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Why is a Youth Unlimited different from other Programs?
Founded in 1919, Youth Unlimited has been hosting mission trips through local churches and organizations for OVER 20 YEARS. Let our experience and long-standing commitment help you challenge your youth to transform this world for Christ. We encourage you to move beyond thinking of a short-term mission trip as a one-time service “event” and recognize that it’s part of your long term strategy for teaching young people about social justice, missional living, and God’s heart for the community you’ll be serving and your community at home. We offer and ALL INCLUSIVE, memorable, life changing experience.

What is SERVE and ENCOUNTER?
The Youth Unlimited Missions Program is a multi-step progression of mission trip experiences, starting with SERVE and moving toward ENCOUNTER. These missions challenge youth through service opportunities and worship, to grow in their faith and discover how they can make a difference in the world. Each step meets participants where they’re at in their faith journey. Choose the one that best fits!

(To see photos from last year's sites, click HERE)

1 Week SERVE
FOR: those who have a desire to help others and discover who God is.
WHAT: Hands-on service
Activities may include: home construction and repair, painting, cleaning, meal preparation, working with children and more.
WHO: Groups or Individuals
Groups must send at least one adult (21 years or older) for every five teens from your group.
To facilitate strong team-building and new relationships, groups of 10 or more should divide between two or more SERVE sites. Some sites are limited to individuals and groups of 15 or less only. See site descriptions for details.
AGE REQUIREMENTS BY 7/1/2009:
High School SERVE - Ages 14-20, or you have completed grade 8. NOTE: There are some exceptions. See list of locations for details.
Middle School SERVE - Ages 12-14, or you have completed grade 6.
Special Needs SERVE - Ages 14-26, with special needs that cannot be accommodated on a traditional SERVE experience.

1 Week ENCOUNTER
FOR: those who want to experience further growth in faith, develop student leadership skills, and learn how to share their faith.
Many 1-week ENCOUNTERs run concurrently with a 1-week SERVE.
WHAT: People-oriented service
Activities may include: assisting with special-needs individuals, volunteering at sports and Bible camps, street ministry and more.
WHO: Individuals.
AGE REQUIREMENTS BY 7/1/2009:
Ages 14-20, or you have completed grade 8.

2+ Week ENCOUNTER
FOR: those who want to learn and use leadership skills in what God is calling them to do.
WHAT: engaging with people in ministry
Activities may include: teaching Bible school or English, inner-city or rural community development, new church planting and more.
WHO: Individuals
AGE REQUIREMENTS BY 7/1/2009:
Ages 14-24, or have completed grade 8.

And Beyond: Missions after SERVE and ENCOUNTER
Additional Mission Opportunities, see site locations for more information and application deadlines.
Through our partners at Christian Reformed World Missions, college-aged students, have the opportunity to serve alongside missionaries around the world as part of the Summer Missions Program.
Through our partners at Calvin Theological Seminary, students in grade 11 and 12 can embark on an imaginitive exploration of ministry, theology and discerning God's call in your life through the Facing Your Future experience.