Ambassador – Mission Trips For Teens

Experience firsthand the voice of God, serve others in high
-need ministries, and make a real, tangible difference in the lives of others!

AGE RANGE: 14 – 18
LENGTH: 2 – 4 WEEKS

Ambassador might be a good fit for you if:

  • You have a strong desire for an intimate relationship with Jesus
  • You want to live an epic story

The Ambassador Program is designed specifically for high school students with a high appetite for spiritual growth and a desire to get more involved in missions.

Upcoming Ambassador Mission Trips

Ready to Book Trips:

StartEndTypeDestinationCost Options
2024-07-062024-07-26AmbassadorGuatemala$3795 5 Day/PP Sign-up Now
2024-07-062024-07-26AmbassadorSouth Texas / U.S. Border Town$2995 5 Day/PP Sign-up Now
2024-07-062023-07-26AmbassadorEswatini, Africa$4595 5 Day/PP Sign-up Now

GOD HAS A PLAN FOR YOUR LIFE THAT’S DARING YET GOOD.

Ready to take the leap?

It’s anything but safe, yet it’s completely safe, because it’s right smack dab in the middle of His plan for your life.

It’s the kind of calling that spreads a love that changes things forever.

And it’s this kind of Kingdom bringing awesomeness that makes Jesus famous among the nations. Maybe you’re being called to share this kind of love with a hurting world.

Are you ready to make a difference? It’s time!

LETTER TO PARENTS

While your son or daughter may believe they are the only ones setting out on this adventure, we know you are also on a journey! Sending your son or daughter on a mission trip, away from home and possibly to the other side of the world, is likely an exercise in faith for you, too.

We believe in your kids and the impact they can make around the world. And we believe in you. We believe in the calling God has given you to help your student navigate through this world.

We’ve put together this Parent Packet to introduce you to Adventures in Missions and our Ambassador program, as well as connect you with our Parent Ministry department!

We hope this will answer some common questions you may have. Our admissions staff is available to talk with you about any further questions or concerns. We are excited to walk you through the next steps to get your students to the field! Blessings,

Ambassador Staff

More questions?
Call our main office at (770) 983-1060

Click here to read our parent packet

FAQs


How long are Ambassador trips?

Ambassador trips are 2 – 4 weeks, depending on location.

What will we do on Ambassador trips?

Ministry looks different on every trip we offer. You can check out the trip descriptions to get an idea of what ministry might look like in each country. We believe ministry is a way of life, not just a daily assignment to complete. Some of your ministry is determined by asking the Lord what He is calling your team to specifically. You may see a need we don’t even know exists—and we want you to have the freedom to meet that need!

And remember, the most impactful ministry you’re a part of might be the relationship you build with your translator or the vendors at the market where you buy groceries. Or it could be with your trek guide while you climb a volcano in Guatemala or the safari driver in Swaziland.

If you come with an open mind about what God has for you, you won’t be disappointed!

What is Training Camp?

Training Camp is the first 3 days of your trip. You will fly/drive to Gainesville, GA (where the Adventures in Missions headquarters is located) on the first day of your trip. Those flying will meet in the Atlanta airport and be shuttled to our headquarters. You’ll be there for 3 days of training, team building, and preparing for your trip spiritually, physically, and emotionally. It’s fun, we promise! By the time you leave for the field, you’ll feel like you’ve known your leaders and teammates for months instead of days.

What is Debrief?

Debrief is a time to reflect on what God has done in your life, your teammates’ lives, and the lives of those you met on your trip. Your team will have a short debrief in country led by your leaders; then you will fly back to Atlanta for one night and stay in a local hotel.

During this debrief time, you will have the opportunity to share what God has done on your trip with the Ambassador staff. We love to hear your stories! At the end of debrief in Atlanta, you will fly/drive back to your home.

NOTE: Training Camp and Debrief are included in the dates of your trip.

Why choose the Ambassador Program?

