How to Have a Ministry Trip in 2021

Spring has sprung!  In many areas, the weather has turned warmer, which means summer is, well, “hot” on its heels.
 
Your youth ministry might be looking to make a difference this summer. Or, you might always go on a summer ministry trip every year. Or, you might feel like your youth need a little something extra as far as youth ministry opportunities this summer. Whatever your situation, you probably feel adrift in the wake of 2020 as you try to navigate changing regulations, varying COVID-19 comfort levels, and in-person/online hybrid models of ministry.
 
To help you navigate this situation, we at CYMT have put together a few options for you on what you can do based on your situation:

Use our guide (best for virtual, hybrid, and/or more “closed” areas due to COVID-19).  We’ve put together a five-day, customizable set of curriculum pieces that combine elements of both a summer camp and a youth week so that you can love your community no matter your COVID-19 crisis.
 
You can customize this resource to be used:

• in-person while socially distancing
• online
• as a combination of in-person and online lessons
• as a spring and/or summer youth camp
• as a weekly curriculum, spread out over five weeks

 
Go on a CSM trip (best for in-person trips).  If you want to follow the latest and most up-to-date safety regulations but still have an in-person, face-to-face ministry trip, we suggest going with our strategic ministry partner, CSM, on one of their trips. These trips use our Theology Together curriculum and give youth and youth leaders an opportunity to serve our country’s urban areas while also providing the language and space to engage with theological truths. If you’d like to learn more about their COVID-19 safety precautions, call them at 267-928-2620 or email them at info@csm.org.
 
Mission Discovery (best for international trips).   Mission Discovery has been an exhibitor with CYMT at our last two Cultivate:  A Thoughtful Conversation events. They have multiple national and international trips planned for this year. Mission Discovery’s purpose is to “serve Jesus Christ by mobilizing believers to meet the physical and spiritual needs of a hurting world.” They want to “be the hands and feet of Jesus and meet the physical and spiritual needs of people all around the world.” Whether you are looking for a mission trip for your church, school, nonprofit, etc., or want to join as an individual or family, they offer various opportunities.
 
We hope you found this post helpful and that it will serve you well as you attempt to give your students serving opportunities this summer in a safe and respectful environment. If you have any questions about these resources or wish to learn more, please email us at resources@cymt.org. (We do not partner directly with Mission Discovery – please reach out to them for any questions regarding their trips or services.)