mission trip 2024

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International

Mission Trips

Looking for short-term mission trips with everything organized for you? Every year, International Volunteer HQ supports more than 15,000 people to volunteer abroad on mission trips in 40+ countries around the world. Since 2007, IVHQ has helped more than 142,000 volunteers complete mission trips to Africa , Asia , Europe , South America , Central America , North America , the Caribbean , Middle East , and the Pacific .

IVHQ offers safe, social and fully-supported mission trips for teens , college students , families and individuals at any stage of life, as well as for those seeking summer mission trips and medical mission trips . With long-term and short-term mission trips starting at just $20/day including accommodation, meals and 24/7 in-country support, IVHQ is the world’s leading mission trip organization.

IVHQ offers both short-term and long-term mission trips with durations ranging from 1 to 24 weeks. Through IVHQ, you can choose from a diverse range of volunteer projects to support, inclduing: childcare volunteering , wildlife conservation , environmental conservation , medical volunteering , teaching abroad , and much more. These international volunteer opportunities enable you to support locally-driven projects that uplift under-resourced communities around the world.

If you’re looking to join a mission trip in 2024 or 2025, we’ve outlined IVHQ’s most popular types of mission trips and all the information you need to know to find your perfect mission.

What is a mission trip?

A mission trip is an international volunteering opportunity centered around collaborative efforts with local communities to provide essential support where it is most needed. These trips can be either religious or non-religious in nature, aiming to uplift individuals, local communities, and natural environments across the globe. IVHQ offers inclusive volunteer abroad programs that welcome participants of all ages and life stages.

Through IVHQ’s diverse range of mission trips , individuals can make a tangible impact while fostering new friendships, discovering diverse cultures, and broadening their horizons—all while contributing to the well-being of those who require assistance the most.

Why do people go on mission trips?

Mission trips are a popular way to combine your desire to travel and see with world with your motivation to give back and make a difference in the world. While some people see mission trips as an opportunity to put their faith into action, others go on mission trips for a variety of non-religious reasons, including:

To make a difference: Many people go on mission trips make a positive impact in the world through providing support to communities in a range of different ways. This could involve volunteering to teach English , building schools or homes , providing medical care , volunteering with animals or supporting environmental conservation .

To gain a new perspective: Traveling to a new country and immersing yourself in a different culture can be a life-changing and transformative experience. Mission trips allow you to see the world with fresh eyes and gain a better understanding of different cultures and ways of life.

To meet new people: Mission trips offer an opportunity to connect with people from all around the world. International volunteers work together towards a common goal, often forming life-long friendships and connections along the way.

To get out of your comfort zone : Mission trips are an opportunity to discover a new sense of purpose by stepping out of your comfort zone, discovering new countries and cultures, and living like the locals. This can be equally challenging and rewarding! Taking a mission trip is an opportunity to growth as person, discover your strengths and weaknesses and redefine your purpose in life.

While people go on mission trips for a variety of reasons, at the heart of it is a desire to make a positive impact on the world, connect with others and build a better future together.

I recently returned from a mission trip to Sri Lanka and it was everything I dreamt it would be. I lived with a family in the jungle next to the longest river in the country, volunteering in a disabled childcare center. I was so happy with the project and had a wonderful - and sometimes challenging - experience. I would recommend this mission trip to anyone who wants to travel alone.

How much does it cost to go on a mission trip?

The cost of going on a mission trip varies depending on the destination and duration of the trip. IVHQ makes mission trips accessible to volunteers worldwide through affordable volunteer program fees and flexible durations.

For example, the cost of a 2-week mission trip with IVHQ to Tanzania is US$415, while a 4-week trip to India is US$585. These costs cover accommodation, meals, airport pick-up, and in-country support from IVHQ’s local team.

Additional costs that volunteers need to consider include the IVHQ registration fee , airfares, travel insurance, and any necessary visas or vaccinations. However, IVHQ provides detailed information and support to help volunteers prepare for their mission trip and manage these additional costs.

It’s worth noting that IVHQ also offers a range of fundraising ideas and resources to help volunteers cover the costs of their trip. For example, volunteers can create a fundraising page via IVHQ’s fundraising partner and share it with friends and family to collect donations.

IVHQ’s fees are transparent and inclusive, making it easy for volunteers to plan and budget for their trip without breaking the bank.

Why do a mission trip with IVHQ?

If you’re looking to join a mission trip, you likely have a social or environmental cause in mind that you’d like to contribute to. Just as you place importance on the program you join, it’s equally as important to choose a responsible mission trip organization.

At IVHQ, we believe that mission trips should contribute positively towards society. Environmental and social impact has always been at the heart of what we do, which is why we’ve undergone rigorous assessment to become a Certified B Corporation , holding us to the highest ethical standards. We’re also the first and only global volunteer travel provider to declare a Climate Emergency and our operations are certified as 100% carbon neutral.

With a B Corp stamp of approval , Program Fees starting at just $20/day including accommodation, and more than 17 years of experience , IVHQ is proud to be the mission trip organization of choice for thousands of individuals and groups looking to take a meaningful mission trip in 2024 & 2025.

Best mission trip opportunities across the globe

IVHQ offers a range of meaningful volunteer programs in Tanzania, Zambia, Victoria Falls, Madagascar, Ghana, Kenya, South Africa, Morocco, Zanzibar, Namibia, Botswana and Malawi. Explore Africa’s beauty while conserving endangered wildlife or giving back to local communities in need.

Available in 13 countries

IVHQ offers volunteer programs in 15 incredible destinations across Asia, including Bali, Cambodia, China, India, Laos, Nepal, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Vietnam. Discover new cultures and play a hands-on role in supporting local social and environmental projects.

Available in 12 countries

North America

Join a volunteer program in Mexico or the USA and choose from a range of meaningful projects, from Childcare and Teaching to Animal Care and Environmental Sustainability. IVHQ’s North American volunteer opportunities are based in New Orleans, or in Merida, Mexico.

Available in 2 countries

Central America

Based in the popular destinations of Costa Rica and Guatemala, IVHQ offers a range of impactful volunteer programs in Central America. Support community initiatives, work alongside locals and embrace unique cultural traditions for up to 24 weeks.

South America

IVHQ’s volunteer trips to South America are based in iconic Latin American locations across Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru. With unique opportunities in Teaching, Construction, Wildlife Conservation, Medical, Amazon Jungle Conservation, and more, there’s something to suit every volunteer!

Available in 6 countries

IVHQ’s Caribbean volunteer opportunities are based in and around the stunning islands of Jamaica, Belize, Trinidad and Tobago, and Puerto Rico. Give back to the local community through Teaching, Marine Conservation, Childcare, Animal Care and other impact led volunteer projects.

Available in 4 countries

Discover Europe’s rich culture and history on a volunteer program in Portugal, Spain, Italy, Greece, Romania or Croatia. Choose from a range of meaningful projects including Wolf Conservation, Youth Support, Teaching, Childcare, Special Needs Support, Environmental Scuba Diving and more.

Middle East

Explore the Middle East on a volunteer trip to Jordan. Choose from a range of community projects such as Youth Support, Women’s Education, Teaching and more. When you’re not giving back, you can explore the Middle East’s unique culture through our exhilarating tours and add-ons.

Available in 1 country

Experience the vibrant culture and welcoming communities of the Pacific on a volunteer trip with IVHQ. Choose from a range of life-enriching programs, from preserving the Great Barrier Reef in Australia and coastal waterways in New Zealand to teaching on the beautiful island of Fiji.

Available in 3 countries

Find the best mission trip for you

• Teens & High School Students
• College Students
• Summer Trips

Mission trips for teens & high school students

Joining a mission trip is one of the best ways to step outside of your comfort zone, gain new perspective and give back to communities in need. IVHQ offers a range of mission trips for high school students and teens , meaning you don’t need to be 18 to go abroad and make a difference.

Since 2007, IVHQ has supported thousands of young people to volunteer around the world on our youth mission trips. More than 20% of our volunteers are under 20, so we know a thing or two about providing life-changing, reliable travel experiences for young explorers.

We offer safe and affordable volunteer opportunities for teens and high school students in 17 destinations around the globe. Learn more about how to join a mission trip for under 18s .

Top mission trips for teens & high school students:

Volunteer in costa rica.

Volunteer in Guatemala

Volunteer in Tanzania

Mission trips for college students

Today’s student demographic is more progressive than ever before. That’s why student mission trips have become a popular alternative to studying abroad. Instead of studying abroad, many are opting for a more meaningful form of international travel - one that is regenerative and makes a positive impact on local communities.

IVHQ offers mission trips for college students in more than 40 countries around the world. Our mission trips to Africa are particularly popular amongst students. With fees starting at just US$20 per day, our low-cost mission trips are an affordable way for students and young professionals to discover a new country and gain a global perspective while making the world a better place.

When you go on a mission trip with IVHQ, you also have the opportunity to gain academic credit while you volunteer from as little as US$599 for 5 credits - making a super affordable alternative to studying abroad!

Top mission trips for college students:

Volunteer in peru.

Volunteer in Victoria Falls

Volunteer in Zambia

Mission trips for families

Planning a family mission trip can be a challenge, especially if you’re trying to accommodate multiple age groups. IVHQ’s fully-hosted mission trips mean that you can get away and make a difference without having to coordinate and plan for the entire family. The best part? Lots of IVHQ programs offer private room and accommodation upgrades at a very affordable price!

If you have young children, IVHQ has great options that will give you quality time together while instilling the values of service. Family mission trip opportunities are available in Africa , Asia , Europe , Central America and South America .

Our team of Volunteer Travel Experts can provide you with personalized family mission trip recommendations to match your budget and the causes you care about. Learn more about how you can go on a mission trip as a family .

Top mission trips for families:

Volunteer in kenya.

Volunteer in Portugal

Best short-term mission trips

IVHQ offers short-term mission trips for 1 to 3 weeks in over 40 countries, starting at just $20 per day including accommodation . This means you can get away and experience a new culture without needing to take ample time away from your day-to-day priorities.

