Summer is usually a very active time in a successful youth program. There are usually a lot of activities and programs that happen during the summer. One of the most exciting is a Summer Youth Mission Trip. They are great opportunities to grow relationally with young people and have young people have an unbelievable experience that they can remember for the rest of their life.
A successful Summer Mission Trip however, takes a lot of time and planning to do well. Below are just a few suggestions I would have if you are considering doing a mission trip.
Plan Early - If you desire to do a summer mission trip with young people the best time to start planning is now! Depending on how elaborate your trip will end up being, you will need between six months and a year to make the event happen. I have seen too many groups try to do mission trip too quickly and the result has been a disaster.
Have a Clear Purpose - Don't just do a mission trip for any old reason. Have a clear purpose in mind as to why you want to participate in this particular mission trip. Maybe your purpose is to build relationships with your young people. Maybe your purpose is that your church has done a similar mission trip. Whatever the reason, be sure that your young people and you understand the reason why you are participating in this mission experience.
Fund-raise, Fund-raise, Fund-raise - Mission trips are usually very expensive. As you plan for your mission trip understand that you are going to be spending a large amount of your planning time trying to raise funding in order to do the trip. Don't wait until the last minute to fund raise. Plan good fundraising activities throughout the year that engage not only the congregation but the community in large as well.
Mission trips can be a lot of fun and as I mentioned earlier provide great experiences for young people. Talk to other churches or other youth groups who have gone on mission trips to gain insight, ideas and planning to make your mission trip go smoothly as possible.
