So, you’ve decided to take a group of middle school students on a mission trip. If you're unsure about whether you should take a group of middle school students on a mission trip, let me start by saying these experiences—serving, learning, growing together while meeting people from other places and cultures—matter so much. But where do you even begin? You know it’s something worth pursuing, but there can be so many steps to get there! As you consider when and where to go, it’s important to consider the following details as well:
1. Budget: Middle school students typically rely a bit more on parent contributions and may need some help fundraising along the way. Before picking a location, it’s great to set a budget that your students, church, and supporters will be able to work with. Some trips will cost you more depending on transportation to get there as well - be sure to factor that in as you plan!
Note: EM trip fees typically include the cost of lodging, meals, evening programming, and building materials (and ground transportation in international communities!)
2. Chaperones: Great chaperones can be amazing help on a mission trip, and you will need them! They can act as extra drivers or worksite leaders, help manage behavior, and most importantly, act as mentors for students and engage in 1-on-1 conversations as your students grow and process their experiences.
Note: We recommend a ratio of 6:1, six middle school students for every adult.
3. Appropriate Challenges: Middle school students are all at different points in growing and maturing. Finding the right trip should take into account your students’ starting points and give them meaningful, appropriate opportunities to grow while participating in God’s plan for communities around the world.
Now that you’ve taken some time to reflect on your starting point, it’s time to choose a trip!
At EM, we strive to make all of our mission trips mutually beneficial for team members and community members alike.
Our middle school mission trips all reflect meaningful, safe environments for your students to serve and grow while making a real impact in the lives of those they partner with. And so, we’ve compiled a list, in no particular order, of the 10 best mission trips to bring your middle school students:
Pike County, KY
Your middle school students will have the opportunity to engage with their peers while investing in the town of Pikeville, Kentucky. Trips here encompass a wide range of activities including construction projects, Kids Club, nursing home visits, and so much more. Outreach programs often involve local kids and pre-teens, so your team will have opportunities to do more than just serve — they will build meaningful friendships with their peers in rural Kentucky.
Learn more about Kentucky mission trips.
Marion, North Carolina
In the Appalachian community of Marion, North Carolina, your team will participate in Kids Club for local children and may also help with home repairs for elderly residents, support at a local children's home, or serve at a homeless shelter. Build meaningful relationships across generations while meeting practical needs in a close-knit mountain community.
Learn more about Marion, North Carolina mission trips
Muskegon, Michigan
In Muskegon, your team partners with Kids Belong to support local foster families—offering practical help like yard work and home projects, leading a Kids Club for foster kids, and giving exhausted caregivers a moment to breathe. It's a meaningful way to stand alongside families doing hard, often invisible work.
Learn more about Muskegon, Michigan mission trips
Savannah, Georgia
Savannah pairs historic charm with real need. Much of the city's housing is aging, and many residents can't afford repairs on their own. While others are experiencing life without a home at all. Your team will partner with the city of Savannah, the local Salvation Army, and a local shelter for those experiencing homelessness. Serve on hands-on projects like painting and home repairs, and loving Savannah residents wherever they find themselves.
Learn more about Savannah mission trips
Navajo Reservation
The Dine/Navajo Reservation is the perfect place to disconnect from cell phones and other devices and spend time intentionally serving others and developing your faith. Your team of junior high students will partner with local ministry leaders to do meaningful construction and building projects, lead Kids Club, and learn about the local Navajo culture. Don't miss this opportunity to meet the incredible Dine people and learn about a new culture as you serve.
Learn more about Navajo trips to New Mexico and Arizona.
Portland, Maine
Over the last several years, there has been an influx of refugees from war-torn African countries to this coastal city. As families seek to settle in and make a home for themselves alongside long-time residents, you can take an active role in the lives of parents and children in this community. Your students will have the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with children and teens from diverse religious, social-economic, and ethnic backgrounds as you support the ongoing work of Experience Mission’s partners in this community.
Learn more about Portland mission trips
South Texas (U.S.-Mexico Border)
Just five miles from the U.S.-Mexico border, your team will partner with Border Perspective to serve alongside immigrant families and local church leaders in the Rio Grande Valley. This service-learning trip combines hands-on ministry with an educational look at border life often overlooked by short-term teams passing through to Mexico.
Learn more about South Texas mission trips
Catadupa, Jamaica
In October 2025, Hurricane Melissa devastated communities across Jamaica, and your team can be part of the long rebuilding process in Catadupa and Cambridge. Working alongside Christian Fellowship Church, teams help repair homes, roads, and community buildings while also participating in a VBS-style Kids Club for local children.
Learn more about Jamaica mission trips
Rincon, Puerto Rico
In Puerto Rico, your team partners with a local church in Rincon still helping communities recover years after Hurricane Maria, repairing homes for elderly residents, working in sustainable gardens aimed at reducing the island's reliance on imported food, and preparing and delivering meals to those in need.
Learn more about Puerto Rico mission trips
Belmopan, Belize
At Experience Mission, we often talk about the value of serving others both locally and globally. Belize mission trips are a great introductory international mission trip for your pre-teens. They’ll have the opportunity to live the local way, lead Kids Clubs, and participate in construction projects while getting to know local families and teens. While we partner with a network of Spanish-speaking churches, this is a great introductory experience because most young people in Belize speak English, as it’s the official language and used in school systems across the country.
Learn more about mission trips to Belize.
Cuba
Your team will have the opportunity to work with vibrant and growing house-church ministries in Cuba. You’ll help to meet practical needs for residents while being the hands and feet needed to keep ministries moving forward including working with an agriculture ministry, facilitating a Kids Club, and supporting families of children with disabilities.
Learn more about mission trips to Cuba for middle school students.
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Wherever you decide to serve, we’re excited that you’re taking the first step on behalf of your students and we’d love to help make your trip a reality! You can start by filling out an interest form and a member of our staff will personally contact you to answer questions, narrow down options, and get you going in the right direction.
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