Our short-term mission trips are designed for those who want to maximize impact in a short period of time and are perfect for students and professionals who are looking to take an alternative break . With everything organized for you, including airport pickup and 24/7 in-country support, you can hit the ground running as soon as you arrive at your destination. Check out our top short-term mission trips for 2024 & 2025:

Top short-term mission trips:

Volunteer in croatia.

Volunteer in Ghana

Volunteer in Mexico

Best summer mission trips

Summer is one of the most popular times of year to go on a mission trip, allowing you to immerse yourself in a new culture and interact with locals while soaking up the sunshine. With time off from work and school, it’s the perfect opportunity to see the world and make a difference alongside like-minded people.

Whether you have a desire to volunteer abroad with animals or want to find a medical volunteer program , check out these top summer mission trips for 2024 & 2025 .

Top summer mission trips:

Volunteer in puerto rico.

Volunteer in South Africa

Volunteer in Zanzibar

Where do you want to go?

What do you want to do?

Everywhere Select all

• Galapagos Islands
• New Zealand
• Philippines
• Puerto Rico
• South Africa
• South Korea
• Trinidad and Tobago
• Victoria Falls
• Arts & Music
• Sea Turtle & Marine Conservation
• Wildlife & Animal Care
• Environment & Conservation
• Climate Action
• Medical & Health
• Special Needs Care
• Elderly Care
• Construction & Renovation
• Community Development
• Christmas Volunteering
• Teen Summer Camps
• Women's Empowerment
• NGO Support
• Refugee Support

How to get started

Still have questions? Let's talk!

We're here to answer all your questions so you feel 100% confident and ready for an unforgettable experience.

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Meaningful mission trips for everyone

Short-term mission trips to guatemala, jamaica, mexico, haiti, the us & much more….

FIND A MISSION TRIP

One week mission trips for youth groups, families, college students, adults, and everyone else., mission discovery trips, take a look.

Mission Discovery trips aim to help developing communities around the world. Teams of volunteers build homes for families in need, love on orphans, feed the hungry, clothe and educate school children, provide medical care and empower churches to bring hope to their communities.

MISSION TRIPS

Short-term mission trips focused on servanthood and discipleship., short term trips, long term impact, a lifetime of stories, 2024 and 2025 mission trips.

Most people who want to serve on a mission trip are overwhelmed by the planning. Mission Discovery makes it simple to serve others. Be the hands and feet of Jesus and meet the physical and spiritual needs of people all around the world. Whether you are looking for a mission trip for your church, school or other group, or you want to join a team as an individual or family, we offer a wide variety of ways to live out your faith. Read on to find your trip. CONTACT US if you need customized trip dates for your team.

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING

Stefan jones – mission group leader at little rock christian academy, bob lupton – author of toxic charity, mike hayhurst – father, family of five, donate to mission discovery, news & events.

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FamilyLife Mission Trips

Your family. on mission together., our goal is to help families:.

Learn where we’re going and apply today.

Why should your family  go on mission?

The old adage is true.

More is caught than taught..

What better way to disciple our children and fill them with a lifelong vision for walking with and serving Christ than by doing ministry together?  Not only that, but families will minister alongside other families, influencing each other’s kids to walk with Christ.

Our hope is to impact families who join us on mission to experience Jesus more deeply for themselves and for them to have greater impact for the Kingdom, wherever God has placed them.  Through devotions, training, and time together as a family, along with on the ground experiences, we believe your family will not only have an incredible time, but will also walk away equipped for life-long ministry.

Join us! Click here to see where we are going.

Not all mission trips make sense for all ages. Look up our trips based on your family’s current life stage.

EVERY MISSION MAKES AN IMPACT:

Let's trust the lord together.

Give your family a vision for walking with and serving Christ by doing ministry together with FamilyLife global missions.

Want more info? View our FAQs.

Upcoming Missions

Locations, suggested ages, and costs.

Couples Mission

Application Deadline: October 15

Part marriage conference, part mission trip, all awesome. You and your spouse will be strengthened in marriage through powerful and relevant discussions led by well-known speakers, and serving together by sharing the gospel and providing clean water with those who need both.

Stay tuned for our 2024-2025 missions, coming soon!!

Application deadline: September 30

You can bring clean drinking water and the gospel to families in desperate need of both. Filter of Hope trips are affordable, safe, and life-changing! In conjunction with FamilyLife, this mission trip will give space for your family to grow closer in oneness, provide ministry training, and see God at work in the world.

Part marriage conference, part mission trip, all awesome. You and your spouse will be strengthened in marriage through powerful messages from well-known speakers and have the opportunity to share the gospel while providing clean water with those who need both. All of this in beautiful, tropical mountainous surroundings.

You can bring clean drinking water and the gospel to families in desperate need of both. Filter of Hope trips are affordable, safe, and life-changing! In conjunction with FamilyLife, this mission trip will give space for your family to grow in oneness, provide ministry training and impact the world.

Application Deadline: April 24

You can bring clean drinking water and the gospel to families in desperate need of both in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic. Filter of Hope trips are affordable, safe, and life-changing! In conjunction with FamilyLife, this mission trip will give space for your family to grow in oneness, provide ministry training and impact the world.

Application Deadline: May 1

You can bring clean drinking water and the gospel to families in desperate need of both. Filter of Hope trips are affordable, safe, and life-changing! In conjunction with FamilyLife, this mission trip will give space for your family to grow in oneness, provide ministry training, and impact the world.

Application Deadline: April 1

Join FamilyLife’s mission to a country in northern Africa that is home to a wealth of Biblical history, where we will take part in serving our Christian brothers and sisters, coming alongside them to minister to refugees from nearby countries. This mission trip will give you opportunities to learn from the Christians there, build relationships with those whom we are seeking to share Christ, distribute water filters in underserved communities, invest in the spiritual growth of your family, and all while getting to experience much of the culture and history that this country has to offer.

During this mission we will spend time doing evangelistic outreach with the local church, encourage refugee families through a family camp, as well as explore some key historic locations. Your family will be equipped ahead of time with outreach training and coaching.

If you would like more information, please click the link below and send us a message where we can give you all the information you need. Spots are limited.

Imagine having people line up for hours to talk to you about how they can go to heaven…that’s what we’ll be a part of this summer in Ocean City, NJ! Bring your family to spend a week of your summer in one of America’s greatest beach destinations, getting great outreach training and having amazing gospel conversations with dozens and dozens of people ready to talk about God. We will also take a day to visit Philadelphia, both to serve a local ministry there and see some of the historical sites. Your family will be built up in your faith and grow closer together as you serve and have fun together in this beautiful town.

Cost includes housing, transportation during the week, breakfast and some dinners.

Ready to book?

More questions, view our faqs, fill out the form below and we will respond quickly..

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More than a Christian Mission Trip.

Come grow with god, love others, and make a difference in the world., world race mission trips, gap year mission trips, semesters mission trips, featured videos, world racer blogs, mission trip fundraising.

WHAT IS A WORLD RACE MISSION TRIP?

The World Race is a life-changing mission trip where you will learn to seek first the kingdom of God, so you can experience a deeper life with Jesus, live in authentic community, serve others and share the love of Jesus. Not just on this mission trip, but for the rest of your life.

“Through the World Race, everything that Christ talked about can be experienced every single day.” – Colleen Widmaier | World Race alumna

Get $350 in Free Merch

Take advantage of this limited time offer to get $350 worth of sweet World Race merchandise! There’s never been a better time to apply for the World Race! Sign up and commit to get your merch today!

A JOURNEY INTO A DEEPER LIFE.

Jesus took His disciples on a three-year journey of mission trips to prepare them to carry out His mission for the rest of their lives. In the same way, our desire is to prepare you to seek first the Kingdom of God for the rest of your life.

World Race Mission Trips Christian Outreach to Communities Around the Globe

You have a heart for the Gospel. We have opportunities designed to help you answer God’s call.

Ages: 21 – 30

Ages: 17 – 20

1 – 4 Months

Ages: 18 – 30

How to Partner with Us!

Select an Upcoming Trip

Train and Fundraise

See Reviews From Past Mission Trips

Shanan Zavocki

Through this program, I experienced enough outward encouragement to propel my inward desire forward, and I’ve learned more fully how much my walk with God is truly a relationship and not a routine. God used the World Race to change my life. And He could use it to change your life, too.

Drew Davidson

I loved my time on the Race! Doing World Race Gap Year opened my eyes and heart to more of who Jesus is. There were endless opportunities to see Him move through and in me over my time on the field! I became more confident in who He has called me to be and experienced a deeper hunger for Jesus.

Ellie Miller

On the Race I learned what it looked like to have consistent character through refinement by the holy spirit and the community around me. I was pushed to greater dependence on the father through living out ministry as a lifestyle, not simply a mission trip.

Madison Goodwin

I’m getting to live out revival on a daily basis through teaching, preaching, evangelizing, ministering to the lost. Everything I do is important because it’s important for the Kingdom’s work.

Morgan McCrary

The World Race Gap Year held some of the most challenging months of my life but also some of the most life giving! Before I went on Gap Year I thought I knew Jesus, but after living as a missionary for 7 months, I quickly realized that there was so much more to learn!

Matt Chisenhall

Being a Christian isn’t just about going to church on Sunday morning, but it’s about following God every day and being Obedient to him in every situation and every single day we have the opportunity todo that on the World Race.

Stories from the mission field

Family Is Kingdom | Connor Gaul – World Racer

One Second Everyday for 11 Months! | Krista Booker -World Racer

WHY I GO | Lauren Munson – World Racer

See reviews by:, world race updates.

Sustaining Your World Race Impact: How to Continue Living on Mission After You Return

Short-Term, Life-Changing: How 1-4 Month World Race Programs Offer Deep Impact in a Short Time

Choosing the Right Route: Tips for Picking Your Perfect World Race Journey

Welcome to the NEW World Race Vlog Ep. 1

Praying on the Streets of Antigua, Guatemala [The World Race Vlog Ep. 2]

Gap Year Missionaries Reunited with Their Parents After 6 Months Abroad [The World Race Vlog Ep. 3]

Gap Year Students Host a Huge Soccer Tournament in Guatemala [The World Race Vlog Ep. 4]

Sharing the Joy of the Lord with Seniors in Guatemala [The World Race Vlog Ep. 5]

Bittersweet Goodbyes in Guatemala [The World Race Vlog Ep. 6]

What Parents Have to Say About Gap Year [The World Race Vlog Ep. 7]

Welcome to Costa Rica with B-Squad [The World Race Vlog Ep. 8]

Sharing Dinner with the Homeless in Costa Rica [The World Race Vlog Ep. 10]

You’re at a pivotal point in your life. You want to be who God created you to be and make the right steps that will impact the rest of your life. You’re not alone!

