PARENT VISION TRIPS

What is a PVT?  

A Parent Vision Trip is an opportunity for Racers to invite their parents to join them on the field for approximately 1 week, typically during month 7 to 9 for 11 month Races and month 6 or 7 for the 9 month Gap Year routes.  Shorter trips do not have a PVT.  During the PVT, parents and Racers do ministry together, as well as have some unstructured parent/Racer time. It is a chance for parents to experience a little bit of the Race and to see what God has been doing in their Racer.  It is also an opportunity for parents to take another step in their own journey, perhaps stepping outside of their own comfort zone by heading to the mission field.

When do we find out about the trips?  

When possible, tentative dates and locations are announced to Racers prior to Launch.  That is not always possible.  In addition, while it rarely happens that we need to make a change, dates and locations are officially “tentative” up until we send the official invites to the Racers.  That typically happens 4 months before the trip.  Racers submit the parent name and email address and an invitation with the details is then automatically sent to the parent.

What happens after the invite?  

The invite will include information about creating a profile, submitting an application, and all the other steps involved in getting you on the PVT.

When can I start booking flights?  

We do not “greenlight” a trip (give it an official “go”) until we have 15 committed parents.  At that point we will provide you the official airport to fly into, as well as the arrival and departure times you will need to work around.  We ask you not to book non-refundable travel arrangements prior to that point.

What about stepparents?  

Racers are welcome to invite all parents and stepparents.  To help avoid awkward surprises, we do ask them to let all parents/stepparents know who has been invited.  

What about siblings?  

While we do provide a way for Racers to request an exception, it is very rare that we grant an exception and allow a sibling to come.  We understand the desire for siblings to experience a taste of the Race, and we even acknowledge that it could potentially encourage a sibling’s spiritual life.  But that is not the purpose of the Parent Vision Trip.  PVTs are focused on the intergenerational ministry between parent and Racer and we are committed to that purpose.   It is not that it would be a bad trip with a sibling or someone else along.  But it does make it a different trip.

What about someone instead of a parent?  

Racers may submit a request to invite someone other than a parent.  But as mentioned in the above question/answer, it is rare that we grant exceptions due to our commitment to the intergenerational parent/Racer focus.  It is not that it would make it a bad trip, but it does make it a different trip.  So when we grant exceptions it is generally when someone else has played a parental role for an extended period of time instead of (not in addition to) the biological parents.

What if I’m hesitant to travel alone?  Can someone other than a spouse come with me?  

No.  However, we are happy to help you coordinate with other team members regarding travel plans.  In many cases, we can find someone else on the trip that you can connect with.

What is the cost of the trip and what does the trip cost cover?  

The trip cost in 2024 was $785, plus a $49 application fee.  We will try our best to not increase it for 2025.  It covers lodging, food, local transportation and ministry costs from the pickup time/location to the dropoff time/location except for some non-ministry day meals and activities.  You will have an Adventures fundraising account and can support raise for this portion of the trip.   To see a breakdown of expenses, click here.

What extra expenses are there?  

You will need to pay for your airfare to and from the PVT location.  In addition, if you arrive early or stay late – either to sightsee, deal with jet lag or because flight schedules require it – any extra meals or hotel costs will be your responsibility.  There will be a non-ministry day on the PVT. Some non-ministry day options may have a cost associated with them, but there will always be options that do not require any out of pocket cost.  If your PVT is to an area where you are told you will be doing bar ministry, you will need money for the drinks you purchase in the bars. Any costs related to passports, visas, medications, or immunizations are the participants responsibility. 

What can I expect in terms of food and lodging?  

Lodging arrangements depend on the PVT location.  You will not have to tent or sleep on the floor, but in most areas the lodging may be more basic than you are used to.  Whenever possible, parents and Racers are lodged in the same place – but Racers and parents do not share a room. Whenever possible, we give married couples a private room.  In most locations, however, we have “dorm style” rooms, separated by gender. When it is not possible to house parents and Racers at the same location, Racers are housed nearby.  

Food will in most cases be simple – particularly for breakfast and lunch (cereal, sandwiches, etc.).  Dinners are typically food that is native to the area of the PVT. If you have food sensitivities, you may need to bring food that meets your needs.  It is not always possible to accommodate specific needs.

How much time will I have with my Racer?  

Keep in mind that it is all time with your Racer – the ministry time, the worship and debriefing times, and the less structured time is all time with your Racer.  However, we do try to schedule approximately 3 hours per day of unstructured time. In addition, there is generally one non-ministry day.

Can I stay longer than the PVT?  

Absolutely.  But you can only see your Racer during the PVT.  Many parents do add on days to sightsee in that area of the world.  In addition, arriving a day or two early does help you recover from jet lag and be a bit more acclimated to dive into ministry once the PVT begins.