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Teameffort Missions

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About the Business

We offer more opportunities than ever for middle and high school youth groups to put their faith into action through challenging and rewarding youth mission trips! Groups will complete projects such as repairing and renovating homes for families in need, building mission and ministry facilities, leading children's outreach programs, working at homeless shelters, responding to natural disasters, and reaching out to individuals and communities through Christian service. TEAMeffort understands that your youth ministry needs to focus on students and their spiritual needs. We cover all the logistics including your tools, materials, housing, and majority of meals so you can give your attention to your students. We know impacting your youth is more than doing mission work. The group needs to be poured into as well. Our nightly chapel services are geared towards worshiping Jesus and helping with discipleship through messages and youth group discussion time. TEAMeffort pairs your youth group with an amazing staff member who is dedicating their summer to youth missions and impacting the community they are serving. …

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249 College Dr

Orange Park, FL 32065

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PLEASE NOTE: IMMERSION Staff will be out of office Sept. 11-15. After submitting a form, use the link in your email to schedule a call for Sept. 18-22!

Service opportunities assigned to each community or program are not guaranteed to be part of every trip. Fill out an interest form to learn more.

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What Good Comes from a Short Term Mission Trip?

The phrase “mission trip” can mean a lot of different things to different people. For some, it conjures meaningful memories about how they connected with a community of people on the other side of the world. For others, it may not be so positive. Headlines about mission trips done wrong and memories of seeing people treated like projects leave some asking, “What good comes from a short-term mission trip? ”

While Experience Mission is a short-term missions organization, it may be surprising to know that we think everyone should ask this question. Because the truth is that unhealthy mission trips can do more harm than good. They can leave people feeling undignified and small while making those who go feel big and important for what they’ve done. This is not the vision of self-sacrificial love we see in the life and teachings of Jesus , and we should say “good riddance” to this approach to missions.

However, we believe that healthy mission trips — approached with intentionality, a focus on relationships, and a mission to dignify everyone we serve and partner with — are exactly what the world needs more of today . So, here are 3 great parts of these kinds of mission trips that make each experience 100% worth the time, money, and effort you put into them.

1. Meeting Tangible Needs

In a world that’s not experiencing enough love, mercy, and justice, mission trips allow you to participate in God’s plan to redeem and restore the whole earth by serving your neighbors in need. There are real needs around the world that we as followers of Jesus have the opportunity to help address—most effectively by coming alongside amazing local ministries with a vision to serve and impact their local communities. We call this type of humble, self-sacrificial service “being a tangible picture of God’s love.”

When welcomed in by local leaders, mission trip volunteers play a critical role in tackling real problems alongside local residents.

How can mission trip teams help in communities?

Momentum & Energy —  People working and volunteering at local ministries around the world are stretched thin as they seek to love and serve their own communities well. Mission trip teams have the opportunity to humbly do the “grunt work,” like cleaning, organizing, and expanding ministries, which frees up full-time staff and volunteers to gain vision, avoid burnout and serve their own communities well, year-round.

Ease the Financial Burden —  On many mission trips, a large portion of your mission trip fee goes directly toward addressing financial needs for local projects or long-term ministry partners. For example, on 1-week  mission trips to Savannah, Georgia , this partnership can literally put a roof over a family's head as they seek to find a sense of hope for their future.

Power in Numbers —  For some small and growing ministries, the help of short-term volunteers reinforces the truth that they are not doing their work alone. Mission trips create space for all of us to rally around people faithfully loving and serving like Jesus as they determine how to help and bring hope to their community.

Education & Training —  In some rural areas around the world, access to educational resources is scarce. When specific needs align with volunteer expertise, short and long-term volunteers can, when invited, help by bolstering programs, training volunteers, and providing a new perspective on ministry. We do this humbly, not as "saviors", but as mutual learners , looking to learn from local people as much (if not more so) than we seek to teach and instruct.

2. Building Meaningful Relation ships

From our perspective, healthy mission trips don’t focus on projects and agendas — they’re about building meaningful relationships across cultural boundaries that honor each person’s God-given humanity. Mission trips with a relational approach do more than just meet immediate needs, they empower everyone to “live their mission” more fully every day.

We believe intentional relationships unlock our God-given potential for compassion and grace.

From community members feeling valued and dignified as they work to fight cycles of poverty and injustice, to volunteers learning to have empathy and understanding for those around them in different life circumstances.

What can relationships do on your mission trip?

Empower Everyone to Live Their Mission — Relationships are all about mutual respect and influence . This means allowing people to mold and shape us just as much as we hope to bring meaningful change to their lives. When we choose to approach mission trips as an opportunity to listen and learn from one another, everyone is empowered (both those who go and those receiving teams) to serve and partner together to create lasting change in our own communities.

Restore Dignity — Mission trips and charity organizations don’t always have a good track record when it comes to dignifying those in need. When we choose to build relationships that lead to serving and partnering together, community members receive more than handouts, they have a sense of dignity and ownership over what’s happening in their own lives.

Inspire Generosity —  One argument against taking short term missions is that the money would be better spent by sending the funds for local people to do the work. While it’s true that those funds could certainly be put to good use, we believe that a long-term face-to-face relationship between real people and real churches has the power to transform the generosity of an entire congregation of givers.

When we can put a face and a name to a cause, it becomes a priority and challenges us to give above and beyond a simple, one-time gift.

Create World-Changers — Especially with youth mission trips (but also with adults and college students!), the experience of going on a mission trip can fundamentally shift our worldview. When we fully understand how vast and diverse the world is, we gain context about the impact and influence we can have, for good or bad. And hopefully, we choose to live into the good, showing God’s love to others in big, bold, world-changing ways.

3. Giving and Receiving

Life-changing mission trips are about serving with “open hands” — ready to give as well as receive. While we all understand the importance of meeting tangible needs, what does it look like to receive? We think it has a lot to do with your attitude and posture. When we come with open ears and open hearts to hear what God may be revealing to us during the trip, we can allow the people we meet to challenge and change us for the better.

What can you learn on a mission trip?

Compassion and Empathy for Those Around You —  We’re all the same in God’s eyes, but in a world filled with news headlines and stories about “others” around the world, taking time to build relationships with those who might seem different than us unlocks understanding and compassion, not just with those you encounter on your mission trip, but for people in all walks of life.

