2014 group mission trips catalog

7/27/2019 2014 Group mission Trips Catalog

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2014

Yoth ission tipsmaking jesus real every summer

jesus-centered service

experiences for teenagers

Inspiring Community Service Trips

Powerful Home Repair Trips

Life-Shaping International Trips

w w w . g r o u p m i s s i o n t r i p s . c o m



WHAT’S INSIDE

Choose Your Trip 4

Explore the Map 6

Expect Jesus 8

2014 Theme 9

Hear From Youth Leaders 10

The Top 3 Reasons to Do a Youth Mission Trip

Getting Approval From the People Who Matter Most

Why Partner With Group Mission Trips?

Community Service Mission Trips 12

Home Repair Mission Trips 20

International Mission Trips 28

Book Your Trip 35

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Bud meaningfl relationships

Yu yuh w enconte jess



HERE IS WHAT YOu GET:

• Easy pre-planning and an organized experience. We

sweat every detail so you can spend quality time with

your teenagers.

• Spirital growth. Last year a whopping 94% of

students said they grew closer to God through their

experience with Group Mission Trips.

• More fn than yo’ve ever expected. You and your

group will have a great time as you travel, hang out,

work, worship, and meet new friends.

• unmatched inter-denominational Christian worship

programming, pre-tested with youth and leaders to

help your students grow closer to Jesus and to each

other.

• Team-bilding opportnity, so your youth group

members can draw closer to one another in a unique

ministry setting.

• Leadeshp by matue, taned sta you can trust.

Our leaders are the best of the best: trained, thoroughly

screened, and passionate about helping youth grow in

their faith.

At Group Mission Trips, our priority is

making your mission trip powerful and

life-changing for your students, and

seamless and easy for you. We work

hard to cover all the bases for you,

so you can maximize time with your

group.

Plan now to give yor stdents a

powerfl spirital growth

experience next smmer!

Call o gop

mission tips

advisos at

800-385-4545

or visit

GopmissionTips.co

Brent

Jory

RobinBri

Robin

Jake



See page 12

Community

Servicemission trips

2

At Week of Hope, your students learn

Christ-like empathy and compassion

for others while preparing meals at a

homeless shelter, serving disadvantaged

children, visiting with lonely elderly

residents, and more.

choose fo

3jess-centeed

sevice options

fo teenages!

Take Me Ot to the Ball Game

Parents, volunteers, and youth can work concession

stands at local stadiums. Companies like Aramark Inc.

pay nonprot organizations 10% of the inventory

that is sold at each game. Find a local event center,

get a crew of people, and raise some money. A youthgroup in Houston, TX, raised $43,000 during the

course of one Houston Astros season.

fndaising idea

Starting at only $299

C H O O S E F R O M O V E R

120 trips

4 Learn more at GroupMissionTrips.com



Fort Collins

Austin

San Diego

WHErE DO

YOu WANT TOCHANGE LIVES?

Albany, NY

Brighton, TN

Bualo, NY

Burlington, NJ

Centralia, IL

Chandler, OK

Cumberland, MDDanville, IL

Dinwiddie, VA

Evansville, IN

Glenwood, MN

Guilderland Center, NY

Hamilton, OH

Hammond, IN

Imperial, PA

Kanawha County, WV

Kittery, ME

Maysville, KY

Mescalero, NM

Midland, MI

Alaska

Canada

Costa Rica

Haiti

Honduras

Peru

Puerto Rico

Miffl intown, PA

Milford Center, OH

Monument Valley, UT

Oak Grove, MO

Okanogan, WA

Parsons, KS

Pensacola, FLPhilipsburg, PA

Pocahontas, VA

Port Huron, MI

Racine, WI

Red Lake, MN

Rochester, NY

Scranton, PA

Shamokin, PA

Spring Grove, PA

Tioga Center, NY

Valdosta, GA

Virginia Beach, VA

Waterloo, IA

Austin, TX

Charleston, SC

Cincinnati, OH

Fort Collins, CO

Grand Rapids, MI

Indianapolis, IN

Kenosha, WI

Manassas, VA

Minneapolis, MN

Nashville, TN

Newark, NY

Orlando, FL

Pittsburgh, PA

San Diego, CA

St. Louis, MO

York, PA

Community Service Youth Mission Trips

Home Repair Youth Mission Trips

International Mission Trips

Monument Valley

Okanogan

Mescalero

Chandler

Parsons

Glenwood




Spiital Toch-Point 2

Crew Devotions

During the day, crews take a break at their worksites to

sit, enjoy a quick bottle of cold water, and dig into what

the Bible says about the daily theme.

The Jesus-centered questions asked during Crew

Devotions do more than just challenge teenagers to grow

in their faith. They also transform serving a handicapped

child or painting a porch from work into worship.

Yor teenagers will spend time with Jess like

never before. And they won’t dread that time,

becase it’s woven into the entire day throgh

for spirital toch-points that occr natrally,

as if Jess were simply a natral part of the day

(which he is!)

when Will My teenagers

Connect With Jess at

a Group Mission Trip?

