Mission Experience

What is it?

The Mission Experience is a teen mission trip that equips young people with the tools and confidence to share their faith. Mission Experience participants become preachers, teachers, and evangelists, while capable and consecrated staff serve as mentors.

Where is it?

We’re headed to the Philippines! The exact location will be announced soon.

How can I get involved?

Give. Support the youth who are going and the people they will reach. Participants raise funds, but these are not enough to cover all the costs. Much more is still needed. Click here to give.

Pray.

  • Through January: Pray for smooth planning and organization.
  • Early February: Pray for safe travels and connections.
  • Mid February through mid March: Pray for the Holy Spirit to give the participants a love for missions and hearts for souls. Pray for the men, women, and children they will be reaching out to as well.
  • Mid March: Pray for safe travels home, and that the experiences gained will last a lifetime.

Feed. The people of the Philippines are not abandoned when the series is over. Local Bible workers arrive several months before, and remain for weeks after the meetings to nurture the new converts and work with ones who have not yet made decisions. $700/mo. Click here to feed.

Trip details

Evangelism groups

Each Mission Experience participant will be a team member of one of the following evangelism groups.

  • Child Evangelism: Help conduct the children’s evangelistic program, including presentation of sermons, stories, health lessons, songs, and crafts. Expect a large group of energetic and attentive children ages 5–13.
  • Adult Evangelism: Help conduct an adult evangelistic series using the New Beginnings and Abundant Living presentations, as well as reach out to individuals through in-home visitations.

Service opportunities

Participants will also serve in one or more of the following areas.

  • Music Ministry: Lead worship, provide accompaniment, and share special music.
  • Equipment Management/Operation: Set up and operate computers, projectors, sound systems, and other equipment.
  • Photography: Take high quality photos of Mission Experience events and activities.
  • Videography: Record high quality video clips of Mission Experience events and activities.

Accommodations & meals

Lodging is simple, dorm-style with shared facilities (boys and girls separate). Healthy non-dairy, vegetarian meals will be provided. Any special dietary needs are the responsibility of the participant.

Trip dates & itinerary (subject to change)

February 3: Leave for the Philippines
February 5-12: Training, preparation & visitations
February 13–28: Evangelistic meetings
March 1–4: Retreat
March 5: Return home

Retreat

Sandy beaches; colorful coral gardens; stunning tropical fish—that’s what you can expect to experience on the Mission Experience retreat. But that’s not all. More importantly, we’ll spend time together recounting the ways the Lord has led during the trip, and exploring His will for the future.

Weather

Temperature will vary between 70–95°F most of the time. Occasional rain is likely.

Codes & Policies

Dress code

Girls: Everyday wear for most Mission Experience activities should be modest skirts or dresses that cover the knee when standing or sitting, and allow a full stride when walking. Slits must end below the knee. Low-cut, see-through, tight, or sleeveless tops are not appropriate. Tops must be long enough to cover bare skin when reaching or bending over. For designated activities, fingertip-length shirts or tunics over capris or pants are appropriate. No makeup or nail polish.

Boys: Bring neat casual clothing. Shirts should be tucked in. No shorts, except for designated activities. Hats should not be worn backwards or sideways, and should be removed inside buildings and for all prayers. 

Both: Bring sturdy clothing and shoes that will hold up to vigorous activity and dusty conditions. No tank tops, sleeveless items, questionable or suggestive lettering or images on clothing.

Social relations

Friendly interaction among participants is encouraged. Intense and/or romantic relationships are not permitted.

Items to leave at home

Portable electronics (unless pre-approved by YD staff), gum, electronic or card games, secular reading material, makeup, nail polish, jewelry (including rings), or anything that would detract from the goals and atmosphere of the Mission Experience.

What to bring

A detailed list will be included in the acceptance packet.

Financial Information

Each participant must raise a minimum of $2800 toward Mission Experience costs.

Young people working in partnership with the Lord can often raise the necessary funds in just a few months! Upon acceptance, you will be sent fundraising resources to help you reach your goal.

All donations are tax deductible. In order to comply with IRS tax-deductibility requirements, all donations, either from a family member or any other source, are non-refundable.

What is included:

  • Airfare from select major US airports to the Mission Experience location in the Philippines.
  • All required transportation within the Philippines.
  • Meals and lodging.
  • Purified drinking water.

What isn't included:

  • Passport/Visa fees.
  • Laundry service, telephone calls, etc.
  • Meal or lodging expenses before arriving in or after departing from the Philippines.
  • Travel insurance. 

Application information

Who should apply?

Mature, responsible, and godly young people who will be at least 15 years old by February 1, 2026. Applicants should have a zeal for evangelism and a desire to serve the Lord. Participants should have taken at least one of the following classes at a Young Disciple camp: Child Evangelism, Homiletics, Missionary Adventures, Fire for Missions, Bible Work, Literature Ministry, or Literature Evangelism. Exceptions will be considered on an individual basis.

Cancellations

If you must cancel, please notify the YD office right away so that someone on the waiting list will have the opportunity to attend.

Application process

Submit a completed application form to the Young Disciple office. An information packet will be sent to accepted participants, containing important details about travel and preparation.

If a paper application is desired, please contact the YD office.

Apply here: Mission Experience Youth Application

Due within one month of acceptance:

At least $100 toward your $2800 fundraising goal.

Due October 15, 2025:

Half of your fundraising goal ($1,400).

Airline tickets cannot be purchased until these funds have been received.

A notarized parental permission form for all minors.

A photocopy of the title (information) pages of your passport.

Due December 31, 2025:

The balance of your fundraising goal.