FAQ
For Regional Teams
After I sign up what happens?
Once we receive your application, you will be notified that we are processing. Processing and evaluation can take some time depending on the number of applications we have received. If you have not heard back from us for a few weeks it's probably because we are really busy. We will get back to you in time for you to make travel arrangements to get to your Training Camp location.
Are there age restrictions for going on a Regional Team?
Yes. You need to be 15 by the time you attend Training Camp and 16 by the time of your trip.
Where are your Training Camps?
A list of our Training Camps can be found on our Individual Trips web page. We generally have Training Camps on the East and West Coast in the summer, fall, and winter.
If I have to fly to Training Camp will YMI pay for it?
No. It is the responsibility of the participant to pay for transportation to and from Training Camp. Each youth participant can, however, be reimbursed for their expenses if they exceed their fundraising goal for the trip with enough to cover the full amount of their travel to Training Camp.
*Adult leaders who are accepted by YMI to lead a team will have their airfare paid for by YMI if they need to fly to a Training Camp.
What happens at Training Camp?
You meet your team and team leaders, learning how to work as a team and training for your trip. We can't tell you everything about it because you wouldn't get as much out of it if we did!
How much do your trips cost?
Generally speaking, our international trips can range from $2,800-$3,600. This covers everything, including airfare. These prices are estimates and can change based on the cost of airfare to and from certain locations.
Does my $50 application fee go toward my trip cost?
No. The $50 application fee pays for your training.
When do we find out where we are going?
All youth participants will find out the location of the trip and the ministry they will be doing once they are with their team at Training Camp.
Where have you gone in the past?
YMI started in March of 2007. We have trained teams to go to Ukraine, South Korea, Brazil, Guatemala, and the Philippines. These are not the only countries we will send teams to, but gives you an idea of where we send teams. As of right now we have contacts on five continents.
For Group Teams
Where do you offer trips?
This year our international trips are focused on India and Brazil. We also offer week-long trips to urban settings where your group can participate in evangelistic sports camps in the U.S. The trip offerings can be seen on our Group Trips web page. That being said, we have contacts all over the world and may be able to customize a trip for your group. Just drop us a line through our Contact Us page!
How do I sign up for a trip?
On our Group Trips page you can click a button to sign up online or you can download and mail in a form.
After I sign up what happens?
Once we receive your application, you will be notified we received it. After we approve your group, you will receive a mailing asking for a $50 deposit per person to reserve your spots. This allows us to begin working with the missionary contact to arrange your trip and to fund your training.
Is the $50 deposit part of the overall cost of the trip?
Yes. The $50 deposit is part of the cost quoted per person for your trip.
What is included in the cost of the trip?
The cost of your trip includes an initial training and all costs in the field. This includes transportation, lodging, food, ministry expenses and any site seeing. This does not include airfare, but we can arrange that for your group if you choose.
What is the initial training about?
Every team that is sent through YMI goes through an initial training put on by YMI staff. YMI will work with your church's or group's primary youth leader to plan the dates for the training. Then, we will send a training team to your church to put on a training with your primary youth leader's input. The training includes teambuilding, cultural awareness, and ministry training. In many cases we attempt to tailor the training to the location where your team is going. This is all part of the cost of the trip!
Are there age restrictions?
YMI asks that you please only send high-school age students on international trips. Both Junior and Senior High students can go on trips within the United States.
We already have a trip planned. Do you offer just your training component to church groups?
Yes we do! We think that thorough, professional training is the key to a positive mission experience for your team and the host missionary. Just go to the contact page and let us know you want us to do a training at your church and we will get back to you as soon as possible!