Question 1

Why serve in Eastern Kentucky?

Accepted Answer

Eastern Kentucky is a beautiful place, and we love the people who call it home. But we also see the needs up close.  There's a lot of them!  Older homes need repairs, many families are stretched financially, the entire community is affected by the drug crisis, food insecurity is real, and sometimes a small problem becomes a big one simply because there aren’t many resources nearby.  That’s where mission teams can help.​Your group may repair a floor, build a ramp, serve food, spend time with a senior adult, encourage a child, or simply show up and be present with someone who needs encouragement. ​​We’re not coming in to “fix” Eastern Kentucky. This is our home. We’re simply serving our neighbors and inviting your team to come alongside us as we make disciples.  We understand there are MANY needs across the world, and even in your own hometown.  One of our goals is to help our mission teams recognize the similarities between the needs you see here and the needs in your own hometown.  People and needs are the same EVERYWHERE you look!

Question 2

What follow-up happens after your team leaves?

Accepted Answer

Your week of service may end on Saturday, but the ministry doesn’t.  Because Big Creek serves these communities year-round, our staff can continue relationships, check on families, follow up on projects, and respond to needs after your team heads home.  Your group gets to be part of something ongoing — not just a one-week project.

Our staff work hard to remain in contact with our people!

Question 3

What are the registration steps?

Accepted Answer

1. Read the Planning Guide & FAQs first. 
 Make sure you understand the trip details before reserving your week.
2. Check availability and reserve your week at bigcreekmissions.com/register. Create your account, choose your campus, and reserve your week with a $50 per-person deposit by ACH or credit/debit card.3. Have each participant complete their permission/release form at bigcreekmissions.com/go. We hope your entire team is registered at least 30 days before your trip.4. Thirty days before arrival, make sure you have:All participants registeredYour vehicles entered in the registration systemYour final balance paidWe prefer final payments by ACH, which can be completed through the registration system. Credit card payments include a 3% surcharge.A quick note about payments and refunds: Your deposits and payments help fund our ministry as they come in. They’re used to prepare for your team, support our mission centers, and continue year-round outreach in the communities we serve.  Because those funds are already being put to work, refunds can be difficult if your group cancels or drops numbers significantly. We strongly encourage every leader to read our full payment and refund policy before registering.

Question 4

What do we need to plan in advance of our trip?

Accepted Answer

Prepare for a Creative and Impactful Ministry!We handle the major logistics, but the best-prepared teams do some work before they arrive.Children’s Ministry If part of your team is serving with kids, we’ll ask you to help plan and lead part of the daycamp experience. Come ready with ideas and supplies for games, crafts, sports, music, STEM activities, skills classes, or other fun ways to engage children.You can find ideas and planning information at bigcreekmissions.com/volunteerinfo.Construction Ministry Projects change from week to week, but common needs include flooring, metal roofs, ramps, and other home repairs. We provide basic tools, but experienced construction leaders are welcome to bring their own tools or trailer.More information is available at bigcreekmissions.com/construction.Have a Pre-Trip Training DayWe strongly recommend getting your team together before the trip for a small service project or training day.  Do something practical: serve children, work on a home, mow lawns, wash cars, clean a building, or help someone in your community. Treat it like a mini mission trip.And don’t overlook the simple skills.Take a little time to teach participants how to safely use basic power tools, a lawn mower or weed eater, how to sweep and mop a floor, clean a window, carry materials, use work gloves, and clean up a job site.You’d be surprised how many people arrive ready to serve but have never actually used a broom, driven a screw, or operated a mower. A little practice ahead of time makes everyone more useful and confident when they get here.Make Sure Your Team Is ReadyA mission trip works best when participants come ready to work, listen, follow directions, and represent Christ well.If someone is unwilling to work, consistently ignores instructions, or becomes a distraction to the rest of the team, this may not be the right trip for them yet.Our local community sees your team. People notice how volunteers work, speak, treat one another, and treat the people they’re serving.  Please prepare your team accordingly.

Question 5

Do you have any handouts or brochures?

Accepted Answer

We have printable brochures and handouts!!

