YouthWorks 2021 Brochure

C H R I S T - C E N T E R E D

M I S S I O N

T R I P S

800-968-8504 YOUTHWORKS.COM INFO@YOUTHWORKS.COM

Your YW brochure looks a bit different this year, and here’s why: 1. Digital saves you time and you can send it to your whole team easily.

2. Digital allows you to connect with YW support right away.

3.

Digital conserves ministry resources, so we can invest more in COVID-proofing your mission trip.

HERE’S HOW TO USE IT:

1

•

If you see a link, click it!

•

Share it

•

Don’t hesitate to connect with us

8 0 0 - 9 6 8 - 8 5 0 4 • I N F O @YO U T H W O R K S . C O M

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Your Group + Communities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Where will you serve? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Native American Communities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Large Urban Communities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Small Town Communities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Small Urban Communities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Puerto Rico . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Costa Rica . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 2021 Summer Theme . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Fall/Winter/Spring Trips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Hometown Trips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Summer Staff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 COVID-Proof Sites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Extended Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Resource Library . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 YW Store . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

YO U T H W O R K S . C O M

2

YOUR GROUP What is your ministry’s vision for this year? How about in the next decade?

Your vision, and how you plan to incorporate service, is a part of what drives our youth mission trips. No matter the age or developmental stage of your group, we provide a discipleship framework centered around respectful service so that your students can grow in their faith and develop as leaders from middle school through high school. Our hope is that they continue their personal development post high school by joining our summer staff during their college years to use their experiences and skills to lead even more youth on mission trips.

MIDDLE SCHOOL TRIPS Designed to help middle schoolers discover respectful service and how it creates a lasting impact through a mission trip.

HIGH SCHOOL & UP TRIPS Created to immerse high school students in the stories of communities through impactful service that reveals the effects of systemic barriers.

COLLEGE AGE SUMMER STAFF Built for young adults to expand their passion for service, develop leadership skills and gain practical ministry experience as they live and work within a new community for the summer.

FLIP TO PAGE 25 TO LEARN ABOUT SUMMER STAFF OPPORTUNITIES

We also offer Mixed Age Trips (Middle School/High School) for groups with a large spectrum of grade levels. View Mixed Age trip options here.

3

8 0 0 - 9 6 8 - 8 5 0 4 • I N F O @YO U T H W O R K S . C O M

COMMUNITIES Communities are friends, partners and the places we serve. Many of our partnerships with communities have been in place for decades. As we continue to develop and deepen partnerships, our focus is always on an attitude of respectful service.

THE BUILDING BLOCKS OF RESPECTFUL SERVICE …

LISTEN CLOSELY

SPEAK CAREFULLY

SERVE HUMBLY

Communities have hopes and dreams, but we will never discover what they are if we don’t first take the time to hear.

Our conversations with the communities we serve are rooted in love and a desire to understand as we create relationships.

We use Jesus’ example of servant-leadership to join in the work God is doing in communities.

Want to deepen your understanding of respectful service?

Download this free Respectful Service Guidebook

WHAT COMMUNITIES CAN YOU SERVE?

YO U T H W O R K S . C O M

4



Blackfeet Nation, MT

Northern Cheye

Portland, OR

P

WHERE YOU CAN SERVE

Ala

Navajo Nation, AZ

San Diego, CA

Community Types: NATIVE AMERICAN LARGE URBAN SMALL URBAN Check out YOUTHWORKS.COM for up-to-date site info!

5

8 0 0 - 9 6 8 - 8 5 0 4 • I N F O @YO U T H W O R K S . C O M

SMALL TOWN INTERNATIONAL

Leech Lake Reservation, MN Duluth, MN

enne, MT Cheyenne River, SD Rapid City, SD

Lake Traverse, SD

Twin Cities, MN Adirondack Mountains, NY

Pine Ridge Reservation, SD

Milwaukee, WI

Niagara Falls, NY

Benton Harbor, MI Quad Cities, IL

Harrisburg, PA

Denver, CO

Philadelphia, PA

Indianapolis, IN Kansas City, MO

Lynn, MA (Boston Area)

