PRE-PACKAGED MISSION TRIPS
Weeklong summer mission trips for teenagers with staff, meals, and programming included. Focus on your students, not logistics.
Local service partnerships
Trained Guides on-site to facilitate your trip
Themed discipleship programming and evening activities
Lodging, showers, meals, and snacks included
CUSTOM
MISSION TRIPS
Year-round service experiences for any age group with flexible start & end dates. Match community needs with your unique group.
Local service partnerships
Flexible trip length
Any type of group (school, college, youth, families, etc.)
Lodging & showers included
WHERE YOU CAN
BAY AREA, CA
SAN DIEGO, CA
LAS VEGAS, NV
RAPID LAKE
CAN SERVE
LEECH LAKE RESERVATION, MN
DULUTH, MN
TRAVERSE RESERVATION, SD
RAPID CITY, SD
TWIN CITIES, MN GREEN BAY, WI
MILWAUKEE, WI
BENTON HARBOR, MI
CHICAGO, IL DETROIT, MI
QUAD CITIES, IL
INDIANAPOLIS, IN
KANSAS CITY, MO
ST. LOUIS, MO
RUTLAND/GREEN MOUNTAINS, VT
NIAGARA FALLS, NY
HARRISBURG, PA
CHARLESTON, WV
LOGAN COUNTY, WV
LOUISVILLE, KY
NASHVILLE, TN
WACO, TX
HOUSTON, TX
SOUTH TEXAS
BROOKLYN, NY
PHILADELPHIA, PA
EASTERN SHORE, VA
BLUE RIDGE MOUNTAINS, NC
GREENVILLE, SC
BIRMINGHAM, AL
BAYOU LA BATRE, AL
NEW ORLEANS, LA
WILMINGTON, NC
PUERTO RICO
PRE-PACKAGED SUMMER MISSION TRIPS FOR TEENAGERS
We know you care about your students and want them to know God and to live like Jesus. Our pre-packaged 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 serve the community in meaningful ways. 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 local 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
Project Materials and Resources
Program Resources
Evening Activities
DULUTH, MN
SD
RAPID CITY, SD
DENVER, CO
KANSAS CITY, MO
MILWAUKEE, WI ST. LOUIS, MO
INDIANAPOLIS, IN
NIAGARA FALLS, NY
HARRISBURG, PA
LOGAN COUNTY, WV
LOUISVILLE, KY
NASHVILLE, TN
BENTON HARBOR, MI BLUE RIDGE MOUNTAINS, NC
WILMINGTON, NC
BIRMINGHAM, AL
LA BATRE, AL
PRE-PACKAGED LOCATIONS
COMMUNITY TYPES:
STEP 1:
Use the trip finder to choose your location. On the community page select the week that works for you.
STEP 2:
If you’re a returning organization, log in to your account and register.
SOUTH TEXAS
STEP 3:
If you’re new to YouthWorks, create an account and register.
HOW IT WORKS GET STARTED
STEP 4:
Pay your deposit to complete your registration.
STEP 5:
Access your Dashboard for valuable resources to help you prepare for your trip.
PUERTO RICO
BAYOU
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.
Custom Trips 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 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.
CUSTOM TRIPS INCLUDE...
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 or spring break.
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.
LEECH LAKE RESERVATION, MN DULUTH, MN
CITY, SD
CO
BAY AREA, CA
VEGAS, NV
DIEGO, CA
COMMUNITY TYPES:
BAY, WI QUAD CITIES, IL
MILWAUKEE, WI
CHICAGO, IL DETROIT, MI INDIANAPOLIS, IN PHILADELPHIA, PA TWIN CITIES, MN
CITY, MO
ST. LOUIS, MO
LOUISVILLE, KY
NASHVILLE, TN
PA NIAGARA FALLS, NY
MOUNTAINS, VT BROOKLYN, NY
EASTERN SHORE, VA
BLUE RIDGE MOUNTAINS, NC
AL WILMINGTON, NC
TX
TX
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.
HOW IT WORKS
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 designated custom trip specialist.
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 trip and beyond.
PUERTO RICO
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.
CHECK OUT
LARGE URBAN COMMUNITIES →
WHERE YOU CAN SERVE:
• Denver, CO
• Indianapolis, IN
• Milwaukee, WI
• Nashville, TN
• Puerto Rico
• St. Louis, MO
WHAT TO EXPECT:
*All information regarding service and community engagement activities are subject to change
Food/hunger relief efforts
Support local social service organizations
Assist urban gardening initiatives
Sort clothing donations
DENVER, CO
HIGH SCHOOL TRIPS • PRE-PACKAGED & CUSTOM TRIPS
WHY SERVE:
YouthWorks has been serving in Denver since 1998 and has a wide range of partnerships across the city. Many of these partnerships have lasted for years, including our partnerships with Extreme Community Makeover and Brother’s Redevelopment. YouthWorks partners with organizations who work alongside vulnerable populations by providing various social services, especially those that address the consistent need for safe, quality and affordable housing for Denver residents.
