Bay Life Student Ministry
2027 REACH Teams
Every summer, our students step out to serve—here at home and across the country—sharing the love of Christ in word and deed. Find the team that fits your grade, read through the details, and apply.
Applications due November 15, 2026
Student ApplicationDownload the Booklet
Adults serving as trip leaders: apply as a leader here.
Step 1
Which teams can I join?
Based on the grade you’re in right now (2026–27 school year).
6th Grade
Kidapalooza →Step 2
Explore the teams
June 1–4 & June 6–11, 2027Grades 6th–12th
Kidapalooza
Here at Bay Life
Dates
June 1–4 & June 6–11, 2027
Grades
Current 6th–12th
Team Size
35 students
Total Cost
$50
The Experience
Our Kidapalooza Mission Team is a great first step into missions for students in 6th–12th grade. Over two weeks, students will serve at Kidapalooza, gaining hands-on leadership experience while helping share the gospel with children in our community.
During the first week, students will help plan, prepare, and lead KPA Jr., serving and ministering to our younger kids. Then, they’ll join the all-out setup blitz on Sunday, June 6, to prepare for Kidapalooza, happening June 7–11. Throughout the week, our students will serve as the hands and feet of Jesus, helping create an incredible experience where children can have fun, build relationships, and hear the gospel.
Team Meetings
Sundays, 12:15–2:00 PM • Jan 17, Feb 14, Mar 7, Apr 11, May 23
Additional meetings may be required.
June 13–19, 2027Grades 9th–12th
Salt Lake City, Utah
MAVEN Biblical Immersive Experience
Dates
June 13–19, 2027
Grades
Current 9th–12th
Mostly upperclassmen
Team Size
12–20 incl. leaders
Total Cost
$1,750
Deposit
$100
Support Letters
25 minimum
The Experience
This trip is designed primarily for upperclassmen.
Utah provides a unique setting where questions about theology and belief are part of everyday life. Through MAVEN’s Biblical Immersive Experience, students will receive focused training in apologetics, theology, and evangelism, preparing them to understand what they believe, why they believe it, and how to communicate the gospel with clarity and compassion.
Throughout the week, students will put what they learn into practice through thoughtful conversations with people from Latter-day Saint backgrounds. Opportunities may include visiting Temple Square, college campuses, and community settings. As students listen carefully to others and engage in meaningful conversations, they’ll deepen their knowledge of God and His Word, strengthen their confidence in Christian truth, and grow in their love for people who need the gospel of grace.
Stay & Cost
The team stays in housing specifically for mission teams. Cost includes transportation, accommodations, meals, and a fun activity. Students should bring money for airport meals and at least $30 for optional spending. Staff-to-student ratio is approximately 1:5.
Team Meetings
Sundays, 4:30–6:15 PM • Jan 10, Feb 7, Mar 14, Apr 4, May 2
Additional meetings may be required.
June 20–26, 2027Grades 7th–8th
Birmingham, Alabama
Serving alongside local churches
Dates
June 20–26, 2027
Grades
Current 7th–8th
Team Size
12–22 incl. leaders
Total Cost
$900
Deposit
$100
Support Letters
25 minimum
The Experience
Throughout the week, students will serve alongside local churches and ministry partners to help meet real needs in the community. Our team will rescue and distribute food to families in need and may serve through community projects, lead Backyard Bible Clubs and activities for kids, or take part in other hands-on opportunities to show the love of Christ.
Every day will look a little different. Students may rescue flowers from weddings to bless families who are sick or need encouragement, or “adopt” local municipalities by providing meals and praying for their staff. Through each opportunity, students will serve people, build relationships, and point others to Jesus.
Stay & Cost
The team stays in housing specifically for mission teams. Cost includes transportation, accommodations, meals, and a fun activity. Students should bring money for travel meals and at least $30 for optional spending.
Team Meetings
Sundays, 12:15–2:30 PM • Jan 10, Feb 7, Mar 14, Apr 4, May 2
Additional meetings may be required.
June 27–July 3, 2027Grades 9th–12th
Dallas, Texas
For the Nations Refugee Outreach
Dates
June 27–July 3, 2027
Grades
Current 9th–12th
Team Size
12–22 incl. leaders
Total Cost
$1,575
Deposit
$100
Support Letters
25 minimum
The Experience
For the Nations Refugee Outreach serves families from Africa, Asia, and the Middle East through education and family services rooted in the hope of Jesus Christ. Students will join this ongoing ministry by serving approximately 600 children through educational support, Bible lessons, reading groups, outdoor games, swim lessons, and other opportunities to meet practical needs.
More than completing service projects, this week is about building relationships. Students will hear families’ stories, grow in compassion, and experience the joy of sharing the love of Christ in both word and deed as they serve refugee families and point others to Jesus.
Stay & Cost
The team stays onsite at For the Nations Refugee Outreach. Cost includes transportation, accommodations, meals, and a fun day in Dallas. Students should bring money for travel-day meals and at least $30 for optional spending.
Team Meetings
Sundays, 4:30–6:15 PM • Jan 10, Feb 7, Mar 14, Apr 4, May 2
Additional meetings may be required.
Mark your calendar
Important Dates
Nov 15
2026
Student applications due
Dec 6
2026
Mandatory parent meeting • 12:15 PM, Worship Center
Mar 13
2027
Bay Life 5K — our biggest fundraiser
May 16
2027
Mission Commissioning Sunday
Team meeting dates for each trip are listed above and in the REACH booklet. A final parent meeting will be announced.
Parents & students
Frequently Asked Questions
Why write fundraising letters? +
Our main goal with letters is to train students to trust in God’s provision. We’re asking for prayer and financial support for the trip and the team-building process. Many friends and family members are happy to “participate” in your mission trip by giving, but the only way they know how to help is through these letters. Responses often strengthen our trust in God’s provision through His body.
Can we just pay for the trip without writing letters? +
If you’re uncomfortable asking for finances, you may pay for the trip. However, writing letters for prayer is mandatory for every team member. If you choose not to write support letters, you will not receive any overage the team makes, and the trip must be paid in full by you. Speak with a student pastor if this seems like too much.
How can we raise more money? +
Students can babysit, do yard work, clean mailboxes, and more to contribute to trip costs. There are also several fundraising events throughout the year. Parents can work some of these events to help, but the first chance to work goes to the students.
What fundraisers are planned? +
Student Ministries Yard Sale (January 30) • Armband Days at the Florida State Fair (early to mid-February) • Global 5K Run/Walk (March 13) • Bay Life Crop. Details are emailed as each opportunity approaches.
What if we raise too much—or not enough? +
Anything raised above your student’s total cost goes toward the team’s overall total; once that team is paid in full, it goes to other student trips that need it. If you don’t raise enough, you’ll either pay the balance before the trip or meet with a student pastor to set up a payment schedule.
Is the place where my child is staying safe? +
Bay Life carefully selects ministry partners, lodging, transportation, and activities with student safety in mind. Leaders follow established safety procedures throughout each trip.
Will I hear from my student during the trip? +
It’s easy to get distracted on a trip, so we ask students to keep their phones put away during the day. Trip leaders will serve as the primary communicators. In the event of an emergency, please contact an adult team leader. You can also call the Student Ministry Coordinator at 813.661.3696 x247 and leave a message, or email .
Student and parent expectations, trip guidelines, and cancellation policy are in the REACH booklet.
