Adventures Youth

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Upcoming Trips for Adventures Youth

Ambasssador Program
Launch into a faith adventure with your youth group; do things you've never done before as you explore places you've never been. Adventures Youth takes Junior and Senior High students on a journey of development by placing them in Urban, Rural and International communities. Through ministry with Kids, Sports outreach and Serving local ministries, these students will see the value of their presence and observe first hand the move of God through their contribution. God is speaking...will you listen?
us rural
Appalachia
Western PA
us urban
Atlanta GA
Chicago IL
Dallas, TX
New Orleans LA
Philadelphia PA
St. Louis
international
Guatemala
Jamaica
Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico Site Two

About the Adventures Youth Program


Adolescence is a critical stage of development. It's the time when life-altering questions are being asked and every teenager (whether they know it or not) is asking them. We are committed to preparing a generation to catch a vision for their contribution in the kingdom of God and for discovering who it is God has designed them to be. Our intention is to empower teenagers through this experience. They come with skill sets unique to their season of life and their place in our culture. We will prepare ministry outlets that let them use these skills so that they can discover that their presence and their contribution makes a difference.


We stand on a foundation that says, "God has something to say to me." Our hope is that every participant's relationship with God is built not on "doing good" and "not doing bad" but on a conversation. Teenagers begin seeing the value of their presence, the value of their contribution and develop more clarity in who they are when God speaks to them directly. We engage in listening prayer because God might be saying something worth hearing.


It is the natural tendency for people to "get in a flow." Routines (whether we like them or not) keep us ordered and focused. They also diminish our perceived need for Christ's involvement in our lives. We get apathetic and lazy when we do the same thing. If doing the "same thing" could get us where we wanted to go, we wouldn't need something "different." We, on purpose, live a new life, a new way, with new norms, habits and perspectives. We will intentionally "change the rules" so that we can discover something different about God, about us and about the world.


The Gospel is God's story. Your testimony is your story. Your mission is the convergence of their story with your story with God's story. We want every teenager to see the precious value of their story as they build relationships with those to whom they've been called and we want to provide the environment for that story to be told.


Our culture has become closer as it has become farther away. The "screens" in our lives from entertainment and social media have distanced us from seeing eye to eye and living face to face. We want every teenager to have real face time with a real person with a real story and a real cause. These relationships form the foundation of our ministry and will ultimately create memories for a lifetime.


We have a deep, desperate love of the people of the world. Whether they are in our back yard or halfway around the world, we see the beauty of God's creation in our diversity. Ivory towers must be abandoned. Sheltered and sequestered lives must be left so we can see the world as it truly is. Our hope is to broaden perspective, learn about the realities of the world, meet the needs as they exist and love and serve without prejudice. Christ left us with the charge to "go". We strive to provide opportunities to touch people in need. We are not afraid to get dirty or to reach out and touch the marginalized and forgotten. They are our charge and we are determined to serve.


adventures.org/youth      |      @AIMissions      |      Adventures Youth


FAQ for Adventures Youth


What does the cost of the trip include?
The cost of your trip covers:
  • Food
  • Lodging
  • Training materials
  • AIM t-shirt
  • Journal
  • Ministry expenses
  • Other associated costs

Do we provide our own transportation?
For projects within the U.S., you are responsible for round trip airfare/transportation to and from the project location and transportation while on the project. It is recommended that you bring several smaller vehicles for transportation from your project base to ministry locations.
For international trips, you are responsible for your round trip travel/transportation to the city that corresponds to your location. AIM will provide ground transportation upon your arrival and while in country.

What types of ministry will we get involved with?
AIM is a very relational ministry so you will spend your time building relationships with the people you are ministering to and a sharing God's love through those relationships. Some of the ministries you may participate in include children's ministries, feeding programs, community outreach events, door-to-door evangelism, sports ministry, light construction, and prayer walks. We try to meet the needs of the community while also joining in with ministries already inexistence through our ministry partners.

How many adult leaders should we bring?
AIM requires you provide 1 adult leader for every 5-7 participants. You must have at least one male and one female leader for groups of mixed genders.