To keep our costs down, we don't offer any printed materials for shipping.  You are encouraged to print, read, and distribute the applicable materials to your group.   Read our BIG CREEK CAMPUS planning guide Read our WHEELWRIGHT CAMPUS planning guide Read our General Ministry Expectations and RulesView our Big Creek Campus on Google Maps View our Wheelwright Campus on Google Maps Download a Printable Brochure about Big CreekView a printable "What to bring list" and "Adult information Handout" and "menu" at www.bigcreekmissions.com/go

Question 6

Do you have any promo videos or group leader testimonials?

Accepted Answer

Yep!  Scroll to the bottom of the page for promo videos.

Check out a few group leader testimonials here: https://www.bigcreekmissions.com/why-big-creek

Question 7

Financial details, deadlines, & more money questions

Accepted Answer

Why does Big Creek cost less?Our mission trips cost less than many larger organizations because we work hard to keep overhead low.No absent executives:  Our directors are ALL leading the day-to-day mission operations on site. You're not funding big fancy offices or executive salaries. Word of mouth, not big marketing budgets — Most groups find us because another church or leader told them about Big Creek.  Our advertising budget is nearly non-existent. Hands-on leadership — Our directors and administrative staff are part of the daily work. You will  see them cooking, cleaning, fixing something, or serving right alongside your team.We spend on ministry, not extras — We try to put as much of every dollar as possible into projects, people, facilities, and year-round outreach.  We are frugal, and you won't see us driving fancy new vehicles in fancy new buildings. 
What does my payment help cover?For your team:Lodging and hot showersTwo hot meals and one sack lunch each dayConstruction materials, tools, and ministry suppliesStaff leadership and worshipProject planning before your trip and follow-up afterwardFor the community:Your payments also help support Big Creek throughout the year — including food outreach, home repairs, community ministries, and the operation of our two mission centers.
Deposits & Final PaymentDeposit: $50 per person when you reserve your weekFinal balance: Due 30 days before arrivalPayments are managed through your Group Leader registration account.Initial deposit: ACH, debit card, or credit cardFinal payment: ACH is preferred and has no fee. Credit card payments include a 3% surcharge.Bonus: We'll give a free t-shirt to each of your participants IF All payments are made 30 days before All driver and vehicle information has been submittedAll participants are fully registered 2 weeks before No cancelled spots / dropped numbers / refunded deposits 
Cancellations & RefundsOur cancellation policy is intentionally conservative because your payments begin supporting the mission as they are received.Deposits and payments are generally non-refundableEarly-registration adjustments or refunds may be made through January 15Overestimated deposits can be applied toward your remaining balanceIf a week is over capacity and we are able to refill your spots, refunds may be possibleWe cannot normally refund last-minute cancellations or unused spaces
We know plans change, and we’ll always try to work with you when we can. Please keep your numbers realistic and let us know about changes as early as possible.Your payment is more than a camp fee. It helps keep ministry happening before your team arrives, while you’re here, and after you go home.

Read more in our group planning guides: 
Big Creek Campus:

Question 8

What ages and types of group are welcome at Big Creek?

Accepted Answer

All Ages and Group Types are Welcome!Big Creek is a mission center for groups — not a summer camp for teenagers.We welcome people of all ages: youth groups, families, adult teams, senior adults, college groups, and other Christ-centered service groups.Because our ministry includes real work in real communities, adult leadership matters. Our staff provides ministry guidance and project direction; your adults are responsible for supervising and leading your participants.Adult-to-Student RatiosHigh School Groups: We recommend at least 1 adult for every 4 studentsMiddle School Groups: We require at least 1 adult for every 3 studentsChildren under 12: Must serve alongside a parent or close relative who is responsible for them throughout the dayIf you’re bringing a younger group, think practically: Who will supervise students? Who can help lead a worksite? Who can manage a children’s ministry team? Who can step in when someone needs extra attention?Please plan your group size around the adult leadership you actually have.Families Are WelcomeWe love having families serve together. Children should be able to follow directions, participate appropriately, and be willing to serve.Children under 12 will stay with their parent or close relative during ministry assignments. 
(see our young child policy in the next FAQ!) Come Ready to ServeThis is a real mission trip, and our community notices how our teams work, speak, and treat people.Participants should come ready to listen, work, follow directions, get along with others, and represent Christ well.If someone is consistently unwilling to work, cannot follow instructions, becomes divisive, or has no interest in participating, this may not be the right trip for them yet.Our summer staff are here to guide your team in ministry — not to supervise your group. Please prepare and staff your team accordingly.

