What is the difference between Teen Missions and other short-term opportunities?
Experience: Teen Missions is a pioneer of the concept of providing short-term missions experience for teens. The first teams went out in 1971 and since that time over 50,000 North American youth and an additional 80,000 national youth have assisted with a variety of evangelistic and building projects with over 200 established missions in over 110 countries.
The Lord’s Boot Camp: Teen Missions’ rugged 200+ acre training facility is no “pamper camp”. Young missionaries learn teamwork on the Obstacle Course and experience each training activity as a team. Training in basic construction, evangelism, music, drama, and spiritual and practical survival skills is required. Specialty teams receive focused training using drama, choir, clowning, motorcycle, TESL (Teaching English as a Second Language), audiovisuals (film teams), sports and/or medical missions. Some teams may receive additional cultural training for travel to sensitive countries and/or cultures.
Diversity: Teen Missions is one of the few organizations that is truly interdenominational, having worked with hundreds of church denominations and mission boards. Our staff, from many different backgrounds, works in unity for one purpose. We offer a variety of summer teams to nearly every continent. Projects range from work teams building airstrips, orphanages, and churches to evangelism teams sharing Christ using film, music, puppets, and drama. Our teams have traveled using mission planes, local transportation, horseback, backpack (foot), dirt bikes, riverboats, and more.
Sojourners School of Ministry: Teen Missions offers a unique opportunity for FREE Bible, missions, and work training to former team members at its three-year Bible school (two years of classes and one-year internship). In the mornings, students attend classes; and in the afternoons, they gain practical experience and fill key missionary positions in Teen Missions' worldwide ministries at the Florida headquarters. Students complete their Bible training having gained practical missions experience and being prepared for immediate placement in full-time ministry without acquiring any debt.
Impact in Assisting Overseas Mission Efforts: Project time on the field (for teens) runs for four to five weeks, allowing many work teams to complete significant projects. Two hundred dollars of each North American teen team member’s support cost ($100 Preteen) is built in to donate to the host mission overseas to buy building materials. A portion of each team member’s support is used to help sponsor a national teen in an overseas Boot Camp. Each team member is truly making a difference as a summer missionary through work, evangelism, and financial support for local ministries and training.
What is the doctrinal statement of Teen Missions?
We believe the Bible to be the inspired, the only infallible and authoritative Word of God inerrant in its original documents.
(2 Timothy 3:16, 2 Peter 1:20-21, John 20:31, Psalms 119, Matthew 5:18)
We believe that there is one God, eternally existent in the three persons: The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
(1 Corinthians 8:6, 2 Cor 3:17, 2 Corinthians 13:14, Colossians 2:9, Isaiah 9:6, Luke 3:21-22, 1 Peter 1:1-2)
We believe in the Deity of our Lord Jesus Christ, in His virgin birth, in His sinless life, in His miracles, in His vicarious and atoning death through His shed blood and His bodily resurrection, in His ascension to the right hand of the Father, and His tangible return in power and glory.
(Isaiah 7:14, Luke 1:35, Matthew 1:20, John 1:1,14, John 5:8, John 8:58, Exodus 3:14, John 10:30-33, John 20:28, Colossians 2:9, Philippians 2:5-8 Hebrews 1:8, 1 Peter 2:22, 2 Corinthians 5:21, 1 John 3:5, Hebrews 9:14, 1 Peter 1:19, 1 John 2:2, Luke 24:6-7, Mark 16:6, 1 Peter 1:3, John 11:25-26, Acts 1:9-11, 1 Thessalonians 4:16- 17, Hebrews 9:28)
We believe that for the salvation of lost and sinful man, regeneration by the Holy Spirit is essential.
(John 3:3, Ephesians 2:1, Colossians 2:13, John 1:12-13, Titus 3:5, Acts 2:38-39)
We believe in the present ministry of the Holy Spirit by whose indwelling the Christian is enabled to live a Godly life.
(Acts 2:38-39, 1 Corinthians 3:16, 1 Corinthians 6:19, Ezekiel 36:27, 2 Timothy 1:14, Ephesians 5:18, Romans 8:11, Galatians 5:18, Zechariah 4:6)
We believe in the resurrection of the body of the saved and lost — they that are saved unto the resurrection of life and they that are lost unto the resurrection of damnation.
(Dan 12:2, John 5:28-29, Revelation 20:12-13, 1 Corinthians 15:52, 1 Thessalonians 4:16, Acts 24:15, 1 Corinthians 15:35-44)
We believe in the spiritual unity of believers in Christ.
(1 Corinthians 1:10, Ephesians 4:11-13, Colossians 3:13-14, John 17:23, Psalms 133:1)
What is Teen Missions' Policy on doctrine?