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.
CHECK OUT SMALL TOWN COMMUNITIES →
WHERE YOU CAN SERVE:
• Bayou La Batre, AL
• Benton Harbor, MI
• Blue Ridge Mountains, NC
• Lake Traverse Reservation, SD
• Logan County, WV
WHAT TO EXPECT:
*All information regarding service and community engagement activities are subject to change
Complete yardwork projects
Perform painting projects
Support local social service organizations
Relational ministry opportunities
LAKE TRAVERSE RESERVATION, SD
MIDDLE SCHOOL & HIGH SCHOOL TRIPS • PRE-PACKAGED TRIPS
WHY SERVE:
YouthWorks has been serving on the Lake Traverse Reservation since 2005. YouthWorks strives to serve the surrounding communities well through local partnerships. Our hope is to continue the work these organizations are doing while also allowing students to build relationships with community members.
Throughout the week, youth will learn about broader American history and begin conversations regarding poverty and the present and historical realities of life for Indigenous people in the United States. Spending time on the Lake Traverse Reservation serves as a good introduction to the social and racial issues prominent in many reservations in the U.S. and can function as a springboard into educating youth about the lesser- known history of our nation.
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.
CHECK OUT SMALL URBAN COMMUNITIES →
WHERE YOU CAN SERVE:
• Birmingham, AL
• Harrisburg, PA
• Louisville, KY
• Niagara Falls, NY
• Rapid City, SD
• Wilmington, NC
WHAT TO EXPECT:
*All information regarding service and community engagement activities are subject to change
Participate in Kids Programming
Help distribute food
Relational ministry opportunities
Assist neighborhood rehabilitation efforts
LOUISVILLE, KY
MIDDLE SCHOOL & HIGH SCHOOL TRIPS • PRE-PACKAGED & CUSTOM TRIPS
YouthWorks began serving in Louisville in 2008 and has developed deep roots and partnerships with several churches and social service organizations throughout the city. As partners strive to meet the ongoing needs of residents, youth have the opportunity to learn about real life challenges and resources that exist throughout the diverse neighborhoods in Louisville. Through our long-term partnerships in the community like Salvation Army, organizations working to address food insecurity and housing challenges; local leaders will help students understand the complexities of life in a small city.
WHY SERVE:
PUERTO RICO
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.
CHECK OUT
PUERTO RICO DETAILS →
WHERE YOU CAN SERVE:
• Puerto Rico
WHAT TO EXPECT:
*All information regarding service and community engagement activities are subject to change
Engage in local language and culture
Relational ministry opportunities
Complete painting projects for community members
Support local organizations
PUERTO RICO
HIGH SCHOOL TRIPS • PRE-PACKAGED & CUSTOM TRIPS
YouthWorks began serving in Puerto Rico in 2002 and has worked intentionally with community leaders to provide a rich cross-cultural experience; diving deep into the history, culture, language and relationships with people on the island. Participants will support local organizations through hands on projects such as painting, working at local farms, alleviating food insecurity; as well as relational opportunities working with children and the elderly. Through relationships and partnership, students will see the beauty of the culture, the resiliency of the Puerto Rican people and continue to understand a broader view of God at work in the world.
WHY SERVE:
BORDER TRIP
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH
Border Perspective serves families, equips leaders, advocates for biblical justice and mobilizes the church on service-learning trips along the South Texas border.
CHECK OUT BORDER TRIP DETAILS →
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 environment in which border communities interact on a day to day basis.
CONTEXTUALIZE
We help you step into another culture. We help you break crosscultural barriers, hear important stories and challenge you to reflect on how God wants you to use this experience.
SERVE
Serve the local immigrant church and organizations in long-term efforts that are helping empower immigrant families on the South Texas border.
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.
SOUTH TEXAS
HIGH SCHOOL & UP TRIPS • PRE-PACKAGED TRIPS
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 first-hand 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:
DISCIPLE STUDENTS DEVELOP LEADERS SERVE COMMUNITIES
Logistics (Housing, Meals, On-site Support)
Service and Learning (Set-up and Supplies)
“Launch Pad” Programming We do...
So that you can...
Build Relationships
“Go Deeper” in Your Church Group Time
Help Students Live into a Servant-Mindset
Want to deepen your understanding of discipling students? Download this free guidebook
Pre-trip Leadership Resources
On-site Leadership Opportunities
Next Level Leadership Challenges We do...
So that you can...
Create and Grow Your Student Leadership Team
Plug Your Leaders into New Experiences
Position Your Leaders for Growth
Want to deepen your understanding of developing leaders? Download this free guidebook
Servant-Leadership Mission Trip Models We create...
Lasting Community Relationships
So that you can...
Challenge the Consumer Mindset of Missions
Guide Students Through New Learning Opportunities
Want to deepen your understanding of serving communities? Download this free guidebook
YOUTHWORKS SUMMER STAFF
PAID MINISTRY POSITIONS
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 30 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.
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!