That’s why we created our World Race Semesters Opportunities. We have sent over 132,000 people on mission trips all over the world. The World Race has helped them begin to live in the calling God has for them.

Here are 3 next steps you can take to get to know us and help you select your mission trip.

Why We Love The World Race

Want to go on a mission trip but not sure which one? Learn why you should do a mission trip with us.

21 Day Devotional

Ask an Alumni

The World Race sounds pretty awesome, right? So what’s stopping you? Here are the most common concerns we hear:

Yeah, it sounds like a lot. We’ve led thousands of people on this journey of fundraising, and even though it’s hard work, it’s totally possible. We’ll guide you through the process! Don’t let this fear stop you from pursuing the Lord’s oall on your life!

Each World Race program is priced separately according to the trip and route; you can find the price of each trip by visiting the “Trips” page .

We encourage Racers to connect with a community of supporters for both prayer and financial support. We understand raising money can be intimidating, so we have Admissions Advisors committed to help you through the support raising process. (For more information, Fundraising 101 .)

If you’re worried about finances, don’t be. Over the years, we’ve learned time and time again when God calls, He provides. Still concerned? Check out this video for Our Top 5 Favorite Ways to Fundraise .

Yeah, we’ve heard that too! And sometimes, it can be true. We’re committed to doing mission trips well. In truth, both the long-term missionary and the short-term mission team bring a gift to the throne of our Lord. Long-term missionaries bring direction. Short-term missionaries bring velocity. Often our long-term partners are greatly encouraged by the infusion of life and resources into their ministry that short-term teams bring. It is the person with a long-term commitment to a community who plants a church and disciples its members. The relationships and vision they provide are essential. They are like the rudder on the ship, providing direction, steering the course. Short-term missionaries can be the wind in the sails which give velocity and thrust to the enterprise. They bring with them resources, a prayer base, and tremendous enthusiasm.

Check out this two-part series on the case for short term missions:

Part 1 Part 2

There is an online application process for all our World Race programs. Once you’ve submitted an application and paid the $49 fee, you can select your trip and route preference and schedule a phone interview.

We prayerfully review applications and look forward to learning more about you during the phone interview. By completing this interview, you are not committing to participate in a World Race program. However, as you complete these steps, it will help you decide if the Race is for you.

If accepted, you will secure your spot with a deposit, which also serves as your first donation.

After committing to a route, you’ll be connected with an Admissions Advisor. All of our Advisors on staff are alumni Racers, and their job is to help you with the planning, fundraising, and logistical information you need to prepare to go.

Yes! We do accept international applicants. However, due to the many obstacles including increased cost and complex, varying visa requirements, non-US applicants must coordinate additional logistics, including travel to and from Training Camp, and visas for each destination country.

All trip fees and charges must be paid in US dollars and tax deductions are only available for US residents. Non-US applicants must be fluent in English. Contact us for more details and to determine if you are eligible to apply.

Each day on the World Race looks a little different. Some days will be packed full with construction, VBS, evangelism outreach, relationship building, or praying for the sick. Some days could be slower –shopping for groceries at the market or spending time in prayer for the community and ministry.

Check out the World Race vlog. In this 13 episode vlog, we follow a World Race squad around the world. See first hand what it’s like to be on the World Race.

Regardless of the pace or the activity, every day will be focused on being a part of God’s Kingdom work. Just Contact Us and we’d be happy to share our stories about life on the Race!

The World Race is a program of the interdenominational mission organization Adventures in Missions (Also known as Adventures).

Our staff and leaders come from a wide range of Christian churches and denominations. Read our statement of beliefs for a deeper look at what we believe.

With the different backgrounds of our staff, our Racers, and the ministry partners we serve alongside, you will most likely experience worship styles, Bible teachings, and Christian community different than you’ve previously experienced. We encourage you to dig into Scripture and have ongoing conversations about these things. We love this picture of the body of Christ coming together, united in purpose to bring Jesus to the nations.

We recognize travel brings risk. We have worked hard to put extensive safety protocols in place. But, all Racers need to consider things happen that we can’t predict. People get sick and accidents happen. It is likely you will meet people suffering from a variety of diseases.

To address the issues we face, we have an experienced risk management team. They monitor political, health, weather, and other risks in the regions where we serve. This information includes the U.S. State Department travel warnings. All Racers have a travel insurance policy. The insurance company works closely with us to ensure you will receive the care you need. For more information about the insurance policy, click here .

We have external consultants who assist us in designing and managing our training and field implementation for safety protocols. Our internal risk management team creates contingency plans as needed so we are ready to move teams quickly if the need arises. We also have an extensive network of ministry partners and ministry connections worldwide who provide us with “eyes on the ground” as we assess situations.

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Go deeper with God than you ever imagined possible.

Start your journey. Apply now for the World Race.

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• MISSION TRIPS
• MONTHLY DONOR
• BOARD & ADVISORS

Mission Trips

You can expect a life-changing experience on a Samaritan’s Feet mission trip. We will handle all of the logistical details and make the process super easy for you! As you consider joining us on one of our transformative mission trips, rest assured that we go above and beyond to ensure a secure and supportive environment for all participants. We have experienced, knowledgable team leaders, collaborate with trusted partners, communicate clearly, and constantly monitor international issues and news. Samaritan’s Feet is an Associate Member of the Standards of Excellence in Short-Term Mission.

Choosing a Mission Trip

Samaritan’s Feet offers domestic and international mission trips that are open to the public, so individuals, couples, families, and small groups can join any trip. Or, if you have a school group or church that wants to plan a mission trip just for them, Samaritan’s Feet can use its network and expertise to plan a private trip just for your group.

Demonstrate proper foot care as you distribute new shoes.

OPPORTUNITY

Serve alongside local organizations to further aid.

Encourage unity as you serve communities together.

See children go to school because they have a required pair of shoes to attend.

2024 - 2025 Public Mission Trips

OCT. 11 – 18, 2024

$1,850 + AIR

NOV. 8 – 17, 2024

$2,800 + AIR

MARCH 21 – 28, 2025

APR. 10 – 20, 2025

JUNE 5 – 15, 2025

JULY 4 – 11, 2025

SEPT. 11 – 25, 2025

Have questions about our trips? Want to plan a private trip for your group? Want to learn more about our partners? Fill out the contact form and will connect you with our Missions Team.

Mission Trip FAQ

What is the return policy if I decide to go on a mission trip and then cancel? If Samaritan’s Feet cancels a trip for any reason, participants will be notified. Individuals will have the option to transfer their balance to a future Samaritan’s Feet trip within the next 12-month period of the originally scheduled trip. They can also hold the original trips price for the following year should the same trip occur but the price increase. Other than the $150 deposit, donations made towards a trip can be refunded.

If a participant or group cancels their trip 30 days or less prior to departure, all collected funds will be used for the missions, as, by that point, those funds will have been used for the trip’s expenses. Most trips cancelled more than 30 days before departure can receive a full refund minus the $150 deposit but will be at the discretion of Samaritan’s Feet Staff based upon specifics of that trip.

If an individual or group cancels their trip, the $150 deposit may be used for another trip in the same calendar year only. After the calendar year has completed, they will need to submit a new application fee.

What are safety measures Samaritan’s Feet has implemented? Samaritans Feet International is dedicated to providing an educational, engaging, and most of all, SAFE experience for all of our volunteers. In order to accomplish this, we have implemented safety measures to ensure our goal, of safety within the team, is maintained within our power to control. This includes the following measures:

Site Verification and Local Partnerships

– Samaritan’s Feet missions’ team or the international director does a scouting trip to any new countries before sending a team.

– We utilize in-country host partners that are local to the communities and knowledgeable of situations which may make travel unsafe for our teams.

– Our hosts provide context to any cultural traditions to team members to help the team members connect with those who we are serving.

– Our hosts have knowledge of areas of the country which are safe to hold shoe distributions and when possible, they conduct site visits at all distribution locations.

Team Knowledge and Information

– Each team member is provided a contact information document including the address, phone number, and website for each hotel, nearest US embassy location, travel agent contact information, travel insurance emergency number in and outside of the U.S., all necessary contacts at the Samaritans Feet office.

– Three team meetings are conducted prior to each trip to discuss trip details including team safety and all other concerns that are relevant.

– Our team leaders are also made available to team members to discuss they trip further outside of team meetings as needed.

STEP Registration

– We Register all team members with the State Department through S.T.E.P. (Smart Traveler Enrollment Program) https://step.state.gov/ which is a free service to allow U.S. citizens and nationals traveling and living abroad to enroll their trip with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

– Receive important information from the Embassy about safety conditions in your destination country, helping you make informed decisions about your travel plans.

– Help the U.S. Embassy contact you in an emergency, whether natural disaster, civil unrest, or family emergency.

– Help family and friends get in touch with you in an emergency.

Travel Insurance

– We purchase trip insurance for all trip volunteers and staff that includes the following benefits:

– Emergency Accident and Sickness Medical Expense; Emergency Medical Evacuation and Repatriation of Mortal Remains

Accommodation and Food Safety

– Our team does research to locate hotels and accommodations which are in safe locations, cleanliness, and provide security for guests of hotel.

– We try to look for accommodations which have restaurants which is vital for food safety for our team members.

– Our team does research with our in-country hosts to ensure all restaurants and food provided is safe to minimize any food borne illnesses.

Samaritans Feet Training

– Samaritan’s Feet International has an exceptional group of trained and well informed Team Leaders that will be on every trip.

What is the purpose of the Samaritan’s Feet mission trips? The purpose of the mission trip is to provide shoes and other basic necessities to children and families in need, while also sharing the message of hope and love. We offer mission trips in locations all over the world – join us!

