Top 5 Destinations for Junior High Trips

I believe the closest science has ever come to discovering perpetual energy generators is the modern Jr. High student. I was a full-time Jr. High minister for 200+ students when I started in youth ministry. The students were adrenaline incarnate. They kept me on my toes physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Their boundless enthusiasm, explosive emotions, and extraordinary loads of grace made my calling a sacred, joyous mess. Transparency was their bread and butter. And I loved them for it.

Taking them to an event was an exercise in risk management. Jr. Highers need solid direction and a place to focus their nuclear level energy. When harnessed smartly, these students were an unstoppable force for good. If that focus was not provided, a meltdown was imminent.

We have five locations where we are confident in sending Jr. High teams, giving them an opportunity to make a difference, encounter the holy, and vent their unquenchable adrenaline.

St. Louis- A Giant Playground

St. Louis, Gateway to the West, has a remarkable history and fantastic service opportunities for younger groups. But what we love the most is to take them to the City Museum where Jr. Highers can explore the unexpected. City Museum is a hundred-year-old warehouse in which artists have repurposed the pieces of old cities to build miles of tunnels, slides, climbers, bridges, and castles.  There are secret passages and grand galleries, playgrounds and ball pits, a circus, and a train plus a rooftop school bus and a Ferris wheel.

San Diego- Ocean and Lions and Bears, Oh My!

Our west coast Pacific Ocean Jr. High winner goes to the gorgeous city of San Diego. You have a big city with a ton of green space, beach frolicking, unique service opportunities, cool housing, and the best zoo in the world. Your Jr. Highers will love the ocean air and outdoor adventures.

Colorado- Mountain Air and Endless Exploration

This is a voyage that will keep your Jr. Highers in peak physical condition. There will be mountain hikes, sliding down the great sand dunes, roaring water adventures, and all at just enough altitude to keep them a bit calmer than usual. The natural beauty alone will keep them engaged on a whole different level.

San Antonio- A Southwest Cultural Carnival

The great country of Texas provides an adventure full of cultural immersion, surprising city exploration, moments where young people can serve in truly significant ways, and a history that stretches back three hundred years. Time to get your yee-haw on for this Jr. Higher paradise.

Memphis- Exploring Justice

We take a lot of Jr. High groups to Memphis to not only explore the town but to dive into a deep discussion about racial justice, social service, and what it means to serve the least of these. Memphis contains moments of deep contemplation punctuated by places where they can run wild and play, play, play.