Mennonite Mission Network Service Opportunities with Our Partners (SOOP) offers flexible service terms for individuals ages 25+ and families of all ages. Mission Network added new locations to the 66 existing United States and international locations.
Looking for a different kind of family vacation?
Feeling called by God to serve?
Wanting to use your skills to make a difference in someone’s life?
Then, SOOP is for you!
Amigo Centre, Sturgis, Michigan
Program page
This year-round Christian camp is supported by Mennonite churches and is dedicated to serve the church, families and individuals by fostering relationships, recreation and reflection in a natural setting. Established in 1957,
Amigo Centre’s 400 acres of lakes, marsh and forest offer water sports, birding, and hiking just 15 minutes from downtown Sturgis.
Participants serve as weekend hosts or office help in the retreat center, volunteer in the dining hall, as groundskeepers, or facilitate children’s summer camp and adult retreats, among other tasks.
Each lakefront apartment provided has a small porch and yard. Some meals are provided.
While volunteers are needed 12 months of the year, April to September are especially busy.
Open Door Mennonite Church, Jackson Mississippi
Program page
Open Door Mennonite Church (ODMC) and its
Peace and Justice Center of the Deep South (PJCDP) are dedicated to educating people about the legacy of the civil rights movement and fostering social justice. PJCDP was established by ODMC to strengthen systemic justice in four areas:
- Educational success
- Food security
- Health and wellness
- Racial equity
Service opportunities at ODMC and PJCDP include building renovation and repair, computer lab support, and support for community events such as city gardening, spaghetti dinners, and health screening. You will be in the heart of the civil rights movement with a church community addressing current realities of injustice from a peace perspective.
Housing is provided at the church building, with a lockable bedroom, the church kitchen and two bathrooms with hot showers. A donation is requested for housing. Participants will provide their own meals but may be hosted by church families and join community meals frequently.
Menno Haven Camp and Retreat Center, Tiskilwa, Illinois
Program page
Serving youth and churches since 1958,
Menno Haven Camp and Retreat Center is located in the rolling hills of north-central Illinois and provides 231 acres for renewal and growth of body and spirit with a lake, swimming pool, zip line, climbing wall, and more.
Volunteers are needed year-round for maintenance, groundskeeping, kitchen help, office tasks, as well as assisting with children’s summer camps and adult winter retreats.
Volunteer lodging is provided, and some meals are included. Accommodation includes dorm rooms, apartments, recreational vehicle sites with sewer, water and electric hookups. Additional housing options are available as needed.
Note
Beaver Camp, an existing SOOP location in the Adirondacks in Lowville, New York, is in urgent need of a part-time cook for this summer. All food and housing is provided, but volunteers may bring their own RV if they prefer.
For more information about these and all SOOP volunteer locations, visit
MennoniteMission.net/Serve/SOOP or contact Stephanie Weaver,
StephanieW@MennoniteMission.net.