Faith and Hope in the Face of Adversity —  There’s power in sharing our stories with each other. When we take time to listen to those who have experienced difficult circumstances in their lives—whether it’s loss of community or family, generational poverty, racism and injustice, or simply being ignored and cast off in their struggles—we can learn what it means to depend on God in all seasons of life. Choosing to sit in the struggle with those we seek to serve is a humbling and hopefully inspiring approach to loving and serving like Jesus.

Leadership and Teamwork   —  Mission trips are a group effort! Hopefully, you’ll have the opportunity to see and experience God working as you come together with others from your church, family, and the community where you serve.

This is a rare glimpse into what the Kingdom of Heaven looks like, and hopefully, it inspires us to foster strong, loving community in all aspects of our life.

How To Live Your Mission   —   It all boils down to this! We believe that good short-term mission trips transcend the week-long experience. When you take a week to live intentionally, love your neighbors, and see everyone the way that God sees them, you walk away changed, and you can and should apply that change to every area of your life. We call this “Living Your Mission.”

Mission trips are a powerful experience, and they should be treated as such. If you’re asking yourself, " What good comes from a short-term mission trip? " we think you’re on the right track! Serving with a humble posture and seeking to build relationships and create lasting change on your mission trip can be the difference between a meaningful, dignifying, transformational experience or one that wastes time, effort, and resources—or worse, degrades the community you hoped to serve.

Will you fight for a mission trip that dignifies, empowers, and uplifts those in need?

Will you go and allow people you meet to challenge and change you? Will you give your group the unique opportunity to meet tangible needs, build meaningful cross-cultural relationships, and grow into people who live your mission every day? We hope so.

Get started today!

Fill out an interest form for a 1-2 week mission trip (for groups) or a 1-10 month IMMERSION missions programs

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Serve on a Mission Trip

You must have a group size of at least 6 members to join this trip. Please view the Small Team trips or call our Servicing Department for more options at 888-475-6414 .

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Teameffort youth mission camps.

Over the years TEAMeffort hasbrought over 95,000 youth and leaders from thousands of churches of different denominations together to work side-by-side on life-changing, eye-opening, faith-building mission trips. This Summer and Spring Break we offer more opportunities than ever for youth to put their faith into action through challenging and rewarding missionary trips where they will complete projects such as repairing and renovating homes for families in need, building mission and ministry facilities, leading children’s outreach programs, working at homeless shelters, responding to natural disasters, and reaching out to individuals and communities through Christian service.

Through well planned camps, exciting locations, energetic staff, knowledgeable site leaders, quality music and programs, and meaningful mission projects, your group is bound for a mission adventure they will never forget! Contact us today to see how you can get involved.

TEAMeffort is a non-profit, inter-denominational Christian youth mission organization dedicated to providing opportunities for both youth and adult leaders to reach out to others through Christian service and live out a passion for God, in the context of "putting our faith into action."

The mission trips are designed to be a mixture of hard work, spiritual growth, and good clean adventurous fun. It is our desire that at the end of each mission trip, the youth will return to their churches in more cohesive groups, sharing in memories that will last a lifetime and enjoying a renewed excitement about what Jesus Christ is doing in all of their lives.

We believe that there is one God eternally existing in three persons: The Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. We believe that the Bible is God's written revelation to man and that it is verbally inspired, authoritative and without error in the original manuscripts. We believe in the deity of Jesus Christ, His virgin birth, sinless life, miracles, death on the cross to provide for our redemption, bodily resurrection and ascension into heaven, present ministry of intercession for us, and His return in power and glory. We believe in the personality and deity of the Holy Spirit that performs the miracle of new birth in an unbeliever and indwells believers, enabling them to live a godly life. We believe that man was created in the image of God, but because of sin, was alienated from God. Only through faith in Christ alone for salvation which was made possible by His death and resurrection, can that separation from God be removed and eternal life secured.

TEAMeffort Missions

About teameffort missions.

TEAMeffort is a non-profit inter-denominational Christian mission organization that has been providing life-changing, eye-opening, and faith-building mission experiences for youth for over 20 years. We offer opportunities for youth groups to put their faith into action through challenging and rewarding mission projects. Youth groups work on projects such as repairing and renovating homes for families in need, and building mission and ministry facilities. We also work at homeless shelters, respond to natural disasters, lead children's outreach programs, and reach out to individuals and communities through Christian service.

TEAMeffort has camps located all across the United States and Overseas and has brought over 100,000 youth and leaders from thousands of churches and organizations together to serve.

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The ultimate guide to Preparing & planning your Short Term Mission Trip

A short term mission trip is a journey undertaken by individuals or a team of individuals with a specific purpose of engaging in missionary work, volunteer work or community service for a brief period of time.

The trip typically lasts from a few days to a few weeks, and involves working alongside local partners or organizations to support and serve the needs of a community or population in need.

Short term mission trips are often organized by faith-based organizations, churches, or non-profit organizations, and can involve a variety of activities such as teaching, construction, medical care, evangelism, or social outreach. The focus of the trip is to provide assistance and support to the community, while also allowing participants to experience a different culture and grow personally and spiritually.

Benefits of Short Term Mission Trips

Personal Growth and Development: Short term mission trips provide individuals with the opportunity to step out of their comfort zone, challenge themselves, and grow in various areas such as leadership, communication, teamwork, and adaptability.

Cultural Exchange: Short term mission trips allow individuals to immerse themselves in a different culture, learn from local people, and gain a better understanding of their perspectives, values, and way of life.

Spiritual Growth: Short term mission trips provide individuals with the opportunity to deepen their faith, connect with God, and experience His presence in a new way.

Serving Others: Short term mission trips enable individuals to serve others and make a positive impact on their lives, whether it is through building a school, feeding the hungry, providing medical care , or sharing the gospel.

Building Relationships: Short term mission trips create opportunities for individuals to build relationships with team members, ministry partners, and local communities, and develop lasting connections that go beyond the trip.

Developing a Global Perspective: Short term mission trips broaden individuals' worldview and help them understand global issues, challenges, and opportunities, and inspire them to take action and make a difference in their own communities.

Sharing the Gospel: Short term mission trips enable individuals to share the gospel with people who may not have heard it before, and provide them with the opportunity to see lives transformed by the love and grace of God.