Chicago, IL

St. Louis, MO Louisville, KY

amosa, CO

Charleston, WV Logan, WV

Eastern Shore, VA

Beckley, WV

Nashville, TN

Blue Ridge Mountains, NC

Chattanooga, TN Wilmington, NC

Birmingham, AL

Waco, TX

Savannah, GA Bayou La Batre, AL New Orleans, LA

Puerto Rico

Costa Rica

YO U T H W O R K S . C O M

6

NATIVE AMERICAN COMMUNITIES The Native American communities we partner with show us beautiful hospitality as we enter into their stories and build lasting relationships. These communities exist in wide open spaces and have a slower pace of life than most teenagers are accustomed to. While staying close to home, youth will encounter and learn from new cultures with rich and difficult histories.

Come prepared to humbly listen and learn as you serve.

WHERE YOU CAN SERVE: • Navajo Nation, AZ • Leech Lake Reservation, MN • Blackfeet Nation, MT • Northern Cheyenne, MT • Cheyenne River, SD • Lake Traverse, SD • Pine Ridge Reservation, SD

WHAT TO EXPECT: Complete painting and beautification projects Learn from unique cultural activities Supporting crisis resource centers

Trips starting at $319!

B 7

8 0 0 - 9 6 8 - 8 5 0 4 • I N F O @YO U T H W O R K S . C O M

Perform minor home repairs Run kids programming

PINE RIDGE RESERVATION, SD TRIP AGE GROUP:

High School THE INSPIRATION:

On the open prairies of the northern Plains lies the Pine Ridge Reservation, the present-day home to the Oglala band of Lakota Sioux. The Lakota, although a resilient people group, encountered many historical difficulties and trauma since their land was inhabited by white settlers. Due to many historical factors, including the Wounded Knee Massacre, the wholesale slaughter of the bison, and the violation of the Treaty of Fort Laramie by the United States’ government, the Lakota people are, to this day, dealing with the aftermath of these events. It has been said that these factors are the cause of pervasive generational poverty, loss of language, culture and forced assimilation into mainstream culture. These things have potentially led to other problems such as insecure or inadequate housing, hunger, substance abuse, and mental health issues. Due to the remote location of the Pine Ridge Reservation and lack of environmental resources, there is lack of local infrastructure and economic opportunities for the Lakota people.

WHY SERVE:

YouthWorks has been on the Pine Ridge Reservation since 1994, serving alongside the community to assist wherever is needed and to learn about the local culture and history. As wounds from the past are still present in many ways, the primary reason we serve is to listen and to learn from the community. Although we are not able to make amends for past wrongs, it is important to recognize and understand the impact of hearing someone else’s story and to be immersed in the Lakota culture- even for a short amount of time.

YO U T H W O R K S . C O M

8

LARGE URBAN

COMMUNITIES Large Urban communities are fast-paced and have complex, intertwined stories.

While tourists are drawn to these cities for a variety of experiences, they miss out on the true heartbeat of the community.

Large cities are filled with pockets of tight-knit communities where the best of the city comes to life.

Come open to seeing a big city in a new way.

WHERE YOU CAN SERVE: • San Diego, CA • Denver, CO • Chicago, IL • Indianapolis, IN • New Orleans, LA • Twin Cities, MN • Kansas City, MO

• St. Louis, MO • Portland, OR • Philadelphia, PA • Puerto Rico • Nashville, TN • Milwaukee, WI

WHAT TO EXPECT: Run kids programming Help distribute food Serve those experiencing homelessness

Trips starting at $319!

B 9

8 0 0 - 9 6 8 - 8 5 0 4 • I N F O @YO U T H W O R K S . C O M

Assist urban gardening initiatives Sort clothing donations

NEW ORLEANS, LA TRIP AGE GROUP:

High School THE INSPIRATION:

The colorful, vibrant community of New Orleans boasts some of the greatest entertainment and delicious cuisine in the world. When Hurricane Katrina hit in 2005, the city was damaged by the initial storm and devastated by the flood that followed when the Mississippi River levees broke.

Despite the environmental hardships, this city and its people have been remarkably resilient with many returning to rebuild after the storm. New Orleans has come back to life in a beautiful way. Many community members feel a strong commitment to their home in New Orleans and have lived there all their lives. The city today still faces issues of poverty, homelessness, high crime rates, under-resourced schools and high rates of depression. Community partners seek to combat these issues and support community members.