Teen Missions does not discuss or teach the doctrines that divide the body of believers. Teens asking questions of specific doctrinal issues are directed to their parents and/or pastors. Doctrines included in Teen Missions' doctrinal statement are taught.
Is Teen Missions affiliated with any specific denomination?
No. Teen Missions is not a denomination, but is interdenominational. Teen Missions' staff, leaders, and team members come from a wide range of evangelical denominations.
How old do I have to be to go on a team?
Preteen Trips 10-12 yrs
Teen Trips 13+ yrs
Adult Trips 18+ yrs
The summer trip program has three main parts:
| Boot Camp | Spiritual and Practical summer trip training in Florida | (Approx. 2 wks) |
| Project | Work and/or Evangelism Project overseas | (Approx. 3-4 wks) |
| Debrief | Teams reunite and prepare for going home. | (Approx. 4 days) |
Is Teen Missions a ‘behavioral Boot Camp’ for troubled youth?
The short answer is “No”.Historically, we have emphasized that we are ‘building teens, not buildings as our primary focus and calling as a ministry. For this reason, we have avoided ‘screening’ team members. With the unique length of our Boot Camp training, Teen Missions is afforded an ‘up close’ opportunity to evaluate each team member before actually heading to the final project destination. During this period, we have seen true miracles in countless young lives and members have come forward in rallies to confess sin, receive Christ and commit to walking according to His Word. Many of these testimonies came from the least likely teens. The Good Shepherd himself will ‘leave the 99’ in a search for the ‘lost one’.
At the same time, we realize that there has been an increase in the trend by some parents to ‘use’ the Teen Missions program as a ‘last resort’ behavioral Boot Camp for troubled teens who might not even wish to attend our program. Teen Missions and its leaders will do everything possible NOT to allow a rebellious teen to destroy the experience or testimony of their team. We as a ministry will do all we can to proclaim God’s Word and give our best love and care to every team member. In the end, however, we will be proactive and willing to send home any team member from Boot Camp or from a foreign field (at the parents’ expense) who resists the efforts of team leadership to counsel and lead them according to Teen Missions policies.
Do I need a passport?
All team members and leaders that depart the United States on teams are required to have a valid passport.
Can I get extra prayer cards and letters?
Team leaders and members can order extra support letters and prayer cards at a cost of $5 USD per 100 support letters and $10 USD per 100 prayer cards.
Can I bring a Devotional?
Teen Missions will provide you a devotional geared to your Boot Camp and field experience. However, you can also bring a devotional of your choice.
What is the Lord's Boot Camp?
The Lord's Boot Camp (called this because everyone is required to wear work boots) is Teen Missions rugged 200+ acre training facility. Young missionaries learn teamwork on the Obstacle Course and experience each training activity as a team. Training in basic construction, evangelism, music, drama, and spiritual and practical survival skills is required. Specialty teams receive focused training including choir, eye-glass, motorcycle, TESL (Teaching English as a Second Language), audiovisual (film teams), and cultural training for sensitive countries.
Why Boots?
For safety reasons, six-inch construction boots are required for all team members and leaders through the duration of the team. Besides the obvious safety advantages for a work project site and rugged terrain, these boots protect against disease caused by human and animal waste found on and in the ground because of a lack of toilet facilities in many third-world countries.
Do I have to live in a tent?
All team members live in tents during Boot Camp. Once on the mission field, living situations will differ depending on the available accommodations at each particular project site.
What is the purpose of the Obstacle Course?
A timed Obstacle Course is used to build character, unify a team, and to teach them how to work together.
Do I have to run the Obstacle Course?
All team members are required to participate in the Obstacle Course to the best of their ability. In the case of a medical condition, a doctor's excuse is required to be excused from doing the obstacles. Team members will walk the course so they will be involved as much as possible with the rest of the team.
What is Debrief?
Just as it is important to train youth at Boot Camp for their mission trip experience, it is equally important to train them to go home after a summer of missionary service for the Lord. Teams gather for three to four days of blessing, fellowship, and classes. There are sessions on how to come down from a spiritually high mountain and how to get involved in the local church and youth groups at home. There are classes on how to share about your summer missions trip with tips on arranging a multi-media presentation. Each team will report what God has done during their exciting summer of service. There will be one day for sightseeing and shopping. Team involvement requires that all team members sign a statement that they will stay through the duration of Debrief. Exceptions for leaving prior to completion are not made... even for college students. It would be best not to sign up for a summer mission trip if you are unable to stay for the total dates listed in the brochure. SORRY, NO EXCEPTIONS FOR LEAVING EARLY! Housing and all classes will be held in the air-conditioned Teen Missions Conference Center facilities. Delicious meals will be prepared by staff and volunteers and will include UFOs (unidentified floating objects) in your drinks—ICE! One afternoon the entire Debrief will go to Cocoa Beach, where you will be able to walk on Florida's sandy beaches, swim and enjoy a picnic. There will also be time to shop at the world-famous Ron Jon Surf Shop™ in Cocoa Beach. There will be time to renew friendships made at Boot Camp as you share your summer experiences with one another. After Debrief, Teen Missions provides transportation to the Orlando International Airport. Book your transportation home arrangements between 9 AM and 3 PM from the Orlando International Airport on your “Go Home” day.What about Special Diets and Medications?