Do I need to have previous mission trip experience to participate? No, previous mission trip experience is not required. However, participants should be prepared for physically demanding work and cultural immersion. If you are unable to join a mission trip, we encourage you to donate  to support our work.

What is the deadline to apply for a mission trip? The application deadline is typically 60 days prior to the trip start date. However, it is recommended to apply as early as possible as spots fill up quickly. We can give exceptions to the deadline date as the trip gets closer, depending on the trip, but you must contact our team to see if this option is available.

Which denominations does Samaritan’s Feet International partner with? Samaritans Feet International partners with all Christian affiliated denominations.

What is included in the cost for a mission trip? Each trip covers in-country transportation, meals, accommodations, exit taxes, trip insurance, shoes, supplies, excursions, etc. Airfare will not be included in the base cost, and you will need to contact our travel partners to book this. The only additional funds needed will be for souvenirs or baggage fees for checked personal luggage (if needed), and Visas (if needed). All payments can be made directly to Samaritan’s Feet.

Can non-US citizens travel on a mission trip? If you live outside of the USA you can travel with us, but you will need to handle all visa requirements and airfare scheduling after you have applied online through our application.

Why do you run a background check? Our top priority is the safety of our volunteers, so we run all trip attendees through our background check screening before approving their application. Once approved we can move forward with adding you to our team list.

Will there be good service and internet when we travel? We often travel to places with little to no cell or internet service. We often have internet access at our lodging facilities, but cannot guarantee this on any of our trips. We recommend getting a temporary international travel plan with your service provider if necessary to keep in touch with family back home. We encourage all participants to disconnect from home and fully engage with the local community if possible.

What if I have food allergies? We cannot guarantee food allergies will be avoided while on these trips. If you have food sensitivities, please consult your doctor or physician to talk about steps to prepare for your upcoming trip.

Can I donate to a mission trip? YES! You can donate HERE to your trip or another individual. Please put their name and the trip location in the description so we know where to apply the credit towards.

Are you representing or from a company or organization? If so, please input it below.

We offer warehouse volunteer shifts on:

Tuesday-Thursday: 9:00am-12:00pm, 1:00pm-3:30pm

Saturday: 9:00am-12:00pm

Amazon Smile

AmazonSmile is a simple and automatic way for you to support Samaritan’s Feet, at no cost to you. When you shop at smile.amazon.com, you’ll find the same shopping experience as Amazon.com, with the added bonus that Amazon will donate a portion of the purchase price to the charity of your choice.

Follow these instructions to start giving to Samaritan’s Feet through your regular Amazon purchases:

Sign in to smile.amazon.com on your desktop or mobile phone browser. From your desktop, go to Your Account and select the option to Change your Charity. Or, from your mobile browser, select Change your Charity from the options at the bottom of the page. Select Samaritan’s Feet.

Mixed Grill Menu

Supporting Samaritan’s Feet

First Course The Smith House Salad Mixed Greens, Radish, Carrots, & Cherry Tomato with a Mustard Seed Vinaigrette

Second Course 4 oz. Petit USDA Prime Filet Mignon Served Medium Rare with Standard Sauce & 4 oz. Norwegian Salmon Home-Style Mashed  Potatoes & Steamed Asparagus

Third Course Tennessee Cheesecake Jack Daniels Caramel Sauce & Southern Candied Pecans

Matching Gifts

Many companies have programs through which they will “match” the charitable contributions made by their employees. Through corporate gift matching, your employer can multiply your donation to Samaritan’s Feet, making it go further.

Check with your company’s Human Resources office to see if they offer gift matching. If your employer does offer this program, your Human Resources department should provide you with a matching gift form to send to us, along with your donation. Complete this form and mail it with your donation to:

Samaritan’s Feet International P.O. Box 78992 Charlotte, NC 28271

We offer pick-up and drop-off during the following times:

Monday-Friday: 9:00am-12:00pm or 1:00pm-3:00pm

I agree to the above by signing below.

Planned or Legacy Giving

With thoughtful planning, you can make a lasting contribution to our mission. Your gift can take any of the following forms:

Residual Bequest : after making provisions for your family and friends, the balance of your belongings (legally referred to as your “estate”) is donated to Samaritan’s Feet.

Percentage of your Estate : where a specific percentage of your estate is left to Samaritan’s Feet.

Pecuniary Bequest : where a specific sum of money is donated.

Specific Gift Bequest : referring to any non-cash items such as stock, annuities, property, jewelry, artwork, or other valuables, which can be given to Samaritan’s Feet.

Life Insurance Policy

Want to know more about a planned gift to Samaritan’s Feet? You should make an appointment with your legal or financial adviser. They have all the tools to help you decide what type of request to make. We have partnered with the National Christian Foundation to make it easy for our supporters to donate cash and non-cash assets to us to take full advantage of all tax credits and benefits.

•    More Info

Most Helpful: FREE Visa for Volunteering in Sri Lanka »     Volunteer Opportunities in Psychology Clinic in Nepal »     Volunteer and Live in a Buddhist Monastery »

Making Difference with Volunteers from Around the World Since 2014

• Best Mission Trips for 2024 or 2025

Last Updated: September 02, 2024

Embark on a transformative journey with Volunteer FDIP, which annually supports over hundreds of volunteers participating in mission trips across more than 9 countries. Since 2014, FDIP has been a cornerstone for over hundreds of volunteers venturing into international mission trips in diverse regions like Africa, Asia, South America, and Central America.

FDIP prides itself on offering secure, social, and fully-supported mission trips suitable for a range of participants including teens, college students, families, and individuals at various life stages. Whether you're interested in summer missions or specialized medical missions, FDIP's programs start at an economical price, covering accommodation, meals, and comprehensive in-country support.

What is a mission trip?

Mission trips are global volunteer activities designed to work in tandem with local communities, offering necessary support where it's needed most. Whether secular or religious, these trips aim to uplift people, communities, and environments globally. FDIP’s inclusive programs invite participants of all backgrounds and ages to make meaningful contributions worldwide.

Through these mission trips, volunteers can impact lives directly, build new friendships, learn about different cultures, and expand their personal and global perspectives.

Why do people go on mission trips?

People choose mission trips for a blend of adventure and altruism, motivated by various reasons:

• Making a Difference: Volunteers contribute to community support in education, construction, healthcare, animal welfare, and conservation.
• Gaining New Perspectives: Living in a new cultural setting can transform your understanding of the world.
• Meeting New People: Mission trips connect you with global volunteers, fostering deep, lasting bonds.
• Leaving Comfort Zones: These trips challenge you to grow personally by experiencing life as locals do, enriching your sense of purpose.

The essence of mission trips is to forge positive changes, connect with diverse individuals, and collectively strive towards a better future.

How much does it cost to go on a mission trip?

Mission trip costs vary by destination and length. For instance, a 2-week trip to Kenya with FDIP costs $260, while a 4-week stay in Costa Rica costs $685. These prices include essentials like accommodation, meals, and local support.

Volunteers should also budget for registration fees, airfare, insurance, visas, and vaccinations. FDIP provides comprehensive planning support, including fundraising tools and advice, to help manage these additional expenses.

About FDIP and Mission Trips

FDIP offers a variety of mission trip durations, from 1 week to 12 weeks. Volunteers can choose from a wide range of projects including childcare, wildlife and environmental conservation, medical aid, and education. These opportunities support sustainable projects that make a significant difference in underserved communities worldwide.

For those considering a mission trip in 2024 or 2025, FDIP provides a detailed look into the most popular mission trip categories, helping you find the perfect match for your volunteering goals.

Why do a mission trip with FDIP?

FDIP is dedicated to conducting mission trips with a focus on social and environmental impact. Highly reviewed by the participants and recognized for its climate-conscious operations, FDIP ensures your contributions are ethical and impactful. With extensive experience, transparent fees, and a commitment to sustainability, FDIP remains the top choice for impactful volunteering.

Best mission trip opportunities and destinations

From Buddhist monasteries of Himalayan regions of Nepal to the African wildlife sanctuaries of Kenya, there are extensive options for you to join the mission trip opportunities in different destinations. Here is the breakdown:

Engage in meaningful conservation and community projects in destinations like Tanzania, and Kenya. Experience the unique beauty of Africa while making a tangible difference. Discover the incredible beauty of wild Africa while helping the communities in need.

Participate in enriching projects across Asia, from the cultural landscapes of Nepal to the vibrant communities of Sri Lanka.

Central America

Work alongside local communities in Costa Rica and Guatemala, engaging in initiatives that make real differences.

South America

Join missions in South America, helping with education, construction, and conservation in places like Brazil and Peru.

Available Mission Trips with FDIP for 2024 and 2025

Here is the overview of available mission trips that you can explore in 2024-25:

Best short-term mission trips

FDIP’s short-term mission trips, ranging from 1 to 3 weeks, are perfect for those who want to experience new cultures without long-term commitments. These trips are ideal for students and professionals seeking to make a quick yet impactful volunteer stint.

Top short-term mission trips:

• Costa Rica marine conservation trip
• Thailand Chiang Mai trip of Buddhism

Mission trips for families

FDIP’s family-friendly missions provide opportunities for all ages, ensuring that everyone, from children to adults, can participate in giving back together. These trips are not only fulfilling but also offer a unique way to spend family time.

Family mission trip destinations:

• Helping non profit community schools of Nepal
• Medical mission trip in Kenya
• Conservation trip in Ecuador

Mission Trips for Adults

Above listed programs are suitable as mission trips for adults as well. Mission trips offer adults a unique opportunity to give back to the world, experience different cultures, and make a lasting impact by volunteering in underserved communities.

Providing assistance in areas such as education, healthcare, construction, and environmental conservation can foster personal growth, cultural exchange, community impact, and spiritual fulfillment through short-term, long-term, or specialized trips.

You can pick the trips for adults that align with one's interests, skills, and budget, while considering the destination and the reputation of the hosting organization.

Medical Mission Trips

Medical Mission is aimed to address the health and medical needs by sending medical and healthcare professionals on trips to partnering mission hospitals and clinics around the world.

