29 Feb 20+ ideas for planning your Texas youth ministry trips
1. Monastery Pilgrimage: Among the most worthwhile experiences a teens can have is putting in a day or two in a monastic environment to enjoy how deeply Christianity can be lived.
2. Inter-faith Outings/ Visits to Other Churches: It is vital for teens to understand that they are not alone and that there are more people their age living their faith than they think!
3. Service Project: Assist at a homeless shelter, food co-op, or building project.
4. Church Council, Assembly, or Convention: Go to youth-related councils or congresses and make the youth presence known at Church councils like the All-American Council.
5. Nursing Home or Hospital: Visiting the sick and infirm are necessary trainings that need to be instructed early.
6. Youth Choir Trip to Other Churches: Some youth organizations are already recording and presenting their choir’s performances.
7. Camp-Out: Spend an overnight or weekend stay in the woods and under the stars.
8. Retreat at Camp/ Retreat Center: This resembles a campout but with the comforts of home such as beds and bathrooms!
9. History outreach: Always remember those who have departed and discover ancestors by tending graves at cemeteries where parishioners are buried.
10. Amusement Park: This is a typical youth outing. There is usually a park within two to three hours of most communities.
11. Museum: Large displays of religious art, Russian, Byzantine and others have become more popular and widespread.
12. Sporting Event: Go to watch or to play!
13. Science or Nature Center: With interactive exhibits, all of these are particularly good for younger groups. Exhibits ranging from high-tech to complete wilderness can entertain all ages.
14. Youth March: Youth have something to say about concerns of justice, so “let your light shine.”
15. Movie: You can choose either a current feature film that is of significance to your youth ministry or prepare for a special showing of another film. Ensure to preview the movie before showing it to a group.
16. Concert: Whether nonreligious or religious music, there are many different free and open-air concerts in cities during the summertime.
17. Fair or Festival: The local town fair, a block party, or an ethnic festival can be great options for teens to attend, have fun, volunteer, or run their own booth.
18. Zoo, Aquarium, or Botanical Garden: These getaways are great for days with good weather by providing a variety of shows as well as roaming time to keep youth interested.
19. Waterfront: Beaches, lakes, and even pools and water parks are always great spots for fun and fellowship. Be prepared for sunburn!
20. Dinner/ Banquet: It can be a dinner cruise, barbecue at family fun parks, or a formal affair.
21. Education/ Career Planning at a University: This kind of outing is excellent for high school teens looking to make choices about the future.
22. Workshop with Local Artist, Educator, or Activity Instructor: This is a terrific way to acquire new experiences, insights, and skills.
23. Ice Cream Social or Picnic: This is very basic, traditional idea. It is something that does not need too much organization and an excellent place to start for any youth group.