The small rural community of Beattyville, Kentucky, experienced a devastating flood in 2021, as rain flooded local rivers and the small town was submerged in the rising water. Floodwaters rushed through homes, churches and businesses, destroying or damaging everything in their wake. Join a relief mission trip to Kentucky in Summer 2022 to aid in the recovery process, bringing helping hands to places often forgotten or ignored by national news. Fill out an interest form today to get started!
Also check out Appalachian missions trips to Pike County, Kentucky!
In early 2021, Estill County, KY, and the surrounding areas were devastated by floods that rushed through their homes. Your team will be involved in a variety of work projects predominantly focused on flood relief. This could include anything from "mucking out" homes to helping rebuild or drywall damaged walls. While the majority of projects will surround flood relief, we ask your team to come flexible ready to support any projects that support the needs and vision of the community.
Due to the unique nature of this community, the opportunity for relational ministry may take place directly at project worksites as volunteers come alongside and encourage those they come to serve.
*Experience Mission works closely with local leaders to identify work projects and ministry opportunities that address authentic needs within the community. We ask that you come with a servant's heart and willingness to adapt to the unique qualities represented in each location. Opportunities can vary significantly from one week to the next. Your team may work at one location or serve at multiple locations each day. Due to the changing needs of our community partners, we cannot confirm your specific daily activities until your team arrives.
Curious about EM's Covid Guidelines? Check out EM's current guidelines for 2022 Trips
Each morning, there is time set aside for devotions and quiet time. This is a valuable time and we strongly encourage all team members to spend it with God, journaling their thoughts and experiences as the days unfold.
EM staff will materials for a self-guided time of debriefing and a short devotional in the evening (what we call "Evening Gathering") and it is a great time to incorporate musical worship.
Day 1
3-6pm Groups Arrive
5pm - Leader's Meeting
6pm - Dinner
7pm - Orientation Meeting
8:30pm - Team Time (a time for your group alone)
11:30pm - Lights Out
Day 2-5
7:15am - Breakfast
7:45am - Devotions and Quiet Time
8:15am - Group Prayer
8:30am - Teams leave for Sites
12pm - Lunch
3:30pm - Finish work for the day
4pm - Break and Clean-up
5pm - Leaders meeting
6pm - Dinner
7pm - Evening Gathering / Team time
Day 6
7am - Breakfast
7:30am - Cleanup / Packing
9am - Pictures and Good-Byes
Teams in Beattyville will stay in a local camp.
Team members should plan to bring at least light bedding or a sleeping bag and a pillow. You will either be sleeping in bunks or on the floor (in which case your team should plan to bring an air mattress or a mat). Exact details coming soon!
There will be showers and bathrooms for your team at the place you stay. Most work sites will also have bathrooms. On the occasion that there are no facilities where you are working, teams will need to take breaks midday to use a public restroom.
There is running water in Beattyville. Teams will have access to it where they are staying and at most work sites. Teams should plan to bring refillable water bottles to stay hydrated at work sites.
There is electricity in Beattyville that will be available where teams stay as well as at most work sites.
Beattyville is a safe area in general. The facilities where teams stay will be locked throughout the night and Experience Mission Staff members will do a sweep to make sure the facilities are secure before retiring for the evening. There is minor petty theft in the area. For this reason, we recommend teams leaving all valuables (smartphones, computers, jewelry, etc.) at home. If a team does bring some valuables, the best way to keep them safe is to store them in a locked vehicle during the day.
A combination of local cooks and Experience Mission Summer Staff will be preparing and serving your meals. Breakfast and dinner will be served buffet-style, and your team will pack their own lunches each morning. Team members should plan to bring their own plate, bowl, cup, and silverware for meals.
Your team's transportation to, from, and while in Kentucky is NOT covered. You will need vehicles throughout the entire week to transport your team to various locations for work and ministry. Using a school bus as your main mode of transportation while in this community is not an option. Our work in Beattyville can only accommodate standard 15 passenger vans or smaller.
