Is Teen Missions affiliated with any specific denominations?
No. Teen Missions is not a denomination but is interdenominational. Teen Missions staff, leaders and team members come from a wide range of evangelical denominations.
What is Teen Missions policy on doctrine?
Teen Missions does not discuss or teach the doctrines that divide the body of believers. Teens asking questions of specific doctrinal issues are directed to their parents and/or pastors. Doctrines included in the Teen Missions Doctrinal Statement are taught.
Why 15cm boots?
For safety reasons, 15cm construction boots are required for all team members and leaders throughout the duration of the team. Besides the obvious safety advantages for a work project site and rugged terrain, these boots protect against disease caused by human and animal waste found on and in the ground in some places overseas.
Does Teen Missions screen team members?
Teen Missions does not require recommendations or references before team members are assigned to teams.
Teen Missions does, however, have a strict screening process for its leaders and requires them to undergo the Teen Missions’ Leader’s Seminar before they are permitted to lead a team.
What is Boot Camp?
Boot Camp is given its name because everyone is required to wear work boots. It is a rugged 260 acre training facility where young people learn team work on the Obstacle Course and experience each training activity as a team. Teens undergo training in basic construction, evangelism, music, drama, and spiritual and practical survival skills in preparation for their summer projects.
What is the purpose of the Obstacle Course?
A timed obstacle course is used to unify a team and to teach them how to work together and to prepare the team for situations which may be encountered while overseas.
Do I have to run the Obstacle Course?
All team members are required to participate in the Obstacle Course to the best of their ability. In the case of a medical condition, a doctor’s note is required to be excused from doing the obstacles. In this case, team members will walk the course, so they will be involved as much as possible with the rest of the team.
What is done in the case of serious illness or injury?
While overseas, if a team member is sick for more than 24 hours, they will visit a doctor, clinic, or whatever medical facility is available, to be seen by a health care worker. The location of these medical facilities and doctors is determined in advance so that no time is wasted in getting team members proper care.
How old do I have to be to go on a team?
Teen team – 13+
What happens in the event of political unrest, natural disaster or other safety issues while the team is overseas?
Teen Missions monitors all the locations of teams, and is in communication with the missionaries that the teams will be working with. In the event of any political unrest, natural disaster, or other safety issues arising, Teen Missions will transfer a team from it’s project to another site. We will do whatever necessary to ensure, to the best of our ability, the safety of each team member and leader.
Can I send my child care packages?
We ask that no care packages be sent to team members while on any part of their summer team. In many cases, packages sent to team members arrive after the team has left, and it becomes the responsibility of the full time missionary on the field to pay for any customs and taxes that the country charges out of his or her own finances. In most countries, packages cannot be returned to sender, and MUST be claimed by the missionary.
Do I need a passport?
All team members and leaders that depart Australia on teams are required to have a valid passport.
