Service Adventure is a short-term mission trip that challenges you to experience ministry through serving others in need. The combination of service and adventure in a different culture makes it an exciting opportunity for Christian growth!
For two weeks you can join participants from different countries as they come together for one purpose—to become better prepared to serve the Lord. Whether that means serving in your neighborhood, in another part of the world, or possible service through the Educational Assistance program for graduates, you will catch a lifelong vision of a world in need of Christ!
Please click on the frequently asked questions below to learn more. To view past Service Adventure participants in action, visit the Service Adventure photo albums on the A.C.E. School of Tomorrow Facebook page.
In the first week of Service Adventure, you will be challenged and will grow along with your team members as you participate in training for ministry. You will learn to work together through team-building activities as you prepare to serve schools using the A.C.E. program.
Training for service includes learning how to recognize and fulfill your unique calling by studying what it means to serve the Lord wholeheartedly. Inspiring evening devotions challenge you to action through God’s Word, prayer, and Scripture memory. Preparation for service also includes practical sessions and activities, such as cross-cultural orientation, puppetry, singing, language lessons, and school furniture construction skills.
Part of the adventure will include roughing it by sleeping on a hard surface, eating unusual foods, and using less-than-comfortable bathing facilities—excellent training for missionaries!
Once training is complete, the second week will be spent serving and ministering to schools in need that use the A.C.E. program. You will travel with your team to spend at least five days implementing what you have learned. Teams will enjoy getting to know the people as they minister, build student offices, paint, and do whatever they can to help these schools prepare for the new school year. Participants will have the chance to take part in sharing the Gospel through their testimonies as well as puppetry or drama. At the end of serving at offsite locations, fellow participants and leaders will return to the Service Adventure base to complete the program.
All participants must be at least 16 years of age by June 1 prior to Service Adventure. Attendees must be using at least three core subjects of the A.C.E. curriculum, be a graduate who used the curriculum, or be a parent or staff member actively serving in a school using the A.C.E. program. Participants under the age of 18 must have written permission from a parent/guardian. A written recommendation from the participant’s pastor or supervisor is required. Adults of all ages are encouraged to participate as Service Adventure is not just for young people. Background checks are necessary for participants 18 and older.
To prepare students better, two exciting PACEs must be completed prior to attending. These Practical Missions PACEs, which will be administered by a proctor, will be provided to all new registered high school participants. High school students may also take part in the Practical Missions elective course by participating in Service Adventure and completing the Secret of Leadership training PACE in conjunction with the Soulwinning PACE under the care of a proctor. The Secret of Leadership and Soulwinning PACEs will be mailed directly to the proctor. At the end of Service Adventure, participants will receive a certificate that states they have successfully qualified for this half credit. Students who desire to learn more about missions are encouraged to take the Introduction to Missions PACEs 1–6 that also count as a half credit, together providing a full missions credit. In order to receive recognition for this high school credit at Service Adventure, the high school participant should submit the Service Adventure Training Proctor Designation form before April 1.
To prepare participants better, two exciting PACEs must be completed prior to attending. These training PACEs will be provided to all registered first-time participants. The PACEs should be completed and the Service Adventure Training Affidavit submitted before June 1.
To apply for Service Adventure, create an online account. Once your account is approved, complete the full application before April 1. The following items are part of the application, so be sure to allow enough time to gather all the necessary information. Please ensure you have access to a printer to obtain the necessary signatures.
NOTE: Be sure you have a valid government-issued passport. You must have at least six months of time left on your passport at the end of Service Adventure. If you do not have a passport, get it as soon as possible.
Your Service Adventure application will be submitted to an approval committee. Once their decision is made, you will be notified via email of approval status.
First-Time Students: Once you have been accepted, your proctor will receive the two PACEs you need to complete and you will receive any information that you may need to proceed with the registration process. To complete registration, submit the following items within your online account before June 1.
NOTE: Be sure to secure a passport.
Alumni: Once you have been accepted, you will receive an email with a letter and any information that you may need to proceed with the registration process. To complete registration, submit the following items within your online account before June 1.
NOTE: Be sure to secure a passport.
Cost for participation is US$350. This fee covers lodging, meals, equipment, supplies, class materials, training, and local transportation during Service Adventure. This fee is due June 1. (The participation fee of $350 does NOT include transportation costs from your home to Service Adventure and is in addition to the nonrefundable $75 annual registration fee.) If you have been to Service Adventure previously, please bring your Service Adventure shirt with a patch. If it has been lost or ruined, you can purchase one at Service Adventure for $25.
Travel arrangements to and from Service Adventure should be made by each individual participant. Please contact us for consultation PRIOR to making your travel arrangements! All participants should arrive on the first day after 5 a.m. and should depart on the last day no later than midnight. Please do not plan to travel on other days.
Please download and print the PDF checklist below to assist you as you pack for Service Adventure.
If you have more questions about how you can experience this life-changing Service Adventure, please email [email protected] or call 615-612-5200.
Do you want to be an additional blessing? Your church or school can help raise funds for student office construction ($40 per office) or to purchase other Learning Center needs for the school in which you will serve. If you would like to make donations to help with tools and materials, email [email protected].