WHY SERVE:

YouthWorks has had a consistent presence in New Orleans since 2001, years before Katrina hit. With much of the relief and recovery work from Hurricane Katrina complete in New Orleans, we have largely turned our attention to caring for the people of the city.

We have kept many of the same partners throughout our time here. Our service partners love having our groups and helping connect groups to the community relationally. A big part of this includes partnering with children’s programs in the community as well as serving seniors and adults with special needs.

YO U T H W O R K S . C O M

10

SMALL TOWN

COMMUNITIES Our Small Town community partners have stories rife with resilience and hope.

These communities are built on close-knit relationships and a shared history. Being small they often have gaps in the services available to their community members and enjoy welcoming in newcomers to help support the ways they are meeting needs in their communities.

Come ready to slow down and share conversation.

WHERE YOU CAN SERVE: • Bayou La Batre, AL • Alamosa, CO • Benton Harbor, MI • Blue Ridge Mountains, NC • Adirondack Mountains, NY • Eastern Shore, VA • Beckley, WV • Logan, WV

WHAT TO EXPECT: Run kids programming Complete landscaping projects Perform minor home repairs

Trips starting at $319!

B 11

8 0 0 - 9 6 8 - 8 5 0 4 • I N F O @YO U T H W O R K S . C O M

Support crisis resource centers Regional ministry opportunities

LOGAN, WV TRIP AGE GROUP:

High School THE INSPIRATION:

Located in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains, West Virginian culture offers a taste of southern hospitality, a northeastern work ethic, and simplified mountain living.

Located about an hour and a half south of the capitol of Charleston, Logan is in the hills of Appalachia. The roads are very narrow, and houses are built right next to each other or on the edge of a steep incline. Though Logan is rich in rural Appalachian coal culture and has a population of about 1,600, this small town has an urban feel. Lack of adequate and affordable housing, high unemployment rates and non-traditional families are just a few of the social issues here.

WHY SERVE:

YouthWorks has been serving in Logan since 2002.

Our summer ministries are threefold: kids club, service with a children’s reading/nutrition program Energy Express, and work projects. Through each of these avenues, we can provide a safe, healthy place for kids to spend their summer, engage in educational and nutritional enrichment, and improve families’ quality of living through minor home repair.

YO U T H W O R K S . C O M

12

SMALL URBAN

COMMUNITIES Small Urban Community stories are written with the best of a big city mixed with the personality of a small town.

These communities often face the challenge of being both too small and too large as they seek to serve their residents well. They love introducing people to the incredible people in their community and are always excited to help outsiders discover the city they love.

Come ready to experience a blend of cultures.

WHERE YOU CAN SERVE: • Birmingham, AL • Savannah, GA • Quad Cities, IL • Louisville, KY • Lynn, MA (Boston Area) • Duluth, MN

• Niagara Falls, NY • Harrisburg, PA • Rapid City, SD • Chattanooga, TN • Waco, TX • Charleston, WV • Wilmington, NC

WHAT TO EXPECT: Run kids programming Help distribute food Relational ministry opportunities

Trips starting at $319!

B 13

8 0 0 - 9 6 8 - 8 5 0 4 • I N F O @YO U T H W O R K S . C O M

Assist neighborhood rehabilitation efforts Serve the homeless

SAVANNAH, GA TRIP AGE GROUP:

Mixed Age (Middle School & High School) THE INSPIRATION:

Savannah is a Southern gem filled with unique history, character and beauty.

Savannah is one of the country’s oldest cities and today, is an industrial center and an important Atlantic seaport. Over 20% of Savannah’s population lives under the poverty line, and there is a growing homeless population. Poverty in Savannah can almost go unnoticed because of the great contrast that exists in the community’s distribution of wealth but there are clear divisions between the haves and have-nots.

Organizations in the community are working to end the cycle of poverty, but for many families, this is an up-hill battle.

WHY SERVE:

YouthWorks started serving in the community in 2000 and has formed longstanding partnerships that continue to shape our presence in the community. YouthWorks partners with local organizations to serve the homeless population, do small home repairs and minister to the children in the community. YouthWorks has very strong connections here and they are all looking forward to our groups returning again for another summer.

