June 19, 2017
Snow skiing. Camping. Whitewater rafting. A youth group trip can give students an exciting diversion from their weekly routines, as well as an opportunity to strengthen healthy friendships. Off-site activities may challenge your students to step outside of their comfort zones a bit, but this can bring about a positive result.
Similarly, ministry leaders may find youth event administration challenging, but ultimately rewarding.
Follow these guidelines to maximize the unique benefits of an off-site youth ministry trip and avoid common pitfalls.
Plan Your Trip
Follow these steps:
Choose Transportation
Chartered bus—Make sure your company has a certificate of insurance and modern, well-maintained vehicles. Do not sign an agreement that makes your ministry responsible for injuries that participants sustain while riding the bus. If the bus driver speeds, don’t be afraid to ask him or her to slow down.
Separate vehicles—Place at least two adults in each vehicle to safeguard against allegations of misconduct. Avoid taking seventeen passenger vans and other large vehicles, if possible.
An exciting location and a fun group of people are a sure recipe for spontaneous fun, but always remember to put safety first. Do not allow horseplay to get out of hand. If your group plays a game in an outdoor area or a natural body of water, check the area thoroughly for hazards, beforehand.