Short term mission trips are a popular way for Christians to serve and make a difference in communities around the world. Whether you are planning a trip for yourself, your church group, or another organization, it is important to approach the planning process thoughtfully and intentionally. In this article, we will provide you with the ultimate guide to planning your short term mission trip.

Before diving into the details of planning your short term mission trip, it's important to understand what it is and why it's important. Short term mission trips typically range from one week to a few months, and they involve traveling to a foreign country or domestic location to serve and share the gospel. The benefits of these trips are numerous, including personal spiritual growth, cross-cultural learning, and the opportunity to make a positive impact in the world.

However, planning a successful short term mission trip requires careful consideration of various factors, including your purpose and goals, the destination, team composition, logistics, ministry activities, training and preparation, implementation and execution, and reflection and follow-up.

Ultimate guide to planning and Preparing your short term mission trip

1. Purpose and Goals:- One of the first steps in planning your short term mission trip is identifying the purpose of the trip and setting goals. This may involve asking questions like: What do we hope to accomplish through this trip? How can we serve and share the gospel in a meaningful way? What impact do we hope to make on the community and the individuals we serve?

Having a clear purpose and goals will help guide your planning and ensure that everyone involved is aligned and working towards the same objectives.

2. Destination:- Choosing the right destination is critical to the success of your short term mission trip. When selecting a location, consider factors such as the cultural and linguistic barriers, political stability, and safety concerns. It's important to research the destination thoroughly to ensure that you are aware of any potential risks or challenges.

‍ You should also take the time to learn about the culture and customs of the community you will be serving. This will help you to approach your work with respect and sensitivity and to build meaningful relationships with the people you encounter.

3. Team Composition:- Building the right team for your short term mission trip is essential to its success. Depending on the size and scope of your trip, you may need to recruit volunteers or staff members with specific skills and expertise. You should also consider team roles and responsibilities, as well as the dynamics of the team itself. Building team cohesion and unity is essential to ensure that everyone is working towards the same objectives and that there is open communication and mutual respect among team members.

4. Logistics:- Planning the logistics of your short term mission trip can be a daunting task, but it is essential to ensuring a smooth and successful trip. This may include planning travel arrangements, obtaining necessary documents and visas, identifying accommodations, and planning meals and food options. It is also important to budget for your trip and to develop a fundraising plan if necessary. Consider partnering with your church or other organizations to help raise funds and support for your trip.

5. Ministry Activities:- Identifying ministry opportunities and preparing for them is another critical component of planning your short term mission trip. This may involve coordinating with local partners and organizations, identifying areas of need, and developing a plan for ministry activities. It is important to approach your ministry activities with cultural sensitivity and respect, as well as a focus on building meaningful relationships with the people you encounter.

6. Training and Preparation:- Preparing your team members spiritually and emotionally, as well as training them for ministry activities, is essential to ensuring their success and safety on the trip. This may involve addressing safety and health concerns, as well as preparing for potential challenges and conflicts.

In conclusion, planning a short term mission trip is a significant undertaking that requires careful consideration and attention to detail. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can ensure that your trip is purposeful, effective, and safe. Remember to identify your purpose and goals, carefully choose your destination, build a strong team, plan logistics, prepare for ministry activities, and reflect on the impact of your trip. Ultimately, the success of your short term mission trip will depend on your commitment to planning, preparation, and execution. With the right approach, you can make a meaningful difference in the lives of the people you serve and deepen your own faith journey in the process. We hope that this guide has been helpful and wish you all the best as you plan your short term mission trip.

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Mission trip planning toolkit

Mission trip team-building activities.

Team-building activities can help your mission trip team members bond and get to know one another. This is important because successful mission trips start with groups that know what their goals are and how to work together to reach them. By prioritizing relationship-building before your trip, you can encourage greater trust, vulnerability, and spiritual growth while you’re in the field and after you return home. Here are a few general suggestions for building relationships among your team, as well as some recommended team-building activities to complete during your pre-trip meetings .

General mission trip team-building suggestions

• Start team-building at least two to four months before your trip. If you are taking an international trip, start even earlier.
• Meet at least once a month with your team before the trip. Make these meetings a priority, or even a requirement.
• Emphasize that this trip is not a vacation. Prepare your team to work hard, build relationships, and be spiritually challenged . 
• Make sure your team knows how to be flexible. Prepare them as best you can for the cultural differences they will encounter.
• Form prayer partnerships within your team. Have team members draw names from a hat to pick their prayer partners. Encourage them to pray for their partners before, during, and after the trip. You can also set aside some time at meetings for partners to pray together.
• Assign team members specific roles for the trip to distribute the work and use your team’s gifts well. Be sure to assign a co-leader who can take over for you in case of an emergency. (Possibly team roles could include keeping track of the team money, preparing team devotions, or carrying the first-aid kit.) 

Team-building activities

Get to know one another by having fun together..

• Cook a meal together. Choose something simple that can involve many people. This activity includes washing the dishes at the end!
• Play a name game. Stand in a circle and have everyone say their name and the name of an animal that starts with the same letter. Challenge people to repeat every person’s name and animal.
• Build marshmallow castles. Give teams of five or six people marshmallows, toothpicks, and straws. Challenge them to build a castle within a certain time limit.
• Take a trust walk. Divide people into groups of five or six. Blindfold all but one member of each group. Direct the blindfolded people to hold hands. Tell the people who can see to take their groups on a walk with verbal instructions only.
• Pack the team luggage and prepare any materials that you’ll be presenting, such as VBS activities, workshops, or lessons. 
• Do show and tell. Ask each person to bring an item that reveals something about them and share how it describes who they are.
• Have your team take a spatial personality test. State two personality characteristics or preferences, and have people go to one side of the room or the other based on what characteristic fits them best. (Categories could include introvert/extrovert, dog person/cat person, etc.).

Discuss your trip and share faith stories.

• Have team members share their testimonies or personal faith stories. If a member of your team isn’t yet a Christian, encourage them to share stories about their life and why they chose to go on a mission trip.
• Role-play situations where things could go wrong on the trip. Talk about the emotions that arise and how those can be handled. You should also discuss how to handle homesickness, bad attitudes, and inappropriate language.
• Reflect together on what it means to be a team player.
• Share expectations, fears, and hopes for the trip. 
• Talk about what “creature comforts” your team members feel are necessary. Discuss what they would do if those things aren’t available on the mission trip. 
• Discuss your team’s various strengths, weaknesses, talents, and communication styles.
• Mission trips are a time when many people encounter the church and faith in a powerful new way, maybe for the first time. Make spaces for people who are not Christians to join your team and to share their stories and gifts. Frame their contributions positively, not as a second-best experience. You never know how these stories will resonate with other team members and the community you serve.

