Top 5 Short Term Mission Trips for the Family
Picture this…you and your family prioritizing lasting memories AND making a greater impact on your next vacay. Go beyond beaches and theme parks and straight to actually making a difference.
Consider a short-term missions trip! Though often associated with religion, these kinds of trips aren't just for youth groups. They're a great way for families traveling with young kids, teens, or extended family members to get out of their comfort zone, experience a new culture, and serve in meaningful ways.
A short-term family mission trip can be a life-changing experience, and we want to guide you towards the best options.
Why consider a short-term family mission trip?
Imagine a vacation where each member of your family not only discovers new cultures and places but also experiences the joy of serving others through meaningful service projects.
Family trips can be about more than just relaxation; they can be opportunities to create lasting memories (yes, sacrificial service can be fun, too!) In today's world, where electronic devices often take over our time together, and we can get caught up in a "me-centered" mindset, a short-term family mission trip offers a unique opportunity to step out of our comfort zones and into a world where putting others first takes center stage (something allll of our kids can benefit from experiencing!)
These trips aren't just for adults or college students looking to "travel the world." They can include every age group, from young children and young adults all the way to grandma and grandpa.
Examples of opportunities:
Medical Missions
Construction projects
Orphancare
Children’s Ministry
Education and Training
Disaster Relief
the list goes on!
When we say the options are endless, we mean it. Every action taken on a mission trip contributes to a greater impact, not just in the communities visited but also in the hearts of each family member.
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Let's kick off your search by checking out our list of safe and super organized short-term missions trip options:
1. Strong Missions
Strong Missions serves Costa Rica by facilitating youth, college, adult, and family mission trips outside the city of Grecia. This faith-based organization not only curates safe and impactful trips, but they also provide continual programming for at-risk areas long after your family has returned home. Strong Missions will provide your family with all the tools you need for the work you’ll do on a trip to Costa Rica, like meals, ground transportation, lodging, cultural activities, and of course, service projects.
2. Oceanic Society
The Oceanic Society offers unique family trips that are both educational and provide conservation services to our oceans (a great option if you have a budding marine biologist in your crew)! Trips include helping scientists gather information on sea turtles and manatees in Belize, a shared experience for the whole family to learn coral reef monitoring techniques, and assisting in searches for nesting turtles in Puerto Rico.
3. Mission of Hope
Looking for a trip to flex your medical training background? Mission of Hope offers Dominican Republic medical mission trips for licensed professionals and students. This is a great option if you have older kids. Your entire family will have the opportunity to work four full days in the mobile medical clinics, providing care to those who do not have regular access to healthcare.
4. Discover Corps
Trips with Discover Corps are special because they focus on your kids! Each trip has kid-friendly meal options and meal times, built-in free time, and special efforts to connect your kids with local children. Volunteer travel locations include Baja, Kenya, Jamaica, the Galapagos Islands, South Africa, and more.
5. Hope 4 Kids International
When it comes to short-term mission trips, Hope 4 Kids International has tons of options. Trips range from three to 14 days, and your family can impact countries like Mexico, Guatemala, Uganda, Nepal, Namibia, Romania, and the Philippines. Families can serve in construction, education, children's programs, and so much more.
There’s nothing quite as rewarding as taking a trip that truly makes a lasting impact (especially with your whole fam). Have you gone on a missions trip together? We’d love to hear about it! What organizations should we add to our list? Message us @thecitymoms over on Instagram!
