YL Expeditions is all about reaching a world of kids! The Expeditions’ mission is to come alongside and serve Young life ministries that cross cultures around the globe and in the United States by developing relationships through short term service and engagement. Each international division hosts teams from the US.

How Does It Work?

Typically we utilize short-term ministry partnerships to serve and assist the local international ministry. Imagine a group of young people from the US taking their time, energy and resources to an international location and befriending, serving, loving and learning with a group of young people there. Imagine the excitement of seeing two different cultures with different ways of expressing faith coming together to learn about God’s incredible goodness. Imagine the spiritual momentum that can be created in the lives of both groups. Both receive faith, care and hope and sees God in ways they never dreamed. Everyone comes away challenged to give more, love more and be more involved with God’s mission to the world.

What Exactly Does Expeditions Do In The Locations They Serve?

Typically, a team either provides either does a project within the community they’re visiting or provides work crew for a camp. Service can be a project like construction of homes or YL Club rooms. Maybe the project is renovation and improvement of current buildings or just odd jobs around an orphanage. Practical service allows us to show that we are committed to loving not just with our words but also with our hands.

Likewise, many of our teams serve as a work crew for an International Young Life Camp experience. Because there are very few International Young Life Camp properties, typically the camp f​acilities are rented hotels or hostels. They are simple, often rustic, but always adequate, safe and sufficient. Many campers have never traveled far from their homes and have never stayed somewhere apart from their family - this is a real adventure for them! Many of these kids leave camp eternally changed. Work crew service typically includes meal prep and clean up, preparing and facilitating activities, helping run the nightly club meetings, and maybe act crazy in a skit!  

We know you are already serving at full capacity. That’s why Expeditions helps take care of the details. We have an application specific to each team process, can assist with the travel logistics (airfare, lodging, visas, etc.), fundraising training, and quickly connect you to these new international ministry partners. 

How Much Do Expeditions Cost?

It depends on where you go and how long your stay. Airfare is the largest portion of your cost with the rest going to lodging, local transportation, food and projects costs. Expeditions range in cost from around $750 for some of our closer locations to over $3500 for some of our longer or further locales. 

Does An Expedition Really Make a Difference?

Unequivocally YES! Both physical service projects and work crew service are designed to support the ministry vision and strategy of the local Young Life work. Projects often serve to help local YL leaders and staff gain a voice in the affected community, with the ultimate goal of furthering the opportunity for staff and volunteers to share the message of Christ with local youth. In this way, your group is contributing directly to the increase of God’s kingdom in your host country by helping expand and develop the local outreach efforts. Your service is crucial in our mission, with eternal implications! You will return to the United States knowing that our staff and volunteers have been empowered by your service to continue building relationships with local youth and sharing the Gospel with them on a day to day basis for years to come!