Study the Bible together.

Learn about working as a team by studying God’s Word together. Have your team discuss Scripture in small groups, then ask each group to share what they learned with the whole team afterward.

Suggested discussion questions:

• What does this Bible passage say about teamwork?
• According to this passage, what makes teamwork effective?
• According to this passage, what can have a negative effect on teamwork?

Suggested verses: 1 Corinthians 12:14-26; Matthew 18:15-17; Philippians 2:1-4; Galatians 5:22-23, 26; James 2:1-9.

Have different team members lead devotions at each meeting.

Pray together.

Pray as a group for God to help you form a team that works together and holds each other up. You can encourage each other and prepare spiritually for your trip as you pray. Try different types of prayers: call and response, everyone praying out loud at the same time, praying in different postures, etc.

Suggestions for what to pray:

• Pray for the community you are visiting.
• Pray that God would help you bring what you learn and experience on the trip back to your home community.
• Ask group members if they have specific prayer requests for the trip. Most people will be nervous or concerned about something, and many team members likely have similar worries.

Want more trip planning support? Our short-term mission team would love to help.

© Reformed Church Press

What Not to Do on a Mission Trip

Going on a mission trip can be a life-changing experience. It offers an opportunity to serve others, learn about different cultures, and grow personally and spiritually. However, it’s essential to remember that your actions can significantly impact the communities you’re visiting. To ensure you make a positive contribution, let’s discuss what not to do on a mission trip .

Understanding the Purpose of Your Mission Trip

Before we dive into what not to do, it’s crucial to understand the purpose of your mission trip. A mission trip is not just about helping others but also about fostering relationships with the people you meet. It’s about learning from them and understanding their culture and way of life. It’s about mutual respect and growth.

Now that we’ve established this understanding let’s look at some common mistakes people make during their mission trips.

1. Disrespecting Local Culture

One of the biggest mistakes you can make on a mission trip is disrespecting local culture . This could be in terms of dress code, language use, or even disregarding local customs and traditions. Remember that you are a guest in their country, so it’s important to respect their way of life even if it’s different from yours.

Before going on a mission trip, take time to learn about the local culture. Understand their customs, traditions, and social norms. This will help you avoid any cultural mistakes that might offend your hosts.

2.Having a Hero Mindset 

It’s easy to fall into this temptation when going on a mission trip. You may find your mental narrative saying, “I am so glad I get to go save these people.” But that’s the wrong idea.

Going on a mission trip means that you are going to be a part of something bigger than yourself. God is already working in the lives of the people you will meet. He is the One doing the saving. 

Yes, it is exciting to get to be a piece of someone’s story, but it is vital to remember that God is the true hero in all stories of redemption. 

3. Neglecting Teamwork

A mission trip is a team effort. It requires cooperation, collaboration, and mutual respect among team members. Neglecting teamwork and trying to do everything on your own can lead to inefficiency and conflict within the team.

Remember that every member of your team has unique skills and talents that can contribute to the success of your mission trip. Embrace diversity, promote collaboration, and foster a spirit of unity within your team.

Make Your Mission Trip Count

A mission trip is more than just an opportunity for service; it’s a chance for cultural exchange, personal growth, and spiritual development. However, it’s crucial to avoid common mistakes like disrespecting local culture, making yourself the hero, and neglecting teamwork.

By understanding what not to do on a mission trip , you can ensure that your actions align with the purpose of your journey – serving others while respecting their culture and way of life. This will not only make your mission trip more meaningful but also create a lasting positive impact on the communities you serve.

Remember that every action counts when you’re on a mission trip. So make each moment count. By doing so, you’ll ensure that your mission trip is not just successful but also truly transformative – for both you and the people you serve.

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Team Building for Mission Trips

Successful mission trips require preparation. Proper preparation builds and unifies teams, roots them in Scripture, equips them for cross-cultural ministry, and focuses them on Christ. Regardless of what type or duration of mission trip your team will be taking, effective mission trip preparation includes team building, Bible study, cross-cultural training, and the creation of a team covenant.

Team building may seem unnecessary for ministries that meet regularly. Yet, the reality is such teams also include more marginal students, as well as adult leaders who may not know team members well. Moreover, because mission trips require teams to work together in new ways, often in difficult or stressful circumstances, the more you do to build and unite your team prior to your trip, the easier it will be for you to function as a unified team during your trip.

To help build and unify your team prior to your trip, use a portion of each of your preparation meetings to do team-building activities. Use team-building activities to simulate unusual circumstances, force students to work together and overcome obstacles, and discover the strengths and weaknesses of your team as various personalities emerge.

A few simple team-building activities you can use for any size group or space include: Blind Number Count: Separate students throughout a large space so no one can see each other. Instruct students to count from one through however many students you have. Students may each say only one number. If multiple students speak at the same time, if there’s too long of a pause between numbers, or if a number is skipped, they must start over. At no point can people say anything other than numbers.

Blindfolded Shape: Make a circle out of a rope. Then blindfold students and place the rope in their hands. (Rearrange students so they no longer know where they are standing.) Once students are blindfolded and holding the rope, instruct them to work together to make a designated shape (square, rectangle, diamond, 5-point star, heart, etc.) without letting go of the rope. Once you’re satisfied with the created shape, have students remove their blindfolds and look at their finished product.

Jump Rope: Tell your team you’re going to play a game of jump rope during which two people will twirl the jump rope while everyone else will (one at a time) run into the center and jump rope once before passing through to the other side. To successfully complete this challenge, your entire team (including the two original twirlers) must jump rope successfully. If the rope hits a person, a person steps on the rope, or the rope stops twirling for any reason, your team must start again.

For each team builder, play either can stop once your team has reached its goal or when your allotted time has ended. For the Blindfolded Shape and Jump Rope team builders, consider playing with the natural order and dynamics of your group in order to allow unexpected leaders to emerge. For example, inflict someone who tends to dominate the conversation with laryngitis in order to allow other, more quiet leaders to express their ideas.

