Side by Side
NEW! Parent & Teen Mission Experience
NEW! Parent & Teen Mission Experience
The teenage years don’t last forever, but the moments that shape them do.
Side by Side is a mission experience designed exclusively for parents (or grandparents) and teens. Together, you’ll step away from the distractions of everyday life to serve, grow, and experience God in ways that simply aren’t possible at home.
Instead of separate youth and adult programs, you’ll spend the week serving shoulder to shoulder, having meaningful conversations, and creating memories that will become part of your family’s story for years to come.
You’ll watch your teen grow in confidence as they discover they can make a difference. They’ll see your faith lived out in real time. And together, you’ll experience the joy of serving others while drawing closer to God, and to each other.
❧Serve side by side through children’s ministry, community outreach, and practical service projects.
❧Grow together with guided parent-teen devotionals and meaningful conversation prompts throughout the week.
❧Experience the beauty of this country through unforgettable adventures, local culture, and shared experiences.
❧Create memories that matter as you laugh, worship, serve, and step outside your comfort zones together.
Years from now, your teen may not remember every conversation you had, but they’ll remember the week you served together, watched God work together, and discovered what faith looks like when it’s lived out side by side.
Sometimes the greatest investment you can make in your teenager isn’t another activity; it’s a shared experience that brings you closer to each other and closer to Christ.
Location: Haven Heart Ministry Centre 
Dates: Tues March 16 – Wed March 24, 2027
Investment: Trip Cost $850 per person + Registration Fee $200 per pair + flight (approx $800-1000) (Includes lodging, meals, excursions, and ministry projects) the $200 non-refundable registration fee is required with application (after confirmed approval)
We are a registered Canadian Charity – your trip will be covered with a charitable tax receipt. You do have the ability to raise funds for your trip (trip cost and flight), and others can also receive charitable tax receipts for their donations.
1. Who can come?
Side by Side is designed for one parent (or grandparent) and one teenager to attend together. It’s a unique opportunity to intentionally invest in your relationship while serving others and growing in your faith. We aim for groups of 4-5 teens and thier parents 8-10 total)
2. How old does my teen need to be?
We recommend this trip for teens ages 13–18. These are formative years, and we’ve intentionally designed the experience to encourage meaningful conversations and shared spiritual growth.
3. Can more than one teen come with me?
Yes! Parents are welcome to bring multiple teenagers from their family, provided they’re within the recommended age range.
4. What makes this different from a regular mission trip?
Everything is designed with parent-teen relationships in mind. You’ll serve together, participate in guided devotionals and conversations, and experience activities side by side instead of being separated into adult and youth groups.
5. Where will we stay?
Teams stay together in clean, comfortable accommodations on our ministry property. We’ll provide all the details before your trip so you know exactly what to expect.
6. Will we have free time?
Absolutely! While ministry is the focus, we also include opportunities to experience the beauty and culture of this country through activities such as visiting local markets, beaches, volcanoes, or other attractions.
7. Why do we do guided devotionals?
One of the biggest goals of Side by Side is to create space for conversations that often get lost in the busyness of everyday life. Our devotional guide helps parents and teens reflect on what they’re experiencing, discuss their faith, and continue those conversations long after the trip ends.
8. What is my teen is shy?
That’s perfectly okay! Every teen is different. We create a welcoming environment where everyone can participate at their own pace. We’ve seen some of the quietest teens leave with newfound confidence and lifelong friendships.
9. How physically demanding is the trip?
That depends on the activities your team chooses. Some ministry opportunities involve construction or outdoor work, while others focus on children’s ministry, relationships, sports, or hospitality. We’ll tailor the week to your group’s abilities.
10. How do I register?
Simply click the “Join the Team” button and follow the registration steps! Once you register, we’ll send you all the details you need to prepare.
11. Why should we do this now?
The teenage years go by faster than you think. Before long, your teen will be graduating, leaving home, and starting their own journey. Side by Side gives you an opportunity to press pause, step away from everyday distractions, and share an experience that will strengthen your relationship and create memories you’ll both carry for the rest of your lives.
Although Side by Side is a new trip, many parents who have been here with their teen tell us it wasn’t just their teen who was changed; it transformed their relationship as well.
12. Who do I contact if I have more questions?
We’re here to help! Feel free to email us at havenheartministry@gmail.com
We can’t wait to serve, grow, and experience God’s presence with you on this incredible journey!