Any special medications or diet restrictions are reported to Teen Missions on the Health Status Forms. Appropriate measures are taken by the team leader to ensure the proper care of each team member while under their care. Medical conditions are reported to Teen Missions during the registration process and occasionally may limit mission trip choices to destinations that allow for suitable care.
What happens in the event of political unrest, natural disaster or other safety issues while the team is overseas?
Teen Missions monitors all the locations of teams and is in communication with the missionaries on location overseas. In the event of any political unrest, natural disaster, or other safety issues arising, Teen Missions has in the past, and may again, change the project for a team, or transfer a team from its project to another site. We will do whatever is necessary to ensure, to the best of our ability, the safety and success of each team member, leader, and team.
What is done in the case of serious illness or injury?
At Boot Camp, a First Aid Station is manned 24 hours a day. There are two hospitals within 10 miles of Boot Camp. While on the field, if a team member is sick for more than 24 hours, they will visit a doctor, clinic, or whatever medical facility is available to be seen by a health-care worker. The location of these medical facilities and doctors is determined in advance so that no time is wasted in getting team members proper care.
Will I receive news updates?
Upon safe arrival at the Lord’s Boot Camp, each team member is required to send a postcard home. Photos of Boot Camp training are posted regularly on our Facebook page and nightly rallies in the Big Top are broadcast live as a webcast each evening. Two reports are posted to our website each week (as logistics allow) while each team is on the foreign field. Team members are permitted one phone call home (time permitting) prior to departure overseas and upon return to the USA before the beginning of Debrief.
Can I send my child care packages?
Packages are NOT allowed to be mailed to the team member at Boot Camp, during project time or at Debrief. This includes Commissioning Day packages. Many times the food cannot be consumed before the team member leaves and it goes to waste.
We ask that in lieu of Commissioning Day packages, you send your team member a “Congratulations” card with cash or a gift card inside so they can buy goodies at the airports.
If you will be coming for Commissioning, you may bring drinks and goodies. If you will be visiting the day before Commissioning, then you can check with the leader for suggestions on what may be needed. The leaders will not be allowed to make phone calls or send e-mails concerning this.
No care packages are to be sent to team members while on any part of their summer team. In many cases, packages sent to team members arrive after the team has left, and it becomes the responsibility of the full-time missionary on the field to pay for any customs and taxes that the country charges out of his or her own finances. In most countries, packages cannot be returned to sender and MUST be claimed by the missionary.
Can I Volunteer during the Boot Camp Training?
Absolutely! Please visit our volunteer page for details.
Can I visit during the Boot Camp Training?
There is limited access during Boot Camp training. Commissioning Day (last day of Boot Camp) is open to the public. Follow the link below for more details.
Does each check need a coupon to accompany it?
Yes, this simplifies the process the Finance Department will have in entering the check to each team member's account, and for proofing their work.
How do I raise support?
After registering, each team member receives a support packet with support letters and prayer cards to be used in raising your Project Expense. These letters and prayer cards are designed to give your supporters relevant information of Teen Missions and the team you are going on. Make a list of family, friends, church members and others who would be potential supporters. Send each person on the list a support letter and prayer card.
How are the funds I raise spent?
The Project Expenses that team members raise are dispersed by Teen Missions to cover the expenses of the team transportation, food, building supplies and operational expenses.
What is the financial deadline for Team Members?
There are a number of deadlines that we suggest team members aim for:
30 Day Deadline: Thirty days after receiving your support packet, team leaders and members should have their first $300, and paperwork turned into the Teen Missions' office.
Halfway Deadline: Halfway between your registration date and May 1, half of your support should be turned in.
May 1: All of your Project Expense should be in for Teen Boot Camp
May 15: All of your Project Expense should be in for Preteen Boot Camp
Can I pay by credit card? Online?
YES, Go to our Give Page for more information.
What happens if I don't raise enough funds?
You will need to call the Teen Missions office to see whether it is possible to switch to a less expensive team for which you have sufficient funds. There are also change fees to cover administrative costs and possible airline penalties.