Once you’ve finished your team builder, process it using the following questions: 1. What did our team do well? 2. What was particularly frustrating? Why? 3. How well did you handle frustrations during this activity? 4. During our mission trip, what might make our team frustrated? What are some healthy ways our team can manage its frustrations? 5. How well did you listen to one another during this activity? 6. During our mission trip, why is it important to listen to one another? How can we ensure that we listen to each other well? 7. Who emerged as a leader in this activity? Why do you think this was? 8. During this activity, were you more of a leader or a follower? Is this the role you tend to play in a group setting? Why do you think this is? 9. During our mission trip, when might you need to lead? Follow? 10. Overall, what did you learn about our team from this activity? 11. How can we apply what we just learned to our mission trip?

By taking the time to process team-building activities, you’ll help your team learn and grow from them, a feat which in turn will prepare your team to work together effectively during your mission trip.

Stay tuned for the remaining articles in this series in which we’ll be discussing how to prepare your mission team through Bible study, cross-cultural training and the creation of a team covenant.

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Review of Optometric Business

Optometric mission trips: what you should know & why you should do it.

By Thuy-Lan Nguyen, OD

May 8, 2019

Optometric mission trips, in which ODs travel to parts of the world where people are in need of eyecare, can help hone doctoring skills, and create a more fulfilled practitioner. I have found that every time I participate in a mission trip I come back more motivated and upbeat about optometry.

As a professor at Nova Southeastern University College of Optometry, I take my renewed enthusiasm and sharpened skills back to my students.

I went on my last mission trip to Ecuador in March 2019 because it was a great opportunity for me to see the world, use my skills as an optometrist to serve people in need, and to teach students how optometrists can truly make a difference. This was my third mission trip.

Dr. Nguyen takes a case history of a patient during a recent mission trip to Ecuador. She says that such trips enhance her skills as a doctor and renew her enthusiasm for the profession.

In the past, I participated in NSU SVOSH trips to Nicaragua and Dominican Republic. On my first trip to Dominican Republic, I learned the joy of serving a community of people who were  in need, and were truly appreciative of what we do.

Most patients we saw had never had an eye examination before, and they would not have had access to eyecare without us. It was a great reminder of why I chose to go into optometry to begin with. I could tell that we were making a difference in their lives. The feeling was addictive. It made we want to do more.

How Much Time & Money Does a Mission Trip Require? The time and money required to participate in mission trips will vary depending on where the trip is and how long you stay. The SVOSH group typically stays at modest and inexpensive, yet safe, hostels or hotels. We share rooms to save money. In Ecuador, we stayed at a lovely little hostel that was around $25 per night. It was not a five-star resort, but it was safe and clean. Typically, with flights, lodging, food and local transportation, participants each pay around a $1,000 for a 5-7 day trip.

What Do You Do on a Mission Trip? We perform full comprehensive eye examinations on the mission trips. We break up the exam into multiple stations starting with case history, visual acuities, pupil evaluation, direct ophthalmoscopy, retinoscopy and refraction, intra ocular pressures, blood pressures and dilation for retinal exams.

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We bring portable equipment such as our diagnostic sets, trial lens sets and trial frame, as well as portable tonometers, slit lamps and binocular indirect ophthalmoscopes. It is definitely a team effort. We also bring a large supply of pre-measured glasses that were donated to SVOSH, and we dispense as many glasses as possible.

ODs on Mission Trips Make a Difference I’ve had countless success stories from mission trips. Seeing patients smile and hug me because I’ve given them glasses that allow for clear vision for the first time in their life is beyond rewarding. In Ecuador, we had a 95-year-old man who traveled hours from the mountains for our services. He had an unknown eye surgery decades ago, but still could not see. Luckily, with a good refraction, we got him to 20/25 acuities and we had glasses with his prescription available. He could see the faces of his grandchildren for the first time.

The next day, I examined a man and discovered his blood pressure was dangerously high. He had retinopathy consistent with uncontrolled hypertension. He admitted that he occasionally felt fatigue and pain, but he had never been to the doctor because he had to work every day to provide for his family.

I explained to him that he had to go to a doctor and treat his blood pressure immediately because if something tragic happened to him, there would be no one to care for his family. He then admitted that his father died when he was a young boy, so he vowed to make a change and go to the doctor immediately. During these encounters, students were actively involved in patient care as well. So, I feel like I’m making a difference in patient’s lives, their family’s lives and inspiring students and the next generation of optometrists.

Mission Trips Can Sharpen Skills These mission trips definitely sharpen my skills as a doctor. In everyday practice, we have the luxury of automated technology, such as auto refractors and retinal cameras, to help us treat patients. But on mission trips, sometimes we are working in churches that don’t even have electricity, so we cannot rely on technology. I had to become proficient at evaluating optic nerves with hand-held direct ophthalmoscopy.

We determine refractive errors with good old-fashioned retinoscopy with lens racks and trial frame refraction. NSU SVOSH typically travels to the Caribbean or South or Central America, so I use my Spanish a lot. I’m not fluent, but my Spanish gets better after each trip. Many of our students and doctors don’t know any Spanish at all, but they get by as best as possible. When it comes to examining and treating patients, mission trips force me out of my comfort zone and teach me flexibility and how to make do with what you have.

Let Patients Know & Get Involved ODs should definitely let patients know that they participate in mission trips. Their staff should know as well, so they can talk to patients about it. It is something to be proud of. It shows patients and the local community that giving back is part of the doctor’s personal, professional and practice philosophy.

But even if an OD is not able to travel for an international mission trip, and they participate in local vision screenings or other charitable organizations, they should make it known to their staff and patients. Patients appreciate and admire a doctor who uses their skills to give back. Millennials in particular are very socially aware. Millennial patients and employees are more loyal to businesses that actively and genuinely give back.

There are multiple ways that practices can get involved in mission trips and charitable endeavors. Organizations such as SVOSH and the Lion’s Club always have a need for gently used glasses. During the three mission trips I’ve been on, we always run out of plus-powered glasses. +4.00 and higher is like gold for patients in the Caribbean and South America.

Sunglasses are also extremely valuable. In Ecuador, we saw so many patients with pterygiums and cataracts due to the UV exposure. We ran out of sunglasses and artificial tears quickly. In addition to glasses and sunglasses, many organizations also need artificial tears, medication eye drops and even portable equipment. And if nothing else, SVOSH would be extremely grateful for financial donations, so more students can afford to go on mission trips.

