2024 YouthWorks Brochure

We know you care about your students and want them to know God and join in the bigger story of the Gospel. Our turn-key summer mission trips allow you to spend time building strong relationships with your students instead of having to figure out what is coming next. YouthWorks’ trained summer staff have trip logistics taken care of and a plan in place for each day.

Throughout the week, you’ll see your students impacted as they understand their value, build a

stronger relationship with God and make meaningful community connections. They’ll build relationships with community members as they meet and serve with them throughout the week. YouthWorks leads high quality daily programs for your students and gives you talking points to spark conversations so you can go deeper with them to help them process what they’re experiencing.

Since 1994, we’ve developed authentic, lasting relationships in the communities we serve and

work with community leaders who understand the real needs of their community and design trips around the goals they have for their community.

WHAT’S INCLUDED?

●• Meals & Snacks

●●• Lodging

●●• Staffing – Recruitment & Training

●• Project Materials and Resources

●●• Program Resources

●●• Evening Activities

WE BELIEVE CHRIST-CENTERED MISSION TRIPS…

DISCIPLE STUDENTS DEVELOP LEADERS SERVE COMMUNITIES

We do...

Logistics (Housing, Meals, On-site Staff Support)

Service and Learning (Setup and Supplies)

“Launch Pad” Programming

So that you can...

Build Relationships

“Go Deeper” in Your Church Group Time

Help Students Live into a Servant-Mindset

We do...

Pre-trip Leadership Resources

On-site Leadership Opportunities

Next Level Leadership Challenges

So that you can...

Create and Grow Your Student Leadership Team

Plug Your Leaders into New Experiences

Position Your Leaders for Growth

We create...

Lasting Community Relationships

Servant-Leadership Mission Trip Models

So that you can...

Challenge the Consumer Mindset of Missions

Guide Students Through New Learning Opportunities

Want to deepen your understanding of discipling students?

Download this free guidebook

Want to deepen your understanding of developing leaders?

Download this free guidebook

Want to deepen your understanding of serving communities?

Download this free guidebook

COMMUNITY TYPES:

LARGE URBAN SMALL URBAN SMALL TOWN

Puerto Rico

Lake Traverse Reservation, SD

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:

• Denver, CO

• Indianapolis, IN

• Milwaukee, WI

• Puerto Rico

• St. Louis, MO

WHAT TO EXPECT:

*All information regarding service and community engagement activities are subject to change.

Help distribute food

Serve those experiencing homelessness

Assist urban gardening initiatives

Sort clothing donations

ST. LOUIS, MO

St. Louis was founded by French fur traders in 1764 because of its location near the confluence of the Mississippi and Missouri rivers. This area belonged to France and Spain until it was purchased by the United States in the Louisiana Purchase in 1803. St. Louis grew into an industrial center for commerce and trade, attracting thousands of immigrants.

After the Civil War, the area continued growing rapidly, and by 1890 it was the fourth largest city in the U.S. During the Great Migration (1920 – 1940). By 1950, the population boomed to over 856,000. However, the city could not maintain this population, and many of the white immigrant families moved to the suburbs. This resulted in the St. Louis urban areas having a much higher concentration of African American families then the rest of the state.

According to one study, St. Louis ranked as America’s 10th most segregated city. Redlining and discriminatory housing practices in the mid-and-late twentieth century created clear geographic boundaries between ethnic groups.

YouthWorks started serving in St. Louis in 2002 and has served with many of the same service partners for years who are established service organizations throughout the city.

YouthWorks’ ministry in St. Louis allows students an opportunity to serve alongside and learn from people experiencing systematic economic disadvantages. Our hope is for students to better understand the role that diversity plays in shaping personal and societal opportunities. While YouthWorks cannot address all the issues that residents of St. Louis experience, we can come alongside local organizations meeting the daily needs of residents, especially those living north of Delmar Boulevard.

THE INSPIRATION:

WHY SERVE:

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. In this setting, YouthWorks serves through basic work projects and partnering with existing service organizations, such as nursing homes and food shelves.

Come ready to slow down and share conversation.

WHERE YOU CAN SERVE:

• Bayou La Batre, AL

• Benton Harbor, MI

• Blue Ridge Mountains, NC

• Lake Traverse, SD

• Logan, WV

WHAT TO EXPECT:

*All information regarding service and community engagement activities are subject to change.

Complete landscaping projects

Perform minor home repairs

Support crisis resource centers

Relational ministry opportunities

LOGAN COUNTY, WV HIGH SCHOOL TRIP

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. The roads are very narrow, and houses are built right next to each other or on the edge of a steep incline.

Logan is a mining community and at its peak, was one of the richest cities of its size in America.