Question 9

What is your young child policy (ages 0-5)?

Accepted Answer

We LOVE kids! But we also want families to understand that Big Creek is a very active, high-energy mission environment. There are very few quiet spaces, days are busy, evenings can be loud, and our facilities are shared by many different groups.Because of that, we do not recommend bringing very young children, especially ages 0–5. We do not prohibit it, and we understand that sometimes parents need to bring their children with them. If so, parents assume full responsibility for their child at all times.Please understand that bunk rooms cannot be reserved as nurseries or quiet spaces, and we cannot ask other groups or students to remain silent for naps or early bedtimes. Children should be mature enough to sleep without regularly disrupting others and to participate appropriately during meals, group meetings, worship, and other shared activities.If your child has difficulty sleeping in busy environments, needs significant quiet time during the day, or may regularly disrupt group activities, Big Creek may not be the best setting for them at this age.

Question 10

Will my group all serve together?  Will they be split up?

Accepted Answer

Your group may not all serve together — and we’ve found that can be a really good thing.Each participant chooses the ministry area that fits them best: Children’s, Construction, Community, or Teens. Your group will usually be divided according to those choices.As the group leader, you can tell us about important pairings — for example, students who need to stay with a certain adult, siblings, or other situations we should know about. Beyond that, we encourage you to let our experienced staff build the teams.For example, a group of 15 might divide like this:5 in Construction5 in Community5 in Children’s MinistryWe DO make sure each student has an adult representative from your group on the same work team.  Why We Like This ModelEven though your group may serve in different places during the day, you’ll still have plenty of time together throughout the week.  In fact, we’ve found that serving on different teams often gives participants more to talk about, more perspectives to share, and more opportunities to grow.It can also be especially good for students. Serving with people outside their normal friend group gives them a chance to step out of familiar roles, meet new people, and sometimes lead in ways they wouldn’t at home.We’ve seen very positive results from letting participants choose their ministry and serve alongside other teams.

Again, our experienced staff will work with you to put together the work teams.  We will make sure that one adult is on the team with your students.   That's why it's important to bring plenty of good adult leaders!

Question 11

What are the living accommodations like?

Accepted Answer

Our two campuses are very different, and each offers its own kind of mission experience.Big Creek CampusBig Creek can comfortably accommodate about 175 participants, and many summer weeks fill close to capacity.The campus is fully wheelchair accessible and includes a private accessible restroom and shower.For added security, the property is enclosed by a perimeter fence with a coded gate, and building entrances are keypad controlled. Our staff live on campus, and while we feel very safe in our community, we take extra precautions for the safety of our volunteers.Sleeping RoomsBunkrooms 1–5: Male, 18 beds eachBunkrooms 6–9: Female, 18 beds eachBunkroom 10: Female, 36 bedsAll bunkrooms include:Three-level bunk bedsAir conditioningCarpeted floor space for group meetingsPrivate dressing areasShower Facilities Our main shower rooms include:20 showers10 toilets16 sinksLockable shower  and toilet doorsOutdoor Space The campus has a large front lawn with plenty of space for recreation, including:PavilionVolleyballCarpet ballGaga ball9 Square in the AirOther outdoor games
Photos and additional facility information are available at bigcreekmissions.com/facility.Wheelwright CampusWheelwright offers a smaller, more intimate setting and can accommodate about 65 participants.Accommodations include:Two large bunkrooms sleeping about 24 eachThree family/couple rooms sleeping 4–6 eachThree nearby shower rooms with multiple showers and continuous hot waterTwo-level bunk bedsAir conditioningPrivate dressing areasThe campus also includes:Worship centerGame roomCommon areasNearby basketball courts and playgroundsWheelwright continues to grow, and we’re always improving the space for future groups.Photos and additional information are available at bigcreekmissions.com/wheelwright.

Question 12

What about the food?

Accepted Answer

We take food seriously around here! We once saw a sign at Chick-fil-A that said, “Food is essential to life, therefore make it good!” We agree. We eat the same meals you do, so we want them to taste good too!
It’s nothing fancy—just solid, above-average camp food that we’re proud to serve. And apparently you agree: in 2026, nearly 400 adults at our Big Creek campus rated our food an average of 9.9/10!

