2025 Expeditions
Thank you for your interest in participating in the Youth Making a Difference program!
Join YMAD on an unforgettable service trip to India offering the unique opportunity to engage in meaningful volunteer work over the holiday break, from December 20–30. Participants will travel to rural villages where they will take part in hands-on manual labor projects—such as improving school facilities, assisting with basic construction, and supporting local infrastructure. In addition to physical service, volunteers will work directly with children in small village schools, helping to lead educational activities, teach English, and provide academic support. The trip is designed to foster cultural exchange, global awareness, and a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by underserved communities. It’s a powerful chance to make a lasting impact while gaining perspective and building connections across cultures.
All Participants must be at least 14. Families with children 14 or older are welcome! All family members must fill out an application.
Applications
apply now
Return Celebration
January 11th
Unpacking day
January 10th
Sunday Meeting 7-9
October 12th ($1,600 due)
Sunday Meeting 7-9
November 2nd
Sunday meeting 7-9
November 30th ($200 due)
Expedition
December 20th to December 30th
SUNDAY Meeting 7-9
September 14th ($1,600 due)
application Deadline
August 3rd
Interviews
August 11th and 12th
INFORMATION MEeting
August 17th **Mandatory
funds due ($1000)
August 24th
- Take a Selfie! You will be required to upload a current picture of yourself.
- Check your schedule! Look at the leadership training dates and mandatory retreats and workdays. We expect full participation.
- You will be asked to pay an application fee and schedule an interview. We look forward to meeting you!
Before Applying
- Attend Leadership Training
- Participate in two Overnight Retreats
- Participate in two Workdays
- Participate in two Parent Meetings — 1 parent or legal guardian is required to attend
- Adherence to the Code of Conduct
Additional Expectations
- Valid Passport
- Indian Entry Visa
- Personal Travel Supplies
- Spending and Travel Money
Additional cost to participants
- Leadership Training Course and Program Supplies
- Flights and in-Country Travel
- Lodging and Meals in India
- Evacuation Insurance
Included in the program cost
Participants are required to fundraise $4,400 to participate on the expedition.
Program Requirements
Participation is open to teens (14 and older), adults and family members.
Program Eligibility
apply now
adult leaders
college students
teens & Family
REturn Celebration
TBD
Expedition
May 4-19th (Subject to Flight Schedule)
Unpacking Day
June 2nd
Packing Day
April 28th
Retreat
January 11-12th
Meetings
January 21st
February 11th
March 17th
April 14th
- Take a Selfie! You will be required to upload a current picture of yourself.
- Check your schedule! Look at the leadership training dates and mandatory retreats and workdays. We expect full participation.
- You will be asked to pay an application fee and schedule an interview. We look forward to meeting you!
Before Applying
- Attend Leadership Training
- Participate in an Overnight Retreat
- Participate in Packing Day
- Participate in Unpacking Day
- Adherence to the Code of Conduct
Additional Expectations
- Valid Passport
- Indian Entry Visa
- Personal Travel Supplies
- Spending and Travel Money
Additional cost to participants
- Leadership Training Course and Program Supplies
- Flights and in-Country Travel
- Lodging and Meals in India
- Evacuation Insurance
Included in the program cost
Participants are required to fundraise $4,400 to participate on the expedition.
Program Requirements
Participation is limited to high school graduates.
Program Eligibility
contact us
adult leaders
teens
college students
2026 dates have not been set yet. please send your information to info@ymad.org or contact us for more information
apply now
- Take a Selfie! You will be required to upload a current picture of yourself.
- Check your schedule! Look at the leadership training dates and mandatory retreats and workdays. We expect full participation.
- Obtain a background check and upload documentation with your application,
- Individuals can obtain a copy of their own criminal history by visiting the Bureau of Criminal Identification (BCI): 3888 West 5400 South Salt Lake City, Utah 84129
- A valid form of ID must accompany the request.
- There is a fee associated with this request.
- You will be asked to pay an application fee and schedule an interview. We look forward to meeting you!
Before Applying
- Attend Leadership Training
- Participate in two Overnight Retreats
- Participate in two Workdays
- Participate in two Parent Meetings
- Adherence to the Code of Conduct
Additional Expectations
- Valid Passport
- Indian Entry Visa
- Personal Travel Supplies
- Spending and Travel Money
Additional cost to participants
- Leadership Training Course and Program Supplies
- Flights and in-Country Travel
- Lodging and Meals in India
- Evacuation Insurance
Included in the program cost
Participants are required to fundraise $3,900 to participate on the expedition.
Program Requirements
Adult participation is open to all individuals with a desire to mentor high school students. Adult leaders should work well under stress and feel competent travelling internationally.
Program Eligibility
apply now
teens
college students
adult leaders
unpacking day 9-12 (tbd)
December 7th
return Celebration
January 11th
expedition
November 13-29th
sunday meeting 7-10
October 5th ($300 due)
parent meeting
October 26th
packing day
November 1st
Sunday Meeting
November 9th
sunday meeting 7-10
September 21st
Sunday Meeting 7-10
May 18th ($1,800 due)
Sunday Meeting 7-10
Jun 29th
second retreat
August 1-2nd ($1,800 due)
work day
September 6th
first retreat
May 2-3rd
application Deadline
March 7th
Interviews
March 10-11th
PArent MEeting
March 16th **Mandatory
funds due ($500)
April 5th
“Youth Making a Difference is an organization that I really admire. I had the wonderful opportunity to be a part of the Fall 2012 expedition to Chamba. I always account that expedition as one of the, if not the most important turning points in my life. I will always be grateful to YMAD for giving me that opportunity.”
Joshua Christensen, Fall 2012
“Going to India, and even attending all the meetings, filled me with so much joy and I felt so much love, from my team, but especially from those kids... I am incredibly grateful to all those who made this experience possible!”
“The leadership lessons throughout the year helped me as I got ready for college. The trip was the icing on the cake.”
Abbey Ruegner, Operation Alo 2019
“YMAD changed my life forever. The children in India will be in my heart forever.”
Braden Hudspeth, Operation Parivar 2019
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