Join Experience Mission on a week-long mission trip to the Appalachian community of Marion, North Carolina! Learn and grow together as you serve in meaningful ways as a picture of God's love for the people in this community.
In Marion, NC, your team will participate in:
Your team may also have opportunities to:
Please note: While Kids Club is a confirmed daily activity, additional service opportunities will be determined based on community needs and availability during your mission dates.
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 will provide a physical or printable devotional journal.
Our staff will lead a time of debriefing and a short devotional in the evening (what we call "Team Gathering") and it is always a great addition to have musical worship. Our programming does not include musical worship as we can't guarantee that our staff will have this ability. Please let us know if you have anyone who sings or plays guitar on your trip so that we can help to coordinate the musical aspect of worship when able. If teams aren't able to help in the area of music, it may not be a part of the trip.
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 - Team Gathering (as a whole group)
8:30pm - Team time
Day 6
7am - Breakfast
7:30am - Cleanup/ Packing
9am - Pictures and Good-Byes
Please Note: Due to heat present during the day, the order of the elements listed above may fluctuate.
What is included in the cost of the trip?
Lodging, food, staffing, materials for projects and project planning are included in the cost of the trip. Transportation is not included. Meals will begin with dinner on Sunday evening and then will end Friday morning at breakfast. See "Upcoming Trip Dates" section below for available dates and per-person cost for each trip.
What age group can you accommodate for North Carolina mission trips?
We can accommodate high school students and older. Middle schoolers are allowed on a case-by-case basis but this trip is geared towards older students & adults.
Will there be other groups serving with our group?
Most likely, yes. EM's Marion, North Carolina mission trips are open to multiple groups until the capacity is met. In general, we will keep your group together during the work or outreach projects.
Where will we stay?
Teams will be housed in local church buildings or school facilities. You'll be sleeping on the floor, but most participants will be provided with a cot or air mattress, so you'll only need to bring bedding. We may request that a few participants bring sleeping mats/mattresses depending on the number of volunteers coming on a particular week, but we will communicate this directly if it is necessary.
Will we be able to shower?
The shower situation for 2026 trips will be confirmed closer to your trip. We will do our best to provide you with the most optimal situation to shower, but keep in mind you may need to be prepared to take quick showers as they may be limited. More info will be available as the trips get closer.
What will meals look like?
Meals will be provided by Experience Mission staff for the duration of your trip. Meals begin with dinner on Sunday evening, concluding with breakfast on Friday. There will be a cold grab-and-go breakfast set out each morning that includes cereal, bagels, yogurt, fruit & more. You will pack your lunches at breakfast (cold cuts, PB&J, fruit, chips). Dinners will be a hot dinner when you arrive back from your projects.
Can you accommodate food restrictions?
Our mission trip food policy outlines what we can accommodate for dietary restrictions and more. Note: Each team leader should input specific details of your team's food restrictions in their online MyMission account.
What should I pack for this trip?
A packing list will be available 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!
Is transportation provided?
No, you are responsible for all of your transportation to and from the location and throughout your week to and from work sites.
What airports are closest?
Charlotte, NC (CLT), Asheville, NC (AVL), and Knoxville, TN (TYS)
When should we plan to arrive on the first day?
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 can I expect for my group as far as spiritual growth?
Morning Quiet Time: Each morning, there is time set aside for devotions and quiet time. While we make the space for this time, it is up to the leaders to implement it with their groups. 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. All team members will be provided a physical or printable devotional journal.
Team Gathering: Our staff will lead a time of debriefing and a short devotional in the morning or evening. It is a simple time of debriefing and listening to a short devotional reflection from EM, with follow-up discussion as time warrants.
Worship: Our programming does not include musical worship as we can't guarantee that our field staff will have this ability. We love this element and hope that your team will bring this skill and share it with all of the groups!
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 (Mon-Thu, 9am-5pm ET) to ask questions and learn more about upcoming EM mission trips.
What’s the best trip for your group? Answer 5 multiple choice questions and get instant mission trip recommendations!
Answer 5 multiple choice questions, and get instant mission trip recommendations!
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.