With FDIP, you can participate in the Medical mission trips in different destinations like Nepal, Sri Lanka and Kenya. Whether if you are a medical student or a practitioner, you can grab the opportunity of being part of one of these trips and contribute for the welfare of communities with better healthcare services.

Best summer mission trips

Summer is a prime time for volunteer mission trips , offering vibrant cultural experiences and ample opportunities to contribute to community projects.

Top summer mission trips:

• Cultural immersion trips in Kathmandu
• Trips of peace and compassion in Galle
• Spiritual trips in Chiang Mai

Religious vs Non-Religious Mission Trips

Faqs: mission trips.

What types of mission trips does FDIP offer?

FDIP offers a range of mission trips including childcare, wildlife conservation, medical aid, and teaching opportunities.

How much does a typical mission trip cost?

Costs start at $260 for a 2-week mission in Kenya, covering accommodation, meals, and local support.

Can families participate in FDIP mission trips?

Yes, FDIP offers family-friendly mission trips that accommodate all ages, providing a unique and impactful way to volunteer together.

What are some popular short-term mission trip destinations?

Popular destinations for short-term trips include Costa Rica and Thailand.

What support does FDIP provide to volunteers?

FDIP provides 24/7 in-country support, accommodation, meals, and pre-trip planning assistance, including fundraising ideas.

Volunteer Abroad Destinations

• Volunteer in Nepal
• Volunteer in Sri Lanka
• Volunteer in Ecuador
• Volunteer in Costa Rica
• Volunteer in Peru
• Volunteer in Guatemala
• Volunteer in Kenya
• Volunteer in Tanzania
• Volunteer in Uganda

Our Volunteers' Experiences and Reviews

I met calm, nice and good people. Thank you for welcoming me into this program.

- Marina Parejo

I would recommend this as it is a very full immersive experience in the beautiful Kenyan culture and there is a lot to be learnt.

- Anna Avataneo,

I was having a wonderful time, more than I could have hoped for.

- Marlene Baumann

In our journey of more than 9 years, we hosted and enrolled hundreds of volunteers. All the good reviews from our previous participants say it all.

Featured Volunteer Programs

• Buddhist Monastery program in Nepal
• Volunteer and Intern for the Counseling Center of Addiction and Mental Health Issues
• Buddhist Monastery and Temple Stay Program in Chiang Mai, Thailand
• Teaching Buddhist Monks in Sri Lanka
• Kenya Orphanage and Childcare Program
• Ecuador Conservation Program
• Peru healthcare program
• Nepal wildlife photography and bird watching program
• Group Medical Volunteer in Nepal

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Most Popular

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As Seen On:

Trusted by Hundreds of International Volunteers for 10+ Years.

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Christ-Centered Mission Trips

Empowering the next generation to know God and be like Jesus in the ways they love and serve others

Pre-Packaged Mission Trips

Starting at $429

Weeklong summer mission trips for teenagers with staff, meals, and programming included. Focus on your students, not logistics.

• Local service partnerships
• Trained Guides on-site to facilitate your trip
• Themed discipleship programming and evening activities
• Lodging, showers, meals, and snacks included

Custom Mission Trips

Custom Pricing

Year-round service experiences for any age group with flexible start & end dates. Match community needs with your unique group.

• Flexible trip length
• Any type of group (school, college, youth, families, etc.)
• Lodging & showers included

Trip Finder

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Pre-Packaged

We fuel movements of god through christ-centered mission trips that, disciple students.

We handle all the behind-the-scenes set-up, logistics, and on-site support so that you can lead the discipleship of your students.

Develop Leaders

We've built a mission trip structure that can spot, empower, and launch student leaders.

Serve Communities

We utilize a mission trip model based on servant-leadership that prioritizes what God is already doing through the local Church and community development organizations.

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All Trip Types

Home Repair Community Service International

June 2025 July 2025 Year Round (International Trips)

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Junior/Senior High (12+) Senior High (14+) Families/Adult Groups (All Ages)

Locations and Pricing

• Year Round (International Trips)

Group Mission Trips

Domestic and international mission trips.

We create short-term, domestic and international mission trips for youth and adults. Experience the transformation that happens on our short-term mission trips when you serve communities across the world and put your faith in action!

$548 per person

High-energy environments for serving people in need through home repair while Jesus radically transforms lives.

$348 per person

Meaningful community service alongside strong local ministries and nonprofit organizations who ensure your impact continues long term.

Starting at $849

Cross-cultural service gives youth groups the opportunity to gain new perspective while serving people in need around the world.

Short-Term Missions.

Long-term impact..

Group Mission Trips creates the perfect environment for youth and adults to build relationships and make a long-term impact while serving on short-term mission trips across the world.

“I have been taking High School aged youth on mission trips for approximately 20 years. Over the last 12 years I have used GMT. They are by far the best I have used. Their programing is Christ centered and thought provoking.”

Terry O'Hanlon

Workcamp Attendee

“Been on Group Mission Trips for about 15 years! It is a tremendous program and gets kids (and adults!) to participate actively in the expansion of God's Kingdom. The leadership, administration, and staff have been wonderful for each experience. My youth group (as well as myself) have been blessed continually throughout the years!”

“Summer 2019 was my first experience with GMT. I took a group of high schoolers to a South Dakota for home repair on a reservation, and a group of middle + high schoolers to Denver. Both trips were very organized and communication with staff was wonderful! We are excited to use Group again this year! ”

Emily Pearce

Workcamp Participant

“Group Mission Trips provides everything you need to have an amazing, life-changing service experience! Their professional, caring staff is there to guide you in every step of the process.... ”

Beth Taylor

“I've been on 6 mission trips with this organization and I have grown so much because of these experiences. I can not say enough good things about this company! Thank you Group Mission Trips! ”

Sydney Lewis

“One single review cannot describe the life-changing experience that can be had with GMT. Taking middle school and high school kids to an experience that is outside of 'normal' for most kids, helping revitalize communities, and meet people outside their current home and social media bubble is priceless... ”

Brian Anderson

“ I always found the trips well organized and managed, with staff that were dedicated to serving the community hosting the Workcamp, as well as the growth of the youth involved. Having seen the positive outcomes for all involved, I sought out opportunities to continue my involvement with Group Mission Trips after my son graduated from high school.”

Marvin Rasch

“I have worked with Group Mission Trips since the early 90s. Each and every summer it is such a blessing to serve others and help in various communities. There have been so many life changing events over the years. I would definitely recommend Group Mission Trips to others... ”

Phyllis Looker

“I attended workcamps as a youth and now all these years later my son gets to attend. I couldn't be happier with Group Mission Trips and the safe environment and Christ filled programming.

He and other teens with the help of two adults were able to build this amazing switchback wheelchair ramp in just 4.5 days!

What a blessing to the homeowner but more than that, the kids seemed to really connect to each other, and their resident.”

Ann Hardwood

Residents are helped, communities are strengthened, and lives are changed.

Accreditations & Memberships

Why Group Mission Trips?

Since Group Mission Trips’ beginning in 1990, more than 500,000 mission trip participants have racked up more than 15 million volunteer hours serving people in need. Thousands of lives and communities have been impacted and transformed through our domestic and international mission trips. Group Mission Trips creates the perfect environment for youth and adults to build relationships and make a long-term impact while serving on short-term mission trips across the world.

Organization

Our team organizes your service projects and the details of your mission trip experience so you don’t have to. Stress-free and hassle-free is the way it should be.

Safety is our number one priority, as we're sure it is yours. We require all staff and adult volunteers to have background checks, limit the adult to student ratios, and many more on our list of safety procedures that can be found in our FAQ sections.

You're not alone in the planning process. In fact, our all-star mission trip advisors will help you with all the details to plan your next mission trip and provide personalized communication and details specific to your mission trip.

Sustainable Partnerships

We believe the best way to serve on a mission trip is to partner with local ministries, organizations, and individuals already embedded in each community. We come alongside their ministries and provide support for their sustainable year-round programs.

When you go on a mission trip with Group Mission Trips, you’ll have a trained staff who will be your liaison and coordinators of all details while you're serving.

Customization

Have a specific need? We're always happy to customize mission trips for you and your group. We understand each group has specific needs, and our mission trips advisors are here to help accommodate you.

Safety is our number one priority, as we're sure it is yours. Our team stays up to date with all travel advisories and the latest international news to ensure all safety measures are taken.

When you go on a mission trip with Group Mission Trips, you’ll have a designated trip leader with your group who will be your liaison and coordinator of all details while you're serving.

Don't see a date that works for you? We're always happy to customize mission trips for you and your group. We've customized trips for individuals, families, school groups, sports teams, dance teams, companies, youth groups, and more.

Want to help?

There are many opportunities to get involved! We have summer positions for college-aged students with the potential to make up to $6k and hundreds of volunteer and leadership opportunities.

Join our team

In a world where many teens grapple with anxiety, worry, and stress, this year's theme, "Equipped," highlights how God provides us with the tools for a fulfilling Christian life. Drawing from 2 Corinthians 9:8, the focus is on embracing how God enables us to approach fully living out our faith with confidence. From spiritual readiness to engaging in God's mission, it's about more than going through the motions; it's living out faith in practical ways through love, kindness, and action. And when you do that, you'll discover that being a Christian isn't just something you do—it's who you are. Our goal is to ensure you leave feeling equipped and confident in facing life's challenges with God by your side. Join us next summer to grow spiritually, have fun, and become more like Jesus while making the world a better place. 

View Program Theme

RECEIVE OUR 2025 CATALOG!

What’s inside:

• Full list of 2025 locations
• Who is Group Mission Trips and what makes us unique
• An exclusive reveal of the 2025 program theme
• A comparison of our 3 trip types
• Helpful information on payment policy, typical days, and more 

We may communicate with you about the information you've requested and other Group Mission Trip services. The use of your information is governed by Group Cares  Privacy Policy.

Reach the World.

Reach the world..

Inspire HOPE in the global community - go on a mission trip! Bold Hope has partners around the world who welcome your support of their ongoing work in order to impact lives for eternity.

Trips by Type

Mission Trip Opportunities

Faith-Based Mission Trips

Bold Hope trips exist to glorify God and cause others to worship Him. Join us as we share the HOPE of salvation.

