About SERVE

Each SERVE mission trip is run by a local Host Team, made of committed volunteers from one or more churches/ organizations. These dedicated volunteers organize the SERVE mission trip with support from the YU home office. Together, YU and the local Host Team strive to have a long-term impact on the communities and people whom we serve by coming along side non-profit and faith-based organizations and individuals who are already serving year-round in the community. A mission experience is at its best when it balances forming relationships between those who are serving and those who are being served, recognizes that those who are being served have as much, if not more, to give in return and addresses the needs of the community. 

SERVE is designed so that a youth worker can concentrate on building relationships with students and leave the details of the experience to Youth Unlimited and the local Host Team. 
At a glance:

• SERVE is for those who have a desire to help others and discover who God is.
• SERVE involves hands-on and people-oriented service which may include activities like home construction and repair, painting, cleaning, meal preparation, working with children and more.
• SERVE is for groups or individuals.
• SERVE typically includes anywhere from 30 - 120 students and adult leaders, though some sites offer a more intimate experience with a total capacity of 5 - 12 students and leaders.

Groups must send at least one adult (21 years or older) for every five teens from your group. To facilitate strong team-building and new relationships, groups of 10 or more are encouraged to divide between two or more SERVE sites. Some sites are limited to individuals and groups of 5 or less or 15 or less only. See site descriptions for details. 

AGE REQUIREMENTS by July 1, 2010:

• High School - Ages 14-20, or you have completed grade 8. NOTE:
  There are some exceptions. See list of locations for details.
• Middle School - Ages 12-14, or you have completed grade 6.
• Special Needs - Ages 14-26, with special needs that cannot be accommodated on a traditional SERVE experience.
• International – Ages 16–20, or you have completed grade 10

For more information, call 616-241-5616 x3040 or e-mail missions@youthunlimited.org.