What will my students be taught?
Each AIM trip will be unique in ministry opportunities but there are five ministry skills your students will always be taught:
  • Listen In Prayer - Each participant will develop an ability to hear and discern God's voice through prayer and Scripture then obey in the direction God gives. Each will learn to be sensitive to the Spirit's specific leading in personal ministry.
  • Share Your Faith - Each participant will share the gospel, which is more than a presentation or a rehearsed testimony; it's her life! Each will listen in prayer to know who to share with, what to share, and how to share it. This could include a formal gospel presentation or personal testimony.
  • Build a Meaningful Relationship - Led by the Holy Spirit, participants will build a meaningful relationship through ministry with a local person. Seeking out that person each day, a participant will demonstrate the love of Jesus.
  • Meet Felt Needs - Each participant will respond in obedience to God's specific direction to meet a local person's practical need. This could be construction or repair work. Or it might be something very specific in answer to prompting by the Holy Spirit.
  • Debrief and Respond - Assisted by the Project Leader, staff and group leaders, participants will learn to identify (debrief) what God has done each day and some things that remain to be done. Participants will learn to respond appropriately to God in gratitude, praise, worship and completion of unfinished work. At the end of the project, participants will take part in a similar debrief to determine what God would have them do when they return home.

Where will we sleep?
On the field, you will probably sleep on the floor. Bring a sleeping bag, pillow, and air mattress (if applicable). Males and females will lodge separately. Shower facilities will be available for all groups.

Can our youth bring their cell phone, iPod or other electronic devices?
Yes, but please evaluate your reasons for going on this trip; you are on the trip to minister and develop a deeper relationship with God. iPods or other electronic devices may distract participants from communicating with God. Your cell phone may or may not have reception in overseas locations. AIM is not responsible for any lost, stolen or damaged electronic devices.

What is the dress code for our trip?
Remember when you're on the field in ministry, you represent God, AIM and local missionaries. Modesty is the key in guiding decisions of what clothes to pack; a good rule of thumb: when in doubt, don't bring it. You will be sent a packing list applicable to your ministry location.

Depending on your location and the cultural norms, we may need to adjust the dress code. Be prepared to cover up tattoos or remove piercings if the host cultures/ministries find them offensive. Your leaders will let you know this when you get in country.

Who are the Project Leaders?
Generally, project leaders are adults who have lead or participated in previous AIM trips. We perform background checks on all leaders prior to their acceptance and they participate in our project leader training program. Your project leader will contact you prior to your trip.

How safe is the mission field? What security measures are taken?
AIM stays aware of the political situations in and around our project locations. We also partner with local ministries to ensure the safety of our ministry locations in country. AIM would never send a team if we felt it put our participants lives at risk. We do not allow participants to go anywhere alone or without a leader while on the trip. We strive to ensure safety on all of our trips but we cannot control all situations. Please be in prayer for your team's safety while on the on the mission field.

When is our money due?
A deposit of $75.00 per person is required to secure each participant's slot on the mission project. The remaining trip balance will be due in two equal installments. The first payment is due no later than 75 days prior to your trip start date and the second payment is due no later than 45 days prior to your trip start date. Please refer to our financial policy, which can be found in your profile for answers to any additional financial and payment questions.

Interested in job opportunities?
If you are interested in joining the Adventures Youth team, take a look at our following openings by going to our Leadership Page.

Latest Blog Posts for Adventures Youth


Info for Parents about Adventures Youth


Your son or daughter is considering missions and that either excites or worries you. We believe that their desire to serve God through missions means you've done well as a parent. We'd love to partner with you in guiding your children into adulthood.

As we prepare, teach and shepherd your children, we count your trust as sacred. We both want your young people to be strongly challenged, thoroughly trained, carefully watched over, and unconditionally loved. In the end, we both want the very best for them as they seek to love God with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength.

Important Information for Parents

Who Is Adventures In Missions?
(+/-) Who Is Adventures In Missions?

Adventures in Missions (AIM) is an interdenominational missions organization that focuses on discipleship. We emphasize prayer and relationships in our work amongst the poor.

Since we were established in 1989, we have taken over 90,000 people into the mission field, some for as short as a week and others for as long as a year or longer. In several places around the world, we minister year-round ministry to "the least of these". We believe that by giving people the opportunity to hold orphans, bring hope to the hopeless, and pray for the sick, lives are transformed.

We seek to disciple as Jesus did; our vision is that God would use us to raise up a generation of radically committed disciples of Jesus Christ.

Clothing Guidelines

It is important for participants to remember that when on the field ministering, they're representing God, Adventures in Missions, and local missionaries. Modesty is key. Your child's youth pastor will have a more extensive guideline that focuses on their specific location.