1

2

3

4


The Morning Programs

These brief, wake-you-up gatherings focus students on

God—and set expectations for the day: that God will be

there...that they’ll serve him...and that great things will

happen—expectations that God is delighted to meet,

day after day.Spiital Toch-Point 4

Yoth Grop Devotions

Each evening, just before lights out, you’ll meet with

your kids to talk through the day. To debrief what

they’ve experienced...what it taught them...and what it

means in their walk with Jesus.

Your team members will come to these devotions

bursting with stories they can’t wait to share. They’ll

tell you how they’ve seen God at work, explain what

they’ve learned about Jesus, and quietly share what

they’ve discovered about themselves.

And you’ll have stories from your own day to share,

too, because on a Group Mission Trip you’re an active

participant—not an observer who’s busy organizing

the next meal or scrambling for supplies.


The Evening Programs

The Evening Program is an interactive worship

experience that is carefully crafted—and eld-

tested—to ensure that your youth come face-to-face

with Jesus. Through singing, dramas, compelling video,

and guided activities, students make connections that

prompt deep, lasting growth—growth they’ll take with

them to live out back home.




2014thee

Jesus is always on the job. He never stops repairing us, never

tires of transforming us into the people he wants us to be-

come. And he’s always eager to work through us, transforming

those whose lives we touch.

This summer, your youth group will experience “Repair” in un-

forgettable ways. We’ll look at stories of transformation. Some

of these stories come right from the pages of the Gospels. Noone who encountered Jesus came away unchanged. That was

true then—and it’s true now. You’ll see your kids welcome the

Jesus who wades into pain and fear to bring healing and hope.

You’ll see them open themselves in new ways to Jesus’ desire

to repair what’s broken as only he can.

Another story your youth will dig into is their own. Each of us

is right in the middle of our own story with Jesus. During this

incredible week of service and spiritual growth, students will

experience Jesus at work in their own lives—repairing them,

right now.

Your teenagers will also become stories of transformation, as

they literally change the lives of those around you. As they

repair the tired, weather-worn home of a thankful resident,

they’ll discover that Jesus is repairing them…drawing them

closer to him…healing what’s broken…opening their eyes to

see him as never before.

Through fast-paced evening programs and depth-inspiring

devotions, your group will encounter Jesus. The real Jesus.

The blood-and-bone carpenter King who understood how to

repair a fractured table leg—and a shattered life. And who was

willing to do both.

You’ll leave your Group Mission Trip with a new story to share.

A story of repairs made where you needed them most—whereyou might not have known you needed them at all.

And you’ll never be the same.

Give one week to a Group Mission Trip and see what Jesus can

do in—and through—you and your group. Watch him swing

the hammer and obliterate walls, clear out what’s broken, re-

build what was once fresh and new.

Be a story of transformation.

FrEEpe-tip cicl

available january 2014



Yor stdents will experience life-changingspirital growth.“My kids—both the youth group and my biological kids—have experienced

amazing spiritual growth on mission trips,” says Gregg McCaslin, a veteran min-

ister of youth and discipleship. “We think we’re going to do good things for oth-

ers, but the entire time God works on us, too.”

TOP

3reasonsto do ayouth

missiontrip

But unless your church leaders, adult volunteers, parents, and stu-

dents agree, it ’s going to be one empty church bus sputtering o on

a mission trip next summer.

Here’s what veteran youth leaders have discovered about getting all

those people excited about a Group Mission Trip…

Chrch Leaders

She knows it sounds too good to be true, but youth Pastor Jill Wen-

ker had zero problems getting her pastor and church leaders on

board with a Workcamp mission trip.

“I showed them the Workcamps video from Group Mission Trips—

and that won them over,” she says. “I stressed that safety is Group’s

priority, that adult volunteers have to pass background checks, and

that experts go from site to site to make sure things are going well.

That’s all it took.”

We’ve found that’s all it usually takes—and we’re happy to send you

the same video that warmed the heart of Jill’s church leaders.

Getting AppovalFrom The People Who Matter Most

You’ve seen the light! You’re all-in for taking your teenagers on a youth mission trip.

Yo’ll sper-size relational time with yorgrop.Much of the “ministry” time we usually spend with teenagers is actually struc-

tured programming. That’s ne, but not typically where the good stu hap-

pens—where kids open up about their lives.

A mission trip builds in long stretches of relational time—and when you let a

mission trip organizer handle the details, you’ll experience the trip alongside

your kids.

“All the organization is done,” says youth pastor Jill Wenker of her mission trip

experiences with Group Workcamps. “I can go through the week with my kids

rather than leading the camp.”

McCaslin points to the road trip as another benet of mission trips.

“Youth groups can do things in their own neighborhoods—and should,” he says.

“But there’s bonding that happens on a mission trip. The road trip to and from

the workcamp is great for our kids.”

1

2

3Yo’ll shift to a servant-focsed ministry.“We rst went on a mission trip in 2001 because I had a small, oundering youth

ministry,” says Wenker. “A youth ministry friend told me, ‘You’ve got to go to a

Workcamp. It’ll transform your group’—and it did.”

Wenker says many of her students grew up in the church and “inherited” their

faith from parents and Sunday school teachers. “When they go to a Workcamp,my kids’ faith becomes their own,” she says. “Kids get the message Jesus died for

them, that God loves them, and that they can share God’s love with the world.”




