Why We’re Making a Couple Changes in 2016

Have you ever found that you do the same things the same way over and over and over again? Do you ever stop and ask yourself, “Why am I doing it this way? Is this the best? Is there a better way?”

These are the questions we are constantly asking ourselves at YouthWorks. Mission trips have been our thing for over 20 years, and there are some areas that have just continued to be the same. But we think there might be a better way. So, this summer we are going to try some new things.

First, we’re changing Club. Don’t get us wrong – we have loved Club over the years! Some of our favorite memories are of silly skits and outrageous games. But we’ve recognized that trends in youth ministry have moved along without us. For example, we know that teenagers desire the space to be involved in deeper conversations more often. Attention spans continue to shrink, and media can sometimes be used as a tool to help communicate valuable messages. So – because we desire to do quality youth ministry – we’re doing a few things differently.

We know we have a responsibility for what thousands of teenagers hear about Jesus while on a YouthWorks trip. We want that message to be both clear and captivating. So this summer, the large group gathering in the evenings will feel a bit different. Teenagers will have the chance to interact with this summer’s theme of First Love beyond simply hearing a talk. As we’ve listened to Trip Leaders over the years, they have expressed that Club Talks are sometimes more of a hindrance than a help in meaningfully connecting students to the mission trip experience.

This summer, our staff will facilitate students’ engagement with the theme and process their trip experiences through videos and discussion groups. During three nights of the trip, teenagers will watch a short video created by YouthWorks that prompts further conversation around the summer’s theme. During two nights of the trip, students and adult leaders will come together in small groups to discuss the theme and how it connects with their lives. (Provided discussion packets will help guide conversation and will have different content than Church Group Time Guides.) Although there will no longer be Club talks, we know church groups value hearing about the faith journeys of our staff members; that’s why we will continue to encourage staff to share their own stories as part of the week’s programming. We believe these changes will increase the quality of students’ experiences and help them connect with Jesus and each other on a deeper level.

We also know that mission trips are tiring. Really tiring. We’ve read the evaluations and heard your desire for more space in the schedule. Beginning this summer, most (not all) YouthWorks sites will offer an option night during the week. One night during the trip there will be no scheduled activities after 7 p.m. Churches can relax on-site or choose to explore the community on their own. The goal is to create space so teenagers (and adults!) can be engaged in what God has for them on their trip.

Ultimately, we want students to be able to dig deep into their mission trip experience. We think that happens when they can make crucial connections with how a service experience connects with their relationship with Jesus and with their day-to-day life back home. That’s why we create great curriculum and content to accompany incredible trips. And while we love looking back at where we’ve been, we are excited about where we’re heading. That’s why we continue to ask, “What’s next?” as we strive to provide life-changing Christ-centered mission trips.

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Before Mara Amiot  became the Executive Director of YouthWorks she served in many different leadership roles over her 10+ years at the organization. She has a strong desire for YouthWorks to deepen relationships with mission trip communities year-round as we continue to challenge teenagers to find Jesus through meaningful service. Mara is an avid learner and can often be found reading, running or spending time with friends, family and her husband Lee.