Here are a few guidelines regarding clothing:

  • Bring something modest to sleep in.
  • No short, tight, or clingy clothing is permitted. Wear one size larger in tops to ensure your shirt is not too tight.
  • No sleeveless shirts or tank tops are permitted for girls or guys.
  • Midriffs should not be shown when raising arms or bending over.
  • Shorts must come to the top of the knee.
  • Skirts and dresses should fall knee-length unless otherwise directed by the project leader.
  • Clothes should not be stained and/or torn.
  • Bring church clothes. Boys should bring khakis pants and a collared shirt. Girls should bring skirts below the knee and blouses.
  • Closed-toes shoes are mandatory unless otherwise directed by the project leader.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does the cost of the trip include?
A: The cost of your teen's trip covers:
  • Food
  • Lodging
  • Training materials
  • AIM t-shirt
  • Journal
  • Ministry expenses
  • Other associated costs
Q: What types of ministry will my teen be involved in?
A: AIM is a very relational ministry so your teen will spend his or her time building relationships with the people they are ministering to and share God's love through those relationships. Each ministry site offers a variety of ministry opportunities that might include:
  • Children's ministries
  • Feeding programs
  • Community outreach
  • Sports ministry
  • Light construction
  • Ministry expenses
  • Prayer ministry
We try to meet the ministry needs of the community while also joining in with existing ministries through our partners.

Q: What will my teen be taught?
A: Each AIM trip will be unique in ministry opportunities but there are five ministry objectives your teen will always taught: listening prayer, sharing your faith, building a meaningful relationship, meeting felt needs and debriefing and responding.
  • Listening Prayer - Each participant will develop an ability to hear and discern God's voice through prayer and Scripture, then obey the direction God gives, sensitive to the Spirit's specific leading in personal ministry.
  • Sharing Your Faith - Each participant will share the gospel, which is more than giving a presentation or a rehearsed testimony. Each will listen in prayer to know who to share with, what to share, and how to share it. This could include a formal gospel presentation or personal testimony, but it'll mostly be the simple act of living daily as a child of God.
  • Building a Meaningful Relationship - Led by the Holy Spirit, participants will build a meaningful relationship through ministry to one local person or a few people. Seeking out that person each day, a participant will demonstrate the love of Jesus.
  • Meeting Felt Needs - Each participant will respond in obedience to God's specific direction to meet a local person's practical need. This could be construction or repair work or it might be something very specific in answer to prompting by the Holy Spirit.
  • Debriefing and Responding - Assisted by the Project Leader, staff and group leaders, participants will learn to identify (debrief) what God has done each day and some things that remain to be done. Participants will learn to respond appropriately to God in gratitude, praise, worship and completion of unfinished work. At the end of the project, participants will take part in a similar debrief to determine what God would have them do when they return home.
Q: Where will my teen sleep?
A: On the field, your teen will probably sleep on the floor. They should bring a sleeping bag, pillow, and air mattress (if applicable). Males and females will be separated for lodging. Bathing facilities will be available for all groups.

Q: Can my teen bring their cell phone, iPod or other electronic devices?
A: AIM does not restrict these items on our trips, but please consult your teen's group leader before sending any electronic items with your teen. Please remember, your teen is on the trip to minister and develop a deeper relationship with God. iPods or other electronic devices may be a distraction to what God is trying to do in your teen's life. A cell phone may or may not have reception in overseas locations. AIM is not responsible for any lost, stolen or damaged electronic devices.

Q: Who are the project leaders?
A: All AIM project leaders are adults over the age of 23 who have participated in our project leader training. We perform background checks on all leaders prior to their acceptance. AIM project leaders have a heart for missions and are ready to serve!

Q: My teen will be traveling outside of the United States. How do I apply for a passport?
A: Per the U.S. Department of State travel website, "On June 1, 2009, the U.S. government will implement the full requirements of the land and sea phase of WHTI. The proposed rules require most U.S. citizens entering the United States at sea or land ports of entry to have a passport, passport card, or WHTI-compliant document." For information on applying for a passport, please visit this website or make an appointment at your local post office. Generally, it takes approximately 4 - 6 weeks from the time of application for your teen to receive his or her passport.

Q: What information does my teen need to turn in to his or her group leaders?
A: All mission trip participants must complete the online individual mission trip application. Your teen's group leader will provide you with the link to create your teen's individual mission trip application. This application will provide AIM and the project leader with emergency contact information, medical information, t-shirt size and the required liability and medical release.

Q: How do I contact my teenager in the case of an emergency?
A: We encourage you to contact your teen's group leader directly using their emergency contact information. You may also call AIM at 1-888-265-2404 in the event of an emergency. This number will connect you with an AIM representative who will contact our site staff. Please use this phone number for emergencies only.