11Week of Hope and Workcamps 800-385-4545 • Lifetree Adventures 800-747-2157

Adlt Volnteers

“Their big question was about construction skills,” says associate

pastor Adam Just. “Once they understand there are experts to help

supervise repairs and that their role is to be with the kids, they’re

OK.”

The good news: We’ll help you reassure your adult volunteers by pro-

viding clear, detailed job descriptions so they know what to expect…

and just how rewarding their week at a Workcamp will be.

Parents

“Workcamps promotes the fact that worksite safety is a top priority,”

says volunteer youth leader Dan Hemberger. “And it’s true—Group

backs it up.” The training and safeguards provided on a Group Mis-

sion Trip go a long way toward reassuring parents.

A parents’ meeting about a month before the mission trip can also be

a great forum for addressing parental concerns.

“They care about safety—and where their kids are staying,” says

Adam, who has that information in hand courtesy of the materials

provided by Group.

Stdents

This one is easy: simply ask.

Share the materials we’ll give you with your youth. Let them see how

they’ll change lives, serve God, and make a dierence in the lives of

specic people in specic ways.

Then ask your youth group which Group Mission Trip location looks

like a winner and stand back—you won’t believe how fast they catch

the vision.

And then watch what happens as God works in and through them.

We’re happy to send you the tools you’ll need to cast the vision in

your church. Call us today at 800-385-4545.

WhyPartner With Group Mission Trips?

Nobody has done yoth missions longer.We’ve learned a thing or two during our 37 years of organizing youth

mission trips—and it shows.

“Everything is thought out from start to nish,” says associate pastor

Adam Just.

That means from the moment you decide to pitch the idea of a mission

trip to your students—and your church board—Group’s experienced

sta is there for you with the tools you need to cast vision, buildenthusiasm, and raise funds. They will also walk you through our

online resources for planning and registration, and set you up with

mission trip-focused devotionals that will prepare your teenagers for

their experience.

Nbdy s bette at keepn stthns st.Mission trips aren’t about xing houses. Or cleaning alleys. Or hugging

orphan kids.

All that happens, but more important is the spiritual growth of everyone involved—and Group Mission Trips goes the extra mile to

encourage that growth by building in compelling morning devotions,

worksite devotions, and powerful evening experiences. Plus, you

go home with ready-to-use sessions to debrief what your group

experienced.

Nobody gives yo more foryor money.“I’ve talked with youth ministers who use cheaper providers,”

says Gregg McCaslin, a veteran minister of youth and discipleship.

“All they get for their money is someone lining up places to work.

Group provides it all—support, planning, programming, leadership,

volunteers, and lining up all the details. It’s all done and it’s done

well.”

Yu’ll be satsed, t. Let us pve t t yu.Contact Grop Mission trips by visitingGropMissionTrips.com or by calling

800-385-4545.

With dozens of organizations lined up to help you organize a youth mission trip, why pick

Group Mission Trips? Try these three reasons on for size…



50,000 students.1 ission.




Five days of service. A lifetime of rewards.

Week of Hope is an aordable summer mission trip packedwith practical acts of love and service. Your students

will build meaningful connections as they serve people

through local ministries and nonprot organizations.

Teenagers will 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, they’ll

develop friendships with the people being served, with

teenagers on other teams, with members of their own youth

group, and, most importantly, with Jesus. Denominational

dierences disappear as like-minded youth work together

for a common purpose. It’s awesome to watch!

Week of Hope meets the needs of all age groups—

wherever those needs exist. Projects might include:

• Providing meals to the homeless

• Tutoring poor or struggling children

• Helping to lead a day camp for kids

• Organizing a home or sprucing up a dilapidated home

• Painting a room or deep-cleaning a home

• Working with disabled children

• Sharing stories with a lonely elderly person in an

assisted-living facility

Your team’s acts of kindness will mean the world to the

people you serve. But the impact on your students will go

even deeper. Spiritual growth is a top priority at all of our

camps, and through meaningful worship and devotions, the

lessons learned will take root in the hearts of your youth.

Each day, students will enjoy meaningful, thematic

worship and devotion times, plus opportunities for

devotions. They’ll spend time together and connect more

deeply in their Christian faith. Programs are led by a

well-trained sta—but you and your youth will have the

chance to serve by leading parts of each worship program,

including worship music. (Feel free to bring guitars, drums,

harmonicas, banjos, and great voices!)

Turn the page and take a closer look at this year’s Week

of Hope mission trips. Your group will be immersed in the

experience of being “others-directed” instead of self-

directed, and challenged to live as Jesus did—in authentic,

sacricial relationships.

Week ofh ope c omm unity servi cetrip s

Conity sevicemission trips

Bri,Group Mission TripsAdvisor

Learn more by calling Bri at 800-385-4545




Week ofh ope c om

m unity servi cetrip s

”Grop Mission Trips are by far the best way to go for a yoth mission trip!The work is so organized that yo only have to think abot getting the work

done and bilding relationships with yor crew and the resident. Worship is

otstanding every night! For or yoth grop there is no other way to go!”

