Experiences that help students grow their faith through service
YOUTHWORKS.COM
Some of the biggest moments of impact you’ll have with your students won’t be a result of something you said to them, but of something you experienced together. When teenagers get to step out of their comfort zone and put their faith into action, they see the world in new ways. The challenges facing communities that they hear about in the news stop being divisive talking points and start becoming places where God can use them - even now- to impact the lives of others. Since 1994, we’ve gone into communities and developed authentic, lasting relationships in the places we serve. Each year we work with local leaders who understand the real needs of their city and design trips around the goals they have. We go into communities by invitation only and stay for years – sometimes decades – in order to build meaningful partnerships. It’s more than a trip; it’s about the transformation that takes place in the hearts of young people when they experience God through serving others.
1
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
“The highlight of the week was watching students take on leadership naturally without having to be asked. It was listening to students process their experiences and begin to make sense of the community’s needs and how they could support and listen alongside those needs. My youth are more inspired to serve their community back home and we will set up more service events for them over the next year.”
– 2026 TRIP LEADER
YO U T H W O R K S . C O M
2
LAKE TRAVERSE RE PORTLAND, OR RAPID CITY, SD
DENVER, CO
K
BAY AREA, CA
LA COUNTY, CA SAN DIEGO, CA
FORT WORT WACO, TX
WHERE YOU SOUTH TEXAS
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
DULUTH, MN
ESERVATION, SD RUTLAND/GREEN MOUNTAINS, VT
TWIN CITIES, MN
NIAGARA FALLS, NY
MILWAUKEE, WI
BENTON HARBOR, MI CHICAGO, IL HARRISBURG, PA
KANSAS CITY, MO
INDIANAPOLIS, IN ST. LOUIS, MO
NASHVILLE, TN
PHILADELPHIA, PA
CHARLESTON, WV LOGAN COUNTY, WV
LOUISVILLE, KY
NORFOLK, VA
WILMINGTON, NC
BIRMINGHAM, AL
TH, TX MONTGOMERY, AL SAVANNAH, GA
NEW ORLEANS, LA
EASTERN SHORE, VA
BLUE RIDGE MOUNTAINS, NC GREENVILLE, SC
BAYOU LA BATRE, AL
BROOKLYN, NY
TRIP TYPES:
Pre-Packaged Custom Service Learning
CAN SERVE
ARECIBO, PUERTO RICO SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO
YO U T H W O R K S . C O M
4
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
1
PRE-PACKAGED Weeklong summer trips focused on serving the immediate needs of the community alongside local partners.
2
• Choose from 15 locations
• Includes lodging & food
• 6 days, 5 nights
• Daily service time with local partners
• Offered during the summer
• Inspiring programming
• Middle School & High School Students
• Community Activities
• On-site support from Community Hosts
• Starting at $469/per person
CUSTOM Year-round trips where we provide housing & service opportunities. You plan the schedule and activities that are perfect for your group. • Choose from 30+ locations
• Includes lodging
• Custom trip length based on your needs & budget
• Service opportunities with local partners
• Available for all ages & group types
• You choose your schedule and programming
3 SERVICE LEARNING Trips that allow you to learn from an expert about immigration, food insecurity, or racial justice in a hands-on way, and serve with partners dedicated to tackling the challenges related to the topic. • Choose from 3 focus topics
• Includes lodging & food
• Custom trip length based on your needs & budget
• Includes museum admission (where applicable)
• Offered during Spring Break and Summer
• Led by an Expert Guide and a Community Host
• Available for high schoolers & young adults
YO U T H W O R K S . C O M
6
PRE-PACKAGED TRIPS
IDEAL FOR: • Busy leaders who want us to handle the logistics
These weeklong summer trips are designed to take the guesswork out of planning a mission trip. Your group will have the chance to serve with our long-term local partners, participate in evening programming, and choose evening activities that introduce you to the community in unique ways.