YO U T H W O R K S . C O M

14

PUERTO RICO As a U.S. territory, Puerto Rico has a unique history and dynamic culture.

Although the casual tourist doesn’t see the economic and systemic challenges the communities face, our community partners will guide you through an experience that unpacks both the beauty and the struggle as you serve.

You’ll find friendly faces, welcome arms, and lots of learning opportunities as you support local leaders making a real, lasting impact.

Join in on God’s movement on the island of Puerto Rico.

WHERE YOU CAN SERVE: • Arecibo, Puerto Rico

WHAT TO EXPECT: Run kids programming Help distribute food Engage in local language and culture Relational ministry opportunities Perform simple work projects

Trips starting at $449!

B 15

8 0 0 - 9 6 8 - 8 5 0 4 • I N F O @YO U T H W O R K S . C O M

ARECIBO, PUERTO RICO TRIP AGE GROUP:

High School and Up THE INSPIRATION:

Puerto Rico is a beautiful US Territory located in the heart of the Caribbean and known for tourism and adventure. Our community partners have committed their lives to supporting the marginalized communities that shoulder the area’s biggest challenges. Despite the struggles, our Puerto Rican brothers and sisters continue to inspire us, opening our eyes to all the ways that God moves in and through them.

WHY SERVE:

Traveling to Puerto Rico is an immersive experience.

Youth work with our partners across Arecibo to meet physical and spiritual needs for local families. They will serve in kids ministries, crisis resource centers, and be a part of important work projects. As they serve the community, youth will see the beauty of a culture that doesn’t look like their own and begin to understand a bigger view of the gospel.

YO U T H W O R K S . C O M

16

COSTA RICA YouthWorks partners with Rice & Beans Ministries located in Poas, Costa Rica near San Rafael. Their vision is to meet people where they are, sharing the love of Christ, and giving them hope that does not disappoint. Rice & Beans Ministry visits families daily to deliver food and pray. They partner with schools to work with children and their teachers as they play games, have Bible stories, teach about life values, do arts and crafts, sing and pray. Throughout these home and school visits, they encounter many needs to repair or build homes. Many lives have dramatically changed through Rice & Beans’ construction ministry.

17

Trips starting at $799!

B 8 0 0 - 9 6 8 - 8 5 0 4 • I N F O @YO U T H W O R K S . C O M

WHERE YOU CAN SERVE: • Poas, Costa Rica

WHAT TO EXPECT: Help distribute food Partner with schools to work with children and teachers Relational ministry opportunities Perform simple work projects

Trip Overview

What It’s Like to Volunteer

YO U T H W O R K S . C O M

18

2021 SUMMER THEME

Being NEIGHBORS isn’t just about where we live but about how we love the people around us.

One of the most radical stories in the Bible is the story of the Good Samaritan. Jesus uses this story to teach us about love and compassion. The Good Samaritan sets an example by choosing to engage, lean in, step toward people and love without limits. In this story, we can reimagine how to love our neighbors in the same way we love ourselves, even when it’s costly or challenging.

This summer, we invite you to step into this radical story that breaks down cultural barriers. Together, we’ll spend a week experiencing life alongside “new neighbors” and truly engaging with those around us – because being neighbors isn’t a question of if we love, but how.

19

8 0 0 - 9 6 8 - 8 5 0 4 • I N F O @YO U T H W O R K S . C O M

YO U T H W O R K S . C O M

20

FALL/ WINTER/ SPRING

MISSION TRIPS Interested in a mission trip outside of our traditional summer trips? Fall and spring mission trips allow your church and ministry to create an unforgettable experience for both youth and adults during a semester break or long weekend.

We can customize Fall/Spring Trips to be traditional (Sunday thru Friday) trips or shortened experiences.

No matter where you decide to serve, we’ll work with your group to find the kinds of projects that best fit the size of your group and the needs of the community partners that we support.