SCARLETT DOWDY, YOUTH WORKER IN MOUNT AIRY, NC .

fndaising idea

All-u-Can-Eat-Spaghetti Dinner

The key to an All-U-Can-Eat Spaghetti Dinner is opening

your church doors to the public—more people means

more nancial support. Ask local businesses to donate

any needed supplies—sauce, meatballs, noodles, bread,

dessert, and/or paper products. The youth and volun-

teers serve, and some can play music or perform skits.It’s customary to ask for a $10 minimum donation per

person, and $5 per child under 12. But make sure to

price things to ensure you make money.



At Week of Hope, campers provide helping hands to local nonprot ministries. Your group

may serve meals to the homeless, work with disabled children, or share stories with alonely elderly person. Whatever role your students ll, their service will be felt in the

community and will be a shining example of God’s love.

seving acommunity community service youth mission trips

day cap pogas

Play games with children, and send the armingmessage that they matter.

nsing hoes

Serve the forgotten in long-term nursing carefacilities.





hoeless sheltes

Serve hundreds of hungry homeless folks.

ecovey pogas

Serve nonprot agencies that couldn’toperate without your help.

ASSISTED-LIVINGFACILITIES

Give attention and love todisabled children.

Week ofh ope c omm unity servi ce

Week ofh ope c omm unity servi cetrip s



What’s inclded in the registration fee?

We want your trip to be as easy on you as possible. That’s

why we provide the following so you don’t have to:

• Ldn dun the week

• All meals, except f dnne n yu fee nht

• All supples and pject mateals f each wkste

• Themed T-sht f each patcpant• Develpment f Bble-based, thematc, fun, fath-

bilding programs

• Devtns t ead befe, dun, and afte yu tp

• Hhly taned, mssn-mnded sta

• Cmpehensve nlne Plannn Cente and pject

preparation materials

• Fundasn deas and suppt

• Ste selectn and anzatn

• Unlmted custme suppt fm pfessnal and cuteus sta

• Mssn tp handbk f each patcpant (a pesnal

devotion book and gide for the week)

Who can participate?We oer trips for preteen, junior high, and senior high stu-

dents. Participants must be at least 10 years old or entering

the fth grade in the fall of 2014.

How many adlts shold we bring?

Adults (age 21 and above) are a critical part of the experi-ence because they help provide safety, relationships, spiri-

tual guidance, and discipline. Please bring a minimum of

one adult for every ve youth.

How are crews organized?A typical “crew” is a group of ve young people and one

adult. Each crew usually includes participants from a vari-

ety of churches so students can meet new people. Call us

and we’ll gladly accommodate your request.

What abot transportation?

You need to provide transportation for your group to and

from your mission trip. And during the week, the vehicles

you bring will be used to provide daily transport to and

from project sites.

Where do we stay?Most lodging is in local churches or schools. Accommoda-

tions will include areas for groups to room together by gen-

der, a common eating area, and a program area.

What happens if the trip I want is fll?All trips are lled on a rst-come, rst-served basis, so reg-

ister early. However, if you register for a trip that ’s full, we’ll

give you a choice: Join the waiting list for your rst choice,

or register for your second-choice location. Call us. We’re

eager to help!

When do I have to pay?

Fundraising takes time, and sometimes more than one ef-

fort, so we’ve broken your trip costs into three convenient

payments:

EArLYBirD rEgiSTrATioN:• This special oer lets you hold your spot and pay no de-

posit until September 30th, 2013.

REGISTRATION AFTER SEPTEMBER 30, 2013

• A nonrefundable deposit of $50 per person is required at

the time of registration to reserve space on your trip.

PAYMENT #2 MArCH 15, 2014

• 50% of your group’s remaining balance is due.

PAYMENT #3 MAY 15, 2014

• Your remaining balance is due.

Can Grop Mission Trips provide references?Absolutely! Give us a call (800-385-4545 option 2) andwe’d be happy to connect you with other youth leaders who

have taken teenagers on a Week of Hope mission trip!

community service youth mission trips

whatto know




A TYPICAL

WEEK OF HOPE

DAY6:45 am Rise and shine

7:00 am Hot breakfast

8:00 am Morning program

8:30 am Depat f pjects

3:30 pm Retrn to camp

5:00 pm Dinner

7:30 pm Evening worship program

8:45 pm Yoth grop devotions

9:30 pm Free time

11:00 pm Lights ot

Week ofh ope

c omm unity servi ce

let’s chat!Give yor stdents a powerfl

spirital growth experience

next smmer!

give joy a call

800-385-4545

or visit

GopmissionTips.co

Week ofh ope

c omm uni ty servi cetri p s

Jory,Group Mission Trips

Advisor

”Last year at Week of

Hpe, i seved at PjectC.u.R.E. and it was an

amazing experience.

This warehose shipped

medical items across the

lbe. Nt just new tems

that were donated, bt

discarded items that we

recycled and also pieced

back together. Week of

Hpe makes a deence.”

RICH HOuSE, .YOUTH WORKER IN CINCINNATI, OH .



Workcamps are weeklong mission trips where your youth

group will work hard repairing homes for people in need,

while experiencing the amazing power of community to

accomplish God’s work.

Workcamps are high-energy and action-packed, yet powerful

and life-changing. The camps are big: Sometimes upwards of

450 youth participate, creating lots of energy and excitement

throughout the entire week.