• Groups that enjoy serving with others from across the country
Each summer has a theme that’s meant to connect the experiences of each day to a deeper spiritual truth. We also provide helpful conversation starters that allow leaders to process the trip with their students.
• High Schoolers
• Middle Schoolers
• Combined youth groups
On a Pre-packaged trip, young people from diverse backgrounds and denominations collaborate to serve the community together. Each location has Community Hosts on site who assist with logistics and communication with partners.
CUSTOM TRIPS
• Leaders who want to use their own curriculum
Custom trips offer you year-round mission trip options that are completely customizable and easy to organize. With more than 30 locations across the United States, there are options for everyone and during all seasons of the year.
• Groups that prefer to be the only group on site
YouthWorks provides lodging and sets up service opportunities with our long-term local partners. These trips are for all ages youth, young adults, families, church small groups, and more.
• Youth Groups
A Custom trip lets you determine the details of your schedule and lead your own programming focused on the spiritual needs of your group.
7
IDEAL FOR:
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
• Spring Break and Fall Retreats
• College Age Groups • Young Adults Ministries • Families who want to serve together
“This trip was the most culturally enriching trip I’ve done.” – 2026 TRIP LEADER
YO U T H W O R K S . C O M
8
SERVICE LEARNING TRIPS Immigration, food insecurity, racial justice. These are so much more than hot-button topics on social media. Behind every headline, there are real people made in God’s image. Service Learning Trips allow your group to get close to the leaders on the forefront of these issues and understand the people most impacted. You’ll be led by an Expert Guide who has a deep knowledge and passion for the issue. Each trip is designed to be active and engaging – no dry lectures here. You’ll visit historical sites, museums, and local non-profits. Along the way, you’ll also have opportunities to roll up your sleeves and serve with organizations who are dedicated to working for the good of their community and are addressing the very topic you’ve been learning about.
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
IDEAL FOR: • Groups who want a deeper understanding of a specific topic • People who want to see how their faith connects to these issues • High School Groups • College Age Groups • Young Adult Groups
What makes Service Learning different from other mission trips? Service Learning trips connect teenagers and young adults to the issues they care about. During a Service Learning trip, everything revolves around the focus issue, allowing your group to do a deep dive into that world. The combination of learning from an expert, serving with organizations who address the specific challenge, and being immersed in the history of the community creates a powerful experience. Your group will leave with deeper compassion and practical ways to be involved in the work.
LEARN MORE ››
“I really appreciated how we got to get an understanding of the community through the evening events and see how God provides for the needs of His people though different organizations.”
– 2026 TRIP LEADER
YO U T H W O R K S . C O M
10
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
IMMIGRATION In partnership with Border Perspective There’s a good chance that your students know someone impacted by the immigration conversation from recent years. As the issue has become more and more polarizing, many young people have been left wondering what their faith has to say about their response to immigrants. This trip will introduce your group to history, biblical context, non-profit organizations serving immigrants, and even the unique perspective of Border Patrol officers. Your students will discover that loving and serving others transcends the cultural and political lines that seek to divide us. WHERE YOU CAN SERVE:
• South Texas
FOOD INSECURITY In partnership with Central Storehouse It’s estimated that 1 in 7 households in the United States struggle with food insecurity, or the lack of access to enough food for a healthy lifestyle. Often, groups like children, seniors, and veterans are the most affected. This Service Learning trip will open your students’ eyes to the reality facing millions of Americans and dispel myths and narrow stereotypes they may have encountered. WHERE YOU CAN SERVE:
• Fort Worth, TX
RACIAL JUSTICE In partnership with The Center for Restorative Justice Explore the vibrant history of the Civil Rights movement and learn about Christian advocates for racial justice throughout the years. You’ll see places that were pivotal during the fight for justice and leave with a deeper understanding of how Jesus followers can still be part of unifying people of all races and backgrounds today. In a world where much of the conversation is happening from behind keyboards, this experience will bring you close and offer you tangible ways to be part of ongoing racial reconciliation. WHERE YOU CAN SERVE:
• Montgomery, AL • LA County, CA
YO U T H W O R K S . C O M
12
DENVER, CO COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHT
ABOUT THE COMMUNITY: Because the 13th step of the State Capitol building in Denver is exactly 5,280 feet above sea level, Denver is known as the “Mile High City.” The largest park system in the nation, over 300 days of sunshine a year, breathtaking views of the Rocky Mountains, and a large arts scene make Denver a wonderful place to visit!
