Thank you for supporting your student's youth mission trip with CSM! Whether your child is joining a middle school service trip or a high school service trip, we've designed this section to answer your questions and give you peace of mind. CSM is a trusted Christian mission trip for students with 35+ years of experience.
Serving with CSM creates space for students to encounter God’s heart for the city and learn through hands-on experiences. These moments spark conversations you can continue at home.
While not physically attending the trip, we acknowledge that you as parents play a significant role in preparing and later processing the trip with students. We have designed this section to help answer some of the common questions that parents have prior to their student participating on a CSM trip, as well as to equip you with conversation starters to help your student unpack their experience upon returning home.
We hope that you find both the FAQ and the provided resources to be helpful! If you have questions about your child's specific trip, please contact your group leader.
CSM helps parents and leaders choose the right youth mission trip experience for their students.
Our middle school service trip program for grades 6-8 is built around age-appropriate service projects, guided reflection, and community building. Students serve in small groups with trained City Hosts.
Learn about middle school tripsOur high school service trip program for grades 9-12 goes deeper -- students take on leadership roles in service projects, engage in theological discussions, and develop a lasting commitment to faith-based service.
Learn about high school tripsWant to explore cities first? Visit our trip locations page.
Common questions answered
During a CSM trip, your student will be invited to join in with what God is doing in our cities. They will do this through serving alongside community partners and engaging in activities to supplement their learning and encourage personal faith formation. Please review the Student Learning Experience page for more specifics and samples of curriculum.
We commit to prioritizing your student's safety. Our experienced team has built relationships, knows the area, and will keep you safe. This is how we ensure this:
Your student will always be serving with a community organization who CSM knows and trusts and that is known in the neighborhood.
Each serving group will be assigned a trained City Host who knows the neighborhood and will manage the trip logistics. Your City Host will be with your group for the duration of your trip.
We maintain a strict 5:1 student to adult ratio. We do not break up groups from different churches/ministries/schools, so your students will always be serving under the care of at least 2 adult leaders/chaperones from your group. A background check is required for all adult leaders and chaperones.
All group sleeping areas are locked at all times and only accessible to CSM groups. Additional locked storage areas are provided, as needed.
Specific dress requirements in order to prioritize safety at service sites will be sent to the group leader in advance of the trip (e.g. long pants for gardening). Additional protective gear will be provided as needed (such as work gloves, reflective vests, etc).
In each city, CSM has a full-time City Director who works for CSM year-round and lives in the city off-site, maintaining a consistent presence. Each Spring and Summer, CSM hires seasonal interns, City Hosts, who live on-site and are trained and equipped to manage the trip logistics. All CSM staff are fully background checked.
Additionally, each adult chaperone and group leader over the age of 18 is required to pass a background check in order to attend the trip.
Packing lists can be found at the following links:
In most cities, we partner with local churches to house our groups. Typically, groups sleep on bunk beds or air mattresses in classrooms with shared restroom facilities. Housing sites abide by local ordinances regarding fire code and are insured by CSM. Your trip leader will be provided specific housing information and photos during registration, so please contact them for more information.
A self-serve cold breakfast (e.g. bagels, cereal, fruit) is available each morning at the housing site. Participants will pack a sack lunch each morning to eat at their morning service site. We are able to accommodate any food allergies or dietary restrictions as long as we are made aware prior to the trip start.
Dinner each evening is at an international restaurant, such as Indian, Thai, Puerto Rican, Lebanese or food local to the city where they are serving (e.g. BBQ in Kansas City). Gluten and dairy free options are available at each restaurant.
Food Allergies: We are happy to make the necessary accommodations if your student has a food allergy. Please contact your group leader to coordinate the needed adjustments for meals.
Tools to support your student's journey
Help your student prepare mentally and spiritually for their mission trip experience.
Download GuideConversation starters to help your student process and share their experience.
Download GuideLearn more about the curriculum and activities your student will engage with.
View DetailsHave specific questions? Your City Director is your best resource for trip-specific information.
Get in TouchWe're here to help! Contact your city director or reach out to our team directly.