2017 group mission trips catalog

Learn more at GroupMissionTrips.com1

2017 CATALOG

GroupMissionTrips.com

Celebrating 40 years of life-changing service

Home Repair Trips p. 6 Weekend Home Repair Trips p. 24Community Service Trips p.18 International Trips p.12

Find Your Mission Trip Match Quiz! p.5


Whats Inside

How We Began ....................................................01

Legacy of Spiritual Growth .................................02

Happy 40th Birthday, Group Mission Trips! .......03

Jesus-Centered Program The Road ..................04

Find Your Mission Trip Match Quiz .................05

Group Workcamps ..............................................06

Group International Mission Trips .....................12

Group Week of Hope...........................................18

Group Weekend Workcamps ..............................24

Recruit an All-Star Planning Team ......................30

Planning Team Sample Roles ..............................31

Tips For Recruiting Adult Leaders ......................32

Fundraising Tips ..................................................33

2017 Location Guide ............................................34

Learn more at GroupMissionTrips.com

Workcamps & Week of Hope 877.670.4388 | International 866.595.4906 3

At Group Mission Trips, our passion is creating experiences to help people grow in their relationships with Jesus and each other. Its more than a moment. Its a mindset. We are continually humbled by Gods transforming work through this organization, and especially now as 2017 marks the 40th birthday of our beginnings.

In 1976, Colorado sustained a catastrophic flood. The following year, Thom Schultz, founder of Group Publishing, organized church youth groups from across the country to come to Colorado and help rebuild the homes and lives of the flood victims. More than 300 teenagers and their youth leaders, just like you, arrived

in Colorado and worked on over 50 repair projects. As a result, Group Cares was established as the nonprofit partner of Group Publishing. Since then, more than 450,000 mission trip participants have racked up more than 13 million volunteer hours serving people in need.

Forty years later, one constant remains true: We strongly believe in providing opportunities for teenagers to grow closer to Jesus through serving others either in their own backyard or halfway across the globe. The Group Mission Trips legacy of lasting impact continues

How We Began

Meet Our TeamOur dedicated team works year-round to support you and provide the best mission experiences possible. So whichever Group Mission Trip you choose, we're here to serve you. We love serving youth workers!

4Join a Legacy of Spiritual Growth

When Group Mission Trips began in 1977, there wasnt anything else out there quite like it. Over the years, other youth mission organizations adopted our model. But the special sauce mixed into Group Mission Trips has never been duplicated. From the moment participants arrive at one of our mission locations to the time they leave, every aspect of what we do works together to carry messages of hope and who Jesus is, resulting in spiritual growth for every person involved.

I took my groups with another mission trip organization for ten years before deciding to try Group Mission Trips.

Weve now done both Week of Hope and Workcamps, and we havent looked back! In addition to the well-organized

logistics and great customer service, what I appreciate most is this: Group Mission Trips is unapologetically

Jesus-centered. I heartily recommend Group Mission Trips for those who want to see young people grow closer and

closer to Jesus.Chad Jacobsen

youth leader in Pewaukee, WI


HAPPY 40TH BIRTHDAYGROUP MISSION TRIPS!

In 2017, we celebrate our 40th year creating mission experiences. Each year, we pour our hearts and souls into innovating every detail to be better than the year before. Group Mission Trips evolved from one workcamp with 300 participants in 1977 to more than 20,000 participants serving globally through four unique types of experiences every summer. As we change and grow, one of our core values never changes: our emphasis on spiritual growth. We believe by staying Jesus-centered, the lives of everyone involved, from participants to residents to co-sponsors to summer staff, are transformed.

1977The first workcamp is born in Loveland, Colorado, after a devastating flood.

The first Native American workcamp happens on Blackfeet Nation Reservation. To date, at least 26 tribes in the United States are impacted by Workcamps.

1982The first international workcamp takes place in Juarez, Mexico.

2005Week of Hope launches as an additional service experience.

1990International Mission Trips offically kicks off with multiple locations.

20,000 mission trip participants serve in a single year.

2015 Weekend Workcamp launches.

OVER THE YEARS

40 YEARS

1978

19871986

2002Number of Workcamp participants exceeds 10,000.

New record for number of Workcamps in one summer is set.

13 million volunteer hours logged450,000+ students say they've grown closer to Jesus200,000 gallons of paint used at Workcamps50,000+ residents served50,304 homes repaired

Countless lives changed.

w e e k e n d


the

Walk With Jesus

An Experience Like No Other Every year, the Group Mission Trips team dedicates extensive time and energy to create a new Jesus-centered program experience through morning and evening programs, crew devotions, and youth group devotions (included in participant handbooks). Programs are designed so you don't just look to a stage but to Jesus.

This summer, your youth group will walk with Jesus along The Road. Inspired by Luke 24:13-35, the 2017 program theme takes your youth group on a transforming journey. No matter the road we're on, learning to listen to Jesus and making him the center point of our lives allows us to see him more clearly.

Our well-trained staff leads programs daily. Plus, you and your youth have the opportunity to serve by leading parts of each worship program through music, drama, Scripture reading, and other hands-on experiences. Feel free to bring guitars, drums, harmonicas, banjos, and great voices!

Our students are impacted not only by serving, but by the spiritual discussions

that take place during nightly worship, crew devotions, or youth group time...

