2026 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. 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.
Applications
apply now
Return Celebration
January 3rd, 7pm
Sunday Meeting
June 28th
RETREAT (Mandatory)
July 31-Aug. 1 *3rd financial deadline $1800
WORKDAY (Mandatory)
August 22nd (this will be during the day)
Expedition
12th-28th or 29th
(subject to slight changes due to flights)
SUNDAY Meeting
May 17th *2nd financial deadline $1800
application Deadline
March 1st
Interviews
March 18th
PARENT MEeting (Mandatory)
April 19th 7pm
Retreat (Mandatory)
May 1-2 *1st financial deadline $500
- 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
HIGH SCHOOL
July 31-Aug. 1 *3rd financial deadline $1800
September 20th
September 27th *4th financial deadline $400
Sunday Meeting
Sunday Meeting
July 31-Aug. 1 *3rd financial deadline $1800
PARENT MEeting (MANDATORY)
October 25th 7pm
PACKING DAY (Mandatory)
November 1st
SUNDAY MEETING
November 8th
REturn Celebration
To Be Announced
Expedition
To Be Announced
Unpacking Day
To Be Announced
Packing Day
To Be Announced
Retreat
To Be Announced - 2027
Meetings
To Be Announced
- 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
HIGH SCHOOL
adult leaders
Return Celebration
January 3rd, 7pm
PARENT MEeting (MANDATORY)
October 25th 7pm
PACKING DAY (Mandatory)
November 1st
SUNDAY MEETING
November 8th
Expedition
12th-28th or 29th
(subject to slight changes due to flights)
sunday meeting
September 27th *4th financial deadline $400
Sunday Meeting
June 28th
RETREAT (Mandatory)
July 31-Aug. 1 *3rd financial deadline $1800
WORKDAY (Mandatory)
To Be Announced
SUNDAY MEETING
September 20th
SUNDAY Meeting
May 17th *2nd financial deadline $1800
application Deadline
March 1st
Interviews
March 18th
PARENT MEeting (Mandatory)
April 19th 7pm
Retreat (Mandatory)
May 1-2 *1st financial deadline $500
“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
Follow along on social media!