Yale University

Youth Ministry Institute

Teambuilding, Mission Trips and Service

Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. [Galatians 6:2]

Building a sense of community through team building, missions and retreats help youth to broaden their horizons, push their comfort zones, and allow them to participate in ministry in new and exciting ways. By connecting to something larger than themselves, young people and adult leaders alike engage in the process of holy transformation.

Developing Trusted Relationships and Nurturing Communities

Leading theologians and pastors explore the importance of creating an environment where youth can develop trusted relationships with peers and […]

6 Weeks

47 Lessons

Leading Transformative Service Days and Mission Trips

Leading theologians and pastors present a model for mission trips and offer practical advice on how to lead service days […]

8 Weeks

63 Lessons

Outreach, Service and Trips

Articles and readings on the benefits of outreach, service and trip experiences for youth.

Articles and Readings

Creating a Virtual Mission Trip, Service or Camp Experience

Resources for creating a virtual mission trip, service or camp experience.

Ministering to Youth during COVID-19

Fundraising Ideas

This is a list of ideas for fundraising opportunities for retreats and mission trips.

Sample Materials and Outlines

Vesper Outline – San Antonio

This is an example of vespers for a mission trip to San Antonio, Texas.

Sample Materials and Outlines

Vesper Ideas

This document contains several different vesper ideas for mission trips.

Sample Materials and Outlines

Vesper Outline – Belize

This is an example of vespers for a mission trip to Belize.

Sample Materials and Outlines

Important Information for Parents

This is a sample of a document to create for parents with important details of mission trip travel.

Sample Materials and Outlines

Mission Trip Packing List

Example of a packing list for a mission trip.

Sample Materials and Outlines

Mission Trip Sample Itinerary

Example of a detailed itinerary for a youth group mission trip.

Sample Materials and Outlines

Mission Trip Budget

Example template for a mission trip budget.

Sample Materials and Outlines

Mission Trip Detailed Work Plan

Example of a detailed work plan for mission trip planning and execution.

Sample Materials and Outlines

Retreat Itinerary

Example of an itinerary for a weekend retreat.

Sample Materials and Outlines

Fundraising Email

This is a sample of an email directed at fundraising for retreats/mission trips.

Sample Materials and Outlines

Mission Trip Leader Thank You Letter

Example of a thank you letter to a leader to be sent following a mission trip/retreat.

Sample Materials and Outlines

Fundraising Letter

This is an example of a fundraising letter for mission trips/retreats.

Sample Materials and Outlines

Mission Trip Thank You Email/Letter to Adult Volunteers-Contractors

Example of a letter to send to adult volunteers following a mission trip.

Sample Materials and Outlines

Denominational Resources

This contains denominational resources for mission trip locations and trip planning.

Sample Materials and Outlines

CT Retreat Centers

This is a partial listing of Retreat Centers in Connecticut.

Sample Materials and Outlines

Mission Trip 10 Commandments

This is a creative way of framing rules around youth group and/or mission trip expectations.

Sample Materials and Outlines

Mission Trip and Retreat Sample Forms

These are samples of forms that can be used for sign ups for mission trips or retreats.

Sample Materials and Outlines

Mission Trip Partners

This list provides just a few of the wonderful organizations who are ready and willing to work with youth groups for mission trips.

Sample Materials and Outlines

Mission Trip Invitation Letter to Parents and Youth

Example of a mailing to parents and youth inviting participation in a mission trip.

Sample Materials and Outlines

Mission Trip-Retreat Site Visit Checklist

This list contains suggested questions to ask, items to check and things to think about on a site visit for a mission trip.

Sample Materials and Outlines

Omnibus Health Form

This is a sample health form to use for youth groups.

Sample Materials and Outlines

Be Christ to Others

This is a lesson where youth can put their faith into action through service.

General Programming

Thanksgiving Service Project

This is a an example of an all church service project for adults, families and youth.

General Programming

Team Building

This lesson is designed to support team building. This is particularly helpful in creating bonds before a mission trip.

General Programming

Vesper Outline – Sharing of Ourselves

This lesson is designed to be small group discussion(s) based on scripture.

General Programming

Team Reveal

If you have a large youth group and need to divide into teams, this lesson provides a guideline for how to make the team reveal fun and community building.

General Programming

Playing in the Park

This is a lesson that emphasizes community building and is appropriate for middle or high school students.

General Programming

Outreach, Service and Trips

Articles and readings on the benefits of outreach, service and trip experiences for youth.

Articles and Readings

Developing Trusted Relationships and Nurturing Communities

Articles and resources on creating an environment where youth can develop trusted relationships with peers and adults, and the value of nurturing communities.

Articles and Readings