Ambassador

About the Ambassador Program

Are you in high school (14-18 years old) or know a high school student who's ready for more? An ambassador is one who is sent to a foreign country to represent his homeland - its government and national interests. Ambassadors are 14-18 year olds who venture overseas for 2-4 weeks every summer to represent Jesus, his kingdom and his heart for the world.

FAQ for Ambassador

What does the cost of the trip included?

The cost of the trip includes airfare from Atlanta, GA to/from the project site, housing, meals, and the cost of any ministry opportunities while in country. Additional costs may include your passport, luggage and visa fees (if needed), International Health Insurance, transportation from your home to/from Atlanta, GA, etc. Some of the additional costs can be reimbursed from your support account if you raise over the cost of your trip.

What shots do I need to get for the trip?

We are not doctors and have no medical training so we are not qualified from a medical perspective to say you should or should not get certain shots. We suggest that you determine which shots you may need by visiting the CDC website or consulting your local travel health specialist and reviewing their recommendations based on the country(ies) you will be visiting. Some countries require a Yellow Fever Certificate to enter, so pay particular attention to that. You may or may not choose to receive all the immunizations recommended by the CDC or your physician. It is your personal decision what immunizations you receive, but we recommend you seek a medical professional’s advice concerning that decision.

What will I eat?

Be prepared for foods that may be outside of your comfort zone. You will be fed three meals a day and you are expected to eat the foods that are prepared for you, even though you may not prefer those foods. Remember “Where he leads me, I will follow. What he feeds me, I will swallow.”

Where will I sleep?

At Training Camp, you will be housed in cabins with bunk beds. On the field, you may sleep on the floor, in a bed or in a hammock. Bring a sleeping bag and pillow. Trip specifics will be posted on your team blog.

Can I take a shower?

Yes, but it may not be in a traditional shower. You will have access to water, but you may not be able to bath on a daily basis.

Will I have electricity?

You may or may not have electricity at your location so please leave the flat irons and hairdryers at home.

Can I bring my 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 be a distraction to what God is trying to tell you.  We ask that you may wise choices with the music on your iPod. AIM is not responsible for any lost, stolen or damaged electronic devices. No laptops allowed.

Can I bring my cell phone?

No. You will not be able to use it in a foreign country so please leave it at home.

How much spending money do I need to bring?

How much money you will want depends entirely on your personal spending habits and financial situation.  A moderate amount would be approximately $100/month. Remember, all your meals will be covered by AIM so extra personal money would be used for souvenirs, extra internet time (if applicable), personal items, additional snacks, etc.

What is Training Camp?

Training camp takes place immediately prior to your trip. You will arrive at the Atlanta airport the first date of your trip and be transported to the AIM Training Center in Gainesville, GA for a four day Training Camp. At Training Camp, you will participate in team building activities with your mission team, focus on your personal spiritual growth and learn skills that will equip you to minister more effectively on the field. This is not a boot camp.  At the conclusion of Training Camp, you will be transported to the Atlanta airport to depart for the field with your team.

What is Debrief?

Debrief is a time to reflect over what God has done in your life, your team members’ lives and the lives of those you ministered to throughout the summer. Your team will have a short debrief in country then you will fly back to Atlanta for a one night stay in a local hotel. During this debrief time, you will have the opportunity to share what God has done on your trip with other teams. At the end of Debrief in Atlanta, you will fly back to your home. NOTE: Training Camp and Debrief are included in the dates of your trip.

What kind of clothes should I bring? Shoes?

It is important to remember that when you are on the field ministering, you are representing God, Adventures in Missions, and local missionaries. Modesty is the key to all clothing you decide to bring with you. If you are questioning whether or not you should bring it, then leave it at home.  Here are a few guidelines for clothing choices: 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. If you cannot raise your arms above your head or touch your toes without showing your stomach or lower back, leave it at home. Shorts must come to the top of the knee. Capris and Goucho pants are great options! Skirts and dresses should be below or close to the knee. Depending on location, skirts should be to the ankle. Bring a one-piece swim suit and think modest. Guys, normal swim trunks should be fine. Girls, be prepared to wear shorts and a shirt over your swimsuit. Men need long pants in most cultural situations. Make sure clothes are not stained and/or torn. You do not have to wear your best clothing but make yourself presentable. It may be offensive to the locals if you look sloppy. Bring clothes for church services. Boys should bring khakis pants and a collared shirt.  Girls should bring skirts below the knee and loose blouses. Bring closed toes shoes for ministry opportunities. You may bring flip-flops, Chacos or other shoes for recreation time. Depending on your location and the cultural norms, we may need to adjust the dress code. In some countries it will be necessary for women to be in long skirts all the time. Some cultures view men in shorts as little boys and you will not receive the respect of an adult. Any tattoos or piercings may need to be covered at times if it offensive to the cultures or ministries. Your leaders will let you know this when you get in country. You may be asked to cover the tattoo or take the piercings out while involved in ministry.

Will we be able to wash our clothes?

You will be able to hand wash your clothes. Your leaders will provide you with the necessary supplies. Be prepared to wear your clothes more than one day. If you attend a two week trip, you will not need to wash your clothes during your stay.

Will I be able to contact my parents while I am on the field?