21

8 0 0 - 9 6 8 - 8 5 0 4 • I N F O @YO U T H W O R K S . C O M

Duluth, MN Cheyenne River, SD Portland, OR

Rapid City, SD

Twin Cities, MN

Rutland, VT Milwaukee, WI

Quad Cities, IL Denver, CO

Chicago, IL

Las Vegas,NV

Kansas City, MO

Eastern Shore, VA

Louisville, KY Nashville, TN

Navajo Nation, AZ

Marvell, AR

Chattanooga, TN Atlanta, GA

Phoenix, AZ San Diego, CA

Brooklyn, NY

Indianapolis, IN

Alamosa, CO

Bay Area, CA

Niagara Falls, NY

Adirondack Mountains, NY

Waco, TX

Columbia, MS

Wilmington, NC

Savannah, GA

Bayou La Batre, AL Daytona Beach, FL Kissimmee, FL

WHAT TO EXPECT: Lodging & Meals

Evening Worship & Programming

Service Project Setup

Onsite Staff

Pre and Post-Trip Tools

Trip Planning Assistance & Customizable Options

Puerto Rico

Ready to start the conversation? Click here to reach out to us to begin planning your Fall, Winter, or Spring mission trip!

YO U T H W O R K S . C O M

22

HOMETOWN TRIPS

We’ll come to you! Serve and make a difference this summer in your local community. We will set up service opportunities, offer programming and other staff support.

23

8 0 0 - 9 6 8 - 8 5 0 4 • I N F O @YO U T H W O R K S . C O M

2 3 4

WHY HOMETOWN TRIPS?

1

Your group will meet real needs of people in your community. Hometown Trips are for groups of 30 or more, ages middle school & up so invite parents, grandparents, college students or church leaders to join you. The trip can also include participants from neighboring churches in your local area.

You’ll discover new opportunities to make an ongoing impact in your own community that could continue after your trip.

Get connected with our partners in your community or a neighboring city or town to take part in their ongoing efforts to make your hometown a place of transformation.

Save time and money by eliminating travel.

SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES

PROGRAMMING

STAFF SUPPORT

YouthWorks will team up with our local partners in your local neighborhood or neighboring city or town to design service opportunities for your group based on real needs of the community.

Hometown Trips will broaden the perspectives of your students, ignite passions for their community, and expose possibilities to do God’s work in their own backyard to make lasting change.

YouthWorks will provide programming each morning before service that will engage your group in the importance of serving your own community. Students will also participate in end of day programming to help them process their experiences.

YouthWorks will provide trained staff to help lead and facilitate your Hometown Trip to make it the best possible serving experience for you and your group.

Ready to start the conversation?

Click here to reach out to us to begin planning your Hometown Trip!

24

EXPAND YOUR STORY

BY JOINING YOUTHWORKS SUMMER STAFF

The story of the gospel is being written every day in communities across the world.

Do you want to go deeper and participate in what God has at work?

You’re invited to write a summer story unlike any other as a member of YouthWorks Summer Staff.

Click here to start your summer story today!

25

SUMMER STAFF FAQ’S: Where do I serve?

You’ll serve in one of our 40+ established communities across the United States and Puerto Rico. We take knowledge, experience and passion for community into consideration. You will have the opportunity to share those qualities during the application process!

Do I get paid?

Good news! You do get paid. Plus we take care of housing, meals and provide the use of company vehicles for the summer. Our staff make a competitive stipend for summer positions.

When am I going?

Much more than just a summer job, Summer Staff is an experience you’ll never forget. You’ll spend 9 weeks embedded in a community alongside our community partners, building relationships, facilitating service opportunities and guiding youth as they discover what healthy mission trips are all about.

There are two sessions to serve this summer. Full dates of employment are May 19-August 4. We also have a limited number of half-summer positions available from June 16-August 4.

Do I qualify?

Here are a few of the key components we look for in each of our summer staff team members. If you check all of the boxes, apply! We’d love to get to know you.

• Must be at least 18 years of age and one-year posthigh school

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT AS SUMMER STAFF:

• Actively pursuing a relationship with Christ

• Serve in one of 40+ communities during the summer

• Desire to serve the Church

• Develop leadership skills

• Able to relate to youth

• Experience practical ministry training

• Model servant leadership • Have a teachable spirit • Respect for diverse backgrounds and denominations • Have previous leadership experience

• Grow a deeper faith • Make a lasting impact through respectful service

26

Summer Staff Positions: SITE DIRECTOR:

Facilitate ministry experiences while you provide authentic leadership.