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Kenosha Wisconsin

This Wisconsin city lies just on the edge of Illinois and Lake Michigan, right between the hustle and bustle of two larger cities: Milwaukee and Chicago.

42.5847425, -87.8211854

Dates and pricing, how you'll serve, area activities.

• What's Included

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We're here to answer any questions you may have, request info or chat now

Years ago, Kenosha was an active center of manufacturing, but like many other cities in this part of the country, the community has been hurt by factory closures and industry changes. Currently, Kenosha has great need with hunger, foster care, and after-school/summer mentoring programs. There is a hunger gap of about 20,000 pounds of food, and over 200 kids in the foster care system... a growing number every year.

On top of that, only one school in Kenosha offers an after-school program or a summer program for kids. Week of Hope partners with organizations across the city to tackle these issues.

The city of Kenosha has targeted two areas as its top priority to address in the next five years: first, programs to help the youth of the community; and second, improvements to its urban areas. Week of Hope projects will directly and indirectly support these top two initiatives. You and your team will help the city accomplish these worthwhile goals with your involvement!

*This week is shortened due to the Fourth of July holiday, and the price is reduced to $298/person.

A Week of Hope can hold up to 100 participants and we house them all typically at a local church. Our staff transforms the facility into a home away from home–there will be a separate boy’s hall and girl’s hall, a space for meals, adequate bathrooms and showers, and a space for the programs.

Participants need to bring air mattresses, sleeping bags, pillows and other bedding to sleep on floors. Youth groups are assigned to sleeping rooms together, gender separate. Sleeping rooms may be shared with other youth groups, depending on the size of groups and the size of the room.

Air-conditioning: Each location is different, but sometimes there is NOT air-conditioning. We serve where we are needed and in some areas, churches just can’t afford air-conditioning. Even if your lodging facility does have AC, it’s a good idea to still plan on bringing fans as a back up. They are nice for white noise in a crowded sleeping area! In Kenosha, our facility is fully* air-conditioned and can get chilly in evenings. * Subject to change anytime.

Showers: Often our church facilities do not have adequate indoor showers. We will always ensure showers are available, and they will always be separated by gender, but we do need to get creative in some locations. Showers may be a combination of inside showers, outside showers, and/or showers at a nearby school, YMCA, or an organization that we are serving at. Please remember to bring swimsuits so you are ready for any situation. In Kenosha, our facility does have indoor showers! They are not private so feel free to bring your swimsuit if you're worried about modesty.

How You’ll Serve

Some projects might include:

• Engage and interact with individuals with disabilities. Participants will be doing many different activities that include: socializing, playing games and helping with projects.
• Brighten the day for senior citizens at several assisted living and memory care centers--help with games, crafts, exercise and gardening.
• Assisting in food distribution; “shop” with clients, pack groceries, stock shelves, and help out in the warehouse.
• Serve at a camp for those with disabilities, ages 7-21. Participants will help with fun arts and crafts, physical activities, and educational programs (instructions are present at each site).
• Assist Summer Day Camp Counselors with activities and events for kids ages 5–15 at one of three different locations.
• Help out a Christian youth camp that encourages people with disabilities with the hope and joy found in Jesus. On this beautiful campus, participants will spend 1-2 hours each day participating in activities with residents. Later, they will help deep clean, spread mulch, rake leaves, sweep trails, trim trees, etc. to keep everything looking great. 

Our Partners

Our Local Coordinator in Kenosha maintains connections year-round with the organizations we serve so our service and relationships are sustainable. 

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 that you don't just look to a stage, but look to Jesus.

We've created a chapel setting at each Week of Hope location that allows for meaningful encounters with Jesus and fellowship with one another in an intimate environment. Our well-trained staff lead interactive, relevant, and Scripture-based teaching daily. 

4 Spiritual Touch-Points

• Morning Programs
• Crew Devotions
• Evening Programs
• Youth Group Devotions

We're all influenced by the people around us through news, music, work, school, sports, and basically anywhere we direct our attention. This year's program is designed to help students navigate the many influences in their lives and encourage them to look toward Jesus, the greatest influencer of all time, so they use their influence to positively change their culture. Romans 12:2

Nearby resources include Target, Walmart, and Pick N Save, as well as many restaurants just down the road.

Downtown Kenosha is lots of fun, especially when seen by electric streetcar. The beautifully restored streetcars travel a 2-mile loop, providing a scenic tour of the Lake Michigan shoreline, Harbor Park, and downtown districts.  Washington Park  is also nearby and features a pool with water slides, a playground, sports courts, and picnic areas.

Many groups enjoy heading down to  Simmons Island Beach . There is a boardwalk that takes you all the way out to a big red lighthouse (a Kenosha icon).

Other favorites include  Six Flags Great America  and Hurricane Harbor 30 minutes away, and the  Racine Zoo .

Kenosha is also 40 minutes from Milwaukee, WI and about an hour from Chicago, IL.

What's Included

Who can participate.

Jr/Sr High trips: Must be at least 11 years old OR entering the 6th grade in the fall of the same year as your trip.  Sr High trips: Must be at least 14 years old OR entering the 9th grade in the fall of the same year as your trip.

• Due to liability, under-aged participants will be sent home at their own expense ( NO babies or any children under the required age).
• Only registered participants are permitted at the lodging facility and on the project sites.
• No special skills are required.
• 19 or 20 year olds are welcome to attend as participants! Remember that only those that are 21 or older will be considered “adults” at camp and count in your 1 adult to 5 youth required ratio. 

Will our group be working together?

We normally split groups up into work crews.  But, we are willing to work with your group on how you’d like to split into crews. Our work crews are made up of six people with usually one or two adults and four or five youth--typically each person from a different church. If you’d like to have your youth meet new friends and develop friendships outside of your youth group, then allow us to split up your group. If you have specific church safety rules that require your group to be together, we are more than happy to arrange that for your group as well. Our top priority is to partner with you to arrange the best experience for your youth group and help you meet your ministry goals.

Is there a required adult to youth ratio? Can extra adults go?

Yes, you must have 1 adult (21 years of age or older) for every 5 youth (20 years of age and under). If both boys and girls are registered in your group, you must have at least one male adult and one female adult registered for supervision at night. 

