. GMT is one of the

were engaging and challenged me, and

above and beyond to ensure everyone

biggest blessings in my life.”

the service provided by the staff to my

in

many

different

involved has a meaningful experience, and I couldn’t be more grateful to have

organization

that

youth group was extraordinary.”

– KEVRA

– NICHOLAS

seen this in action year after year.”

– LEAH

“I grew in my faith this weekend because

“I have grown in my faith this week by

“Before the trip, I really questioned God’s

I realized that God can forgive me for

feeling more connected with God and his

existence. Through the work I did to serve

whatever I do, which helped me to accept

presence in my life. I have been inspired

and the programs, I started believing in

him into my life.”

to continue to serve others, spread faith,

God again and I will go to church more.”

– AUDREY

and make a positive impact in the world.”

– TOM

– JACQUELYN

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c/o Group Cares 1001-A E Harmony Rd #459 Fort Collins, CO 80525

DONATE TO YOUR

REGISTER

FAVORITE MINISTRY

To register for Workcamps, Week of Hope & International trips, call

GROUP CARES is the 501(c)(3) parent non-profit organization of Group Mission Trips.

844-258-9616 Or visit www.GroupMissionTrips.com

Through donations of money, time, and effort, Group Cares has been able to help thousands worldwide since 1990. We rely on the support and contribution of people like you who can help continue the legacy of transformation through service projects across the world. Visit

www.groupcares.org

to learn more about the specific

efforts you can give to. 100% of your donations will go directly to Group Mission Trips to support projects like building wheelchair ramps for disabled residents, supporting nonprofits through feeding programs, leading sports camps for kids, home repairs, international projects, and much more!

Group Cares is registered with Amazon Smile. When you shop at smile.amazon. com, Amazon donates 0.5% of your eligible purchase to our organization.