Breakfast:  We provide a full, hot breakfast (and usually have cereal options for those picky kids)

Lunch: We provide a sandwich bar where all participants make their own sandwiches / snacks 
.... those in children's ministry don't typically pack a lunch: they'll eat a meal with the daycamp kids!

Dinner: we provide another full hot meal, and always have a salad bar.  And the Sweet tea? Amazing.We know your team is working hard all day, and we want them to sit down at mealtime and ENJOY their meal.

We DO recommend that your group brings supplemental snacks for your team after hours, as your folks may want to graze between meal times.... you know how people are!You can view our current menus here:Big Creek Campus: bigcreekmissions.com/menuWheelwright Campus: bigcreekmissions.com/wwmenuGood food. Clean facilities. Plenty to eat. We think those little things matter.

Question 13

What about vehicles and transportation?

Accepted Answer

Your vehicles are our transportation during the week. Your group will travel to ministry sites in the vehicles you bring, so please plan for enough vehicles with extra space.Leave Room!Plan for roughly 1 empty seat for every 5 participants.Please do not fill every vehicle to capacity. We may need room for:A Big Creek staff memberTools and suppliesLuggageOccasionally other team members or local participants
Recommended extra space:Cars / Trucks: at least 1 empty seatMinivans: 1–2 empty seats12–15 passenger vans: 2–4 empty seats
Trucks & Trailers Are Extremely HelpfulIf you’re serving in construction, you will need trucks. We currently have only one truck available for construction ministry, so please plan to bring trucks with your team whenever possible.Extra cargo space matters in every ministry area. Children’s teams may need to haul sports equipment, food, supplies, and other gear, while construction teams will be transporting tools, lumber, and materials throughout the week.Trucks are also extremely helpful for luggage on arrival and departure.If your construction leaders are driving vans, those vans may need to be used to carry tools and supplies. If you’re renting vans, please plan accordingly — those rental vans may be used to transport construction tools, materials, and other ministry supplies during the week.What Vehicles Work Best?We recommend:Personal cars and trucksMinivans12–15 passenger vans with experienced driversMini-buses of 26 passengers or fewerLarger vehicles are harder to use at many of our ministry locations.Drivers Matter TooPlease give some thought to who you choose to drive your team. If Aunt Betty normally drives a Toyota Prius and has never been behind the wheel of a 15-passenger van, the Kentucky mountains may not be the best place for her first lesson!Choose confident, experienced drivers who are comfortable handling larger vehicles on narrow, curvy mountain roads.

About 30 days before your trip, you’ll enter your vehicles and drivers into the registration system.Please list backup drivers whenever possible, even for rental vehicles. Sometimes a different driver is needed so the primary driver can remain with their preferred ministry team.We can’t finalize work-team assignments until we know:What vehicles you’re bringingHow many seats they haveWho can drive them
One More Important Transportation DetailMission trips sometimes require flexibility. Just as your church vehicles may transport guests or children during ministry at home, your vehicles may occasionally transport local children or volunteers during the week.If your church, school, insurance, or rental policy does not allow you to transport anyone outside your own group, please let us know before arrival. That may limit some ministry assignments.And one last reminder: leave an empty seat in every vehicle. We really do need it!

Question 14

What types of ministries are available for my group?