Curious about EM's Covid Guidelines? Check out EM's current guidelines for 2022 Trips
Experience Mission has specific policies regarding team registration and withdrawal. Please refer to the document below for specifics.
INDIVIDUALS
All volunteers on a week-long EM mission trip must be part of a team of at least six (6) people, with at least one team member age 21 or older to serve as the Team Leader. Not part of a group? All young adults ages 18-30 are eligible to apply for EM's IMMERSION program.
What age group can you accommodate in Beattyville, Kentucky?
We can accommodate Jr. High/middle school students in this location as well as high school students, college students, and adults.
How much do Kentucky mission trips cost?
The cost for this trip in 2022 is $425/person. This includes all lodging, food, staffing, and trip-related expenses. Transportation is not included. Note that all construction projects are generally provided at no cost to families. Your fees help cover this blessing for homeowners.
What seasons do you offer Beattyville, Kentucky mission trips?
Mission trips to Kentucky are available during the summer. Check out this list of all available spring break trips if you are looking for trips outside the summer months.
What will volunteers do on a mission trip to Beattyville, Kentucky?
Ministry in Beattyville primarily consists of flood relief work projects. Teams can expect to work on home improvement projects with local families or with churches in need.
Will we work with children in Beattyville?
Due to the nature of the work in Beattyville and the coronavirus pandemic, there are not currently any children's ministry opportunities in this community.
What paperwork is required for this mission trip?
Each team member will need to fill out a team member registration form and liability waiver, and all adults are required to pass a background check. Your mission trip support representative will contact you if any other paperwork is required.
Where will my team stay in Beatyville?
Teams will stay at a local camp. Depending on your team size, showers will either be available on-site or at a sister church a few minutes away.
How does transportation work during Kentucky mission trips?
All transportation is entirely up to groups to arrange. We recommend 15 passenger vans or smaller. We don't recommend relying on buses as a mode of transportation for this trip. Keep in mind that groups are often split into teams of 8-12 for construction projects. It works well if you are able to plan transportation accordingly.
When should I arrive?
Check-in is between 3 and 5 PM on the first day of your selected trip. Our staff will be awaiting your arrival. You can expect dinner and an orientation meeting to get you ready for the week that evening as well.
What should I pack for this trip?
A packing list will be available to you once you register for the trip. Generally, be prepared to bring along work clothes. All tools will be provided to you, but donations of additional tools are welcome!
Does EM offer mission trips to any other Appalachia communities?
Yes! In a typical year, we also offer Appalachia volunteer trips to McDowell County, West Virginia, Webster Springs, West Virginia and Pike County, Kentucky.
Have more questions about Experience Mission trips? Check out our general FAQs, or call our support team at 888-475-6414.
Dont hit a snag in your mission trip planning! Fill out an interest form or call (888) 475-6414 (Tue-Thu, 9am-5pm ET) to ask questions and learn more about upcoming EM mission trips.
1
Fill out a Group Interest Form
Only takes a minute! Simply choose the community and trip dates you’re most interested in—no commitment necessary.
2
We’ll personally follow up with you this week
Answering your questions and walking you through the process of finding the best trip, registering your group, and preparing to serve together.
3
You and your team serve on a cross-cultural mission trip!
Organized and led by EM field staff or local partners, your trip will bring encouragement and light to people in difficult circumstances, as you learn what it means to care for all people, whoever and wherever you are.
Read our Mission Trip FAQ and Registration Policy. If you have additional questions or don't see the dates you're looking for, fill out an interest form for the trip closest to what you're hoping for and let us know the needs of your group.
Download the free EM Fundraising Guide for all our best tips and ideas for making fundraising for your next trip fun and easy.
Download our free Fundraising Guide for all our best tips and ideas for making fundraising for your next trip fun and easy.
You must have a group size of at least 6 members to join this trip. Please view the Small Team trips or call our Servicing Department for more options at 888-475-6414.
For most trips, you must have a group size of at least 6 members. Please view the Small Teams tab on each Community page or call our Servicing Department for more options at 888-475-6414.