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 students from youth groups across

the country repair and transform homes—and strengthen

and transform their own faith.

One way their faith gets built is through daily challenges to do

something they may not have done before: painting a house,

using a chop saw or drill, or doing some other task that can

make students feel a little uncomfortable and vulnerable—

exactly where God can speak to them.

Workcamps began in 1977 as a home repair project in

Loveland, Colorado, in response to the tragic flood of the Big

Thompson River the previous year. In July 1976, more than

12 inches of rain fell within three hours near Estes Park,

overflowing and flooding the river. Ultimately, the river

became a raging wall of water that destroyed hundreds of

houses, washed away miles of roads, and killed more than

140 people—the worst natural disaster in Colorado history.

After that flood, Thom Schultz, founder of Group Publishing,

asked church youth groups from across the country to come to

Colorado and help rebuild the homes and lives of the flood’s

victims. Over 300 youth and their adult leaders responded,

working on more than 50 home repair projects.

And so the rst Workcamps experience was born. Thom saw

a dramatic change in the hearts of youth and adults serving

the flood’s victims, and realized that the challenge of helping

others in need could ignite and strengthen the Christ ian faith

of teenagers and adults.

Since then, about 300,000 people have participated in

a Group Mission Trips experience—logging more than 6

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 rst

Workcamps continues to help teenagers from all dierent

Christian denominations grow closer to God and take on the

challenge of service by helping people in need.

Turn the page to see more than 40 Workcamp locations where

your youth can serve next summer—and give your teenagers

a God-centered summer experience they’ll never forget!

19

hoe epaimission trips

Brent,Group Mission Trips

Advisor

w ork camp sh omerepai rmi s si on s

Learn more by calling Brent at 800-385-4545



Maysville, KY Jne 22 - 28 $449

Kanawha Conty, WV Jne 29 - Jly 5 $449

Pocahontas, VA Jly 20 - 26 $449

appalachia

Pensacola, FL Jne 15 - 21 $429

Valdosta, GA Jly 6 - 12 $429

Brighton, TN Jly 6 - 12 $439

Virginia Beach, VA Jly 13 - 19 $449

soth

20

senio high caps

Monment Valley, uT Jne 22 - 28 $429

Mescalero, NM Jly 6 - 12 $399

Parsons, KS Jly 20 - 26 $439

WEST

Hamilton, OH Jne 15 - 21 $449

Hammond, IN Jne 22 - 28 $439

Racine, WI Jne 22 - 28 $449

Milford Center, OH Jly 6 - 12 $449

Oak Grove, MO Jly 6 - 12 $449

Waterloo, IA Jly 13 - 19 $449Midland, MI Jly 13 - 19 $449

Glenwood, MN Jly 13 - 19 $439

Red Lake, MN Jly 20 - 26 $439

idwest

dates &locations





Okanogan, WA Jne 22- 28 $399

Chandler, OK Jly 13 - 19 $449

Evansville, IN Jne 15 - 21 $439Danville, IL Jly 6 - 12 $439

Centralia, IL Jly 20 - 26 $439

Port Hron, MI Jly 20 - 26 $449

Dinwiddie, VA Jly 27 - Agst 2 $449

Albany, NY Jne 29 - Jly 5 $459

21

w ork camp sh omerepairmi s si on s

Yoth for Hire

Advertise for odd jobs like yard work, house cleaning, or painting within your church. Begin accepting and coor-

dinating jobs, times, and crews to complete each project. TIP: Asking for donations will oftentimes net you more

money than a set price.

Cmberland, MD Jne 15 - 21 $459

Spring Grove, PA Jne 15 - 21 $459

Imperial, PA Jne 22 - 28 $459Mffl ntwn, PA June 22 - 28 $459

Brlington, NJ Jne 29 - Jly 5 $459

Rochester, NY Jne 29 - Jly 5 $459

Bual, NY July 6 - 12 $459

Gilderland Center, NY Jly 6 - 12 $459

Tioga Center, NY Jly 20 - 26 $459

Shamokin, PA Jly 20 - 26 $459

Kittery, ME Jly 27 - Agst 2 $469

Philipsbrg, PA Jly 27 - Agst 2 $459

Scranton, PA Jly 27 - Agst 2 $469

notheast

Fndaising Idea

j/s. high caps



Fresh paint keeps houses from rotting and becoming unsafe.

Workcamps give youth groups a chance to serve people in need through home repair,basic construction, and painting—but students also build strong relationships with their

friends and youth leaders. Sometimes more than 450 teenagers participate in a camp,which fuels the enthusiasm and excitement throughout the entire week!

tansfo homes & lives

Before

After

fesh coats of paint





Dangerous steps are transformed into a safe

patio for families.

A safer wheelchair ramp gives a disabled person the

freedom to live life.