View Faith-Based Trips

Family Mission Trips

Share the experience of serving as a family. Be transformed together by the collective offering of your time and talents.

View Family Trips

High School Mission Trips

God intentionally uses high school students for His purposes every single day. Mobilize your students to step into His plan for them today

View High School Trips

Youth Mission Trips

Mission trips can radically change the trajectory of a young person's life. Encourage your youth group to connect with their peers in an international setting.

View Youth Trips

Medical Mission Trips

Join Bold Hope as we follow Jesus' example of providing HOPE through healing in communities with little to no access to basic health services.

View Medical Trips

Not Seeing Your Mission Trip Type?

Can't find what you're looking for? Reach out, and we'll help you find your ideal mission trip.

GO THEREFORE

Love God & Love Your Neighbor

Volunteer mission trips are built on relationships, fulfilling humanity’s call to love God and love others. Teams get to know Bold Hope’s local long-term partners and support their ongoing vision by doing things like building, running medical clinics, raising money for projects, educating families, and providing programming for children.

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Upcoming Mission Trips

Dec. 26-01, 2025

Bold Hope - CU - 12/26/24-01/01/25

Join us on this mission trip to Mantanzas, Cuba. We will be serving the people of Cuba from Dec 26, 2024 to Jan 01, 2025.

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Dominican Republic

Mar. 09-15, 2025

Bold Hope - DO - 03/09/25-03/15/25

Join us on this mission trip to La Romana, Dominican Republic. We will be serving the people of Dominican Republic from Mar 09, 2025 to Mar 15, 2025.

Jul. 06-12, 2025

Next Community Church

Join us on this mission trip to South, Belize. We will be serving the people of Belize from Jul 06, 2025 to Jul 12, 2025.

Jun. 08-14, 2025

Bold Hope - DO - 06/08/25-06/14/25

Join us on this mission trip to La Romana, Dominican Republic. We will be serving the people of Dominican Republic from Jun 08, 2025 to Jun 14, 2025.

Nov. 24-30, 2024

Bold Hope - BZ - 11/24/24-11/30/24

Join us on this mission trip to West, Belize. We will be serving the people of Belize from Nov 24, 2024 to Nov 30, 2024.

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Take the first step in your mission trip journey now. Join God in his passion for the nations: eternally impact the communities in which you'll serve and, in turn, return home eternally impacted.

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High School

"I am thankful for Bold Hope and the experiences that they provide. Belize not only brought me out of my comfort zone but it brought me closer to God as well."

Paige b. - trip participant.

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Jesus is Moving Join Him!

Ever wonder: is this all there is? We can guarantee there’s more, much more out there. Jesus never played it safe with his disciples, following him was getting out into the mess and noise. It was being empowered, not because of what you know but because of who knows you.

Sign up your group with us today and receive a FREE mission trip, with savings of up to $800! But that’s not all – each participant will also receive a high-quality water bottle for their mission trip.

Calling all youth pastors.

Looking to offer your youth group an unforgettable mission trip experience? Look no further! Adventures in Missions is excited to present you with an exclusive offer. Sign up your group with us today and receive a FREE mission trip, with savings of up to $800! But that’s not all – each participant will also receive a high-quality water bottle for their mission trip. Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity! Act fast to secure this great offer for your youth group. Contact us now to learn more and reserve your spot. Experience the joy of serving others and making a lasting impact. Join Adventures in Missions and embark on a transformative mission trip with your youth group. Limited availability for Summer 2024 trips only – don’t delay, secure your spot today!

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Master the art of packing your gear.

Learn to embrace minimalism in possessions and maximalism in lifestyle. Don’t worry. On month 9 when you’ve served on mountains, boated your daily commute, and eaten insects for snacks you won’t miss your flatscreen.

You’ll also learn more about yourself because you’ll learn to lay yourself down. Your team will become the closest tight-knit, super-secret-handshake family of your life. You might just shed those pesky pounds that have been nagging you since graduation.

Sounds Good? Get packing, because we have some slots warming up just for you.

Sponsor a Child, Strengthen a Family

We’re fighting big problems worldwide.

Adventures in Missions is about more than short-term trips, though we do love them. All of our trips globally plugin to great long-term programs. These programs  create the perfect environment for short trips to actually make an impact. Our sponsorship programs are also keeping the end-goal in mind, they  are about so much more than providing food and letters to children.

$45 per month meets immediate tangible needs by providing nutritious food and clean water. It also sustains long-term transformation by providing discipleship and opportunities to engage in programming to strengthen families as a whole that will ripple into the community for generations to come! 

Sponsoring a child with Adventures has the potential to transform and strengthen a family so they can pay it forward to their community.

Transformative experiences with god, missions that leave you marked.

Brian Alonzo

Eric Hanson

Lweendo (ministry partner), fresh from the blog.

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11 Months | 6 Countries | Ages 21-30

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New Jersey’s 2024 Canada Economic Mission trip: Who’s going

A look at the delegation that is going on the four-day New Jersey-Canada Economic Mission trip.

The trip, sponsored and arranged by Choose New Jersey , began in Toronto (on Sunday) and will end in Montreal (on Wednesday).

From the Governor’s Office

• Phil Murphy, governor of New Jersey
• Tammy Murphy, first lady
• Eric Brophy, deputy chief of staff for economic growth
• Tyler Jones, deputy press secretary
• Meet Patel, special assistant to governor

From Choose New Jersey

• Wes Mathews, CEO
• Rachel Cohen, business development officer
• Tim Crouch, chief strategy officer/executive director, N.J. West Coast Center
• Dora Figueiredo, events manager
• Ryan Fox, chief of staff
• Saurabh Khanna, director, N.J. Europe and India centers
• Mariel Kokotajlo, director of development
• Bill Noonan, chief business development officer
• Danielle Rexrode, marketing project manager
• Carly Wronko, director of marketing

From the New Jersey Economic Development Authority

• Tim Sullivan, CEO
• Andrew Gross, director of international innovation and partnerships

The delegates

• Tom Bergeron, co-founder/editor, ROI-NJ
• Bob Bullard, assistant vice president of external engagement and professional success, Rowan University
• Tony Calcado, chief operating officer, Rutgers University
• Chris Guiton, head, N.J. state initiatives, U.S. state affairs, Johnson & Johnson
• Cindy Jebb, president, Ramapo College of New Jersey
• Audrey Kelley, executive director – board of trustees, Kean University
• Sean Kennedy, director of consulting services, CGI
• Benjamin Kim, strategic partnership specialist, Princeton University
• Ralph LaRossa, CEO, Public Service Enterprise Group
• Gina Lim, first lady, New Jersey Institute of Technology
• Teik Lim, president, New Jersey Institute of Technology
• Sacha Patera, corporate engagement and foundation relations, Office of Dean for Research, Princeton University
• Aaron Price, CEO, Tech United: New Jersey
• Jianmin Qu, provost, Stevens Institute of Technology
• Mike Reagan, senior vice president of commercial and state government industry sectors in N.J., N.Y. and Conn., CGI
• Lamont Repollet, president, Kean University

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God is moving all over the world, and He invites you to be a part of something extraordinary.  Discover how to live out your unique design as you grow in your faith, experience community on mission, and make an eternal impact by helping people know Jesus on a summer mission! This summer, thousands of students will go around the world with Cru.  Learn more about how your passions align with a one- to 12-week summer mission.  Come be part of something extraordinary!

Learn more about Cru summer missions and other helpful information.

Click the link below and choose a Global Region.

Click the link below and choose Global Region: “North America.”

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AdventHealth Global Missions

Upcoming Mission Trips

Join our upcoming mission trips.

Share your talents and compassionate heart around the globe during one of our medical mission trips. The application process varies depending on the AdventHealth Region that is managing the trip. Please fill out the linked application or follow the instructions listed for the trip to apply.

Dominican Republic

August 27 to September 3, 2024

Primary Care

Central Florida Division

August 31 to September 7, 2024

Pediatric Primary Care

Not open for application

September 13 to 24, 2024

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Mid-America Region

Apply Online

September 27 to October 5, 2024

Surgical and Primary Care

Rocky Mountain Region

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October 10 - 20

October 15 to 22, 2024

October 31 to November 10, 2024

November 8 to 16, 2024

November 10-17, 2024

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Mission Trips

Peru I AdventHealth Castle Rock

February 7 - 15, 2025

Community Health and Surgery

February 25 - March 4, 2025

Primary Care and Construction

February 28 - March 10, 2025

March, 2025

Peru I AdventHealth Porter

April 4 - 12, 2025

April 22-29, 2025

April 24 - May 5, 2025

Leadership Training

May 2-10, 2025

Peru I AdventHealth Littleton

May 30 - June 7, 2025

Pucallpa, Peru

June 6-18, 2025

Community Health and Construction

Peru I AdventHealth Parker

July 25 - August 2, 2025

Juliaca, Peru

July 25 - August 6, 2025

Community Health

August 29 - September 8, 2025

September 5-17, 2025

Peru I AdventHealth Avista

October 3 - 11, 2025

October 14-21, 2025

November 6 - 17, 2025

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2024 Mission Trip Calendar

The 2024 Mission Trip Calendar will officially open at Midnight January 1st! Once the calendar opens we’ll be updating it as quickly as possible, but please note that changes happen quickly, especially at the beginning of the year.

Wondering which dates are open? Look for “Schedule your mission trip today!”

To reserve a date, please contact our volunteer coordinator.

December 31 – January 6

Mission Trips are closed this week.  Happy New Year!

January 7-13

First Church of Christ Glastonbury UCC (Glastonbury, CT)

Elizabeth Hall & Group (Batesville, IN)

January 14-20

Mark & Bonnie Westcott

Jerry Hollis

January 21-27

United Church of Christ in New Brighton (New Brighton, MN)

January 28 – February 3

February 4-10.

