All-ages Service Trip to
Duluth, MN
Details:
Location: Duluth, MN
Dates: July 8–12, 2026
For: EVERYONE... really and truly everyone is invited! (minors must be accompanied by an adult)
Total cost (approximated): TBD
Info Meeting: Sept. 28, 9:15am
What is an All-Ages Service Trip?
It is an opportunity for members of our congregation to experience serving side by side across all ages. When our family has gone on similar trips the ages of participants were as young as 4 through upper 70s. We learn, serve, and grow in faith together plus have a whole lot of fun.
What do we do on a service trip?
There are multiple purposes for a service trip. Primarily it is an opportunity for participants to learn about God’s gift of generosity. We are called to serve our neighbor.
A summer service trip provides opportunities for service AND an experience of fellowship with their confirmation classmates. Getting away together has the power to grow relationships like few other programs. A middle school service trip meets our core values as 1) All are Welcome, 2) We Build Community and 3) We Serve Our Neighbor.
Specifically, here’s what happens on a service trip:
Attend the informational meeting on Sept. 28 and invite a friend! In the meantime, if you have any questions, please reach out to Michelle Renkas.
BACKGROUND: Duluth is the 4th largest city in Minnesota and is located at the Western tip of Lake Superior. Despite its beauty, Duluth has plenty of challenges. 17% of the population lives below the federal poverty level, while the rest of Minnesota averages 11%, meaning Duluth has become a hub for providing services to those in need. Service Learning Camps works with a variety of the area service providers to help meet the many needs present in the community.
Fundraising opportunities:
Middle school youth have several fundraising opportunities to help reduce service trip costs…
A long tradition…
First Lutheran has a long tradition of summer service trips for youth and adults alike! The service trips this summer are built on trips taken over the past several years...
In 2008 youth in grades 6-12 served in Raleigh/Durham, North Carolina
In 2009 three trips originated from First Lutheran:
Middle school served in the Twin Cities of Minnesota.
High school went to the National Youth Gathering in New Orleans, Louisiana. These youth participated with over 36,000 other high school youth to help get New Orleans back on her feet after Hurricane Katrina.
An age diverse group of adults and youth served in Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota
In 2010 our middle school youth served in St. Louis, Missouri and our high school youth served in Birmingham, Alabama.
In 2011 our middle school youth served in Duluth, MN and our high school youth served in Washington D.C.
In 2012 our middle school youth served in Chicago, IL and our high school youth joined ELCA youth from all over the country at the National Youth Gathering in New Orleans, LA.
In 2014 the middle school youth served in Cincinnati, Ohio and our high school youth served in Pine Ridge, South Dakota.
In 2015 our middle school youth served in Louisville, KY, and our high school youth headed to Detroit for the National Youth Gathering.
In 2016 we had three trips: our middle school youth served in the Quad Cities of Iowa, and our high school youth served in Cortez, CO and Mingo County in the Appalachian Mountains of West Virginia.
In 2017 our middle school youth served in Kansas City, MO, and our high school youth served at the Rosebud Reservation in South Dakota.
In 2018 our middle school youth served in Indianapolis and our high school youth joined ELCA youth from all over the country at the ELCA Youth Gathering in Houston, TX.
In 2019 our middle school youth served in Duluth, MN and our high school youth served in San Francisco, CA.
In 2020 our middle and high school trip to Niagara Falls was cancelled due to COVID.
In 2022 our middle and high school youth served in Bayou Le Batre, AL.
In 2024 our middle school youth served in Rapid City, SD. Our high school youth headed to New Orleans for the ELCA Youth Gathering.
In 2025 our middle school youth served in St. Louis, MO, and our high school youth helped North Carolina recover from Hurricane Helene.
Servant hearts have been opened on these trips. Lives have been changed. Our church is changing as a result. Come serve with us at First Lutheran in Onalaska!
Questions about the trip? Connect with Michelle Renkas.