Accepted Answer

Each participant chooses one of three ministry areas for the week: Children’s, Community, or Construction.As the group leader, you’ll be able to review their choices and let us know about any important pairings. We’ll then build ministry teams that may include participants from other churches and groups.We try to make sure each team includes appropriate adult leadership from your group.Children’s MinistryWe lead day camps for children in several communities, with Christ-centered teaching, summer meals, games, sports, crafts, and other activities designed to encourage and invest in local kids.In Leslie County, we also help fund and operate the county pool, which becomes a major part of summer ministry-- as our daycamps are located at the pool complex. We love our kids, and we ask children’s ministry teams to come prepared to help make the week fun, relational, and meaningful.Teenagers also attend many of our ministry sites. If you especially enjoy working with teens, let us know. Our local teenagers usually respond best to leaders who are genuine, relational, and willing to simply spend time with them.Community MinistryCommunity teams serve in a wide variety of ways.  You may visit nursing homes or senior adults, help with food or clothing outreach, deliver meals, provide yard work, or serve alongside local organizations.  One of our biggest ministries-- at the Big Creek Campus -- during the summer is our kids feeding program - where we distribute thousands of meals to local children.  Your team members will LOVE the intensity of "BOX DAY" on Tuesdays where we pack hundreds of boxes of food for local children.  We then distribute those boxes through the week.  (check out the "box day" promo video at the bottom of the page) This is usually our most varied ministry area and often provides the most direct interaction with people in the community.Construction MinistryWe do not have professional contractors / builders on our staff.  We depend on YOU to recruit skilled leaders to help guide your team.   With the help of your team lead, your team will  help repair homes throughout our communities.Projects may include flooring, ramps, roofing, painting, and other needed repairs. But we always try to keep the focus on the people, not just the project.If members of your group want to serve in construction, please bring at least one experienced crew chief who can safely lead a project and help others work effectively.Our summer staff can provide coordination and support, but we depend heavily on the construction experience your team brings with you.  Our summer staff will help provide basic site coordination.

Question 15

How many chaperones do I need to bring?

Accepted Answer

As many capable adults as you can bring!Big Creek is not a youth camp — we’re a mission center serving our community. Your adults are an important part of making the week work well.  Our summer staff will help guide your team, introduce the ministry, and get everyone started. They are not there to supervise your participants or lead every part of your group. Your adult leaders need to be ready to step in and lead.Recommended Adult-to-Student RatiosHigh School: 1 adult for every 4–5 studentsMiddle School: 1 adult for every 3 students — REQUIREDPre-Teen: 1 adult for every 2 students recommended; 1:3 minimum requiredBring Adults Who Can LeadThe strongest teams usually include adults who can help lead in practical ways, such as:Teachers, parents, or ministry leaders who can help lead children’s ministryHandymen, builders, or experienced volunteers who can serve as construction crew chiefsAdults who are simply willing to take responsibility, lead well, and help students stay engagedWithout capable adult leadership, groups can struggle — especially in Children’s Ministry and Construction.We strongly encourage you to open the trip to adults and families, not just students. Quality adult leadership makes the experience better for your students, our staff, and the people you’re here to serve.Our staff provide guidance. Your adults provide leadership and supervision.

Question 16

What is the typical daily schedule while at Big Creek?

Accepted Answer

When you arrive Sunday between 3-4 pm EST, you'll be greeted by an eager and enthusiastic staff.   They will lead you through a brief tour of the campus and and prepare you for the events of the week.   Don't be late - you want to start your week prepared!  (We are on Eastern time!) We work for five full days.  Wednesday night (4-10 pm) is your night to spend time in our community and eat out!  
6:45 am:  Wakeup Call
7:00:am:  Breakfast
8:00 am: Morning Worship
9am-4pm:  Serving in the community!
5:45 pm: Dinner
8:00 pm:  Worship (BC Campus) 
9:00 pm:  Group time
10:45 pm:  Lights Out!

This basic schedule summarizes the day.  Check out our Group Planning Guide for a detailed version of our schedule.

Question 17

Can my participants change ministry choices midweek?

Accepted Answer

In most cases, no.We ask participants to stay with the same ministry area for the entire week. That consistency helps your team build relationships with the people they serve and allows our staff to plan ministry teams well.If someone wants the most variety, we recommend Community Ministry, which may include things like yard work, food outreach, nursing home visits, senior adult ministry, and other community projects.Participants choose their ministry during online registration at bigcreekmissions.com/go.Group leaders can review those choices ahead of time and let us know about any important pairings or adjustments before arrival.

Question 18

What are the worship services and devotions like?