Every year we have gone, our group comes back closer to each other and

closer to Jesus, ready to impact our area for him.

Jason Bucky WaltersPastor, Kentucky

4 Spiritual Touch-Points

- Morning Programs- Crew Devotions- Evening Programs- Youth Group Devotions

2017 PROGRAM THEME

Workcamps & Week of Hope 877.670.4388 | International 866.595.4906

Find Your Match

Which Mission Experience Fits Your Group?Answer five short quiz questions to be matched with the right experience for your group. Stop guessing about your best mission match and let our proven process do the work for you!

Find My Mission Trip Match!Take this short quiz to find the best fit for your group. Then, book your life-changing mission experience for 2017.

Im looking for a mission experience that focuses on...

a. Community serviceb. Home repairc. Both

Im interested in serving...

a. Elderly people and children

b. People in needc. Local people of

different cultures

How far are you willing to travel to serve?

a. Short driveb. Long drivec. Fly me there!

What is your ideal length of time for a mission trip?

a. 5 daysb. 6 daysc. 7 days

Whats your favorite color?

a. Greenb. Yellowc. Red

1 2 3 4 5

Mostly AsYour ideal Mission Trip: Week of Hope!Teenagers build friendships and meaningful connections while caring for disadvantaged children and the elderly. Youth share the love of Jesus and bring hope to the lives they touch, while engaging in meaningful service alongside local ministries and nonprofit organizations. Five days of community service, a lifetime of rewards. See page 18 to learn more about Week of Hope.

Mostly BsYour Ideal Mission Trip: Workcamps!Gear up for these high-energy, six-day mission tripswhere youth work hard to improve the living situations of people in need. Plus, they'll build relationships with new friends and youth leaders. See page 6 to learn more about Workcamps.

Mostly CsYour ideal Mission Trip: International!From building a new house for a poor family in Costa Rica, to travelling by riverboat serving Amazonian villagers, our expert mission planners have covered the details so your group can have a safe, impactful mission trip to a different country. When your youth get out of their comfort zone and help people locked in poverty, they'll never be the same! See page 12 to learn more about International.

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Repair Homes & Lives

Since our beginnings, more than 450,000 people have participated in a Group Mission Trips experiencelogging more than 13 million volunteer hours. These participants have gained a new understanding and deeper faith in Jesus by serving others.

The mission opportunities keep growing, and the same passion that prompted Thom Schultz to launch the first Workcamps continues to help teenagers from all different Christian denominations grow closer to Jesus and take on the challenge of service by helping people in need. Turn the page to learn more about Workcamps, and to page 34 for the full 2017 location guide.

At Workcamps, teenagers come together to serve individuals and communities

while building strong, long-lasting relationships with their friends and youth

leaders. In six short days, hundreds of teenagers from youth groups across the

country repair and transform homes while growing closer to Jesus.

9See all dates and locations beginning on p. 34


See Real Transformation

Types of Work- Porch and deck repair- Wheelchair ramp construction- Indoor painting- Outdoor painting- General home repairs

Workcamps give youth groups a chance to serve community residents in need through home repair, basic construction, and painting. They'll build relationships with their crew and those they serve.

Before After


Serve & Grow All Day

6:45 AM RISE AND SHINE 7:00 AM HOT BREAKFAST 8:00 AM MORNING PROGRAM 8:30 AM DEPART FOR PROJECTS12:00 PM ON-SITE LUNCH & DEVOTIONS3:30 PM RETURN TO CAMP 5:00 PM DINNER 7:30 PM EVENING WORSHIP PROGRAM 9:00 PM YOUTH GROUP DEVOTIONS9:30 PM FREE TIME 11:00 PM LIGHTS OUT

Thank you to everyone who helped with Group Workcamps last week and made it a great success! I know the campers had a wonderful time and the homeowners were beyond grateful.

Rebecca PalenSupports to Encourage Low-

Income Families (SELF)

Hamilton, OH

TYPICAL DAY


AppalachianAn Appalachian workcamp experience provides your group the opportunity to serve and meet the real needs of real peoplemany of whom feel neglected and cut off from the rest of the world. When you think of Appalachia, you may think of coal mining, hills, a strong culture, and West Virginia. All are true traits but do not completely represent the area known as Appalachia. This region of the U.S. covers an area from New York to Mississippi and Alabama, and its blessed with abundant natural resources. However, people in the

region deal with ongoing poverty-related issues. For instance, some areas of Appalachia still do not have a consistent source of electricity or water. Regardless of the situations they face, the people are proud of their history, homes, and communities. Get to know these people who are fiercely loyal and committed to their communities. Enjoy their deep cultural connections and rich historical roots as you serve.

Engage in a New Culture

Native AmericanGive your youth group a cross-cultural experience without leaving the country. You'll experience some of the worst poverty in America that remains at these locations, with people living under conditions that rival those in the Third World. Some descendants of Americas first citizens still live without running water or electricity. The

work you do here truly makes a difference. Workcamps participants have served on Native American reservations for decades, impacting at least 26 different tribes. Our deep relationships in these communities and with tribal leaders provide your group with an unforgettable experience.

See the full list of 2017 Workcamps locations on page 34.


