Frequently Asked Questions
Be Confidently Prepared
FAQs for Teachers & Leaders
Planning a mission trip for your Christian school or homeschool co-op can feel overwhelming—but at GO Serve, we make it simple, organized, and meaningful. Every detail is thoughtfully handled, from transportation and accommodations to service projects, cultural experiences, and discipleship opportunities.
Whether your group is serving locally in Oregon or Southern California, or traveling abroad, we create trips that combine hands-on ministry with opportunities for spiritual reflection and growth. Students engage in meaningful service, learn about God’s work in diverse communities, and return home with a deeper understanding of faith in action.
Below, you’ll find answers to the questions we hear most often from teachers and group leaders.
General Questions
We specialize in the intersection between blessing students, communities, and group leaders. The people we serve are vetted and will truly be blessed by your group. We have over 20 years of experience working with these communities, students, and leaders. Since our background is in the Christian school world, we understand the unique challenges of coordinating student travel, as well as the need for genuine discipleship experiences. At the end of the day our heart is to truly bless everyone.
Absolutely. Every mission trip is built from the ground up around your school’s expected student outcomes, discipleship needs, and travel preferences. Whatever ministry partner you choose to serve, we will customize the trip itself—itinerary, discipleship focus, fun outings everything—to fit your group’s unique needs.
We empower students to live out their faith through Christ centered mission trips–serving partners within the U.S. and out. Take a look at our partners page to see communities waiting for a group like yours, or serve an existing ministry you have in mind.
Most groups start planning 9–12 months in advance, though we can work with shorter timelines if needed. Early planning allows for better airfare, hotel, and options, and gives students more time to prepare and fundraise.
Registration & Payments
We create a custom online registration portal for every mission trip. Students and families can log in directly from our website to sign up, make payments, and access trip details.
Trip leaders can see each participant’s progress, payments, and forms in real time, keeping everything organized and stress-free.
Families can pay online by credit card or through EFT or ACH transfers directly from their bank account—without any additional fees. Payment schedules are flexible and can be adjusted to fit your school’s timeline. Our goal is to make paying for a trip as easy and stress-free as possible for both families and teachers.
We know that sometimes plans need to shift. GO Tours works closely with schools to provide the most flexible options possible in case of cancellations or major changes. Our team personally assists schools in navigating any adjustments, ensuring your group is cared for every step of the way.
Yes! Every group receives a custom web portal that allows them raise funds directly towards their account. Students can personalize their own online support letter and share it via email or social media so friends and family can contribute directly toward their costs.
We believe fundraising is a discipleship opportunity and a ministry. Through it, student will learn how to rely on God as well as invite others to share in the good work God will do on this trip.
GO Serve works with you to fund your trip. If you have a creative fundraising idea, we work with you to see the funds dispersed according to how they were raised.
At this time, payments made directly to GO Serve are NOT tax deductible. However school’s, churches, and ministries with tax exempt status may receive and make contributions on behalf of students.
GO Serve is currently in the process of applying for 50c3 status.
Trip Logistics
Our groups travel by air land and sea, to bless others, and experience God’s big world. All transportation is included in the cost of the trip.
GO Serve partners with top national airlines—most often United, Southwest, and Alaska Airlines, as well as American and Delta—to provide dependable, convenient flight options for your group. Once on the ground, we arrange all transportation with proven top rental providers who go above and beyond to maintain their vehicles. Most groups still choose to handle their own transportation to and from their local airport.
In our first meeting we discuss what type of lodging best fits your group. Typically we stay in clean, comfortable inns and ministry retreat centers that allow students to rest and collect themselves between days of service. For adventurous trips looking to maximize the experience and keep costs low, we stay in churches and schools where students sleep on floor air mattresses. We can also arrange for nice hotels/resorts stays for some or all of the trip provided that best serves the discipleship needs of your group. (It often does not).
In general, we have a 15 participant minimum. There is no maximum group size. For large groups over 35 we stay together at nights and split up to different sites during the day. This allows every student to make an impact and maximizes the reach of your group.
If your group is smaller than 15, still reach out. We are passionate about creating custom trips that bless everyone.
Yes! Students must be High schoolers to travel alone, but the final call of age limit is up to you and the vison of the trip.
Once we meet to determine the focus and vision for the trip, you may realize that a families trip is best–or you may realize that you only want students and a few adult leaders.
GO Serve requires a minimum of 1 to 7 leader to student ratio. Adult leaders often come for free as we work their costs into the general registration cost.
Health, Safety & Security
Student safety is our highest priority and one of our four values. All accommodations, transportation, and activities are carefully vetted, and we partner only with licensed and trusted providers. Our staff and guides are trained in safety protocols and emergency procedures, and teachers and chaperones are fully supported so they can lead their groups with confidence.
Our team is prepared for any situation. In a medical emergency, we immediately contact local emergency services or 911 and stay with the student until care is complete. For non-emergency needs, we assist in accessing urgent care, hospitals, or local pharmacies and help with necessary prescriptions. We also keep both trip leaders and families informed, ensuring that no one feels alone in the process.
We highly recommend ASSURANCE our comprehensive travel insurance. For under $100 it covers overseas medical, travel, and emergency evacuation insurance.
Yes. Every trip includes basic travel insurance, and additional add-on coverage is available for those who want extra protection.
We highly recommend ASSURANCE our comprehensive travel insurance for international trips. It covers overseas medical, travel, and emergency evacuation related expenses.
Ready to start your journey?
Talk with an Expert Tour Planner
to design your own custom tour
In addition to our most popular trip destinations and itineraries, we also offer custom trips and tours tailored to your specific educational objectives. Email at [email protected] or call (909) 633-2577 to talk with an advisor.