Accepted Answer

Our morning and evening gatherings are simple, Christ-centered, and rooted in Scripture.Because groups come from different church backgrounds and traditions, we work hard to keep Jesus at the center and the Bible as our source.Our teaching comes from a conservative interpretation of Scripture, with a strong emphasis on practical application. We want participants to take the Bible seriously — and to see how it speaks into real life.Worship songs are chosen to support the Scripture and theme we’re studying, and devotions are designed to be understandable and meaningful for both students and adults.We’re not trying to create a flashy production. Worship at Big Creek is intentional, practical, and focused on helping participants hear and respond to God’s Word.Sometimes the passages we study are encouraging. Sometimes they’re challenging. We don’t avoid difficult Scripture, but we try to handle it carefully, honestly, and with grace.Big Creek CampusBig Creek typically has a full worship band made up of summer staff you'll be working with each day.  Our director typically is the teacher (sometimes, experienced summer staff will assist).  Our worship style is intentionally broad — you may hear modern worship songs, familiar hymns, acoustic songs, responsive readings, or other simple elements that help point us back to Scripture.  Each year, we pick a book of the Bible and work through it, generally verse by verse. 
Here are some of our thoughts regarding worship gatherings at the Big Creek Campus: Jesus is ALWAYS the center.  The focus is never the band, the speaker, or production.  
Scripture leads everything.
 Our songs, teaching, readings, and responses should be clearly rooted in the Bible.We don’t manufacture emotion.
 We trust Scripture and the Holy Spirit rather than trying to create a "moment."We present the Gospel clearly...
But we do not use altar calls or public invitations. Your church group time is the place for personal response and counseling. We feel altar calls can be over-emotionalized at camps.We use different styles of worship.
Full band, hymns, acoustic worship, readings, and other simple elements help remind us that worship is bigger than one style.We teach the text.
Each year, we choose one book of the Bible to work through.  We let the scripture speak — even when the passage is difficult or uncomfortable. Sometimes, working through a book of the Bible, we may approach challenging sections:  We don't skip them, but rather... we handle them carefully.  We handle differences with grace.
Groups come from different church traditions.  We handle these with openness, clarity, and grace -- it still ALWAYS begins and ends with Jesus.  Worship should lead to obedience.
The goal isn’t simply a "good service." We want people to understand Scripture and live differently because of it.Wheelwright CampusWheelwright has a worship leader and speaker, typically our campus directors.Worship is smaller and more intimate, and the teaching follows a central biblical theme throughout the week.At both campuses, our goal is the same: help participants worship together, understand Scripture, and be challenged to live it out.Church Group Time After our evening worship time, church groups will have the opportunity to gather in a designated area to share about how the Word is impacting their life.

Question 19

Do the participants I bring need to be Christians?

Accepted Answer

We certainly hope that most of your team members have professed faith in Jesus.  However, we don't want to hinder the ministry that you may have with your students, as we know that each person grows and learns at a different pace.  We ask that you prayerfully consider the maturity and abilities of that student to handle themselves in ministry situations. Please be aware that we have a high standard for ministry and will not tolerate behavior that distracts from our mission.  All of that to say, we hope and pray to see God move both in and through the lives of those who serve and those we serve.

Question 20

Can we bring extra donations?  What kind?

Accepted Answer

YES!  Your donations are appreciated. We are a mission center that regularly distributes goods to our community. We have the capability to offload truckloads of donations at our main campus ... so we welcome any gifts!! Here are four ways you can donate: 1) Your team can help collect children's ministry materials!  You can find this list at www.bigcreekmissions.com/volunteerinfo (password kids2027)

2). You can also view our “wishlist” at: www.bigcreekmissions.com/wishlist 3) Connect us with corporate (truckloads) of donated goods.  We appreciate ALL donations!4) Cash and Gift Cards are welcomed!   Cash, Lowe's and Walmart Gift Cards are ALWAYS welcome, as those are our two closest Big-Box stores.

Question 21

Can I add or drop participants? (What if I register too many?)

Accepted Answer

Keeping Mission Trips AffordableWe work hard to keep Big Creek affordable while still offering a well-organized, full-service mission experience. Because our summer season helps support ministry year-round, accurate registration matters.Can we add participants later?Yes. As long as space is still available for your week, you can add participants through the registration system.  We strongly recommend starting with a smaller number of confirmed participants rather than overestimating.Check current availability at bigcreekmissions.com/register.Can we drop participants and receive a refund?Sometimes — but it depends on whether we can refill the space.If your week is full and we can refill the spot: a refund may be available.If the space remains empty: payments for dropped participants are generally not refundable.Why? When a group reserves spaces it isn’t sure it will use, those spots are unavailable to other churches that may be ready to register.A Few Important GuidelinesRegister confirmed participants. Ideally, register people who have already committed and paid their deposit.  Don't just "guess" because that's how many you brought to a different trip. Start small if you’re unsure. You can add people later if space remains.Don’t overestimate. A realistic number helps everyone.Tell us about changes quickly. The earlier we know about an opening, the better chance we have of filling it.If a week exceeds capacity, available spaces are honored on a first-come, first-served basis and excess deposits are refunded.One Encouraging Reminder: Your first trip may be smaller than you hoped — and that’s okay. Bring the people who are ready to come and let them have a great experience. When they go home and tell others what they saw, who they met, and how God used the week, the trip often grows naturally from there.Some of our strongest groups have grown the old-fashioned way: one good experience, one good story, and one person inviting another.