The “black gold” that once promised wealth for the area has dwindled over the last half century as cheaper natural resources and renewable resources have become more available. Consequently, Logan has lost roughly 50% of its population as people move for jobs or to further education despite deep connections to the mountains. Many who remain are wrestling with a complex web of social issues – high disability and drug abuse rates related to mining injuries, non-traditional family structures that often include grandparents raising grandchildren, lack of quality housing due to neglected infrastructure and high teen pregnancy rates.

We have been serving in Logan since 2002. Our summer ministries are twofold: service with a children’s reading/ nutrition program 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 repairs. The community members look forward to YouthWorks groups coming each summer.

THE INSPIRATION:

WHY SERVE:

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:

• Harrisburg, PA

• Louisville, KY

• Niagara Falls, NY

• Rapid City, SD

• Savannah, GA

WHAT TO EXPECT:

*All information regarding service and community engagement activities are subject to change.

Help distribute food

Relational ministry opportunities

Assist neighborhood rehabilitation efforts

Serve the homeless

HARRISBURG, PA

MIDDLE & HIGH SCHOOL TRIP

Harrisburg is the capital city of Pennsylvania and home to Hershey’s Chocolate, Pennsylvania Farm Show, City Island, the National Civil War Museum, Cow Parade, and Broad Street Market.

Harrisburg has played a major role in history from the Civil War to the Industrial Revolution. Located 35 miles from Gettysburg, Harrisburg played a significant role in transporting supplies and materials for the Union armies during the Civil War. During the Industrial Revolution, the city became a large intersection point for railroads and a major player in the steel industry. In the mid-1900s the steel industry was on the decline and suburban migration was on the rise, leaving the city of Harrisburg in economic distress.

The city has made many attempts to recover from its economic struggles, but the overall efforts have not helped to reduce the city’s immense debt.

Though Harrisburg seems to be a flourishing city, there are still significant challenges facing this small urban community. After filing for bankruptcy in 2011, a variety of stressors impacted the city negatively. Although there are noticeable improvements to the city since 2011, there are still neighborhoods within the community that remain significantly underresourced.

YouthWorks started serving in Harrisburg in 2010. A former county commissioner, Nick DiFrancisco, extended the invitation to YouthWorks after going on YouthWorks trips with his church. YouthWorks has been able to connect with many incredible organizations providing resources and care for their community.

THE INSPIRATION: WHY SERVE:

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.

WHAT TO EXPECT:

Engage in local language and culture

Relational ministry opportunities

Perform simple work projects

PUERTO RICO HIGH SCHOOL TRIP

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.

Traveling to Puerto Rico is an immersive experiene. Participants will have an opportunity to learn from local community leaders, experience rich cultural elements, and serve in a variety of capacities. Service projects often include relational ministry, tangible hands-on projects like local farms, painting projects, and working alongside of local organizations. As groups serve the community, they will see the beauty of a culture that doesn’t look like their own and begin to understand a bigger view of God at work!

THE INSPIRATION: WHY SERVE:

BORDER TRIP

WHERE YOU CAN SERVE:

• The South Texas border region around McAllen, TX

WHAT TO EXPECT:

LISTEN & LEARN

Collaborate and be challenged by local immigrant leaders. You will learn the importance of scripture in our ministry approach and the cultural milieu in which border communities interact on a day to day basis.

SERVE

Serve the local immigrant church and organizations in long-term efforts that are helping empower immigrant families on the South Texas border.

CONTEXTUALIZE

We help you step into another culture. We help you break cross-cultural barriers, hear important stories and challenge you to reflect on how God wants you to use this experience.

AFTER YOUR TRIP

The great commission isn’t just about “going.” It’s about how we live once we return home. It’s about our everyday actions and decisions to showcase our faith. We’ll have conversations and lay out practical steps about modeling this once you get home.

Border Perspective serves families, equips leaders, advocates for biblical justice and mobilizes the church on service-learning trips along the South Texas border.

SOUTH TEXAS HIGH SCHOOL TRIP

Border Perspective’s service-learning trips are immersive, educational and will intentionally place you into the lives of immigrant leaders serving families in South Texas. There will be learning opportunities to help you understand the complexity of immigration on the border and service opportunities that help support local immigrant ministries. From volunteering at a local immigrant shelter to serving alongside immigrant pastors and their congregations, these opportunities will be eye-opening and will give you a firsthand look at ministry alongside immigrant communities.

Serving with Border Perspective allows for your group to go beyond the headlines and politics of the border and see and experience first hand the needs of the migrant families and individuals. By serving on the border, you’ll be able to make an impact on alleviating the suffering of the people by meeting real needs through local ministries. We help you step into another culture, break cross-cultural barriers, hear important stories and challenge you to reflect on how God wants you to use this experience.