23

Before

After

Before

After

new, stdy poches

safe wheelchai aps

w ork camp sh omerepai rmi s si on s



whatto know

What’s inclded in the registration fee? We want your trip to be as easy on you as possible. That’s

why we provide the following so you don’t have to:

• Ldn dun the week

• All meals, except f dnne n yu fee nht

• All supples and pject mateals f each wkste

• Themed T-sht f each patcpant

• Develpment f Bble-based, thematc, fun, fath-

bilding programs

• Devtns t ead befe, dun, and afte yu tp

• Hhly taned, mssn-mnded sta

• Cmpehensve nlne Plannn Cente and pject

preparation materials

• Fundasn deas and suppt

• Ste selectn and anzatn

• Unlmted custme suppt fm pfessnal andcuteus sta

• Mssn tp handbk f each patcpant (a pesnal

devotion book and gide for the week)

• Cmpehensve safety tann at the bennn f the

week

Who can participate?We oer trips for both junior high and senior high students.

No special skills are required.

How many adlts shold we bring?Adults (age 21 and above) are a critical part of the experi-

ence because they help provide safety, relationships, spiri-

tual guidance, and discipline. Please bring a minimum of

one adult for every ve youth.

How are crews organized?A typical “crew” is a group of ve young people and one

adult. Each crew usually includes participants from a vari-

ety of churches so that they can meet new people.

What abot transportation?You need to provide transportation for your group to and

from your mission trip. And during your mission trip, the

vehicles you bring will be used to provide daily transport

to and from project sites. If you intend to bring a large bus,

check with your trip advisor to be sure your trip location

can accommodate it.

Where do we stay?

Most lodging is in local schools or churches. Accommo-dations 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 fll?All trips are lled on a rst-come, rst-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 rst

choice, or register for your second-choice location. Call us.

We’re eager to help!

When do I have to pay?Fundraising takes time, and sometimes more than one ef-

fort, so we’ve broken your trip costs into three convenient

payments:

EArLYBirD rEgiSTrATioN:

• This special oer lets you hold your spot and pay no de -

posit until September 30th, 2013

REGISTRATION AFTER SEPTEMBER 30, 2013

• A nonrefundable deposit of $50 per person is required at

the time of registration to reserve space on your trip.

PAYMENT #2 MArCH 15, 2014

• 50% of your group’s remaining balance is due.

PAYMENT #3 MAY 15, 2014

• Your remaining balance is due.

Can Grop Mission Trips provide references?Absolutely! Give us a call (800-385-4545 option 2) and

we’d be happy to connect you with other youth leaders

who have taken teenagers on a Workcamps mission trip.




A TYPICAL

WOrKCAmPS DAY

6:45 am Rise and shine

7:00 am Hot breakfast

8:00 am Morning program

8:30 am Depat f pjects

3:30 pm Retrn to camp

5:00 pm Dinner

7:30 pm Evening worship program

8:45 pm Yoth grop devotions

9:30 pm Free time

11:00 pm Lights ot

w ork camp sh omerepairmi s si on s

Plan now to give yor stdents a

powerfl spirital growthexperience next smmer!

give jake a call

800-385-4545

or visit

GopmissionTips.co

”Or yoth grop has been

on a Workcamp mission

trip every smmer since

2006! Or yoth receive

the jy f sevn thes

in need while making life-

long friends in the process.

gd s mst dentely at

work dring the entire

week, and t s tuly a jy t

behold!”

DON BROAD .YOUTH WORKER IN CARMEL, IN .

Jake,Group Mission Trips

Advisor



7 destinations.1 ission.





Pack yor passport and broaden yor horizons! Joingrops from other chrches to live ot God’s love

internationally as yo and yor stdents minister to

those in need.

You and your youth will make an eternal difference in

the lives of people you serve. You may build a church,

play games with needy children, help feed entire

neighborhoods, or teach good hygiene to people who

want to learn.

You’ll encounter poverty firsthand. You’ll see the pain

that true need brings. And you’ll better understand the

daily struggles facing much of the world’s population.

As your teenagers engage with people in need, they ’ll

develop a heart for service—and a deeper desire to

pursue God.

At Lifetree Adventures, we’ll help you plan the most

meaningful short-term mission trip your youth group

has seen, all with relative ease on your part. We’ll

provide you with everything from itinerary planning

to specific service-project plans once you’re there.You’ll get great fundraising ideas and secrets, all the

marketing materials you’ll need to recruit for your trip,

and even tips on what to pack and what to leave athome.

Whether you’re traveling to earthquake-stricken Haiti

or the rainforests of Peru, we’ll be wi th you every step

of the way to provide meaningful service in the name

of Christ. You’re a busy leader, so it’s our goal to lift

some of the weight from your shoulders when it comes

to planning an international short-term mission trip.

You’re probably not an expert in the country where

you’ll serve, but we are experts in the locale where

you’ll be serving. We’ll book you and your group to

stay in safe, quality accommodations. We’ll have

translators to help you communicate with the local

people. We know the transportation system and we

understand the local culture and customs. And one of

our personal trip leaders will accompany you and your

group every step of the way.

You and your students will be supported by our well-

trained staff as you enjoy faith-building programs

that help your teenagers translate their internationalservice adventure into life-changing spiritual growth.

lifetreeadvent ure sinternati onaltrip s

intenationalmission trips

call 800-747-2157

or visit LIFETrEEADVENTurES.COm



Per 2014$1,199 per person

(price does not include airfare)

Dec. 28, 2013 – Jan. 4, 2014 Jly 5-11

Jne 7-13 Jly 19-25

Jne 21-27 Agst 16-22

Are you ready to sail into the Amazon rainforest to build a

church for a Shipibo tribe? Join Lifetree Adventures as we

partner with a local congregation in Peru whose ministry is to

bring the Gospel to these remote areas of the jungle. You can

be part of a team that makes a dry church building possible

for these new Christians. You’ll have the opportunity to meet

and work alongside these villagers and play games with their

children. No special skills are required—just bring a willing

heart and a desire to serve these amazing people. You’ll enjoy

delicious and safely prepared food as you stay onboard an air-

conditioned riverboat for your journey up the Ucayali River.