Question 22

Are your facilities accessible and wheelchair friendly?

Accepted Answer

Our Big Creek Facility is fully accessible and has NO steps.   Our entire facility is one level. 
We have just completed a private fully accessible bathroom complete with grab bars, roll in shower, ADA toilet and sink.   
 
We do not have any specialized equipment (lifts, shower wheelchair) although we do have a shower chair located in the shower.  
 
The Wheelwright Facility is somewhat accessible with a bit of assistance.  The second floor dorm rooms are not accessible, however, accomodations can be made for first floor lodging and use of the first floor shower as needed.  In time, we hope to improve the accessiblity of this facility as funds permit.

Question 23

We're having problems finding a summer participant in our roster, and they SAID they signed up!

Accepted Answer

You may be searching for a participant that SAYS they signed up, but their name isn't showing up on your group leader's roster.  Here are two reasons why:

1) The participant may have created an ACCOUNT, but they never actually registered.   After creating the account, make sure they've selected, "Add a 2027 participant here" - and their parents completed their permission / release / info forms!

2)  The participant may have chosen the wrong group code name   Ask the participant to:

Login to their participant profile at www.bigcreekmissions.com/go 
Look in the section titled, "Future Mission Trip Participants" 
Click "Edit or Update Participant" 
Then select the correct group code name!  It's the first question!

Question 24

I have questions!   Who do I talk to?

Accepted Answer

We’ve worked hard to answer almost every question we can think of on this page, in the FAQs, and in the Group Planning Guide. Please take a few minutes to look through those first — they really do answer most of the questions we receive.If you’ve done that and still need help, we’re glad to help.Email Really Is the Best Way to Reach UsWe absolutely want to connect with you, but email works best for our small team.Here’s why:We don’t have a large office staff. Everyone on our team wears several hats.When groups are here, we want to be present with them. That often means we’re away from a desk and phone.Cell service in the mountains can be... interesting. Calls drop, voicemails sometimes arrive late, and reception depends a lot on where we happen to be standing.Much of our work happens out in the community — checking projects, serving families, coordinating ministries, or working alongside volunteers.
Email gives us a chance to look up the right information, give you an accurate answer, and make sure your question doesn’t get lost.  We promise we’re not avoiding you. Once you spend a week here, our communication challenges will probably make a lot more sense!Who Should I Email?Registration / group numbers / Financial questions for both campuses:  -- Jordan  jordan@bigcreekmissions.comBig Creek Campus Construction — construction@bigcreekmissions.com Children’s Ministry — kids@bigcreekmissions.com General questions — kevinr@bigcreekmissions.comWheelwright Campus For construction, community, children’s ministry, or general Wheelwright questions:Bubba — bubba@bigcreekmissions.comTammy — tammy@bigcreekmissions.comWhat If I Really Need a Phone Call?That’s okay too.  Please be patient :) Before calling, we just ask that you:Read through the FAQs on this page.Check the Group Planning Guide.Try the website helper for a quick answer.That helps us spend phone time on the questions that really need a conversation — instead of reading the website back to you!You can leave a message for our team at 1-888-355-4055, and we’ll return your call as soon as practical.

Question 25

BIG DISCLAIMER ... PLEASE READ THIS!

Accepted Answer

We’re putting our best foot forward on this website. We’re showing you what we hope a week at Big Creek looks like when everything is working, nobody does anything dumb, the weather cooperates, nobody loses the van keys, the freezers are freezing, nobody forgets the blinker fluid, and all the supplies are actually where we thought they were.  (They probably won’t be.)​But this is real life, real ministry, with real people, in a real rural community.​Sometimes plans change. Sometimes we forget something. Sometimes a project takes twice as long as expected (usually three times as long). Supply deliveries will probably be delayed.  Sometimes somebody has a bad day. And yes, sometimes we just plain miss the mark.  ​We won’t pretend to be perfect, and we hope you won’t expect us to be.  In our imperfections, we just have to laugh a little, shake our heads, learn from our mistakes, and move forward!  ​What we can promise is this: we’ll do our very best to serve you joyfully, communicate honestly, and provide an authentic mission experience for God’s glory, our community’s good, and your encouragement and growth.

