About Anchorage
About 40% of Alaska’s population lives in the city of Anchorage. It is the most diverse city in the country, even exceeding cities like LA and NYC. Over 100 languages are spoken in homes across Anchorage, and each neighborhood is diverse racially, culturally, and spiritually.
In an average week, less than 10% of people attend a religious service of any kind, Christian or not. This makes Alaska the least churched state in the country.
What to Expect
Sunday Afternoon/Evening Pickup
You’ll be picked up at the airport (or hotel, if you decide to come early) on Sunday afternoon or evening, and brought to the local church where you’ll be housed for the week.
Five Days of Park Ministry
You’ll serve a few hours in a city park each afternoon, Monday – Friday. There, you will present a Bible lesson, a memory verse, lead a craft, serve lunch, and build relationships with the local kids and community.
One Activity Night
Each team will have one evening in the park where the whole community is invited. Each Activity Night will look different since each team will be bringing their own twist to the festivities.
Service Project
Your team will also have the opportunity to complete a community service project, either with a local nonprofit or in the community your park services.
Chapel Services
Each weekday will include some time to worship, learn, and debrief about your experiences as a team on mission.
Sightseeing
You’ll have spare time some mornings and evenings to explore the city, hike the trails, and see all the sights. From mountains to ocean to waterfalls and beyond, you won’t get tired of seeing the glory of God’s creation.
Saturday Dropoff
We’ll take your team to the airport (or hotel) Saturday evening.
What We Provide
Transportation
Your team will be picked up and dropped off. You’ll also have access to a vehicle with a full tank of gas for your team to travel to ministry locations and sightseeing.
Housing
Men and women will be housed separately in group-style accommodations. Each person will have a bed or air mattress, blanket, and a pillow.
Meals
We’ll feed you well from Sunday evening until Saturday evening. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Curriculum
Each day will have a Bible lesson as well as craft and game recommendations. Each week will have a memory verse.
Park Equipment
You’ll have access to basic craft supplies (paper, markers, scissors, etc) as well as sports equipment tailored for the park you are serving in (soccer ball, wiffle ball and bat, basketball, etc).
Team Tees
Each team member will receive an Operation Alaska shirt, which you’ll also wear to the Activity Night.
Expert Advice
Need guidance on how to best tackle ministry in the community you are serving? Looking for the best sight to see in the evening? We’ve got crew that are able to help and advise every step of the way.
What You Provide
Bible Lesson
While we provide you the curriculum, you’ll be responsible for putting your lesson together in a fun and engaging way.
Crafts
Each day you’ll supply a craft for the kids to complete. You’ll have time to make a Walmart run if you aren’t able to bring everything up with you.
Bedding
You’ll need to bring (twin) sheets and a pillow case for your provided mattress.
Driver(s)
Depending on the size of your team, you’ll need at least one person over the age of 25 that is willing to drive your team throughout the week.
Background Checks
Each team member that is the age of 18 and above will be required to complete a background check before arriving.
Airfare
Flights to and from Anchorage are at your expense, but we’ll take great care of you once you are here.
Sightseeing
If any of your adventures incur tickets, parking, or other charges, your team will need to cover those costs.
Gas
Beyond the tank of gas we provide, extra fill-ups will be your responsibility.
Who Can Come
Kids, teens, and adults are welcome from ages 12 to 112.
Teams should note that facilities, transportation, and/or the parks may not be handicap accessible.
Due to the nature of our ministry, all adults over the age of 18 must also submit a completed background check.
What to Bring
Ministry Supplies
- Bible
- Notebook
- Craft Supplies
- Teaching Aids
- Group Game Aids
Clothing
- Comfortable walking/running shoes
- At least one pair of closed-toed shoes
- Layers (weather is unpredictable)
- Rain Jacket
Others
- Twin sheets and pillow case
- Towel
- Washcloth
- Sunscreen
The Cost
With housing, transportation, meals, and park equipment included, we ask for a total of $700 per person.
In order to reserve your spot, a $50 deposit per person is required.