Q: Will the students be safe?
A: Yes. AIM strives to ensure safety on all of our trips. While on the trip, participants are not permitted to leave the base without a youth leader and each project leader is instructed to keep safety first. Please be in prayer for your team's safety while on the on the mission field.

Q: What if something political happens overseas?
A: AIM stays aware of the political situations in and around our project locations. AIM carefully assesses the safety of every project location. We also partner with local ministries to ensure the safety of our ministry locations in country. AIM will never send a team if we feel our participants lives are at risk.

Q: What security measures are taken?
A: While on the trip, participants are not permitted without a leader; each project leader is instructed to keep safety first. We strive to ensure safety on all of our trips. Please be in prayer for your team's safety while on the on the mission field.

Q: Will there be safe food and water?
A: Yes. If local water is not safe to drink, AIM staff will purchase bottled water.

Q: What is the course of action in case of a medical emergency?
A: In the event of a medical emergency, every effort will be made to transport the injured/ill participant immediately to a medical facility. Medical releases should accompany participant on the field and be readily accessible to the appropriate medical caregivers. Project leaders have received emergency response training (e.g., first aid, CPR).

Q: Can I send a package?
A: Your teen will be on project less than a week, so we ask that you do not send your teen a package while on their trip. Because of our various ministry locations, we cannot guarantee each location receives mail directly at their site or on a daily basis. If you would like to send your teen a letter or package during the week, please make arrangements with your teen's group leader.

Q: Can I go with them?
A: AIM youth group mission trips are designed for junior and senior high students. However, we do require each group to provide 1 adult leader for every 6 participants. If you are interested in leading for your teen's group, please speak with your teen's group leader to see if they need any additional adult leaders for the mission trip. Please check out AIM's family mission trips for more opportunities to participant in missions with your teen.

Q: Will they be with other churches?
A: Depending on the size of your teen's group and the capacity at each location, groups may serve alongside other groups. AIM is an inter-denominational ministry. If capacity allows, we desire to provide opportunities for various Christian groups to serve together. Participants will serve with other youth from their group, but may have the opportunity to serve along side youth from other groups depending on ministry options at each location.

Q: What should my teen pack?
A: Your teen will be given a packing list detailing the clothes and gear to bring. Generally, you can expect to bring:
  • A week's worth of clothes
  • A rain jacket
  • A sleeping bag
  • A flashlight & extra batteries (head lamp recommended)
  • A water bottle (Nalgene like bottle recommended)
  • A Bible, journal, and pen
Typical Day on the Field

The actual ministry schedule for your teen may vary based on location and ministry opportunities.

7:30 am - Wake-up
8:00 am - Breakfast
8:45 am - Devotions
9:15 am - Corporate prayer
10:00 am - First ministry session
12:00 pm - Lunch
1:00 pm - Second ministry session
4:00 pm - Depart ministry sites
6:00 pm - Dinner
7:30 pm - Team debrief
8:00 pm - Evening worship
9:30 pm - Free time
10:00 pm - Lights out

Get Involved

How Can I Get Involved?

  • Coordinate efforts with your church to support the students as they prepare to leave.
  • Pray with your teen as they prepare to leave.
  • Talk with your teen when they return; ask them questions and help them process their experience.
  • Pray with fellow parents before, during, and after the trip.
  • Consider going on a trip as a family.
  • Explore the opportunity to serve as a project leader.

If you have any questions, please contact us at anytime!

Phone: 1-800-881-2461 (toll free) | 770-983-1060 (in Georgia)
Email: info@adventures.org

Info for Youth Pastors about Adventures Youth


To Register for a Missions Trip:

  1. Select a trip that interests you from our list.
  2. Register online by clicking "Apply Now" on the trip page and create your Profile.
  3. Complete and submit your application, which you will find in your Profile.
  4. Pay the non-refundable deposit to secure your group's spot on the trip. Projects fill up on a first-come, first-served basis.

Important Things to Note:

  • Please read our financial policy.
  • The group must complete and submit all necessary paperwork before group members can participate.
  • Every AIM project must meet a minimum threshold of participants and will not exceed a maximum limit.
  • AIM reserves the right to cancel a trip if necessary.

Your teens are waiting for the opportunity to rise to the occasion. They want their faith to be challenged; they're eager to experience what complete dependence on God is like. We'll help you find the right one, and handle the bulk of the organization and planning of the details so that you can focus on ministering to them.

  • Click here to explore the possibilities.
  • Call us at 800-881-2461 for more information, to start the application process or begin customizing your group's adventure!
  • Click here to begin the application process by creating a profile.

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