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Youth Mission Trip To Egypt
Serve and Shine
Serve with us and shine in the lives of others.
Serve and Shine is a life-changing experience for every volunteer. You will travel to Upper Egypt and join young people from across the U.S., Canada, and the diaspora to serve children and families, creating a positive impact on lives now and for generations to come.
Quick Facts
- Destination: Upper Egypt
- When: June
- Length: 12 to 15 days of service
- Who can join: Ages 17 to 25
- Application: Opens in October 15th, and closes -November 30th
A Day in Serve and Shine
- 8:00 AM | Morning Prayers. We begin together, then pack bags of candy and small gifts for the children.
- Breakfast with the Children. Share a meal with the elementary and middle school boys and girls you will serve.
- Classes and Activities. Teach, play, and learn alongside your partner.
- 2:00 PM | Lunch with the Students. More time to build friendships.
- Afternoon | Preparing for House Visits.
- 5:00 PM | Home Visits. Visit the students’ homes and meet their families.
Who We’re Looking For
Young adults ages 17 to 25 who are ready to dedicate 12 to 15 days to serving Coptic children and visiting their families in Upper Egypt.
How to Apply
- Apply: Link (Application fee: $50)
- Interview with our team after your application is reviewed.
- Acceptance: Your application and interview together determine your place on the trip.
- Confirm your spot with a $150 deposit, fully refunded after you return from the trip. (The deposit is forfeited if you cancel at any point.)
Don’t Miss Your Chance to Shine
Sign up with your contact information, and we’ll notify you as soon as the application goes live: Name, email, and email.
Frequently Asked Questions:
– Applying
Yes! We are looking for two helpers to assist group leaders during the trip. Helpers will not teach classes.
Yes! You are welcome to apply again.
No. We welcome applicants of different ages who meet the program requirements.
Yes, if both are approved.
Yes! Church groups are welcome to apply. All participants must be approved.
Yes! New and returning volunteers have separate applications.
Yes! Returning volunteers serve as assistant leaders, receive additional training, and may be selected to become co-leaders.
Yes! Returning volunteers are welcome to apply. They pay an application fee, their airfare, and a portion of the expenses in Egypt. The amount is determined each year based on airfare and trip expenses.
Yes, if we return to the same location. Assignments may vary depending on the program’s needs.
– Cost
For first-time volunteers, the trip itself is free. The only cost is the $50 application fee.
– Preparing for the Trip
Yes! You must attend preparation meetings, work with your assigned partner, and complete required activities before departure.
You will receive a warning, followed by a final warning if the issue continues. Continued failure to meet requirements may result in removal from the trip and forfeiture of the $150 deposit.
Yes, if you have to leave the trip, the $150 deposit is non-refundable.
You will receive Zoom invitations to meet fellow volunteers and leaders. You will also complete team tasks, including coordinating gifts for the children.
No! You will work with an assigned partner. We try to pair volunteers based on their strengths, including Arabic-language skills.
Care 4 Needy Copts will email you a preparation guide with the itinerary, packing list, accommodation information, travel preparations, and cultural guidance.
– During the Trip
Yes! We plan to visit monasteries near our service location, depending on the itinerary.
Yes! We plan to include time for group activities and enjoyment, especially during our visit to Cairo.
Yes. Parents and volunteers will receive accommodation details, addresses, and the itinerary.
Yes! You may contact your family, and group leaders will provide parents with daily updates.
No. Rooms are shared, usually by two or three volunteers.
For your safety, you may leave the residence area only when accompanied by a group leader.
No. Volunteers must participate fully in the two-week program and follow the approved itinerary.
Group assignments encourage teamwork, personal growth, and new friendships. We appreciate your flexibility!
– Family Visits and Extended Stays
Yes! Visits must be approved in advance. Please provide the visitor’s name, visit date, and expected duration. Relatives may not stay overnight with the group or participate in service activities.
Yes, at your own expense and with prior approval. You must arrange a separate return flight, and a parent or guardian must contact us directly to coordinate the arrangements.
No. Our supervision ends with the program, so all volunteers must follow the approved departure arrangements.
– Gifts and Communication with Children
No. We do not distribute used clothing. We encourage gifts such as school supplies and hygiene kits.
No. To protect children’s safety and privacy, please do not share personal contact information. You can stay connected through our Future Stars child sponsorship program, where all communication is coordinated by our team.
– Health, Safety, and Conduct
We will arrange appropriate local medical care when possible. If you need advanced treatment or must return to the United States, we will coordinate arrangements with your parents or guardians and keep them informed.
Yes, in rare cases, such as a serious medical condition or repeated violations of the code of conduct despite warnings. We will communicate with your parents or guardians and coordinate the necessary arrangements.
Don’t worry! Our experienced leaders will guide you and help you understand local customs. If you are unsure about anything, ask your group leader. We are here to support you!
Volunteers must attend preparation meetings, follow the itinerary and safety rules, respect local customs, protect children’s privacy, and work cooperatively with the group.
– Following Up After the Trip
Yes! We follow up with our office in Egypt to share any needs we identify during our visits. Our team works to address those needs, and we will update you on how we were able to help.
We ask you to help promote the program in your home state. If we visit your area, we may invite you to share your experience and encourage others to apply.
Before leaving Egypt, we will also ask you to record a short video testimonial, usually under one minute, sharing highlights from your service experience.