• If you have extra adults over your 1-to-5 ratio, they can be part of your group or, if staff positions are open at your location, they have the option of serving on staff without paying the registration fee. Information about staff positions can be found on GroupMissionTrips.com under Join Our Team.

Are background checks required?

Yes, Group Mission Trips requires that all participants 18 years of age or older be screened and background checked by their church prior to attending.

• Background checks must be national and no older than two (2) years from the start of the mission trip. 
• 18-20 year olds are not considered “adults” during camp, however because of our commitment to safety, we still ask them to go through your church’s screening process and have background checks run.
• Group Mission Trips requires a digital pastor signature on our Screening and Verification Form for every 18+ participant in order for them to attend the mission trip.
• You may use any organization to run your background checks, but if you are looking for a reliable one, we recommend Clear Investigative Advantage. Their basic background checks start at just $12. They can be reached at 888.242.2503.

What about transportation?

• Groups must provide transportation to and from the mission trip as well as daily to and from the sites. (Mileage or fuel costs are not reimbursed for any transportation costs.)
• Vehicles with a minimum capacity of six passengers are requested, with seat belts.
• While adults will be driving their own vehicles, they typically will not be transporting a crew that includes their own youth members. Typically, the youth from your group will be traveling in other vehicles with their crews. 
• Due to tight and narrow roads, there are some locations that are labeled “Not Bus Accessible”. If you are serving at one of these, you’ll need to plan on bringing smaller vehicles.

What's the schedule?

3–4 p.m. Check-in

4:30 p.m. Adult meeting

5:30 p.m. Dinner gathering

6:30 p.m. Kick-off program. Meet your crew and get project assignments

8:00 p.m. Evening program. Youth group devotions

11 p.m. Lights-out

6:30 a.m. Breakfast crew begins

6:45 a.m. Wake-up call

7–7:45 a.m  Breakfast and pack lunches

8:45–3 p.m. Serve at project sites. Lunch and crew devotions

3:30 p.m. Return to lodging facility. Camp store is open

5 p.m. Dinner crew begins

6:30 p.m. Hospitality tasks

7:00 p.m. Evening program team practice

8:00 p.m.  Evening program. Youth group devotions

10:30 p.m. Bedtime stories (optional)

6:30 a.m.–3 p.m. Same as Monday

3:30 p.m. Check-in at lodging facility. Free time: dinner and devotions on your own

8:00 p.m. Lodging facility is back open

8:30 p.m. Movie night (optional)

6:30 a.m.–11 p.m. Same as Monday

6:30 a.m. Breakfast crew begins.

7–7:45 a.m. Breakfast and pack lunches

3:30 p.m.  Return to lodging facility. Camp store is open

5:30 p.m.  Dinner gathering

9:30 p.m. Lip-Sync battle

7–8 a.m. Breakfast

7–9 a.m. Room check-out. Groups depart

What will we be doing?

Be ready to tackle any project and expect to interact each day with local residents from the community. Crews typically serve at the same organization for the entire camp (or at the most 2 organizations), creating an environment where meaningful relationships develop. 

Projects could include working with children at a day camp, serving at a food bank or homeless shelter, leading a Vacation Bible School, improving the homes of people in need, assisting the elderly, tutoring struggling kids, working with disabled children, facilitating a sports camp, and/or serving churches and other human service organizations in different ways. If there are any minor repair projects, we may ask your group to bring a few small hand tools and paint brushes.

What do we need to bring?

Supplies: Groups are asked to bring 1 5-gallon water jug and 1 family-size cooler (preferably on wheels) for every 6 people in your group. All other supplies are typically provided, but small items may be requested.

Personal Items: The full Packing List is located online for every registered group on their Group Page, under the Schedule, Menu, Packing tab. It’s pretty much what you’d expect. A twin-size air mattress and bedding for sleeping, work gloves, and modest swimsuits and clothing appropriate for a Christian mission trip.

Fun theme days: Bring fun stuff for our theme days during camp!

What about safety?

Safety is our top priority!

• We require groups to bring 1 adult (21 or older) for every 5 participants that are under 21 years of age.
• We require participants that are 18 and older be screened and background-checked by their church. Their pastor signs off that they meet Group Mission Trips' requirements and that they are approved to attend.
• Every staff member has been screened, background-checked, and reference checked by Group Mission Trips.
• For overall protection, we have separate shower times designated for participants that are 17 and younger from those that are 18 and older.
• We review safety procedures at camp.
• Participants are not required to do any work that they consider unsafe.
• Although we do serve in needy areas, we require crews to stay together at all times. No one should ever be left alone and all participants are back at the lodging facility by their designated check in time.
• Group Mission Trips' staff visit the crews every day so they are aware of where a crew is working and any issues in the area.
• Every crew has the direct phone number to the GMT office and directions to the closest hospital. If an injury occurs on the project site, and is not serious, GMT staff will contact the youth leader and coordinate any transportation needed. If the injury is serious, the adult on site will call 911 and GMT staff will offer support and ensure needed medical forms are delivered to hospital.
• Each crew will have a small first aid kit and a bigger one for every vehicle. 
• Learn about our COVID-19 policies .

Where do we stay?

A Week of Hope can hold up to 100 participants and we house them all typically at a local church. Group Mission Trips' staff transforms the facility into a home away from home–there will be a separate boy’s hall and girl’s hall, a space for meals, adequate bathrooms and showers, and a space for the programs.

Participants need to bring twin-size air mattresses, pillows, sleeping bags or other bedding to sleep on floors. Youth groups are assigned to sleeping rooms together, gender separate. Sleeping rooms may be shared with other youth groups, depending on the size of groups and the size of the room.

Registered groups can see more information about their lodging facility online on their Group Page under the General Lodging tab. Trip Leaders are given the lodging facility’s address.

What is the menu? What if there are special dietary needs?

Meals will consist of hot breakfasts, picnic-style lunches, and hot dinners. All meals are prepared by participants on a rotating basis supervised by staff. Picnic-style lunches will be assembled in the mornings and brought to project sites. The first provided meal is dinner on Sunday and the last meal will be cold breakfast on Friday morning. IMPORTANT NOTE: Dinner is NOT provided on Tuesday, youth groups have free time this day and dinner is on their own.

