Switzerland Trip Leadership
Each summer, Teen Missions trains and sends out teens and preteens to different projects on mission trips all around the world. The work and ministries they are involved in are instrumental in bringing the Gospel to people and cultures worldwide. Each year, trip leaders sign up and lead the teams to their different projects. These leaders faithfully commit themselves to working alongside the teenagers. The leaders take them to their countries of service, care for them, and help develop the spiritual growth and wisdom of each teenager. The ministry of Teen Missions would not be able to continue without the support and faithfulness of the willing leaders who take our summer teams across the world.
What are the Requirements of a Trip Leader?
A trip leader is an ordinary person with a desire to work with teens, preteens or kids. Each leader should have an interest in missions, a commitment to God’s service, and, most important, a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Leaders are required to be 20 years of age (former team members must be 18 and recommended by their leaders). Leaders need to turn in six recommendations (including one from a pastor or church board), and a criminal background check (required by Florida State Law). All of the necessary forms are provided by Teen Missions.
What are the Responsibilities of a Teen Missions Leader?
All of the Leaders are responsible for the health, safety, spiritual growth, discipline, and unity of the team. The lady Leaders are responsible for meal planning and preparation for the team. The male Leaders are in charge of the work project or the evangelistic outreach. Each of the leaders work together to provide the teenagers with everything they need for spiritual growth.
Is there specific training required to be a Leader?
Potential leaders must attend a Teen Missions Leader Training Seminar. Each year, seminars are held throughout the United States and Canada, and all are welcome to participate. These seminars offer specialized training to prepare each leader for the upcoming summer. The seminar covers Teen Missions’ policies, training materials, leading youth, team unity, basic construction, cooking, evangelism and practical ideas and skills for your team. This seminar will prepare you for an adventurous and rewarding summer.
Leader Seminar Cost:
- $69 seminar cost + $30 registration fee – single
- $138 seminar cost + $30 registration fee – couple
Most seminars will begin Thursday, at 6:00 p.m., and end Sunday at 1:00 p.m. Food and lodging is included in the seminar cost, and there is no childcare available. Attendance at this seminar in no way obligates either the participant or Teen Missions.
What is the time involvement?
- Teen Trips 8—9 weeks (ages 13-20)
- Preteen Trips 7 weeks (ages 10-13)
- Peanut Kids Camp 2 weeks (ages 7-9)
- Mustard Seed Kids Camp 4 days (ages 4-6)
Leaders and team members are required to attend the Lord’s Boot Camp in Merritt Island, Florida. This training equips the team, preparing them for the conditions of the mission field. Following Boot Camp, the teams travel overseas to their different projects. Some of the projects could be construction of a church, orphanage or school. Some of the evangelism projects could be skateboard outreach, puppets, drama or musical choirs. Specialized training for each team is provided at Boot Camp, depending on the project. Following completion of their projects, Following completion of their projects, the team will attend debrief at the Teen Missions Conference Center facilities. After debrief, Teen Missions provides transportation to the Orlando International Airport.
How much does it cost?
The involvement cost for leaders is offered at a discounted rate. The amount taken off of the price is dependent upon the Leadership position and the field of service. Please contact the Leader Placement Department at the Teen Missions base in Florida for specifics. Teen Missions provides prayer cards and support letters to help raise prayer and financial support. These are sent out after you have accepted your Team Leader assignment.
Can I bring my children?
Yes! Children younger than the age of the group you are leading qualify as leader children. Their cost is based on airfare, food, and surface travel costs. Prayer cards and support letters are provided to help raise the cost of the children going on the team. If your child is in the age group of your team, he or she will be classified as a team member and must raise the total team member cost as listed in the Teen Missions brochure.
Anything else I need to know?
Leaders are an important part of Teen Missions, and we remain grateful to everyone willing to donate their time to lead one of our teams. We give glory to God for the work that He has accomplished in the past summers here, and we look forward to see how He will provide for the upcoming ones.