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UMYF Trips
There are several different types of trips we take in UMYF, all of which have different purposes.
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Mission Trip
This is the big one. Each year, the group takes a week-long trip as an act of love and service to those less fortunate. Most fundraising throughout the year supports this trip. The congregation is an important part of this process, particularly through the Sponsors program and subsequent Sponsors Dinner.
The purpose of Mission Trip is three-fold. First, the kids learn how to be the church through a dramatic act of kindness. This is what Jesus is talking about in Matthew 25: When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on the throne of his glory' Then the king will say to those at his right hand, 'Come, you that are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me" Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.
(Matthew 25:31, 34-36, 40b)
Second, Mission Trip is a cultural learning experience, as our kids see a side of life they may not otherwise be exposed to. Past Mission Trip destinations have included Juarez, Mexico, rural Appalachia, and North Carolina. Third, we know of no more effective team building than the physical and emotional challenge of Mission Trip.
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What Mission Trips Mean to Me
By Sophia Rojas
This summer, the Arapaho Youth Group is going to Costa Rica for its annual mission trip. We are fortunate to go on a mission trip every summer. The reason we have these amazing opportunities is because of the support and care of our generous congregation. So many people from the congregation come to car washes and 3rd Act, buy Super Bowl subs and concessions when they come to the Labyrinth Theatre, and when it comes time for our sponsorship campaign, make generous donations to support the trip. Without the congregation supporting us in all these ways, the trips we take every summer wouldn’t be possible.
Every year, those who sponsor us do more than they know and put a smile on more than one face. Every mission trip, I see smiles not only on the faces of my fellow youth but also on the faces of those whose houses we help rebuild, people whose hope and faith had been lost or shaken. Children whom we help are reminded that they are loved and cared about, and they smile again. Seeing all of these wonderful changes is made possible every year by the love of our congregation.
As teenagers, we look forward to a summer of relaxing, watching TV, camp, vacation, and swimming. However, one of the best parts of being in the AUMC Youth Group is the chance not to be the “typical” teen. Although we still look forward to swimming and watching TV and all that stuff, what I think we look forward to most is the complete opposite of just relaxing and socializing. The week I look forward to more than anything is a week filled with hard work, no hair product, less-than-amazing bathrooms, thinking about others before myself and wearing jeans when it’s 102 degrees outside. All of this may not be the average or typical teen’s idea of a perfect week, but it certainly is mine, thanks to our youth group.
During mission trips, we also get the chance truly to be disciples of Jesus. An introduction to 1 Corinthians 13 in an online Bible that I read says, “A Christian who understands what love truly means and shows love in his or her life is the greatest testimony to others.” During mission trips, this is exactly what we learn. We learn to show God’s love through our actions. We get a chance to further our spiritual journeys in an environment filled with adult volunteers and other youth trying to do the same. For myself, I learn to appreciate what I have, realize how fortunate I am and learn never to take anything or anyone for granted. I would not, could not be the person that I am without the Youth Group. What makes all this possible is Arapaho United Methodist Church, and for that I am very thankful.
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Retreats
These are typically focused around a theme, are thoroughly programmed, and concentrate on spiritual growth. In special cases, they are designed for both youth and parents. Much as Jesus escaped to the wilderness at the start of his ministry, so, too, we remove ourselves from the world to focus on our spiritual condition. It is preferred that youth and adults who are going on Mission Trip attend the Spring Retreat. Past destinations have included New Mexico and Bridgeport.
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Camping
These trips are much more low-key, and just give youth an opportunity to hang out together. Very little is programmed on these short excursions, outside of an evening devotional. Parents are welcome on these trips.
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