Teens on a Mission 2016 is a week long summer service opportunity open to high school youth and their chaperones. This program is a six-month commitment that can be challenging but very rewarding. More than likely it will be a life changing experience. While working side by side with the poor, participants will learn how to overcome the barriers that divide us.
The Leadership team is for those teens who would like to be more involved in the planning process. This will require additional time outside of the group meetings. The Leadership Team will meet approximately twice. All meetings are designed for the youth to become leaders while preparing for this journey.
The Mission Trip is filled with many opportunities to step out of one’s comfort zone. Not only will some participants have opportunities to learn new skills like home repair projects, all will meet people from different cultures, faiths and economic backgrounds. Each year the service experiences are unique and whatever your task, be assured you will experience God’s love.
Our prayer services and small group reflections offer moments to contemplate God’s will for our lives and how we can experience Him in daily living. The call to “reach out to the poor and lonely” is easily embraced when you can walk side by side and share the burdens together. Teens and chaperones alike are changed and see life from a different perspective. The Gospels are more understood when you can apply the teachings of Christ. When you return to your own community you become aware of your many blessings through a new perspective. The realization that materialistic things are not the key for true happiness becomes reality. Mass is incorporated several times throughout the week when possible.
Our days are full, and we will have plenty of opportunities to have fun. The evenings provide time to experience the local culture, honor one another with special meals, and to find new and unique ways to enjoy one another’s company. In the past, we have had Bible mystery dinners, taken a pirate cruise, toured a mountainous village of world religions, picnicked in Central Park, shopped for local crafts on sidewalk blanket displays, swam in the ocean, hiked trails leading to a local swimming hole, and climbed dunes in Colorado. Participants will have memories of the experience that will last a lifetime.
Teens on a Mission is also in need of donations. We need hole sponsors, teen sponsors, and donations of prizes for the annual golf outing held May 21, 2016.
Sponsors and donations make all of this possible. Any interested and committed high school age person, no matter what their economic status, can earn the monies needed to participate through “The Mission Golf Classic” and from sponsorships.