THE INSPIRATION:

WHY SERVE:

Do you want a service experience that propels your ministry’s vision forward? Your group is unique and no one knows your people like you do. As a leader, you want to see them grow, use their gifts, serve, and make an impact.

YWx offers year-round mission trips that are completely customizable, easy to organize, and gives your group the opportunity to make an impact in a new community. YouthWorks handles all of the service & logistics so that you don’t have to be stuck with all of the planning. We want you to focus on tailoring the rest of the experience to fit your vision you have for your group.

YWx INCLUDES...

Year-round serving opportunities

Flexible start/end days

Housing & shower facilities

1+ service days based on desired trip length for your group

Over 25 locations to choose from across the US

Designated YW representative

Customizable schedule

Pre & post trip resources

KIDS/FAMILIES

Don’t miss these pivotal moments with your kids. Serve together as families or take your kids ministry on their first mission trip for a few days.

YOUTH/TEENAGERS

Teenagers grow in their faith when you get them out of their comfort zones to experience God in new ways. Take a weeklong trip with your youth group or serve together on your fall retreat.

COLLEGE/YOUNG ADULTS

Do you want to turn Gen Z’s passion for service into meaningful action? Immersive service experiences are a great opportunity to develop the next generation of leaders and connect them to the mission of God in the world.

ADULTS

Are you a small group, church, or organizational leader looking for opportunities to build relationships and make a difference in a community? Nothing brings people together like taking a week or long weekend to serve together.

HOW IT WORKS

STEP 1: Set up a 30-45 minute Discovery Call so we can hear about the vision of your trip and talk through locations, dates, and other necessary details.

STEP 2: We plan with our partners to build your custom trip details including location, dates, projects, and price.

STEP 3: Once confirmed, you’ll pay your registration fee and be assigned your YWx trip planning partner.

STEP 4: You’re all registered! Now you can rally your group to get excited and prep for your trip!

STEP 5: We provide you with pre-trip and post-trip resources to help you serve respectfully together during your tip and beyond.

SERVE LOCAL

YouthWorks is equipping youth leaders like you with the resources you need to mobilize your youth ministry to serve in your own community.

We know that serving with your students on a mission trip might not be possible for your youth ministry in 2024. Or maybe your youth group is going on a mission trip this year but are still looking for more serving opportunities.

Our desire is to help you and your students serve safely in your own community. Local service has so many benefits and keeps your students active in service.

Ready to start the conversation? Click here to learn more about how we can help your group serve local.

FREE

CURRICULUM

+ DAY OF SERVICE PLANNING GUIDE

Curriculum features:

• “How to use this” Facilitation Guide

• Theme Overview

• 3 Theme Videos

• Small Group Processing Guide

• Parents Processing Guide

• Social Media/Promotional Graphics

Planning guide includes:

• Day(s) of Service Guidebook

• Kitchen Guide and Sample Meal Plan

• How to Find Service Guide

• Service Orientation Outline

• Service Orientation Example

Developing Leaders is an essential part of Christ-centered mission trips. Our vision is that we work with youth leaders like you to develop student leaders on mission trips. After those student leaders graduate high school, our hope is that they would continue their leadership development by joining our summer staff.

If you’ve been on a YouthWorks mission trip, you’ve engaged with our summer staff and see how these ministry positions are challenging and incredible for leadership development. As they facilitate YouthWorks mission trips for teenagers, they…

REFINE THEIR SKILLS

• Get real world ministry experience

• Develop skills like: organizing & planning logistics, public speaking, event coordination, networking, and teamwork/interpersonal skills.

PUT THEIR PASSIONS INTO ACTION

• Engage in community-based work, immersing themselves in a new culture and community

• Lead service-learning experiences that focus on respectful service

• Help teenagers connect to the bigger story of the Gospel through building authentic relationships and sharing their faith journey

GROW IN THEIR FAITH

• Face big challenges that will strengthen their faith in God and in who God has made them to be

• Experience the joy of seeing God move in the lives of teenagers

• Encounter and daily reflect on the movements of God while leading in a ministry context

Do you know any college-aged leaders that you think would be a great fit for our team? Maybe it’s a previous student of yours.

SEND US YOUR SUMMER STAFF REFERRALS

Here are a few of the key components we look for in each of our summer staff team members.

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

• Actively pursuing a relationship with Christ

• Desire to serve the Church

• Able to relate to youth

• Model servant leadership

• Have a teachable spirit

• Respect for diverse backgrounds and denominations

RESOURCE LIBRARY FREE MISSION TRIP RESOURCES

With over 25 years of facilitating Christcentered 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 to the right to view more details about each, or click the button to download all of them right away.

Download Resources HERE!

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.