Kodiak
Your school is invited to partner with a faithful and steadfast local mission on Kodiak Island. Local leaders, who are faithfully serving Kodiak families, have asked for your group's help to build consistent, lasting relationships with the community's youth and complete essential maintenance projects around the mission property, with the hope of building a lasting partnership.
Will your school consider saying yes?
Kodiak Island, Alaska
Kodiak Island, the "Emerald Isle" of the Alaska Aleutian Islands, is an idyllic landscape of surrounding mountains and lush spruce forests. This beautiful setting is home to only about 10,000 people, who navigate a challenging economy often dependent on the volatility of the fishing industry. With high costs for everyday goods and many families facing variable incomes, the community struggles with economic stability. The island is also home to a significant Coast Guard base, the largest single employer, which ensures the safety of the surrounding fishing fleets.
The local mission was founded in 1893 and has faithfully adapted its service across generations—from an orphanage to a youth-focused ministry. For the last 25 years, the mission has been a consistent source of Christ's love, providing a Christian preschool, reliable after-school programs, and various seasonal activities for local children and their families. They maintain a strong biblical presence in the community, even hosting a regular Sunday morning program for those who are uncomfortable attending a traditional church setting.
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Ways to Serve This Community
Hands-on Facility Support
Your team's efforts will provide vital, tangible support that is essential for the mission's operational continuity. This service includes tackling necessary maintenance and upkeep projects around the mission property to ensure the facility remains safe and welcoming. Additionally, your group will provide consistent care for the farm animals and their enclosures.
Youth Outreach
You will have opportunities to connect and partner with local youth groups, joining them to offer spiritual encouragement and collaborate on community outreach initiatives. These activities are flexible, allowing your students to minister according to their gifts and passions.
Long-Term Partnership: Lasting Relationships
Due to Kodiak's remote location, the mission frequently sees groups that come for only a year or two. The mission is prayerfully seeking true long-term partners who are committed to returning year after year, establishing continuity and building on the relationships they create. Local students especially desire ongoing relationships with peers from "off-island."
What a Week Could Look Like
Every GO Serve trip is tailored to your group, but here's a sample of how a week in Kodiak might unfold.
Travel Day
- Travel to Kodiak
Immersion Day
- Attend church in the Kodiak community
- Team training, devotions, and light exploration
Service Day
- A full day of service where we will begin with devotions and breakfast, then head out for a morning work project at the mission or in the community
- Follow up with after-school student outreach in the afternoon
Service Day
- A second full day of service, where we will continue to support the after-school programs
- After dinner, enjoy seasonal activities like walks on the beach or a quick fishing trip to reflect on God's creation
Service Day
- Our last day in the community, followed by a farewell service
Adventure Day
- Abide Day! We will experience the wonder of Kodiak's nature with fun outdoor activities, including going out on a boat for whale watching to see sea otters, orcas, and humpback whales
- Followed by a celebratory restaurant evening and a comprehensive trip debrief
Travel Day
- Travel to the airport and head home
One School, One Community
A U.S. partnership follows the same model as our international trips — your school is matched with one domestic ministry for a long-term relationship, not a one-time visit. We handle ground transportation, lodging, meals, training materials, and safety procedures so your team can focus on the relationship and the ministry.
Interested in learning more about the specific needs and opportunities at this site? Reach out and we'll walk you through what a partnership with Kodiak could look like for your group.
Holistic Spiritual Formation
We know that as a school leader, you have been praying for the growth of your student body—that they may mature and grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord (2 Peter 3:18).
We pray that GO Serve is one way your prayers are answered. This trip is intentionally designed to serve your group's unique spiritual needs while meeting the needs of those we serve. Every aspect of this journey—from itinerary, to devotional topics, even to fun outings—is designed to meet the discipleship outcomes you have been praying for.
We will work together to create a spiritual formation focus specific to your group and integrate it throughout your trip.
Interested in This Partnership?
Tell us about your group and we'll help you explore a partnership with Kodiak.