Yes, but the times and methods will depend on the location of your trip and how long you are on-site in the country. Internet access is not available in every county.

How do I apply for a passport?

For information on applying for a passport for the first time, 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 you to receive your passport. We must have your passport information before airline tickets are purchased so please get your passport ASAP. Sometimes it may take longer than 6 weeks to receive your passport, so apply now.

How will I find AIM at the airport?

Once your plane arrives and you have claimed your luggage, please meet AIM in the center Atrium on the main level of the Atlanta Airport. You will be met by staff and leaders in Adventures in Missions staff T-shirt at the giant Dinosaur skeleton.  We will post a picture of the staff t-shirts on our website prior to your arrival. Upon arrival, we also ask that you contact your parents by pay phone to let them know you have arrived safely in Atlanta.

Can I drive to AIM Training Center in Gainesville, GA?

You may be dropped off in Gainesville, but you may not leave your car at our Training Center for the summer. If you are dropped in Gainesville, you need to be picked up in Atlanta after Debrief. Your team will not be transported back to the AIM Training Center after your trip.

Does AIM provide scholarships or financial assistance?

No, we are not able to provide any financial assistance but you can raise support to cover the costs of your trip.  We require all participants to send a support letter once they are accepted to our programs.  The support letter is used to help you raise financial support and build a prayer team.  The reality is that God has called you to serve Him and you can be sure that God will always provide what you need to accomplish the things He calls you to do.

Who are the Leaders?

Generally, leaders are 21 years old or older. Most have lead or participated in previous AIM trips.  We perform background checks on all leaders prior to their acceptance. Some examples of past Ambassador leaders include AIM staff, prior Ambassador leaders, and Passport and World Race participants who have shown desired leadership qualities.

Return to Ambassador Trips Page

Latest Blog Posts for Ambassador

Info for Parents about Ambassador

Parents, have questions? Talk to a staff member today! or call 1.800.881.2461 ext. 290

Dear parents of prospective Ambassadors---

This past summer, my oldest daughter spent a month in Swaziland with the Adventures in Missions Ambassador program. At age 15, she had been to plenty of sleepovers and weeklong camps. She had even been on one mission trip to Africa, but it was with me. This was her first time ever to leave the country without us and to be gone for so long.

By nature, I am an overprotective, worrywart parent. I send a cell phone with my 14-year-old daughter when she goes bike riding in our neighborhood and am famous for telling everyone to wear their seatbelts and lock their doors. You would think that after having seven kids I wouldn't be this way, but I am.

But a couple of years ago, God started showing me some things about myself and my kids. One of the things He showed me was that I needed to trust my kids to Him and His plans for their life. Ultimately, He is the one in control of their days, not me. Yes, I can be a careful parent, but I can't protect them from all the dangers in the world. To try to keep every single bad thing from happening to them would be to rob them of the joys, thrills, and yes, even the potentially dangerous thrills of this life. And I could also rob them of fulfilling the dreams that God is placing in them.

He got me to the point of desiring more than anything, that my children be in love with Him and willing to follow His path for their life, no matter the cost, no matter the sacrifice.

It also meant me learning to trust that He will provide for them financially. He is showing me that if He wants them to go, then He will make the way for it to happen.

I need to let HIM be the provider and the protector and quit trying to do His job. He can do it so much better than I can.

And it makes for happier kids, I can tell you that.

My oldest daughter has always been a great girl - responsible, honest, trustworthy, loyal. But as with most American teenagers, our culture was having its impact and she was pulling further and further away from us. It was reflected in her attitude and how she wanted to spend her time. More often than not, there was tension between us instead of peace. Also between her and her siblings there was a lot of bickering.

Her one month with Adventures in Missions changed all of that.

The Ambassador program is more than just a trip. And it is more than just doing for other people. It is also a month-long, life-changing, intense, discipleship time. The leaders on the Ambassador trips are strong, mature Christians who take very, very good care of the team as well as being inspiring role models. During my daughter's time, she learned to pray and be content and get along with a lot of people (some very different than she) in a Christ-like manner. She learned to be satisfied with less, to not complain, to accept "no" with a gracious and "at peace" spirit. She came back loving God, those in need, and her family in a bigger and deeper way.

I tell people that she is still the same young woman, just the cleaned up version. It is as though during her time with Adventures, God scrubbed off all the yucky, nasty extra stuff that wasn't the real her and left her as He created her to be --- truly, truly beautiful.

I honestly cannot be more pleased with the Ambassador program. They are people who are passionate about helping our children become all that God wants them to be and they do it in a very efficient and helpful manner. They are open to the leading of the Holy Spirit while at the same time they are organized and practical. They also are very good about communicating as much as possible from the field because they realize that the folks back home need to hear not only the God-stuff, but to know that their teenager is safe and well.

Adventures is definitely a missions organization that I trust my kids with.

In fact, we're sending our second daughter to Romania with them this summer and our oldest son, who is now still too young, is already dreaming of adventuring with them next year.

Be strong and courageous. This parenting isn't for sissies, but God is a mighty help and Adventures in Missions is one of His most effective tools I've found in my years of being a mom.

Sincerely,
Elysa Harvey MacLellan