Knoxville, TN Site Information
You are about to embark on a journey with your students. A journey that will challenge, grow, and equip them to be a stronger follower of Christ. As you prepare to go use this info about your site to equip your team and learn more about your site.
We would love to put every detail of your trip down, however the size of our website would be much too large; therefore, you will have questions. Call us and we can answer any and all questions you have.
Knoxville, TN
Mission Ready & Intense Impact | Leadership Development + Service
From home repairs to heart connections—be the hands and feet of Jesus
Trip Type:
Mission Ready
Staff lead early in the week, gradually empowering students to lead meals, worksites, and a 3-day VBS
Intense Impact
A fully student-led experience—students plan and lead meals, worksites, and VBS.
Age Group:
Middle School, High School, Combined
High School
Why Here?
Knoxville, located near the Smoky Mountains, has neighborhoods with significant physical and relational needs. With almost 300,000 people in Knoxville, almost a quarter of the population lives below the poverty line. This community has many needs due to the poverty, deterioration of old homes, and spiritual bankruptcy. For these reasons, LeaderTreks is partnering with local churches and ministries to share the Gospel and restore homes in the north side of Knoxville.
Lodging & Showers
Teams stay at a local host church:
- Group sleeping areas
- Fellowship space & kitchen
- Areas for worship and debriefs
- On-site parking for vans & buses
Facts About Pawleys Island
- Population: 198,700
- Demographics: 71.5% White, 15.8% African American, 1.6% Asian, 7.7% Hispanic/Latino
- Poverty: 20.2%
- Famous for: Known as the Cradle of Country Music
What Students Will Experience
- Working with a local church to meet community needs.
- Service projects that restore homes, dignity, and hope.
- A meaningful environment in which to grow spiritually.
- Planning and leading a ministry (either a traditional VBS or a Senior Center VBS!)
- Meeting practical needs through home repair and service.
- Service blended with spiritual development.
- Growth in leadership skills and team unity.
Spiritual Growth & Leadership Development Focus
Students will learn and grow in:
- Bible-study methods, prayer, and worship
- Leadership profiles and spiritual giftings
- Team building and collaboration
- Principles of leadership
- Leading in real ministry contexts
Typical Weekly Schedule
Day 1 – Sunday:
Arrive at site (4–6pm), settle in, dinner provided
Day 2 – Monday:
AM: Service Project | PM: Relational Outreach Prep
Day 3 – Tuesday:
AM: Service Project | PM: Relational Outreach
Day 4 – Wednesday:
AM: Service Project | PM: Relational Outreach
Day 5 – Thursday:
AM: Service Project | PM: Relational Outreach
Day 6 – Friday:
Team house clean up and pack in the morning. Team Adventure in the afternoon (waterpark, hiking, quarry, etc.) *Adventure cost + dinner out not included in trip price
Day 7 – Saturday:
Typical Daily Schedule
(Exact times and activities may vary)
7:00 AM
Breakfast & Devotions
8:00 AM
Individual Morning Devotions
9:00 AM
Work Project
12:00 PM
Lunch (on-site or packed)
2:00 PM
Student-led Ministry
6:00 PM
Dinner
7:30 PM
Team Time / Evening Programming
10:30 pm
Lights Out
Included in Every Trip
- Housing and 16 meals
- All project supplies and tools
- Student devotional journals
- On-trip certified LeaderTreks staff
- Pre-trip Leader Training
- Post-trip follow-up resources
Trip Highlights
- Hands-on service where students engage meaningfully in ministry.
- Challenging leadership development for students.
- Student-led Ministry developed by your own group.
- Team time, worship, and reflection built into the rhythm of the week.
- Pre- and post-trip training included
- Adventure Day built into your week
Logistics
Weather:
Hot and humid, average high temperatures in the upper 80s. Thunderstorms can be common in the afternoons and evenings. Bring rain gear. Sunscreen is a must!
Team House:
A local church/school in Pawleys Island.
Airport:
McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) is located 12 miles south of Knoxville, in Alcoa, Tennessee (30 minutes from our host church)
Van Rental:
Enterprise Rent-A-Car and most major car rental carriers
First Aid:
Please bring your own team first aid kit
