AYC FAQs

Applications

  • Applicants must be US or Canadian citizens.

    Beginning with the 2027 trip applications, applicants must turn at least 16 years old by the time of trip for North American destinations and 17 years old by the time of trip for global destinations.

     Applicants that will be turning 31 or older before or during the trip are not eligible to apply.

    1. Complete the online application and submit a pastoral reference. If you are not a UPCI member, a reference from your local UPCI presbyter is required and can be submitted using this link. Both reference forms become available after you submit your application.

    2. A $200 non-refundable trip deposit is due at submission and is applied to your trip cost if accepted.

    3. Once accepted you will be onboarded through Managed Missions.

    4. For sensitive trips, host missionaries may be involved, and a social media audit may be conducted.

    1. You are responsible for raising your full trip cost. Support can come from anywhere, so get creative and loop in your friends, family, church, and community! 

    2. Payments will be made through your Managed Missions account. Your $200 trip deposit is applied to your total. 

    3. The AYC budget covers onsite hotels, meals, medical insurance, transportation, sightseeing, and international airfare (global trips). 

    4. It does not cover passports, visas, travel to the departure/host city, immunizations, souvenirs, or extra baggage fees. 

    5. Budget goals have due dates, and late fees will be applied to any that are missed.

Frequently Asked Questions

  •  If there is a problem, AYC will contact you using the contacts provided in your application.

  • You will receive an email once your application and reference forms have been reviewed.

  • No. An account will automatically be created for you when you submit the application, and all communication will be sent to the email address you provided.

  • You will receive an acceptance email, be added to your trip on Managed Missions, and receive legal forms via SignNow for electronic signature. You must submit the legal forms within 30 days of acceptance or you will forfeit eligibility.

  • Yes. Both you and your legal guardian must sign the electronic forms before they are complete. Failure to do so will forfeit your eligibility.

  • You will receive an email with the reason and guidance on next steps. Your $200 application fee will not be charged.

Applications

  • Chaperones for AYC trips consist of UPCI Youth Ministries staff and District Youth Presidents, all of whom are members of the Youth Committee. These individuals are selected and approved in advance to ensure proper oversight and leadership.

  • No. All other interested adults, regardless of previous AYC involvement, must apply and be accepted as a participant if they wish to attend. There are no additional chaperone roles available beyond those designated by the Youth Committee.

  • Yes, married individuals may apply as long as their spouse also applies and is accepted for the same trip. Both applicants must meet the trip age requirements.

  • No, children are not permitted on AYC trips.

  • Yes. Canadian applicants are welcome; however, all payments must be made in U.S. dollars, and applicants should account for exchange rates when making payments.

    • Yes, non-UPCI applicants may apply. In addition to a pastoral reference, they must also submit a presbyter reference form. This link will be included in the confirmation email after the application is submitted.

Eligibility

  • You do not need a passport to apply, but you will need one if traveling out of the country.

  • At least six months beyond your return date, with at least four blank pages.

  • Apply for one immediately!

  • If required, AYC will provide instructions for obtaining one. Do not attempt to purchase a visa before receiving guidance.

Passport & Visa

  • Payments are made through your Managed Missions account. Others can also contribute via your Public Profile.

  • The full trip payment must be submitted to remain eligible. The budget is divided into payment goals. Multiple payments can be made toward each goal. Late fees will apply to missed payment goals.

  •  Yes. It counts toward your total and will be reflected on your account.

  • Yes. You may receive support from family, friends, and your local church, but please do not travel from church to church raising money like career missionaries. Be creative and consistent!

  • Onsite hotels, meals, medical insurance, transportation, sightseeing, and international airfare (for global trips).

  • Passport and visa fees (if required), domestic travel to and from departure/host city, cancellation trip insurance, immunizations, baggage fees, and souvenirs.

  • Yes, for all global trips.

  • No. Participants are responsible for their own domestic travel to and from the departure city for global trips, or to and from the host city for North American trips.

Finances & Fundraising

Health & Immunizations

  • Some trips may require vaccinations or other medical preparations. AYC will communicate official requirements, but you should also consult your healthcare provider and review CDC guidelines.

  • No. Recommended immunizations are not enforced, but official government requirements must be followed.

  • AYC is not liable for last-minute changes. For this reason, trip cancellation insurance is strongly recommended.

AYC POLICIES

AYC POLICIES

Linked Here are the AYC Policies regarding applications and attendees. We strongly encourage you to review these carefully prior to applying to ensure you are informed about all requirements and expectations throughout the season. 

Policies