Central Atlantic UCC Conference

February 11-17

St. Peter’s United Church of Christ (Elmhurst, IL)

Susan Walters (Kennebunkport, ME)

February 18-24

Newtown Congregational Church, UCC (Newtown, CT)

February 25 – March 2

Evangelical UCC (Highland, IL)

Heidelberg University (Tiffin, OH)

Catawba College (Salisbury, NC)

March 10-16

Ely Memorial Church (Land O’ Lakes, WI) 

University of Olivet (Olivet, MI)

March 17-23

St. Paul’s United Church of Christ (St Marys, OH)

First Congregational Church (River Falls, WI)

March 24-30

Schedule your mission trip today!

March 31 – April 6

Back Bay Mission will be closed for the holiday. Happy Easter!

First Congregational (Appleton, WI)

April 14-20

Congregational Church South Dartmouth Youth

April 21-27

April 28 – may 4.

Holy Trinity Lutheran Church (Muncie, IN)

Jordan United Church of Christ (Allentown, PA)

CUCC Alumni Team (Arlington Heights, IL)

Protestant Cooperative Ministries at Cornell (Ithaca, NY)

May 26 – June 1

Amish Group (PA)

Avon Lake UCC (Avon Lake, OH)

First UCC (Sauk City, WI)

Kent UCC, United Youth Force (Kent, OH)

Trinity UCC (Canton, OH)

UCC Middleton (Middleton, RI )

June 30 – July 6

Pilgrim Faith UCC (Oak Lawn, IL)

First Congregational UCC (Oconomowoc, WI)

St. John’s UCC (Archbold, OH)

CC of Batavia (Batavia, IL)

First Congregational Church of Geneva (Geneva, IL)  

July 28 – August 3

August 4-10, august 11-17, august 18-24, august 25-31, september 1-7.

Mission trips are closed this week. Happy Labor Day!

September 8-14

September 15-21.

St. Peter’s UCC (Washington, MO)  

September 22-28

Edwards Congregational United Church of Christ (Davenport, IA)

Emmanuel United Church of Christ (Sebring, FL)

September 29 – October 5

October 6-12.

  Trinity UCC (Wooster, OH)

UCC of Pittsville (Pittsville, WI)

October 13-19

Earnie Mae Christmas Charities (EMC)

October 20-26

Bethany UCC (Chicago, IL)

October 27 – November 2

First Congregational UCC (Houston, TX)

November 3-9

Bethlehem United Church of Christ (Evansville, IN)

November 10-16

St. Matthew United Church of Christ (Wheaton, IL)

St. John UCC (Kankakee, IL) 

November 17-23

North Community Church (Marshfield, MA)

November 24-30

Mission trips are closed this week. Happy Thanksgiving!

December 1-7

December 8-14, december 15-21, december 22-28.

 Mission trips are closed this week. Merry Christmas!

December 25-31

 Mission trips are closed this week. Happy New Year!

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Billionaire Finally Launches on First Private Space-Walk Mission

One of the most ambitious space tourism missions in history has launched, with the all-commercial crew set to hit a number of milestones during its five days in space, including the first-ever privately funded human space walk.

The mission, called Polaris Dawn, took off from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida today, Tuesday, September 10, at 5.23 am Eastern Time. The four-person crew, traveling inside a SpaceX Crew Dragon vehicle atop one of the California company’s Falcon 9 rockets, comprises Jared Isaacman, the billionaire who funded the mission, SpaceX engineers Sarah Gillis and Anna Menon, and pilot Scott Poteet.

Jonathan McDowell, an astronomer at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, says the mission’s pioneering space walk is a “gimmick” in some respects. “But if you look at it as developing the capability, independent of NASA , to do space walks, that is potentially important,” he says.

Initially set to launch at the end of August, Polaris Dawn was pushed back first due to technical concerns and weather, and later because of a botched landing of another Falcon 9 rocket, which resulted in the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) temporarily grounding the Falcon 9 fleet. The crew remained in quarantine for the duration but kept busy with additional training .

Post-launch, the Crew Dragon spacecraft was placed into an orbit that will take it as high as 1,400 kilometers above Earth’s surface, making this the farthest astronauts will have traveled from Earth since the Apollo 17 mission to the moon in 1972, and the highest altitude ever achieved by a woman. “This is the farthest humans have traveled since the last time humans walked on the moon,” Isaacman said in a prelaunch briefing at the Kennedy Space Center on August 19.

Isaacman, the CEO of the US payment firm Shift4, flew to space previously in September 2021 on the Inspiration4 mission. That mission, which also ran on a SpaceX Crew Dragon vehicle, at a cost of somewhere up to $200 million , showcased the ability of SpaceX to allow the ultrarich to pay for the ultimate thrill, a trip to orbit as a space tourist. (The cost of the Polaris Dawn mission has not been revealed.)

Space tourism missions have happened multiple times before, beginning in 2001 when the US businessman Dennis Tito became the first paying customer aboard a Russian Soyuz capsule to the International Space Station (ISS) . In the past few years, dozens of paying customers of companies such as Virgin Galactic and Blue Origin have also taken brief suborbital “hops” into space lasting minutes.

But Crew Dragon, partially funded by nearly $5 billion of NASA money to ferry astronauts to and from the ISS in the wake of the space shuttle’s retirement in 2011, brings a whole new angle to such missions. The vehicle, about as roomy as a large car with accommodation for up to seven passengers, can launch bespoke flights to Earth orbit, not just to the ISS, and enable new types of missions.

“Isaacman is working to make commercial spaceflight about science and exploration and to dispel the notion that it is just thrill-seeking and adventure tourism,” says Jordan Bimm, a historian of science at the University of Chicago. Earlier this month, SpaceX also revealed that it would launch a first-ever mission over Earth’s poles —not featuring Isaacman—on Crew Dragon in late 2024.

SpaceX’s goal is to use these missions to kick-start its own era of human spaceflight. Elon Musk , the company’s CEO, has made no secret of the fact that his ultimate goal is to make humans multi-planetary and send the first people to live on Mars in the coming years with a large new rocket his company is developing. Called Starship , the rocket is already contracted with NASA to begin human landings on the moon in 2026.

To that end, Polaris Dawn is designed as an early foray into more ambitious private human spaceflights, with the mission—delayed from an initial planned launch date in November 2022—also intended to raise millions of dollars in charitable funds through sponsorship deals and donations for the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in the US. The crew went into quarantine a week before the launch, to ensure they remained healthy ahead of the flight.

The attempt at the high orbit of 1,400 kilometers will occur just hours into the mission, and it is intended to eclipse the record for the highest nonlunar orbit of Earth, set at 1,370 kilometers by NASA’s Gemini 11 spacecraft in September 1966. The flight will touch “the inner regions of Earth’s Van Allen radiation belt” said Menon in the briefing.

The peak of the spacecraft’s orbit will then be lowered to 700 kilometers. On the second day in space, the crew will prepare for the space walk, which will include readying their sleek new extravehicular activity suits designed by SpaceX. On the third day, the space walk will be attempted.

Although not confirmed, Isaacman and Gillis are believed to be the two crewmembers who will actually leave the spacecraft’s hatch and enter space. However, the entire spacecraft will need to be depressurized, and the whole crew will be suited, with a “pre-breathe” protocol needed to remove nitrogen from the astronaut’s bodies to “reduce [the] risk of decompression sickness,” Gillis said in the briefing, noting that the crew had spent two days at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston to prepare for the process. Separately the team have also trained for thousands of hours for the mission, including in simulators, have completed physical training, and have worn the suits for more than 100 hours on the ground.

Isaacman and Gillis will not detach from the spacecraft and float freely in space. However, they will fully exit the craft using a series of rails, dubbed “Skywalker,” installed at the hatch, while remaining attached to the vehicle with a 12-foot-long tether. The duo will remain in contact with Crew Dragon but will have a “hands-free demonstration” where only their feet are touching, said Isaacman.

Leroy Chiao, a former NASA astronaut who performed six space walks, says the duo can expect to see a “spectacular view of Earth and the horizon” that is immensely better than looking through the spacecraft’s window, along with a flood of emotions. “When I’ve been outside on every one of my space walks, I have this heightened sense of what I’m doing,” he says. “I’m hyper-aware of every single thing.”

He notes that safety will be paramount for the spacewalkers. “My advice would be to triple-check everything, go slow, and enjoy it,” he says. “You want to make sure your tether’s attached—getting flung out into space is every spacewalker’s worst nightmare. That’s the secret fear of all spacewalkers, whether we admit it or not.”

The space walk, which will be livestreamed to Earth on X, is expected to last about two hours. A number of scientific experiments will also be conducted during the mission, including tests of how humans react to short-duration spaceflights like this, as opposed to months-long stays on the ISS—such as that of the two NASA astronauts who found their eight-day trip on Boeing’s Starliner become an eight-month stay due to problems with the spacecraft.

The mission will end on its fifth day by splashing down off the coast of Florida in the Atlantic Ocean or the Gulf of Mexico, where it will be picked up by a ship, with the crew returned to land. Isaacman then hopes to launch a second Polaris Dawn mission on Crew Dragon in the coming years, possibly a mission to boost NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope—although Isaacman was coy about that prospect, and NASA has not yet given its approval .

The Polaris program will end with a third mission that will be the first crewed flight of Starship. If Isaacman and Musk get their way, that might well be the start of an even more ambitious era of human spaceflight where it is not just billionaires clinging to the sides of spacecraft. “There’s going to be an armada of Starships arriving on Mars at some point in the future,” Isaacman said in the briefing. “And people are going to have to be able to get out and walk around.”

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Gov. Reynolds travels to India for trade mission

DES MOINES, Iowa (KCRG) - Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds is traveling to India on a trade mission, her office announced Tuesday.

The governor said the goal of the trip is to strengthen Iowa’s trade and investment relationships with one of the world’s fastest-growing economies.

“With India’s tremendous growth and massive consumer market, this trade mission is an excellent opportunity to promote Iowa as an investment destination for Indian companies—particularly those in advanced manufacturing, biotech, finance, and insurance—and a strong trade partner in agricultural exports,” said Governor Reynolds.

During the 10-day trip, which started Tuesday, Reynolds will stop in Delhi and Mumbai to meet with Indian government officials and American business leaders.

Reynolds will be a keynote speaker at the U.S.-India Business Council’s 49th India Ideas Summit.