The heartbeat of Adventures is simple: deeply connecting to Jesus and His movement. We want to go where He leads and join in whatever He is doing.

The primary way we do this is through discipleship, following the model Jesus used while He walked the earth: raising up disciples to make disciples. Every student on an Ambassador trip is encouraged and mentored in their faith, all while they do the same in ministry. They are discipled while on their own journey.

At a time when students are growing in and forming their faith, this is an opportunity for students to discover how real God is, to freely ask questions about their faith, and to explore God’s calling for their lives, all while serving a hurting world and living out the Gospel. We want to equip them in servant leadership and missional living for their return to their churches, schools, and even their homes.

What does the cost of the trip include?

The cost of the trip includes airfare from Atlanta,GA to/from your ministry country, housing, meals, and the cost of any ministry opportunities while in country. In addition to the trip cost, you will need to raise funds to cover the cost of a required medical insurance plan through MissionSafe. The estimated cost of this plan is $3.82 per day for trips less than six months and will be included in your overall fundraising goal.

Fundraising Goal = Trip Cost + Insurance

Additional costs may include your passport, luggage and visa fees (if needed), and transportation from your home to/from Atlanta, GA, etc.

You’ll find more information about support raising on your profile once you apply.

Do I Need To Get Shots?

We are not doctors and are not qualified from a medical perspective to say you should or should not get certain shots. We suggest 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. Pay particular attention to countries requiring a Yellow Fever Certificate to enter. 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 this decision.

What will I eat?

Be prepared for food that may be outside of your comfort zone. You will be fed three meals a day and you are expected to eat what is prepared for you, even if you may not prefer it.

Where will I sleep?

At Training Camp, you will sleep on mattresses. On the field, you may sleep in a tent, on the floor, in a bed, or in a hammock. Bring a sleeping bag and a 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 bathe on a daily basis, and it might be from a bucket.

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 phone, ipod, or other electronic devices?

You will have designated times throughout the trip to access a phone and/or the internet (depending on your location), and your trip leaders will have phone access for emergencies, so there is no reason for you to need calling or texting abilities. While there will be opportunity to use your phone for pictures, you will need to use an alternative device for an alarm clock, music, etc as you will have limited access to your phone throughout the trip.

Please evaluate your reasons for bringing phones or electronic devices on this trip. You are on the trip to minister to others, to serve God, and develop a deeper relationship with God. Phones and other electronic devices may be a distraction to what God is trying to tell you. We ask that you make wise choices with the music you listen to and play out loud while on the trip. If a smartphone is used outside of times specified or becomes distracting, it could be confiscated by a leader until the end of the trip.

That being said, we also realize phones can also be great ministry tools! We want you to take pictures and video of your trip. And don’t forget to tag them with #goAMB and #adventuresinmissions when you post them to social media. Please note: Adventures is not responsible for any lost, stolen, or damaged electronic devices. No laptops allowed.

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. Remember, all your meals will be covered by Adventures so extra personal money would be used for souvenirs, extra internet time (if applicable), personal items, additional snacks, etc.

What kind of clothing and shoes do I need to bring?

It is important to remember when you are on the field ministering, you represent 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:

  1. Bring something modest to sleep in.
  2. No short, tight, or clingy clothing is permitted. Wear one size larger in tops to ensure your shirt is not too tight.
  3. No sleeveless shirts or tank tops are permitted for girls or guys.
  4. If you cannot raise your arms above your head or touch your toes without showing your stomach or lower back, leave it at home.
  5. Shorts must come to the top of the knee.
  6. Skirts and dresses should be below or close to the knee. Depending on location, skirts should be to the ankle.
  7. 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. NOTE: a tankini is two pieces, even if it is a modest one!
  8. Men need long pants in most cultural situations.
  9. 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.
  10. Bring clothes for church services. Boys should bring khakis pants and a collared shirt. Girls should bring skirts below the knee and loose blouses.
  11. Bring closed toed 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. Please bring small travel laundry packets for laundry. Be prepared to wear your clothes more than one day between washing.