Go!
Summer
Participant
Information

Serve!
Spring/Fall
Participant
Information

Go

EAST KENTUCKY MISSIONS: SHAPING HEARTS AND LIVES

What Makes Big Creek Different?

What that means for your team

Each participant chooses 1 of 3 ministries
Your whole team doesn't have to do the same thing!
As your participants register, they'll select their preferred ministry at www.bigcreekmissions.com/go
Our staff will work with you to sub-divide your team into work groups

Construction

Community

Children & Teens

A little bit of Big Creek History...

Frequently asked questions

Why serve in Eastern Kentucky?

What follow-up happens after your team leaves?

What are the registration steps?

What do we need to plan in advance of our trip?

Do you have any handouts or brochures?

Do you have any promo videos or group leader testimonials?

Financial details, deadlines, & more money questions

What ages and types of group are welcome at Big Creek?

What is your young child policy (ages 0-5)?

Will my group all serve together? Will they be split up?

What are the living accommodations like?

What about the food?

What about vehicles and transportation?

What types of ministries are available for my group?

How many chaperones do I need to bring?

What is the typical daily schedule while at Big Creek?

Can my participants change ministry choices midweek?

What are the worship services and devotions like?

Do the participants I bring need to be Christians?

Can we bring extra donations? What kind?

Can I add or drop participants? (What if I register too many?)

Are your facilities accessible and wheelchair friendly?

We're having problems finding a summer participant in our roster, and they SAID they signed up!

I have questions! Who do I talk to?

BIG DISCLAIMER ... PLEASE READ THIS!

Ready to Register?

Promo Materials For Your Team
Feel free to use these to help explain the mission, and the 3 ministries, to your team!
Printable Brochure

Go! Summer Participant Information

Serve! Spring/Fall Participant Information

Go

EAST KENTUCKY MISSIONS: SHAPING HEARTS AND LIVES

What Makes Big Creek Different?

What that means for your team

Each participant chooses 1 of 3 ministries Your whole team doesn't have to do the same thing! As your participants register, they'll select their preferred ministry at www.bigcreekmissions.com/go Our staff will work with you to sub-divide your team into work groups

Construction

Community

Children & Teens

A little bit of Big Creek History...

Frequently asked questions

Why serve in Eastern Kentucky?

What follow-up happens after your team leaves?

What are the registration steps?

What do we need to plan in advance of our trip?

Do you have any handouts or brochures?

Do you have any promo videos or group leader testimonials?

Financial details, deadlines, & more money questions

What ages and types of group are welcome at Big Creek?

What is your young child policy (ages 0-5)?

Will my group all serve together? Will they be split up?

What are the living accommodations like?

What about the food?

What about vehicles and transportation?

What types of ministries are available for my group?

How many chaperones do I need to bring?

What is the typical daily schedule while at Big Creek?

Can my participants change ministry choices midweek?

What are the worship services and devotions like?

Do the participants I bring need to be Christians?

Can we bring extra donations? What kind?

Can I add or drop participants? (What if I register too many?)

Are your facilities accessible and wheelchair friendly?

We're having problems finding a summer participant in our roster, and they SAID they signed up!

I have questions! Who do I talk to?

BIG DISCLAIMER ... PLEASE READ THIS!

Ready to Register?

Promo Materials For Your Team Feel free to use these to help explain the mission, and the 3 ministries, to your team! Printable Brochure

Go!
Summer
Participant
Information

Serve!
Spring/Fall
Participant
Information

Each participant chooses 1 of 3 ministries
Your whole team doesn't have to do the same thing!
As your participants register, they'll select their preferred ministry at www.bigcreekmissions.com/go
Our staff will work with you to sub-divide your team into work groups

Promo Materials For Your Team
Feel free to use these to help explain the mission, and the 3 ministries, to your team!
Printable Brochure