Answers to Common Questions About Workcamp

Whats included in the registration fee? We want your trip to be as easy on you as possible. Thats why we provide the following so you dont have to: Lodging during the week All meals, except for dinner on your free night All supplies and project materials for each worksite Bible-based, fun, Jesus-centered programs Comprehensive safety training Online Planning Center with forms, promotion materials, advice, and more Fundraising ideas and support Worksite selection and organization Unlimited customer support from professional and courteous staff Mission Trip handbook for each participant (a personal devotion book and guide for

the week) Access to background checks Themed T-shirt for each participant Who can participate? We offer trips for both junior high and senior high students. Participants who are at least 12 years old or entering 7th grade in the fall of 2017 can attend Jr/Sr High Workcamps. Participants who are at least 14 years old or entering 9th grade in the fall of 2017 can attend Senior High Workcamps. No special skills are required.

How many adults should we bring? You must have one adult (21 or older) for every five students. If you have both males and females in your group, you must have at least one adult volunteer of each gender. The minimum group size is one young person and one adult of the same gender.

How are crews organized? Groups are typically placed into six-person crews for the work portion of each day. In most cases, this is one adult and five youth, each person from a different church. When groups allow us to intersperse participants into crews, individuals develop social and leadership skills, make new friends, and develop a closer bond with their own group. Please give us a call with any questions or special requests regarding work crews.

What about transportation? You need to provide transportation for your group to and from your mission trip. The vehicles you bring are used to provide daily transportation to and from project sites. If you intend to bring a large bus, call us first to be sure your trip location can accommodate it.

Where do we stay? Most lodging is in local schools or churches. Accommodations will include areas for groups to room together by gender, a common eating area, and a program area.

What happens if the trip I want is full? All trips are filled on a first-come, first-served basis, so register early. However, if you register for a trip thats full, well give you a choice: Join the waiting list for your first choice, or register for your second-choice location. Call us. Were eager to help!

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Go Global

Do you want your youth to grow in their ability to serve Jesus in other cultures and learn to pass that skill on to others? Do you want to know that your groups efforts will make an impact long after you leave? Do you want to broaden teenagers worldview and give them an appreciation for their blessings?

If these questions resonate with you, Group International Mission Trips is the perfect match for your next mission

experience. Weve partnered with long-term ministries that are rooted in the countries we serve. As youre reading this, they are passionately serving and loving their neighbors, working to meet physical and spiritual needs in Jesus name. When we arrive, we come alongside their efforts. Because of these trusted, established partnerships, you can know that your groups week of service is truly helpful and long-lasting.


Every aspect of our international trips is designed with the youth leader in mind. We take care of all the details of the trip so you can have an incredible time of ministry and connection with your youth.

Our teamboth local and abroadcarefully crafts the schedule, the conversations, and the entire experience in a way that helps teenagers grow in their faith. Your teenagers relationship with Jesus and understanding of what he can do in and through them will never be the same. Weve taken thousands of people abroad on mission trips, and weve seen Jesus do amazing things both in and through the goers who take that extra step of faith to go beyond their own borders. We look forward to locking arms with you, your group, and Jesus for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure!

See all International dates and locations on p. 39 15


Change the World Together

Check out the top international locations for youth groups! This is not a complete list, so be sure to check out the full 2017 location guide on page 39 or visit Groupmissiontrips.com/international.

Puerto Rico If this is your first experience with international mission trips and youre not quite sure if youre ready to go across the world yet, Puerto Rico is a great place to start. Because Puerto Rico is a territory of the United States, you dont need a passport or any special vaccines to serve there, and plane tickets tend to be a little cheaper there than to other locations. We have an amazing partnership with several cities in Puerto Rico that identify elderly and disabled residents who need help with home repair projects. You'll serve and get to know your resident as you paint, clean, and do yard work and minor repairs. Youll also get an entire day to explore beautiful Puerto Rico. Whether you choose to lounge at the beach, hike through the rainforest, or soak up the history of old San Juan, theres something for everyone!

Costa RicaOur ministry partners in Costa Rica would love to have your group join them. In the San Jos area, as well as Guanacaste on the Pacific coast, weve partnered with a highly impactful ministry that builds homes for families in need. Your group will help construct the home and be part of the blessing ceremony at the end of the week with the new homeowner. Another ministry partner is situated in the mountain region near Turrialba. There you'll see the impact of biblical translation into a native tongue that had never been written down before. Your group will work alongside lifelong missionaries committed to bringing the good news of Jesus to the native Cabecar and Bri Bri tribes of Costa Rica. You might help construct shelters used for Bible school sessions and retreats designed to build relationships. You might also work on the ministrys own coffee farm. Its a highly educational and relational opportunity in the beautiful mountains of Costa Rica.

Dominican RepublicIf your group enjoys both hands-on projects and serving with kids, the Dominican Republic is the location for you! Spend your mornings serving with our ministry partner at their newly acquired farm. Help build a water filter factory that will provide desperately needed clean water to many poor families in the Santiago area. Spend your afternoons helping with Vacation Bible School through local churches. Additional projects throughout the week include visiting children in the hospital, serving lunch to people working in the city dump, and praying with local people in their homes.

