FAQ's and Packing Lists - Appalachia Mission Trips

Who makes up the Appalachia short-term mission teams?
Family, youth and adult groups come for a week during our summer mission season. An estimated 600-800 people from churches representing a variety of denominations from all over the country participate in the summer mission work in Appalachia. Individual weeks range from 70 – 120 participants, sometimes more or less. There are also opportunities for groups to come for a week, long weekend, or Saturday in the fall or spring to participate in the ongoing mission as well.

Who supervises the youth group participants?
Each youth group needs to have one adult volunteer (age 21 years or older) for every five students. Your adult volunteers are responsible for the safety and supervision of your team at all times. Our staff will provide additional guidance and consultation for your work project(s).

How much does it cost?
For youth/adult groups each week-long mission trip costs $385 per participant. For family groups the charge per participant is also $385, or $180 for children age 4-10 years. This covers housing, meals, t-shirt, programming and a whole lot of fun! A minimum construction donation is requested and based on your group or family size. Click here for payment details.

Where do we stay?
Housing is secured for your group by Appalachia staff. Your team could be housed at a college dormitory, 4-H camp, community center or public school.

What do we do at night?
Most evenings your group or family will participate in a time of praise and worship followed by a fun yet challenging and thought-provoking program. The specially designed evening program helps to draw participants further into the mission experience, develop community, and explore God-honoring, Christ-centered service. On one evening you will spend time in fellowship and worship at a local church while another evening is spent at a good old-fashioned community cookout. Groups also have time to meet each evening to share reflections and the day's experiences.

What do we bring?
Bring clothes, bedding or sleeping bag, towels, construction tools, your friends and more.
Click here to review a personal packing list
Click here to review a recommended individual tool list
Click here to review a recommended group tool list

When do we get there and when do we leave?
Our weeklong mission projects begin on Sundays for youth groups and family trips. Please arrive between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. You'll be packed and on your way home by 10 a.m. the following Saturday.

Will we have any free time?
Yes. You will have some free time each day. You also will have a day off to either go canoeing, sightseeing or participate in other adventurous activities.

Who is World Vision?
World Vision is a Christian relief and development organization dedicated to helping children and their communities worldwide reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty. We serve the worlds poor, regardless of a person's religion, race, ethnicity, or gender. The organization was founded in 1950 and works in nearly 100 countries, including the United States.

Why is a leader required to attend Group/Family Leader Training/Visitation?
This training will equip team leaders to prepare their participants for a meaningful and potentially life-changing experience in Appalachia. The training allows leaders get a better feel for their work project(s), understand more clearly about the Summer Adventure (VBS) program, and come to know more about the people they will be working alongside in the community. Leaders will also meet the World Vision staff members they will partner with during the mission project as well as meeting other church team leaders with whom they will serve. See Training section of this Web site for more information.

If your family or youth group is interested in more information, please contact:

Kris Wamsley, Community Missions at 304-457-5270 ext 289

P.O. Box 162
420 Chestnut Street
Philippi,WV 26416