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
Why Serve: YouthWorks has been serving in Denver since 1998. You’ll have the opportunity to see firsthand how community members are responding to the needs of their city. Serve with local organizations caring for their neighbors in meaningful ways through home projects, food distribution, thrift stores and city beautification.
Something Special About this Community Denver has the largest park system in the nation, over 300 days of sunshine a year, breathtaking views of the Rocky Mountains, and a large arts scene make it a truly unique place.
Types of Trips Offered: • Pre-packaged (High School 14+) • Custom (High School 14+)
What to Expect: *All information regarding service and community engagement activities are subject to change
Community Activities: Buffalo Bills Grave and Look Out Mountain, History Colorado Center, Union Station & 16th St Mall, Hear from a local community member
Home repair projects Food distribution Working with thrift stores City beautification
YO U T H W O R K S . C O M
14
DULUTH, MN COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHT
ABOUT THE COMMUNITY: Located on the North Shore of Lake Superior, Duluth is home to an infamous lift bridge, nearly endless options for outdoor recreation, Grandma’s Marathon, and several unique museums and aquariums. This allows the small city to find a successful balance between industry and tourism.
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
Why Serve: YouthWorks has been serving in Duluth since 1998. Your group will partner with local organizations that are impacting their community and have the opportunity to assist in children’s programming at a local youth center, care for the elderly by helping with outdoor yard projects, or sort donations at a food pantry.
Something Special About this Community Duluth is the world’s furthest inland seaport! It’s more than just an industrial town though. It’s full of natural beauty as it sits on the edge of Lake Superior.
Types of Trips Offered:
Community Activities:
• Pre-packaged (Middle and High School) • Custom (All ages)
Enger Tower, Great Lakes Aquarium, Hear from a local community member, Canal Park
What to Expect: *All information regarding service and community engagement activities are subject to change
Children’s Programming Outdoor Yard Projects Food Pantry
YO U T H W O R K S . C O M
16
COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHT
BAYOU LA BATRE, AL ABOUT THE COMMUNITY: Bayou is a community that lives and breathes shrimping and fishing. The seasonal and unpredictable conditions of the seafood industry, as well as environmental factors like hurricanes and oil spills, significantly impact the community. Despite the uncontrollable and often unpredictable nature of these issues, the Bayou community remains resilient, persistent, and joyful.
17
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
Why Serve: YouthWorks has been serving in Bayou La Batre since 1998. Your group will encounter the resilient spirit of Bayou La Batre as you serve through home improvement projects, elder care, and children’s ministries. You’ll also encounter many community friends who have shared their community with YouthWorks staff, students, and Adult Leaders for years.
Types of Trips Offered: • Pre-packaged (Middle & High School) • Custom (All ages)
What to Expect: *All information regarding service and community engagement activities are subject to change
Home repair projects
Something Special About this Community Bayou La Batre is known locally as “They Bayou” and nationally as the Seafood Capital of Alabama. The town has been referenced in the History Channel’s Big Shrimpin,’ the movie Forrest Gump, and Disney’s launch of “The Black Pearl” pirate ship.
Community Activities: Beach time at Dauphin Island, Tour of the community, Community event in the park, worship service with a local church
Elder care Children’s ministry
YO U T H W O R K S . C O M
18
RESOURCE LIBRARY Free Mission Trip Resources 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!
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
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 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! YO U T H W O R K S . C O M
20
View Trips & Register Need help deciding which trip is best for your group? We’re here to help! C A L L 800 - 968-8504
YOUTHWORKS.COM • INFO@YOUTHWORKS.COM