HaitiIf your group is passionate about serving kids in need, invest a meaningful week in Haiti serving in the Logne community. Partner with full-time missionaries to engage the local children through sports and soccer camps and Vacation Bible School. Work alongside local churches to provide direct outreach to the community throughout the weekhelp with hygiene training, English classes, or a block party. Children are Haitis future. Be a part of bringing hope to the next generation of Haitians.

Baja, MexicoIf your group loves outdoor sports and adventure and enjoys a little downtime at the beach, come to Baja! Help rebuild a skate park for a ministry in Pescadero, Mexico, that was badly damaged by a hurricane in 2014. Repair, paint, and plant trees to get this park ready for local skaters to enjoy once again. After cooling off (or surfing) at the beach in the afternoon, enjoy a couple evenings hosting Vacation Bible School for local kids at the skate park.

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See the full list of 2017 International locations on page 39.


Help & Explore All Week

SATURDAY TRAVEL TO YOUR DESTINATION CITY AND TRANSFER TO YOUR LODGING FOR THE FIRST NIGHT

SUNDAY EXPERIENCE WORSHIP 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 KEEP SERVING

FRIDAY COMPLETE YOUR PROJECT

SATURDAY JOURNEY HOME

This is a sample itinerary. Your actual trip schedule may vary.

SAMPLE WEEK SCHEDULE


FAQs

Answers to Common Questions About International

How do I book my International Mission Trip? Call our expert International Mission Trip advisors at 866-595-4906.

Is airfare from North America included in the international trip price? Prices do not include airfare from North America. However, in Peru, our price includes the airfare from Lima to Pucallpa.

Are the trips safe? The safety of your group is a top priority for us, as were sure it is for you. In all the areas we serve, we take extra precautions to make sure your group is as safe as possible. Guided by our local, experienced ministry staff partners, we avoid situations that are inherently dangerous. Were also proactive by choosing lodging facilities and transportation that are safe and reliable. Your mission trip advisor is glad to answer further safety questions.

What travel documentation do I need? All U.S. citizens need a valid passport to enter a foreign country and return to the United States. It must be valid six months beyond your intended stay and have 1-2 blank pages remaining. A passport is not required for trips to Puerto Rico and Alaska. Visas are not required for most trips. For full information, please ask your mission trip advisor when you book.

Who can participate? Our trips are family-friendly, so, in most cases, kids can serve along with adults. Contact Robin at 866-595-4906 for more location-specific age requirements. You must have one adult (21 or older) for every five students. If you have both males and females in your group, you must have at least one adult volunteer of each gender.

Whats your policy on deposits, payments, and cancellations? To reserve space on a trip, a nonrefundable $100 deposit per person is due when you register. Final payment is due 60 days before departure. Please visit our website for complete details of our cancellation policy.

Are all meals included in the cost? Most meals are covered as part of your registration, except for free days if youre serving in Alaska or Puerto Rico. Please see the detailed itinerary of your International Trip for any exceptions.

How strenuous are the activities? While some adventures are more physically strenuous than others, most international trips will include at least four 8-hour service days in hot and humid environments. Your group can work at the level of physical exertion with which theyre comfortable.

What types of meals are served? Most meals are provided by our ministry partners, who have been carefully trained to prepare safe and nutritious meals for our teams.

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Learn more at GroupMissionTrips.com20 Learn more at GroupMissionTrips.com20

Create Meaningful Connections

Week of Hope is packed with practical acts of love and service. Students build meaningful connections as they serve people through our strong partnerships with local ministries and nonprofit organizations. Theyll learn Christ-like empathy and compassion for others as they meet the spiritual, physical, and emotional

needs of disadvantaged children, youth, and adults. As students serve in the name of Jesus, theyll develop friendships with the people being served, with other teams, with their own youth group, and, most importantly, with Jesus. Denominational differences disappear as like-minded youth work together for a common purpose.


Week of Hope meets the needs of all age groupswherever those needs exist.

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

facility. Your teams acts of kindness will mean the world to the people you serve.

But the impact on your students will go even deeper.

21See all Week of Hope dates and locations on p. 37


Reach Out With Local Partners

Types of Work- Help in a local food kitchen- Help with residents in assisted living- General yard work- Volunteer with local non-profits- Volunteer at a community center

We pride ourselves in having long-lasting partnerships with local organizations in the communities we serve through Week of Hope. Our relationships continue to grow with the hard-working nonprofits making a difference for people in need year-round. Our partners ensure that your service will have a lasting impact long after you return home!


Serve & Grow All Day

6:45 AM RISE AND SHINE 7:00 AM HOT BREAKFAST 8:00 AM MORNING PROGRAM 8:30 AM DEPART FOR PROJECTS12:00 PM ON-SITE LUNCH & DEVOTIONS3:30 PM RETURN TO CAMP 5:30 PM DINNER 7:30 PM EVENING WORSHIP PROGRAM 9:00 PM YOUTH GROUP DEVOTIONS9:30 PM FREE TIME 11:00 PM LIGHTS OUT

First Book is a non-profit organization that provides free and low-cost books to kids in need. We recently held a Book Bank distribution in Sewickley, PA, at the World Vision Warehouse, where we gave out 650,000 books. During this distribution, we shipped out over 250,000 books and had over 150,000 books ready for educators to pick up at the warehouse. As you can tell, this is a large amount of books that come in over 15,000 boxes. It would be impossible for the traveling First Book Team of three to complete this task all on their own. We could not have done it without the help of the mission group you sent our way.