Manage the overall operations and programming of a site, while assisting with daily service and ministry projects.

Supervise, encourage and coach a minimum of three Site Coordinators.

Provide leadership for Adult Leaders and help them process their mission week.

Develop meaningful relationships as you act as a liaison between YouthWorks and the community. Oversee finances with integrity and maintain the overall spiritual focus of the mission site. Play an important role in connecting teenagers to God, each other and communities.

MINISTRY SUPPORT COORDINATOR:

Promote an environment where youth connect their service to Jesus as you interact with them throughout the week. Support your team by providing leadership for daily work projects, children’s programming or service sites. Coordinate and lead cultural and relational activities for youth. Plan and facilitate a daily evening program that includes worship, sharing, processing and interaction with provided theme materials.

COMMUNITY SERVICE COORDINATOR:

Manage partnerships with social service organizations. Confirm and implement weekly service schedules provided

by YouthWorks. Coordinate logistics, including assigning volunteers to service

27

8 0 0 - 9 6 8 - 8 5 0 4 • I N F O @YO U T H W O R K S . C O M

sites and executing back-up plans when needed. Travel to service sites to serve alongside youth, Adult Leaders and community contacts. Help teenagers see the impact of their service as they are taken out of their comfort zones and see Jesus in new ways.

KIDS CLUB COORDINATOR:

Facilitate a daily Kids Club for children ages 5-10 and coordinate morning service opportunities in the community.

Provide leadership for participants as they create crafts, plan games, practice songs and implement the Kids Club curriculum provided by YouthWorks.

Come to know and love community kids and their families as you work with them for an entire summer. See perspectives change as youth have the chance to show the love of Christ.

UTILITY SUPPORT COORDINATOR:

Utility Support Coordinators are equipped to take on multiple positions and to offer support and encouragement to staff teams. While serving in a variety of areas, they will coordinate daily service activities and see students impacted as they experience Christ through service.

Staff must be flexible and willing to adapt to changing roles and locations. Utility Support Coordinators may begin the summer temporarily assigned to a specific community, however, at any point during the spring or summer, Utility Support Coordinators may be permanently placed with a team to fill an open position.

WORK PROJECTS COORDINATOR:

Build meaningful relationships in a community while meeting tangible needs. Help youth engage in the community by leading work crews in painting, yard work and minor projects.

YouthWorks will provide extensive training in partnering with community members, setting up and completing projects and managing crews throughout the day. Invite participants to come alongside the community to make a lasting impact.

Click here to start your summer story today!

YO U T H W O R K S . C O M

28

COVID-Proof Trips Heading into this summer, you and other individuals from your group may be asking, “With many unknowns about COVID-19, how is YouthWorks working to ensure safety on my mission trip?”

OUR SAFETY PHILOSOPHY YouthWorks has been creating summer COVID-19 safety policies by looking at CDC guidelines, state recommendations and resources from the American Camp Association.

It’s easy to look at these policies as ‘restrictions’ – we understand that some things may feel more stringent than your group is used to! However, we encourage you to look at these safety policies not as ‘restrictions,’ but as a way to care for each other and communities. Our intent is that your entire trip is safe for everyone involved.

On the following page are some of the safety plans YouthWorks intends to implement for summer 2021 mission trips. Know that at this time these plans are based on the current climate of COVID-19 requirements and additional standards may be added or removed pending guidance from the CDC and American Camp Association. Any changes will be communicated to you prior to your YouthWorks mission trip.

29

8 0 0 - 9 6 8 - 8 5 0 4 • I N F O @YO U T H W O R K S . C O M

ARRIVE HEALTHY Participants will not be allowed to participate if they are currently sick with COVID-19 symptoms, if they have had COVID-19 symptoms in the last 14 days or if they have recently been around someone with COVID-19.

We also recommend that anyone with an underlying health condition that makes them vulnerable to COVID-19 stay at home for their safety.

SERVICE YouthWorks Mission Trip Associates are working with and listening closely to our Service Partners when determining the safest and most respectful ways to serve.

This may mean that in some communities, we will be unable to serve with more vulnerable individuals directly.

