Service Adventure is Mission Network’s voluntary service program for young adults, ages 17-20.
Through a 10-month service term — approximately August-July — participants live together in a unit house, along with unit leaders, sharing joys and challenges, meals and adventures, all with the support of a host congregation. Each participant serves with a local nonprofit agency during the week. A local church congregation supports the unit, inviting participants to worship together, engage in small groups, and join in potlucks, picnics and home-cooked dinners, too!
Service Adventure units can be found across the United States (link to placements)! Each unit house is part of a local community, with neighbors, a supporting church, service placements, and a lot to see and do!
During your time with Service Adventure, all your basic needs will be met through the program. Service Adventure is a voluntary service program, and while you will serve in a position with a non-profit, you will not earn a wage like a typical job. Food, housing and transportation are all provided through the program itself. A modest monthly stipend is also provided for you to use how you choose.
The Service Adventure program provides a time in the lives of participants to engage in service and community living without worrying about paying for rent or groceries. This is a time to focus on investing in yourself as a whole person, growing spiritually, socially and emotionally, without being defined by the money you make or spend.
We want Service Adventure to be an option for everyone who wants to participate, regardless of their economic reality.
We request a donation of $4,000 from your home community to help support you while you participate in Service Adventure. Many of our participants fundraise to gather this money, but you won’t do it alone. Service Adventure will help you partner with an advocate from your community, to help you find ways to raise the funds you need.
Don’t let the $4,000 discourage you from applying to Service Adventure! There are many ways to fill this requirement, and we will find a way for you to participate in the program.
Service Adventure has a wide variety of positions available, including working with children or seniors, construction work with Habitat for Humanity, office assistance, more. Mission Network is committed to working with you to find a community and placement that fits you and supports the ministries of our partner churches. If you come with a desire to serve, we’re confident we can find a position that suits your interests and abilities.
Every college is different, but in most cases, colleges are more than willing to hold your scholarship while you do a gap year. In fact, your Service Adventure gap year may be eligible for college credit! Check with your college registrar for details.
Applications are accepted September 1 through January 31. Occasionally, we can accept applications outside this period depending on placement availability, but we recommend you sign up by Jan. 31 to get your top choice.
Service Adventure
- Ages 17-20