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 mission 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 mission remains the same: Be in community and of service to those in need.
Summer 2024: Sierra Service Project
Where: Sierra Service Project – Tsaile, Arizona with the Navajo Nation
Who: Youth finishing 8th grade – Graduated Seniors
When: Saturday, June 29 – Sunday, July 7, 2024
What: We will be working in the Navajo Nation on home repair projects for the elders in the Lukachukai and Tasaile Wheatfield Chapters. The type of work includes roof replacements, building accessibility ramps, stairs, porches, awnings for snow protection, sheds for storing wood to heat homes, and other general home repairs.
Why: Jesus tells us that we are called to love others and to be a light for the world, through our service work we spread hope, love and embody God’s grace.
Sierra Service Project Website: https://www.sierraserviceproject.org/partner-communities/navajo-nation/
Past Youth Service Projects:
Santa Monica Youth Group’s 2019 Service Trip – Sierra Service Project at Smith River, CA, Video by Adam Guerrero
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