Before your trip, engage with your group about what respectful service could look like and how you can enter into the community with an open mind to that service.

You might experience things like…

• Smaller service crews.

• Serving only with your own group.

• Updated vehicle or transportation guidelines and requirements.

• Specific guidelines for engaging with community members.

Your Mission Trip Associate will provide more direction and information as we get closer to summer 2021.

LARGE GROUP MEAL & GATHERING TIMES During meals and large group gathering times (such as The Gathering and devotion introductions), crews will sit together while maintaining social distancing requirements. Crews must be separate from other crews by at least six feet. Because of this, a large wellventilated area is required - for example, a 1,200 square foot room is required for 32 people to maintain social distancing. Outdoor areas are preferred for these large group times.

YouthWorks is planning and budgeting for the need to have at least 2,500 square feet of space for dining. This may mean spreading out to other rooms in addition to the primary dining room, or even renting outdoor tents ahead of time to provide plenty of room for people to sit and eat.

HOUSING CAPACITY FOR SLEEPING The Mission Trip Associates organizing housing locations are planning and budgeting for the possibility of needing to host groups at 50% of sleeping room capacity. This means that alternative primary lodging facilities or secondary facilities are being sought out to ensure there is plenty of room to spread out in sleeping spaces.

SHOWER EXCLUSIVITY The Mission Trip Associates organizing shower locations are planning and budgeting for the need to keep shower access to only YouthWorks participants. This means that we would be the only groups who would have access to the shower facilities during our designated shower time.

Showers may be provided on-site at the housing facility, at a local school or church that allows only YouthWorks to shower there or at a public facility (such as a YMCA) with a dedicated time and space to exclusively use the showers and clean them prior to and following shower use.

MORE INFORMATION COMING As the summer draws closer, you can expect more specific communication on site safety to come. Know that we are working hard to make your trip not only a meaningful experience, but a safe one too. We know how important your teenagers are to you, and we hold the responsibility of ensuring a safe experience with the utmost regard.

As you communicate with your group about these safety standards, if at any time you have further questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to the YouthWorks Service Center by phone at 800-968-8504 or email at servicecenter@youthworks.com.

YO U T H W O R K S . C O M

30

YouthWorks now offers Extended Care for your mission trip at no additional cost.

What is Extended Care? It’s where we come alongside and assist you with any struggles you have in planning or preparing for your mission trip. Whether it’s having a phone conversation to guide you through your challenges or sending someone from our team to your church to help cast vision for your mission trip to your group and congregation. We’ll help you with whatever challenges that are causing you stress. Benefit from our experience of over 25 years of providing Christ-centered missions trips and sign up for Extended Care today!

LEARN MORE ABOUT EXTENDED CARE

31

8 0 0 - 9 6 8 - 8 5 0 4 • I N F O @YO U T H W O R K S . C O M

RESOURCE LIBRARY FREE MISSION TRIP RESOURCES With over 25 years of facilitating Christ-centered mission trips, our team has learned the key aspects that any group needs to prepare before their mission trip, to be equipped during their mission trip, and to empower their groups to take the experience back home to their communities after the mission trip.

These resources will guide you through the essentials of student and volunteer preparation, learning activities to engage groups in a dialogue about what healthy and respectful service looks like, and will help provide you a framework that empowers your ministry to use its mission trip as a catalyst for the growth of your group. Click on the resources below to view more details about each, or click the button to download all of them right away.

Download resources here!

YO U T H W O R K S . C O M

32

YW STORE Did you know that when you shop the YouthWorks Store, you support the ongoing work that you started on your mission trip? You become a part of the bigger story of the Gospel at work in the community you served. A portion of the proceeds from all store purchases go to our Kingdom Fund which supports our ministry and the communities that we partner with.

We have tons of great products available on the YouthWorks Store including shirts, hats, resources and other stylish swag.

Click here to shop now!

33

S T O R E .YO U T H W O R K S . C O M

store.youthworks.com

YO U T H W O R K S . C O M

34

View Trips and Register Need help to find the best mission trip for your group?”

C A L L 8 0 0 - 96 8 - 8 5 0 4

YO U T H WO R K S .C O M • I N FO @YO U T H WO R K S .C O M