We love the saying that there is no comfort in the growth zone, and no growth in the comfort zone. This applies 100% to Humanitarian Experience trips. And because we love the growth zone, there are things you can do now to prepare to make this a positive growing experience.
Here are a few tips that will make a big difference in helping you have the best experience possible:
Believer
Study the scriptures and pray daily
- Set alarms on your phone
- Create a group chat for sharing insights
- Keep a journal
- Do Come Follow Me and follow along with Don’t Miss This or other helpful resources
Pray for and act on opportunities to share the gospel
- Invite someone to church or an activity
- Share about your Sundays when someone asks about your weekend
- Have a gospel conversation with someone in your family
Attend church and be involved in youth activities
- Click here to find the nearest church building
- Pray to know who you can help in your ward and serve them
- Pray to know how you can better prepare for church
- Pray to know how to enjoy your Sabbath
Doer
Work with local missionaries
- Find out who your local missionaries are and let them know you are willing to help
- Invite them to your house for dinner and a lesson
- Ask them about themselves and their own conversion
- Refer someone to be taught by the missionaries
Be proactive and independent
- Learn to do your own laundry
- Work on personal hygiene
- Practice making eye contact and carry conversations with others
Go out of your way to meet new people
- Sit with someone new at lunch
- Learn the names of everyone in your class and something about them
- Put down your phone and talk to those around you (this will help with the Digital Detox)
Plan and set goals
- Keep a planner or calendar
- Think about talents and areas of your life that you want to develop/improve
- Share your goals with others for added accountability
- Reward yourself once you reach your goals
Adventurer
Increase your physical fitness
- Go on daily walks
- Try new foods
- Sleep for at least 7 hours each night
- Find fun ways to stay active every day
Practice good emotional health
- Communicate your feelings to those around you who want to help
- Know your emotional triggers
- Think through and make plans for worst-case scenarios
Planner
Brainstorm ways to pay for your trip
- Get a part-time job
- Find creative ways to fundraise (here are some of our ideas)
- Asking friends and family to make tax-deductible donations to Humanitarian XP
Prepare for your trip
- Research your trip location
- Meet, hang out with, or read scriptures with your group before leaving
- Follow the Humanitarian XP Instagram page and trip-specific pages
- Start collecting items according to your packing list