You’ll grow closer to Christ as you and your friends discover

the joy of ministry service at the “ends of the earth.”

28

dates &locations

Perto Rico 2014$599 per person


March 8-15 Jly 5-12

March 15-22 Jly 12-19

Jne 14-21 Agst 2-9Jne 21-28

Although Puerto Rico has been a U.S. territory since 1898,

if you serve on one of Lifetree Adventure’s 2014 mission

trips to Caguas Puerto Rico, you’ll feel you’ve ventured

into a whole new culture. Your impression of Puerto Rico

might be of the beautiful port city of San Juan or the lush

white beaches, and these impressions are true. What’s also

true is that tremendous need exists for the people living

20 miles away from the thriving tourist capital of the Carib-

bean. You’re invited to serve with other youth groups as we

extend the love of Jesus to the people of Puerto Rico. Your

labor of love to repair homes, beautify parks, or serve kids

with disabilities will leave an eternal impact on the people

of Puerto Rico. No passport or special construction skills

are required...just a heart of love and hands of service.





29

Haiti 2014$699 per person


March 8-15 Jne 14 - 21

March 22-29 Jne 21-28

Jne 7-14 Jly 5-12

Haiti still needs your help. Come serve with Lifetree Ad-ventures as we partner with an outstanding ministry that

provides critical services for Haitians. Our ministry partner

runs vocational training as well as pre-natal, delivery, and

post-natal care for Haitian women. They need help cleaning,

maintaining, and building facilities that will allow them to

deliver this life-saving and eternity-changing care for their

neighbors. We’re looking for youth groups with a desire to

serve the tangible facility needs of our partner so they can

continue to reach out in the name of Christ to provide servic-

es that matter for Haitians. You’ll be inspired by the stories

of women who were able to deliver a healthy baby in a clean

facility without cost. You and your team will grow closer to-

gether as well as closer to God while you meet the urgent

needs of our partner.

Hondras 2014$799 per person


March 15-22 Jne 21-28

Rural Honduras is a place of great beauty as well as signicant

poverty. In 1998, Hurricane Mitch devastated the community

of Choluteca, in southern Honduras. The city has been in re-

covery mode ever since, and our friends in ministry have been

a vital part of the rebuilding eort. They are looking for youth

groups to help further many aspects of their ministry, includ-

ing construction of homes and orphanage buildings, as well

as constructing beds for children that do not have one. After a

short bus ride, you and your team will spend a week living in

quality dorm-style accommodations and extending the love

of Christ to the families of Choluteca. Please come with a ex-

ible spirit, a willing heart, and eager hands to extend the love

of Christ to the beautiful people of Honduras you’ll meet. You

will experience a great sense of accomplishment as you com-

plete a construction project that will safely house a family for

years to come.

Costa Rica 2014$799 per person


Jne 14 – 21 Jly 12 - 19

Costa Rica is both one of the premier tourist destinations of Central America as well as a country wracked with challenging poverty.

Many families struggle as they live in shacks in the hillside surrounding the capital. You and your team are invited to serve with

one of our ministry partners who are extending love in tangible ways to their neighbors. Your group might build homes in a hillside

neighborhood or help in a community co-op organization that provides services for their neighbors as well as translates Scripture

into their native tongue. You’ll be inspired by the jaw-dropping beauty of the rain forest, but you’ll be even more moved with love and

compassion as you get to know the beautiful Costa Rican people and experience pure life, or as they say in Costa Rica, “Pura Vida.”

lifetreeadvent u

re sinternati onaltrip s



dates &locations

Alaska 2014$799 per person


Date to Be Determined

Alaska has both breathtaking scenery for tourists and hope-

draining challenges for some of its elderly year-round resi-

dents. Your youth group is needed to bring hope in the form

of landscaping and home-repair projects for older families

who are no longer able either physically or nancially to

care for their own property. You’ll build a strong sense of

community with your team while you tackle these meaning-

ful service projects. By the end of the week you’ll be receiv-

ing as much blessing as you’re giving while you serve in the

name of Christ. Please come both to give your heart awayand to have your breath taken away by the amazing beauty

of both the land and the people of Alaska.

Canada 2014$599 per person


Date to Be Determined

Native Americans have a proud heritage, and yet many of our Canadian Native American friends struggle with the basic necessities of

life. Join our Lifetree Adventures spring break team as we provide important home repair and maintenance for our neighbors across the

border to our north. We’ll partner with an agency that meets the basic housing needs of Native American residents and provide a fresh

coat of paint as well as a big boost of hope to families that often nd it hard to hang on. Your team will develop stronger relationships with

Christ as well as each other as you serve and share your hope with your new Canadian friends.

