Go SERVE
Hudsonville, MI
Details
- Date(s): 6/26/2027 – 7/3/2027
- Church Partner: Messiah CRC
- Availability: OPEN
- Trip Type: High School
- Rate: $475 USD
- Late fees apply after April 1
- Capacity: 50
Site Description
Know as ‘Michigan’s Salad Bowl,’ Hudsonville is a welcoming community located between Grand Rapids and Lake Michigan. Although the area has grown significantly in recent years, it maintains strong connections to its small-town and agricultural roots. Farms, fields, orchards, greenhouses, and farm markets remain and important part of the local landscape and economy. 2027 is our first time hosting a SERVE site. Many people from our Host Team have been participants on SERVE trips through the years and we’re excited to be a home base for hosting students and giving them an opportunity to grow and serve right here in Hudsonville.
SERVE Projects
The agricultural abundance of Hudsonville also provides a meaningful setting for learning about food insecurity- the reality that around the world, and even in a community surrounded by productive farmland, some neighbors struggle to access fresh, nutritious food.
During the week, participants will learn about global and local food insecurity issues while we serve alongside local ministries that are working to collect, prepare, and distribute food nearby and far away. We anticipate a wide variety of projects that are supporting these ministries (food distribution, food packaging, light construction, painting, cleaning, or similar projects).
We will also be encouraging all of our participants to connect with food banks/ministries in their own hometowns when they return.
In partnership with local churches and organizations in and near:
Hudsonville, MI
Facilities
Messiah CRC will be the hosting church. We will utilize the sanctuary for our meeting space, the multipurpose room for meals/activities and sleeping in classrooms in our church basement. All spaces have A/C. Our shower facilities for participants are nearby at a local Christian school just up the street.
Day Away
We will spend a time enjoying the Michigan summer experience along the beautiful Lake Michigan shoreline. We will relax on the beach, explore the dunes, and share a cookout lunch. We are also planning on a fun local activity in the evening (TBD)
Other Info
Participants may be required to wear hats, pants and closed-toes shoes for some of our volunteer work locations due to working with food- please be sure to bring these items.
Transportation
Registration fees do NOT include transportation to and from the sites. Each church group must provide vehicle(s) and adult driver(s) for the entire mission experience regardless of whether you fly or drive to the site. The vehicles you bring will be used to transport small groups to the work site each day, so 12-passenger vans or mini-vans are preferred. Cars do not facilitate the transportation of an entire small group in one vehicle, so please do not bring them. If you wish to bring a bus, please check with the Host Team to see if this is acceptable before you make arrangements. If your group is unable to provide van transportation, please have a youth leader call the ThereforeGo Ministries office to discuss options and additional charges.
Nearest Airport
Grand Rapids, MI (GRR). Please DO NOT book airfare until you have received email confirmation from ThereforeGo Ministries that you have been placed at this site.
Cell Phone Policy
Participants are allowed to have their cell phones during the SERVE week at this site. Access will be limited to a “Digital Cafe” during evening free times. Students will also have access during our day away activities. Phones will otherwise be safely locked away. We are asking adult leaders to have their cell phones available during the week for emergencies.
Address:
