Youth Venture is a short-term service, learning and discipleship program for individuals ages 15–22. For two to three weeks in the summer, teams will join together to actively explore and engage in God’s work in the world. By partnering with and working alongside local faith communities, we learn from them and discover how we, too, can be lifelong partners of God’s healing and hope.
Depending on the location, you will stay with host families or in guest houses.
Participants are asked to raise $1,700 – $3,000 to cover the cost of orientation, travel to the assignment, in-country travel, lodging and food. Participants will need additional funds to cover their health insurance, immunizations, passport, and travel to the departure city.
Applications are accepted November 1 through January 31. Occasionally, we can accept applications outside this period depending on placement availability.
Location updates are published on the Youth Venture webpage around November 1. This is the best time to consider where you want to serve – and a good time to apply, before the locations are full.
Not speaking the language may add a challenge, but it will also give you an opportunity to learn a new language!
Of course!
Our groups are limited to 6-10 people so as to not overwhelm or burden the hosting community. If your group is within this range, we’re open to conversation about this.
We encourage you to travel with your team; however, there are occasions when an applicant may want to stay longer than the rest of the team. It’s an option, but it will need to be discussed with the Youth Venture director on a case-by-case basis.
Applicants complete an online application, provide three references and participate in a short interview.
It’s normal to get homesick! The first few days are a whirlwind of excitement and new experiences, and it can feel overwhelming. That’s why the team experience is so important. Your leaders and teammates understand what you’re feeling and are a community of support for you.
Leaders encourage spiritual and personal growth, communicate effectively with local leaders, challenge participants, and manage the team schedule and budget.
We look for individuals with cross-cultural experience and strong leadership skills, who are at least 22 years old for domestic teams and at least 24 for international trips. As a leader, all of your expenses will be covered as you will be volunteering your time and skills to this challenging and rewarding experience.
You can apply for Youth Venture leadership online or contact us to learn more about expectations and openings.
Youth Venture
- Ages 15-22