SAmPLE ITINErArY

Satrday: Travel to your destination city and

transfer to your lodging for the first night

Snday: Experience worship in a differentculture and get to know the ministry partner

Monday: Begin service projects

Tesday: Continue to serve

Wednesday: Serve some more

Thrsday: Keep serving

Friday: Complete your project and have

some fun in the afternoon

Satrday: Journey home




STATEmENT OF FAITHWe believe the Bible is the inspired, authoritat ive Word of God. We believe there is one God, eternally existent in three persons: Father,

Son, and Holy Spirit. We believe in the deity of Jesus Christ, in his virgin birth, in his sinless life, in his death on the cross, in his bodily

resurrection, in his ascension to the right hand of the Father, and in his personal return. We believe people receive forgiveness of sin

and eternal life through a relationship with Jesus.

First and foremost, our mission trips are about spiritual growth.

Something exciting happens in these unique environments.

Your students will step out of their comfort zones and into a

place where—alongside their peers—they put their faith into

practical action! They’ll also experience powerful, innovative

evening programs. We never take shortcuts that would jeop-

ardize the spiritual impact on your youth. Year after year, our

programs consistently challenge and inspire young people to

grow in their faith with Jesus Christ.

In 1976, Colorado sustained a catastrophic ood. The follow-

ing year, Thom Schultz, founder of Group Publishing, orga-

nized church youth groups from across the countr y to come to

Colorado and help rebuild the homes and lives of the ood’s

victims. More than 300 teenagers and their youth leaders, just

like you, arrived in Colorado and worked on over 50 repair proj-

ects. That same year, Group Cares (formerly Group Workcamps

Foundation) was established as the nonprot division of Group

Publishing. Since then, 300,000 mission trip participants have

racked up more than 6 million volunteer hours serving people

in need.

Since that rst event, one thing remains true: We strongly be-

lieve in providing opportunities for teenagers to grow closer to

Christ through serving others either in their own backyard or

halfway across the globe.

Today, Group Mission Trips has grown and oers several unique

multi-day mission trip experiences that take place in the

spring, summer, or fall:

Week of HopeFocuses on providing trips that build f riendships and mean-

ingful connections while caring for children and the elderly.

Through heartfelt experiences and acts of kindness, youth will

share the love of Jesus and bring hope to the lives they touch.

WorkcampsWeek-long, home-repair mission trips where youth work hard

repairing homes for people in need, while building strong rela-

tionships with friends and youth leaders.

Lifetree AdventresTravel to Peru, Haiti, Puerto Rico, or one of several other amaz-

ing destinations—and share the love of Jesus globally!

Grop Mission Trips is the Leading Provider of Christian Yoth Mission Trips.We leverage 37 years of expertise to garantee well-planned, stress-free mission trips for yo. Grop Mission Trips are designed

to give yo an opportnity to spend yor time in ministry—not administrative details! Or experience in mission trips helps s

ene the pcess and elmnate the hassles f tp plannn. We take cae f the detals s yu can fcus n what mattes mst:

the spirital growth of yor stdents before, dring, and after the trip.

why we exist





rEGISTEr NOW!Here are your three easy options for registering:

Call 800.385.4545

Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm

(Mountain Time)

Register with your credit card

on: GroupMissionTrips.comFill out the registration form and

mail with a deposit check to:

Group Cares

1515 Cascade Avenue

Loveland, CO 80538

Starting September 30, 2013, a $50 nonrefundable deposit is required from each participant. Deposits are not transferrable to camp balances. Please only register the number

of participants you intend to bring. However, you can add more participants until the camp reaches its capacity by calling your Registration Team 1-800-385-4545, option 3.

Upon registration you’ll be asked to sign our Terms and Conditions to complete the registration process.

CHOOSE A GROuP MISSION TRIP[ ] Workcamps [ ] Week of Hope [ ] Lifetree Adventures

SELECT YOuR MISSION TRIP

First Option Date Fee

Second Option Date Fee

RESERVE SPACE

Please register a minimum of 1 adult for every 5

students. If you register both males and females,

sign up at least 1 adult male and 1 adult female.

PRIMARY CONTACT

Name

Please Send Correspondence to: [ ] My Church [ ] My Home

Address

City State Zip

Daytime Phone Email Address

CHuRCH INFORMATION

Church Name

[ ] My church has attended a previous

Group Mission Trip

CHECK YOuR PAYMENTOPTION BELOW

[ ] Early Bird Registration

This special oer lets you hold your spot and

pay no deposit until September 30th, 2013.

[ ] Check Enclosed to Group Cares $

Check #/MO #

[ ] Please contact me for my credit card

information to nalize my registration.

Space for participants under age 21

+Space for adult participants

=Total registered participants

321Sign up now and challenge your teenagerswith a week of Christian service and fun!



GIVE YOUR STUDENTS A JESuS-CENTErED

EXPERIENCE THEY’LL NEVEr FOrGET.

GROuP MISSION TRIPS

c/o Grop Cares

1515 Cascade Avenue

Loveland, CO 80538

NON-PROFITORGANIZATIONU.S. POSTAGE

PAIDBOLINGBROOK, IL

PERMIT 1917

i ll (800) 385 4545 i i G Mi i T i

2014 group mission trips catalog

Documents