Dates & Location

Dates: July 25-August 1

Location: Mountain States Children’s Home - Longmont, CO

What Students Will Be Doing

• Facility improvement and work projects

• Serving in the Mountain States Thrift Store

• Encouraging staff and residents through presence and support

Cost & Payments

Total Cost: $600 per student/adult

May: $300 due (airfare) 

July: $300 due (lodging, food, transportation, trip expenses)

Travel and Lodging

Students will travel by plane to Denver, Colorado, either from Portland (PDX) or Medford (MFR). From Denver, Mountain States vans will transport the group to campus. Students will stay in on-site housing with bathrooms and showers. Final travel details will be shared once flights are booked.

Potential Itinerary for the Week

Saturday – Fly from PDX to DEN, travel to the Children’s Home, get settled and oriented.

Sunday – Worship at Longmont Church of Christ, prep for the week, and something fun.

Monday – Thursday – Service/Work Days: Work projects, Thrift Store, Family interactions, etc.

Friday – Fun Day!

Saturday – Travel Home, Fly from DEN to PDX. Transport back to the church building for pick up.

Participation in this mission trip is a privilege and requires commitment. Students are expected to attend youth group regularly, participate in fundraising efforts, attend all meetings (or make them up personally), complete spiritual preparation activities, and represent Christ well at all times.

Fundraising

While this trip is costly, no student will be excluded solely because of finances. Most fundraising will be done as a group with support from the congregation. Students who are willing to work hard and participate fully should be able to meet the financial requirements.

Spiritual Formation Requirements 

Each participant will complete three spiritual formation practices before departure: Silence & Solitude, Fasting, and Simplicity. These practices are meant to prepare students spiritually and help them approach the trip with humility, focus, and love for others.

The dates and deadlines below are important to ensuring this mission trip runs smoothly and that everyone is prepared spiritually, financially, and logistically. Because this trip involves travel, fundraising, and coordination with other churches, meeting these deadlines is essential. Students are expected to take responsibility for attending meetings, completing requirements on time, and communicating proactively if conflicts arise. Staying on track with these dates helps us serve well, steward resources wisely, and honor the commitment we are making together as a group.

• Registration Deadline – Mar 15, 2026

• Fundraising Planning Meeting – Mar 18, 2026

• Fundraising Letters Sent – Mar 22, 2026

• May Payment Due ($300) – May 3, 2026

• July Payment Due ($200-$300) – Jul 19, 2026

• Final Preparation Meeting – Jul 19, 2026

• Departure – Jul 25, 2026

‍ ‍Being shaped into the image of Christ through practicing love of God and love of Neighbor

This trip is meant to challenge and help you grow. To make the most of our time and serve others well, we all need to prepare. Every student and adult must complete the following:

1. Practice regular attendance on Sundays and Wednesdays. Tyler won’t formally track this, but he will use his judgment. You don’t have to be perfect, but you should be a regular part of our worship times. This matters because West Main is sending us, and we should want to be part of this community and ministry.

2. Complete each of the following three Spiritual Formation Exercises before we leave:

Silence & Solitude

• Set aside at least two hours on one day to spend in silence and solitude. Try to do this outside your room, maybe in a park or another quiet place where you can be alone.

• Use this time to get your heart, mind, and soul ready for the trip. Think about how you’ll speak to others, how you’ll treat people, and what attitude you’ll have when things get tough.

• You can spend the time in prayerful contemplation, but the goal is to “be still and know” that God is present and that God is shaping you.

• Do not spend time on your phone, listening to music, or any other distractions. 

Fasting

• Pick a day to fast from food for all three meals, from sunrise to sunset. It might seem hard, but with some willpower, you can do it. Remember to drink plenty of water to stay healthy.

• When you feel hungry, take that as a reminder to stop and pray about the trip ahead. Feel free to do this more than once!

Simplicity

• Spend a day without using any electronic devices, especially your phone, computer, and TV. Take a break from things that can easily distract you.

• Choose a day when you can really disconnect. Don’t do this on a school day or while traveling. Be intentional about unplugging and paying attention to the people and things around you.

• Spend some time in prayer this day, asking God to give you focus, clarity, and awareness as you prepare to serve.

Personal Fundraising Requirements

Fundraising is another way to learn and grow in mission work. Anyone who’s done mission work has had to ask others for support. It can be humbling, but it’s also powerful. Each student must write a letter asking for financial support. Tyler and Meagan will give you an outline to help. Send your letter to Tyler or Meagan and at least one other person. The more people you ask, the more support you’ll get! You’re also encouraged to find other ways to raise support besides letter writing.