Jack Pando, First Book Operations Manager

TYPICAL DAY


In addition to our Week of Hope experiences for junior and senior high students, we offer Preteen Week of Hope. There is no such thing as too young to make a difference. Research suggests that by the time kids are 13, their basic value systems are set for life. Thats why we specially designed Preteen Week of Hope for your middle school students, ages 10-12. From the programs and devotions to the projects, Preteen Week of Hope meets younger students right where they are for a life-changing experience.

Include Preteens in Serving

Last week Talisman Therapeutic Riding was a flurry of activity with the Week of Hope participants. They actually reset the farm for the beginning of the camp season. We rely on the kindness of volunteers to make everything work...Your group came in and tackled every project that needed to be done... We have one rider who rode only because your group was here. He is blind and he gets very angry once he is on the horse and insists on getting off. When he arrived, he was delighted to know that he had a huge audienceBecause of the audience, he completed the entire lesson and went on a trail ride, returned to the arena, and dismounted with a smile on his face. That would not have been possible without the enthusiasm that your group expressed to him.

Scarlett Moffatt, Talisman Therapeutic Riding Volunteer

Coordinator, Grasonville, MD

See the full list of 2017 Week of Hope locations on page 37.


Answers to Common Questions About Week of Hope

Whats included in the registration fee? We want your trip to be as easy on you as possible. We provide the following so you dont have to: Lodging during the week All meals except for dinner on your free night Bible-based, fun, Jesus-centered programs Highly trained, mission-minded staff Online Planning Center with forms, promotion materials, advice, and more Fundraising ideas and support Site selection and organization Unlimited customer support from professional and courteous staff Mission Trip handbook for each participant (a personal devotion book and guide for

the week) Access to background checks Themed T-shirt for each participant

Who can participate? We offer trips for preteen, junior high, and senior high students. For preteen trips, participants must be at least 10 years old or entering the 5th grade in the fall of 2017. For junior/senior high trips, participants must be at least 12 years old or entering the 7th grade in the fall of 2017.

How many adults should we bring? You must have one adult (21 or older) for every five students. If you have both males and females in your group, you must have at least one adult volunteer of each gender. The minimum group size is one young person and one adult of the same gender.

How are crews organized? Groups are typically placed into six-person crews for the work portion of each day. In most cases, this is one adult and five youth, each person from a different church. When groups allow us to intersperse participants into crews, individuals develop social and leadership skills, make new friends, and develop a closer bond with their own group. Please give us a call with any questions or special requests regarding work crews.

What about transportation? You need to provide transportation for your group to and from your mission trip. During the week, the vehicles you bring will be used for daily transportation to and from project sites. If you intend to bring a large bus, call us first to be sure your trip location can accommodate it.

Where do we stay? Most lodging is in local churches or schools. Accommodations will include areas for groups to room together by gender, a common eating area, and a program area.

What happens if the trip I want is full? All trips are filled on a first-come, first-served basis, so register early. However, if you register for a trip thats full, well give you a choice: join the waiting list for your first choice, or register for your second-choice location. Call us. Were eager to help!

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Learn more at GroupMissionTrips.com26 Learn more at GroupMissionTrips.com26

Introduce Your Group to Service

Mobilize more adult volunteers and teenagers than ever before. The new Weekend Workcamps are meaningful, cost-effective opportunities for your youth ministry, creating a great four-day introduction to mission trips and a taste of our popular week-long Workcamps.

The Friday through Monday model allows your adult volunteers to easily get involved with your ministry of serving while not sacrificing too much vacation or family time.


Your group will see first-hand the amazing power of serving as a community to

accomplish Gods work. Your group will be part of bringing life-changing service to 40

to 60 homeowners and residents. You will not only bring repair to a house, you will also

bring hope to a resident and their home.

27See all Weekend Workcamps dates and locations on p. 37


Make a Big Difference

Types of Work- Interior painting- Exterior painting- Minor home repair

Weekend Workcamps give youth groups a chance to serve community residents in need through interior and exterior painting and minor home repair. They'll build relationships with their crew and people they serve.


Serve & Grow All Weekend

FRIDAY ARRIVAL & OPENING PROGRAM

SATURDAY SERVICE DAY & PROGRAMS

SUNDAY SERVICE DAY & PROGRAMS

MONDAY FINAL PROGRAM, FINISH PROJECTS, & DEPARTURE

Group Mission Trips matter because they give students the opportunity for God to use their faith to transform lives around them as their own faith grows through service.

Jason ArmstrongYouth Leader, Maumee, OH

TYPICAL WEEKEND SCHEDULE


Weekend Workcamps are cost-effective opportunities for your youth group to dip its toe into a mission trip. In only four days, the impact of this trip will inspire your group to take on a week-long workcamp next year.

If you're not quite sure you and your group are ready for week-long Workcamps, try Weekend Workcamps first. It's like Workcamps primer. Sometimes a little confidence-builder is all it takes to tackle larger projects.

Prime Your Group

We started Weekend Workcamps to better meet the needs of youth leaders and churches who have not been able to participate in a mission trip before. The shorter time frame and lower cost make it a great introduction to home repair mission trips. Our prayer is that Weekend Workcamps help more churches provide teenagers the opportunity to participate in the life-changing experience of a mission trip.