Joining Gov. Reynolds on the trip is a delegation including Iowa Economic Development Authority and Iowa Finance Authority Director Debi Durham, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig, and agricultural and business leaders from Iowa.

Reynolds and her delegation will host two Iowa-India Trade and Investment events to meet with business leaders and officials from the U.S. Embassy and U.S. Consulate, Indian government officials and business leaders.

Copyright 2024 KCRG. All rights reserved.

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Polaris Dawn Astronauts Launch on Ambitious Private Mission

The mission is taking people farther from Earth than anyone has traveled since the end of NASA’s Apollo moon missions.

SpaceX Launches Polaris Dawn Private Spaceflight Mission

Polaris dawn successfully launched tuesday morning with four nonprofessional astronauts aboard..

4, 3, 2, 1. Ignition. Two minutes into flight, everything continues to look good. Stage separation confirmed. I believe this view here is — Yep, it’s of the trunk. You can see it separating from the second stage. A gorgeous view.

By Kenneth Chang

On Tuesday morning, Jared Isaacman, a billionaire entrepreneur, launched to space for a second time. The mission, known as Polaris Dawn , is a collaboration between Mr. Isaacman and SpaceX, the rocket company led by Elon Musk.

“Send us, SpaceX,” Mr. Isaacman said with just over 30 seconds left in the countdown.

At 5:23 a.m. Eastern time, a Falcon 9 rocket lifted off from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Less than 15 minutes later, the crew of four astronauts inside the Crew Dragon capsule — that will be their home for the next five days — were in orbit.

“We’re going to get to work now,” Mr. Isaacman said in an exchange with the launch controllers on the ground.

The Polaris Dawn mission will mark some milestones for private spaceflight — the first spacewalk conducted by nonprofessional astronauts, and the farthest journey from Earth by anyone since NASA’s moon landings more than 50 years ago.

Why was the flight delayed?

The launch was scheduled for Aug. 28, but was called off because of a helium leak. After that, unsettled weather around Florida has proved troublesome — not so much for the launch, but for the splashdown on the sixth day.

The Polaris Dawn mission carries limited amounts of air, food, and other supplies. “Unlike an I.S.S. mission, we don’t have the option to delay long on orbit, so we must ensure the forecast is as favorable as possible before we launch,” Mr. Isaacman explained on X , referring to the International Space Station.

On Tuesday, the weather outlook improved, and the Polaris Dawn astronauts boarded their spacecraft. However, they had to wait on the ground. Because of rain showers near the first launch opportunity, at 3:38 a.m., it was skipped. Then the skies cleared up enough for the launch.

Who is on board?

In addition to Mr. Isaacman, the crew consists of Scott Poteet, a retired U.S. Air Force lieutenant colonel and pilot who is a longtime friend of Mr. Isaacman’s; and two SpaceX employees, Anna Menon, a space operations engineer, and Sarah Gillis , an engineer who oversees astronaut training.

How high above Earth will Polaris Dawn travel?

The launch put the spacecraft and crew on an elliptical orbit that comes within 118 miles of the Earth’s surface and then swings out to an altitude of 745 miles. That is the farthest from Earth that anyone has traveled since the Apollo moon missions.

Several orbits later, a thruster firing will push the farthest point of the orbit even farther out, to 870 miles. That will be higher than the 853-mile altitude that the NASA astronauts Pete Conrad and Richard Gordon reached during the Gemini XI mission in 1966, the record for astronauts on a spaceflight that was not headed to the moon.

The elliptical orbits will provide new insights into the bombardment of radiation and micrometeroids farther out in space.

Another thruster firing will drop the Crew Dragon into a lower orbit for the rest of the mission.

What will happen during the spacewalk?

It is scheduled for Thursday, the third day of the mission, although a time has not yet been announced.

All four crew members will put on their spacesuits, and then all of the air will be let out of the capsule. The hatch will then be opened and the inside of the spacecraft will become part of the vacuum of outer space.

Only two people — Mr. Isaacman and Ms. Gillis — are to leave the capsule to do the walk. Mr. Poteet and Ms. Menon will remain in the capsule to manage the umbilical cords and monitor the readings to make sure everything is proceeding properly.

The main goal of the spacewalk is to test the spacesuits, which SpaceX developed for this flight. The spacesuits are an evolution of those worn on earlier SpaceX missions, adding capabilities like protection against micrometeroids and temperature controls for the astronauts.

After Mr. Isaacman and Ms. Gillis return inside and close the hatch, the inside of the capsule will be repressurized.

What else will they be doing in orbit?

Before and after the spacewalk, the crew will conduct about 40 experiments, including obtaining magnetic resonance images of the astronauts’ brains and attempting to take X-ray images without an X-ray machine by using the natural showers of radiation that stream through outer space.

The mission is also raising money for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis.

How is this different from Mr. Isaacman’s first space trip?

In 2021, Mr. Isaacman led and financed a mission that he named Inspiration4 . It was the first trip to orbit without a professional astronaut aboard. Instead of bringing friends, Mr. Isaacman provided seats to a former cancer patient at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital , who now works there as a physician assistant, and to two space enthusiasts who won contests .

The Inspiration4 mission went into low-Earth orbit for three days and then splashed down off Florida.

Mr. Isaacman described Polaris Dawn as a “joint effort” with SpaceX, seeking to develop new technologies that could be used for Mr. Musk’s dream of sending people to Mars someday. He declined to say how much he or SpaceX was investing.

Kenneth Chang, a science reporter at The Times, covers NASA and the solar system, and research closer to Earth. More about Kenneth Chang

What’s Up in Space and Astronomy

Keep track of things going on in our solar system and all around the universe..

Never miss an eclipse, a meteor shower, a rocket launch or any other 2024 event  that’s out of this world with  our space and astronomy calendar .

Leaving behind the two NASA astronauts it took to the International Space Station three months ago, Boeing’s troubled Starliner spacecraft is set to begin  its return to Earth soon.

A speeding star is traveling through the Milky Way at around a million miles an hour. It could be moving fast enough to break free from the gravitational clutches of the galaxy .

In 1924, a radio receiver built for the battlefields of World War I tested the idea that humans were not alone in the solar system, heralding a century of searches for extraterrestrial life .

A study adds strong evidence to the hypothesis that the asteroid that killed the dinosaurs  came from a family of objects that originally formed well beyond the orbit of the planet Jupiter.

Is Pluto a planet? And what is a planet, anyway? Test your knowledge here .

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Kim Reynolds leads 10-day trade mission to India to feed ethanol and livestock exports

Gov. Kim Reynolds is off to India to meet with the country's leaders on trade investment.

Reynolds said the 10-day trade mission will help establish the state as an investment destination for Indian companies that specialize in manufacturing, biotech, finance, insurance and agricultural exports, her office announced Tuesday.

Much of Iowa's agriculture industry relies on international exports. The state exported the most goods to Canada in 2023, totaling $5.5 billion, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative reported .

Mason Mauro, Reynolds' deputy communications director, said the visit is Reynolds' first time to India, but she led previous trade missions as recently as last year on a multi-country trip to Italy, Kosovo and Israel.

She will give keynote remarks Thursday at the annual U.S.-India Business Council’s 49th India Ideas Summit in New Delhi. CNBC India will broadcast her remarks at around 3:30 a.m. in Iowa because of the 11-hour time difference.

Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig, Iowa Finance Authority Director Debi Durham and other Iowa agriculture and business leaders are joining Reynolds on the trip.

Naig said in a news release in April that India recently opened the door for Iowa pork exports, and has a "growing appetite for ethanol and livestock feed."

Reynolds will also visit the Seghal Foundation, a nongovernmental organization that promotes clean water, research, and education for girls and women, in rural India.

Sabine Martin covers politics for the Register. She can be reached by email at [email protected] or by phone at (515) 284-8132. Follow her on X at @sabinefmartin. 

As NASA's Mars Sample Return Stumbles, China Is Looking to Beat Them to the Punch

China has moved up the date for its mars sample mission by two years..

The space race continues as China moves up the date for its historic Mars sample return mission while the US slashes its own trip to collect rocks from the Red Planet.

As  SpaceNews reports , the chief designer of the Tianwen-3 sample return mission, Liu Jizhong, announced during a recent conference that China's space agency is moving the program's timeline to launch up to 2028, after previous estimates put it at around 2030.

The mission's top scientific goal is, as Liu told the state-run Central China Television , finding evidence of life.

Because conditions to fly to Mars are only optimal every 26 months , Chinese officials have over the years sometimes alternated between a target of 2028 and 2030. The mission will involve, as  SpaceNews notes, launching two separate Long March 5 rockets from Earth: one carrying ascent and landing vehicles, and one carrying an orbiter and return module.

Building on its Tianwen-1 Mars mission , this sample return project may also include a helicopter and six-legged crawler that will traverse regions of the Red Planet preselected for their astrobiological relevance,  SpaceNews notes.

Sun Zezhou, a senior engineer at the China Academy of Space Technology, told press earlier this year that planning the mission has gone "relatively smoothly" thus far, and gave the 2030 launch estimate that has since been reduced by two years.

While China's space agency charges ahead, NASA's Martian sample mission has been forced to completely restructure its counterpart program after its projected costs ballooned from an already-pricey $8 billion to an eye-watering $11 billion.

Initially slated for 2026, the Mars Sample Return (MSR) mission was lambasted by an independent expert review last year. In the scathing report , the assembled outside experts assailed the mission as overly complicated and found there were was essentially no way NASA could pull it off on time with the "available funding."

After conducting its own internal review of the external review [!], NASA agreed and decided to ask for help from seven private companies, including SpaceX and Northrup Grumman, to come up with "out of the box" solutions to make it cheaper and less complex.

As  SpaceNews notes , China will likely face its own complications when designing the Tianwen-3 mission, not least that nobody has ever launched a return craft from an alien planet before.

The country said in its announcement of the latest launch date that it plans to cooperate with other nations when it does return its Mars samples — though if recent history is any precedent, the Americans may have to wait to get their own rocks off the Red Planet instead of sharing with their Chinese competitors.

More on Mars: Elon Musk Says Starship, Which Has Never Landed on Earth in One Piece, Will Be Landing on Mars by 2026

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