Will I be able to contact my parents while 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 country.

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 do I find Adventures at the airport?

Once your plane arrives and you have claimed your luggage, please meet Adventures in the center Atrium on the main level of the Atlanta Airport. You will be met at the Atlanta Airport by Adventures staff wearing the Adventures in Missions staff T-shirt at the Clock Tower. Upon arrival, we also ask that you contact your parents to let them know you have arrived safely. You can use a staff member’s (or your leader’s) phone if you have left your phone at home.

Can I drive to the Adventures office in Gainesville?

You may be dropped off in Gainesville, but you may not leave your car at our office for the length of your trip. If you are dropped off in Gainesville, you need to be picked up in Atlanta after debrief. Your team will not be transported back to Gainesville after your trip.

Does Adventures provide scholarships or 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 God has called you to serve Him and you can be sure God will always provide what you need to accomplish the things He calls you to do.

What are your safety and risk-management procedures?

We at Adventures In Missions take the responsibility and care of our participants very seriously.

The reality is the world can be an unsafe place. That truth is not limited to overseas travel. While we cannot guarantee safety, safety and security is a top priority for our programs. We set protocols to minimize risk while expanding each student’s exploration of God’s Kingdom.

Our staff monitors safety concerns and issues around the world, including organized protests, political uprisings, medical alerts, and natural disasters. We maintain active communication with our international contacts and will change locations if we believe the risk level in an area is no longer appropriate for our participants.

Who are the leaders?

Generally, leaders are 21 years old or older. Most have led or participated in previous Adventures trips in the past and all have gone through leader training with us. We perform background checks on all leaders prior to their acceptance. A target of 6 students to 1 leader is what we desire for Ambassador trips.

Some examples of past Ambassador leaders include Adventures staff, prior Ambassador leaders, and Semesters and World Race alumni who exemplify desired leadership qualities.

For Parents: What can you expect from Adventures?

A desire for your son or daughter to succeed

Our desire is for this trip to be the best possible experience for your child. Our core values exist because we want to see every student reach their fullest potential. Our leaders are committed to investing in each of the participants. As staff, we read the blog posts, pray for the teams regularly, rejoice in their victories, and mourn in their losses. While we may only spend a short time with them, we care for and believe in them and in their potential!

Communication

We are committed to keeping you informed in case of an emergency. Should your child become seriously sick or involved an accident, you will be notified as soon as possible. In the case of an emergency in country (such as a natural disaster), the team leader will update us as soon as possible and we will communicate information to you.

Should you need to get in touch with your child in case of an emergency at home, you can reach us at 770-983-1060.

Emergency Travel Arrangements

On rare occasions, a participant may need to return home early. Reasons include but are not limited to: sickness on the field that needs to be treated at home, an emergency at home requiring the participant’s return, or a participant’s inability or unwillingness to engage with the team or ministry on the field. (Please note, MissionSafe must be involved in all medical related travel needs.) Whether an early return is voluntary or not, we will communicate with you to arrange travel plans and rebook flights as necessary.

You will find an Ambassador Parent Packet and other resources at adventures.org/parents

How can I lead an Ambassador trip?

Are you interested in leading this generation of high school students, to serve with us through encouraging, empowering, and equipping teenagers for life both on and off the mission field?

Qualifications

  • Age 21+
  • Integrity, spiritual maturity, and passion for high schoolers
  • Attend an additional 3-day Leadership Training right before your trip
  • Previous leadership/missions experience

Application Process

All leaders will fill out an application, submit references, and go through a phone interview. Once accepted, in addition to the Spring Leader Retreat, you will be required to attend an Adventures Leadership Training a few days prior to the launch of the trip you are leading.

To apply: email [email protected]

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Will you share the love and hope of Christ in a world hungry for Him?