Youth Service Project (YSP)
Each summer, a team of youth and adult volunteers from First UMC Santa Monica take time out of their summer vacations to go on a week-long service trip. During the trip, youth learn about themselves and build relationships with people from all over the U.S., they learn teamwork and how to use power tools, and they are given the opportunity to help people to gain a safe, warm, and dry home to live in through their work. This service leadership opportunity helps youth to grow in their faith through serving others. We collaborate with reputable youth-centered service organizations, and while the location of the trips varies each year, the purpose remains the same: Be in community and of service to those in need.
Youth Service Project 2026 Trip
Youth Service Project Photo Exhibit & Report Back Luncheon
Throughout August, visit the Fireside Room to view photographs taken by members of the Youth Service Project team during their summer trip with the Appalachia Service Project to Johnson County, Tennessee. These photos offer a glimpse of the team’s experiences as they prepare to share more stories at the Report Back Luncheon on Sunday, August 30. We are so grateful to our amazing church family for your prayers, encouragement, and support throughout the journey.
Exhibit opens Sunday, August 2, in the Fireside Room, and will remain up until the YSP Report Back/Luncheon on Sunday, August 30, 11 a.m. in Simkins Hall
Past Youth Service Projects:
2022 Youth Service Project – Epworth Project, New Orleans
Youth Service Project – Radio Feature
While the youth were on their trip in 2019, the local Smith River Community Radio station did a feature about the service project, and First UMC Youth Emily Plukas was part of the group that was interviewed. Listen Here