Jeff ThompsonGroup Mission Trips Executive Director


Answers to Common Questions About Weekend Workcamps

How much do Weekend Workcamps cost per registration?The price of Weekend Workcamps starts at $299 per person.

Whats included in the registration fee for Weekend Workcamps?We want to make sure your trip is as easy on you as possible. That is why we provide the following so you don't have to: Lodging during the trip Nine meals Supplies and project materials for each worksite Bible-based thematic, fun, Jesus-centered programs Comprehensive safety training Devotions to read before, during, and after your trip Highly trained, mission-minded staff Online Planning Center with forms, promotion materials, advice, and more Fundraising ideas and support Site selection and organization Unlimited customer support from professional and courteous staff Mission Trip handbook for each participant Access to background checks Themed T-shirts for each participant

Who can participate?Participants must be at least 12 years old or entering the 7th grade in the fall of 2017. No special skills are required.

How many adults should we bring?You must have one adult (21 or older) for every five students. If you have both males and females in your group, you must have at least one adult volunteer of each gender. The minimum group size is one young person and one adult (21 or older) of the same gender.

Where do we stay?You will lodge at a local school, community center, church, or similar facility. Accommodations include areas for rooming by gender, common eating, and program.

What types of projects will participants complete?Projects typically include painting houses, repairing porches, and general home repairs. Projects are based on what can be completed in two-and-a-half days.

What about transportation?You need to provide transportation for your group to and from your mission trip. The vehicles you bring will be used to provide daily transportation to and from project sites. If you intend to bring a large bus, please call to make sure your trip location can accommodate it.

How are the crews organized?Groups are placed into six-person crews for the work portion of each day, one adult and five youth, each person from a different church. When groups allow us to intersperse participants into crews, individuals develop social and leadership skills, make new friends, and develop a closer bond with their own group. Please give us a call with questions or special requests regarding work crews.

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Recruit an All-Star Planning Team

A mission trip is best accomplished through teamwork. Between you, your leadership team, our mission trip advisors, and the Group Mission Trips Planning Center, which you get access to upon registration, you can lead your students on an expertly organized mission experience.

Believe it or not, there are adults right in your own church, and probably in your youth ministry, who would be thrilled to help. They may even excel in areas where you struggle, so get them on your team now!

Tips on recruiting your leadership team:Personally invite specific people to join your team. People best respond to a personal invitation, compared to an announcement in the bulletin or a mass email. Give them a call, or better yet, treat someone to a cup of coffee to share your excitement. Tell them why you think theyd be a great addition to the leadership team.

Give your leadership team responsibility and authority. Once youve asked for help, let people know they can take the reins on specific tasks to make it happen. Also, allow them the freedom to lead in their own way. Give leaders plenty of time so they can do their best and feel empowered by you.

Recruit students to help. No one knows your students' natural gifts and abilities better than you, so trust them with responsibilities of their own.

Meet often. Whether its a 20-minute touch-base before a youth group meeting, or a separate meeting time all together, keep your mission trip team in the loop. Regular time spent together will help your team bond and automatically improve communication.


Planning Team Sample Roles

Here are seven sample roles for your leadership team to fill, as well as a list of qualities to look for in each position, and possible tasks for each one to take on.

ROLES QUALITIES POSSIBLE TASKS

WORK DIRECTOR(Youth Leader)

Good communicator Big-picture thinker Loves God and people EncouragerHeart for ministry and service Team-builderLoves to see people grow

Main contact with Group Mission Trips: ensures all deadlines are met (payment, forms, etc.)

Team leader

Responsible for the timeline. Leads monthly meetings

Assigns specific positions and tasks. Plans fundraisers

BREAK MAKER(Student, parent, or volunteer)

Servant heart Gift of hospitalityIn-house foodie

Coordinates snacks

Plans meals before, during, and after mission trip

Identifies options for free-time activities

DEVOTION LEADER(Could be a student, parent,

or volunteer)

Spiritual leaderLoves God and others Loves prayingTeam-builder

Leads prayer and devotions at meetings

Leads team-building activities

Coordinates on-the-road devotions

Organizes the community donations

ORGANIZER(Adult may be bestit is not necessary that they attend)

Detail-orientedGreat at follow-through Loves organizing Deadline-conscious

Ensures required adult ratio is met. Recruits youth participants

Tracks payments

Ensures completion of online and printed forms

Shares daily schedule with participants

PROGRESS REPORTER(Former participant would be

great in this role!)

Good communicator Outgoing Encouraging PositiveLoves being up front A salesperson

Gathers a team to lead the publicity for the trip

Develops a plan to advertise the trip

Creates and posts announcements

Plans the Commissioning Service

Plans welcome back/youth service post-mission trip

QUARTERMASTER(Best if this person is an adult

who is going on the trip)

Organized PlannerDetail-oriented Resourceful Problem-solver

Handles travel details including vehicles, drivers, trailers, etc.

Plans travel routes

Reviews transportation requirements with team

Coordinates tools/ladders and/or other supplies

FUNDRAISER FANATIC(Adult volunteer)

Computer-savvy ResourcefulWell-connected in the church Ministry/mission-minded

Calculates amount needed for registrations, travel, food, etc.