For registered groups: If you have a participant that has to eat gluten-free--please let us know. We can have a few gluten free options at camp but need to have an accurate number to plan for. The sample menu is located on Your Group Page under the Schedule, Menu, and Packing tab. Share this with your participants so they can start planning. Participants with special diets or allergies are welcome to bring their own food items to fill in as needed during the week. Please know that we do have peanut butter on the menu. Group Mission Trips is unable to guarantee there will not be any cross-contamination during meal preparation by kitchen staff. There will be a staff member available at camp who will be able to answer any questions about food. Click here for a visual on accommodations for dietary restrictions.

What are the programs like?

Focused on Jesus. Our goal is to point people to Jesus. Programs focus on Bible passages and daily themes that challenge us to respond to Jesus in ways we will never forget.

Interactive . People learn better by doing. Participants will be involved in sharing, speaking, acting, reflecting...not just sitting and watching.

Relevant. Through creative multimedia, thought provoking sound and video, our programs are designed to reach everyone.

Fun. Relationship-building activities, games and having fun are part of every program. Expect to have a great time!

What about payment dates?

Our payment policy is designed to give you the most flexibility when reserving your mission trip experience with Group Mission Trips.

Register June-October 31st:  No deposit is required to register until October 31st. Then, a $50 non-refundable deposit per person is due.*

Register November 1st-March 14th:  Pay the $50 deposit* per person upon registration. 

Register March 15th-May 14th:  Pay the $50 deposit* per person plus 50% of your group’s balance upon registration. 

Register after May 15th:  Final balance is due upon registration.**

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

**There are no refunds after May 15th.

Payments can be made:

• By Phone: 1-844-258-9616
• By Mail: Group Mission Trips 1001-A E Harmony Rd #459 Fort Collins, CO 80525

What if I need to add or cancel a space?

Call us! If there’s space available in your camp, we’ll ask for necessary payment. If you have a cancellation, and you’ve exhausted all efforts to re-fill spaces, call us to make cancellations. We’ll adjust your balance accordingly. 1-844-258-9616. Deposits are non-refundable. There are no refunds after May 15th.

What if I need to cancel my entire group?

Cancellations have a huge effect on the people we serve--it is devastating news to them when we have to cancel. Based on the number of registered participants, we plan for lodging, food orders, work materials and staffing–just for starters. Also, depending on the time of year, sometimes it’s simply impossible for us to re-fill cancelled spaces.

We recognize that unexpected events happen that can pull participants away from their original commitment. Give us a call, we are happy to talk through ideas to recruit other participants and keep your group intact. If there is no other option but to cancel your group, call us by May 15th to let us know.  Deposits are non-refundable. There are no refunds after May 15th.

Is there a dress code?

We request modest clothing choices in our Code of Conduct. While Group Mission Trips doesn’t have a formal dress code, we serve local organizations that do have specific requirements for volunteers. Don’t be turned away from your assigned project due to inappropriate dress!

• Pack plenty of t-shirts, longer shorts, capris or pants, and closed-toe shoes.
• Please have your females bring a one-piece swimsuit in case they are assigned to a project site teaching a resident how to swim.
• Many of our partner organizations don’t allow volunteers to wear spaghetti straps, shirts that reveal the midriff, short shorts or flip flops. And, of course, no clothing with offensive language or images .

What are "hospitality tasks?"

• Hospitality tasks are opportunities for participants to serve each other during the mission trip week.
• Hospitality tasks include: cleaning the cafeteria, restrooms, shower areas, and other common areas. Trash will also need to be taken out. The lodging facility will NOT have the services of a custodian.
• Participants will prepare and serve breakfast and dinner. A staff member will oversee the meal preparation, cooking, serving, and cleanup of all meals. Everyone participates!
• Meal shifts are divided into teams that will help prepare, cook, serve, and clean. 

What's included in the registration fee?

• Lodging during the camp.
• All meals, except for Tuesday dinner.
• Site selection and organization.
• Supplies and project materials for each project site.
• Bible-based thematic, fun, faith building programs.
• Devotions to do before, during, and after camp.
• 3 highly-trained staff plus 2 volunteer staff to handle all the details.
• An online Group Page full of resources to help prepare you and your group for camp.
• Unlimited customer support from professional and courteous staff.
• T-shirt and Mission Handbook for each participant. 

What if someone has to leave early or arrive late?

We ask that all participants arrive on time and stay for entire time. Every part of the program is valuable and helps guarantee a life-changing experience. We really try not to make too many exceptions to this because it does effect other participants, partners, and work projects--so please check the schedule and make travel arrangements accordingly. Contact us if a situation arises.

Do participants need to have insurance?

• Personal health insurance is not required to attend, although highly recommended.
• If you carry personal health insurance, bring the appropriate information. It is needed if treated at any health-care facility.
• All health-care costs are the responsibility of the participants or his or her parent/guardian.
• If you have participants without adequate medical insurance and/or you desire to purchase trip protection insurance, you can purchase low-cost domestic and international insurance from any insurance provider of your choice.

What if the camp I want to attend is full?

All trips are filled on a first-come, first-served basis, so register early. However, if you register for a trip that’s full, we’ll give you a choice: Join the waiting list for your first choice, or register for your second-choice camp. Call us. We’re eager to help! 

Are there opportunities for participants to be more involved at camp?

Yes! There are many ways participants can be more involved in the camp:

• There may be a couple skits during the programs for any participants that enjoy acting.
• There will be a lip-sync battle during the week! If any participants, or your entire group, want to prepare a little something for this, the camp staff will just need to approve your song (at camp) beforehand.
• Bring fun stuff to wear for the 3 themed dinners! Mustache Monday, Wacky Wednesday and Tropical Thursday!

Do you have references I can talk to?

Absolutely! Don't just take our word for it. Give us a call at 1-844-258-9616 and we'd be happy to connect you with other youth leaders who have served with us!

*Deposits are non-refundable. Registration fees are in U.S. dollars and can be paid by check, money order, or credit card. **There are no refunds after May 15th.

Request More Info

We've worked with many of our local partners for years and serve on each of these trips ourselves so we have tons of information to share with you. If you'd like to request more information about this location, please fill out the form below and one of our Trip Advisors will get back to you as soon as possible.

We may communicate with you about the information you've requested and other Group Mission Trip services. The use of your information is governed by Group Cares  Privacy Policy.

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Permission Slip and Release of Liability

Packing List and Schedule

Code of Conduct

Chaperone Expectations