Communicates with church board members about considering covering cost of adults/leaders

Works with Youth Leader on fundraising


Adult Leader Recruiting Tips

Adults are crucial to the success of the mission trip because they help provide safety, spiritual guidance, and discipline. In fact, youll need one adult leader (21 or older) for every five youth attending. If you have both males and females in your group, you must have at least one adult volunteer of each gender.

So, how do you get adults excited about your mission experience?

Here are some of our favorite tips for recruiting awesome adult volunteers:

Ask them individuallyPick out adults in your church or adults who are connected to your youth group who qualify to be leaders, and take them out for coffee or ice cream. Share the vision of Group Mission Trips and the powerful, positive impact it can have on youth (and adults, too). Theres no better way to recruit a great team than to simply ask, one at a time.

Share the catalogShare this 2017 Group Mission Trips catalog with all adults who are interested in your mission trip. This helps to answer most of their questions and get them excited about the possibility of joining the team. Contact us for more copies of the catalog. We will happily send you more to help you share!

Creative announcementsA well-crafted announcement by youth or a light-hearted skit during a church service can have a major, positive impact on potential adult leaders. Work with youth to create announcements, skits, and advertisements that briefly outline the need, but also show how much they really appreciate the adults wholl join them on the trip.

Let experience speakStories of life change inspire other adults to volunteer. Have previous adult leaders whove had a good mission experience share a brief testimony to let other adults know of the great benefits of volunteering. If this is your first experience, use this video of one volunteer sharing her story --> http://bit.ly/GMTVolunteer

Visit our websiteInvite interested adults to visit GroupMissionTrips.com to learn more about the program.

For more helpful tips and information for getting the most out of your Group Mission Trips experience, check out YouthMinistry.com and our Planning Center for registered groups.

35

Fundraising Tips

Dont let finances keep youth from a life-changing mission experience! We pulled favorite tips from the Missions Fundraising e-book by Tony Myles to help your fundraising be less stressful and more successful:

Although money was one of Jesus favorite teaching metaphors, its often a hot topic within churches. You can overcome these stereotypes by seizing opportunities to share the vision God has given you. Because this is best done in community, form a fundraising team who can make these action steps a priority. This will also free you up to lead the charge in other areas.

Take these steps to ensure fundraising success:

Evaluate your group or church. Ask questions that probe what you want to achieve, preserve, and avoid with fundraising. Make sure everyone can share this verbally in a quick summary.

Create a portfolio. Create a one-page summary of your vision and how the upcoming mission experience will add to what youre generally trying to accomplish. Add pages and pictures that detail the mission experience, including personal stories of how life-change took place in similar situations in the past.

Plan a calendar of events. Determine a flow of events for before and after your mission experience. Only plan for initiatives your group is most passionate about by assessing the potential spiritual and fundraising impact each event could create.

List liabilities. Dont overlook any hidden hurdles, such as a debt from past trips or challenges within your church. Evaluate the local economy, identifying if you should do any of your fundraising online or outside the community.

Remember logistics. Create a wishlist of what you need for the trip, such as van rental, gas, food, and more. Share these items with your church so they can help you find donations, grants, or loans to cover costs.

Offer giving options. Provide a postage-paid envelope with the churchs address written on it. You can also create a PayPal or online-giving option for your church website, or purchase an attachment like a Square to charge credit cards from a mobile device.

Affirm giving right away. Write a sincere, specific thank you to each giver as soon as you can. Personalize each note, affirming Gods joy over their giving and how their investment will support the trips participants.

Follow up. Save the contact info for your donors and invite them to an event after the mission experience to celebrate their role in what happened.

Download the full Missions Fundraising e-book from Tony Myles for more FREE event ideas, organizational advice, and proven methods. Were here to support you in any way possible in this journey! Download at: http://bit.ly/fundraisingebook.

Stay optimistic, always remembering, Dont judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds that you plant

Robert Louis Stevenson


Group Mission Trips 2017 Location GuidePlease note that locations can change for various reasons. Please call or go online for the latest location availability.

Montana

South Dakota

Colorado

Utah

New Mexico

California

Texas

Kansas

Minnesota


Kansas

Minnesota

Wisconsin

Illinois

IndianaOhio

West Virginia

North Carolina

South Carolina

Virginia

Michigan

New York

Rhode Island

PennsylvaniaNew Jersey

Maryland

Tennessee

Georgia

Florida


Wilmington, NC June 18June 24 $459

Milton, PA June 18June 24 $469

Racine, WI June 18June 24 $449

Valdosta, GA June 25July 1 $469

Erie, PA June 25July 1 $469

Norristown, PA June 25July 1 $469

Covington, TN June 25July 1 $469

Navajo Mountain, UT June 25July 1 $449

Red Lake, MN July 2July 8 $429

Keansburg, NJ July 2July 8 $469

Rushville, IN July 9July 15 $449

Newark Valley, NY July 9July 15 $469

Middletown, OH July 9July 15 $449

St. Francis, SD July 9July 15 $449

Charleston, WV July 9July 15 $449

Savannah, GA July 16July 22 $459

Pocahontas, VA July 16July 22 $459

Cedar Grove, WV July 16July 22 $439

Bullock Creek, MI July 23July 29 $469

Busby, MT July 23July 29 $449

Charlotte, NY July 23July 29 $474

Woonsocket, RI July 23July 29 $474

Frederick, MD July 23July 29 $474

Thomasville, NC July 30August 5 $469

Junior/Senior Workcamps

Cannon Falls, MN June 18June 24 $449

Chillicothe, OH June 25July 1 $439

Mescalero, NM July 2July 8 $429

Parsons, KS July 9July 15 $449

East Moline, IL July 16July 22 $449

New Bern, NC July 23July 29 $469

Trenton, NJ July 30August 5 $469

Senior High Workcamps

Challenge CampChallenge camps offer expanded or more complex repair projects.Call for more details.

= Challenge Camp

= Native American Reservation

= Appalachian

= Semi-Private Housing

= No Bus Access

N

N

N

N

N

N

C

C

C

C

A

A

A

A

S

S

NB

NB

NB

Call or go online to check the most recent availability for all Workcamp locations.

Open for location guide


San Diego, CA $239

Loveland, CO $269

Orlando, FL $259

Indianapolis, IN $269

Grand Rapids, MI $269

Minneapolis, MN $259

Wayne County, NY $229

Cincinnati, OH $259

Pittsburgh, PA $269

York, PA $269

Charleston, SC $274

Nashville, TN $269

Austin, TX $269

Vienna, VA $269

Kenosha, WI $259

Loveland, CO June 18June 23 $269

San Diego, CA June 25June 30 $239

Cincinnati, OH July 2July 7 $259

Minneapolis, MN July 9July 14 $259

Orlando, FL July 16July 21 $259

York, PA July 16July 21 $269

Austin, TX July 23July 28 $269

Kenosha, WI July 30August 4 $259

Wintersville, OH June 16June 19 $299

Rockford, OH June 23June 26 $299

Scranton, PA June 23June 26 $299

Roanoke, VA June 30July 3 $299

Roanoke, VA July 7July 10 $299

Dahlonega, GA July 14July 17 $299

Orwigsburg, PA July 14July 17 $299

Scranton, PA July 21July 24 $299

JUNIOR/SENIOR HIGH CAMPS

PRETEEN CAMPS

JUNIOR/SENIOR HIGH CAMPS

Call or go online to check the most recent availability for all Week of Hope locations.

NOTES:

Call or go online to check the most recent availability for all Weekend Workcamps locations.

All junior/senior high camps are available on these dates:

June 18June 23

June 25June 30

July 2July 7

July 9July 14

July 16July 21

July 23July 28

July 30August 4

= No Bus AccessNB

NB

NB


Peru

Haiti

Mexico

Dominican Republic

Alaska

Cosa Rica

Puerto Rico

Honduras

El Salvador


Big Lake, AK $899

Fairbanks, AK $899

San Jos, Costa Rica $999

Guanacaste, Costa Rica $999

Grano De Oro, Costa Rica $999

Merced, Costa Rica $999

Santiago, Dominican Republic $799

San Salvador, El Salvador $899

Cap Hatien, Haiti $899

Logne, Haiti $899

Choluteca, Honduras $999

Baja, Mexico $799

Mazatln, Mexico $799

Pucallpa, Peru $1099

Shipibo Villages, Peru $1399

Puerto Rico $599

Custom Trips AvailableCall for more information on custom trips. 866.595.4906

Visit GroupMissionTrips.com for all 2017 trip dates.

For families, individuals, and groups who are looking for a faith-based service trip that immerses you in culture, check out Lifetree Adventures. Lifetree Adventures will change the way you see the world and change the way the world sees you. Do more with your vacation and discover the life-changing impact of a service-based trip that is also Jesus centered.

Learn more at LifetreeAdventures.com

NOTES:


We understand students in your ministry sometimes have a difficult time making up their minds about what they are doing every summer. Our Payment Policy is designed to give you the most flexibility when reserving

your mission experience with Group Mission Trips.

To make it easier for fundraising and record-keeping, we've broken your payment into three convenient steps:

Payment 1: A non-refundable deposit ($50 per person) is required at the time of registration* to reserve space on your chosen trip.

Payment 2: 50% of your group's remaining balance is due March 15, 2017.

Payment 3: Your final balance is due May 15, 2017.**

*EARLY-BIRD Registration! Register your group for your favorite location without having to make a deposit until October 31, 2016.

**Deposits are non-refundable. All payments are due by and become non-refundable on May 15, 2017.Registration fees are in U.S. dollars and can be paid by check, money order, or credit card.

Payment 1: A non-refundable deposit of $100 per person is required to reserve space.

Payment 2: Payments are due by and become non-refundable* 60 days before the trip departure.

*Group Mission Trips International reserves the right to cancel any trip because of inadequate enrollment or legitimate concerns with respect to safety, health, or welfare of participants. If we cancel a trip prior to departure, or if we cancel the trip in progress, you will receive a pro-rated refund based on the number of days not completed. Group Mission Trips International will not be responsible for any refund from non-refundable airline tickets or for any airline tickets purchased by the passenger.

Registration fees are in U.S. dollars and can be paid by check, money order, or credit card.

Payment Policy

2017 group mission trips catalog

Documents