The Elevation Experience is a 10-month Youth Leadership Development program that invites youth to explore their leadership skills. We seek to support youth in their personal development and foster spiritual as well as emotional growth. The highlight of the Elevation Experience is our learning and service trip to Rwanda. We believe that working together in a cross-cultural setting,
there is so much we can learn from each other!
At the heart of the Elevation Experience are relationships. We believe we are created for connection and community. Our aim is to see lives changed—both the Canadians who join the Experience and those we work with in Rwanda. Join us for a life-changing opportunity and step into your own journey of personal growth.
“The Elevation Experience taught me so much about friendship, kindness, forgiveness, poverty, international development, and God’s heart. Ultimately, it has changed how I strive to live my life, and who I want to be. Making me think about the impact that I have in places like Kigali, Rwanda and even my daily choices and actions here in Vancouver.” – EE 2014 participant
“The Elevation Experience has changed my perspectives on poverty and cultural values.”– EE 2019 participant
“I left with a new appreciation for the simple things in life and a better sense of what really matters: connecting with others, being part of a community, and finding joy in everyday moments.” – EE 2024 participant
The Elevation Experience Overview:
- Six sessions of pre-travel training
- Participation in the team fundraising effort
- A two and a half week trip to Rwanda
- 4 months of post-trip programming
This program provides an opportunity to be involved in a life-changing project while getting to know some spectacular people!
The Experience starts in February with 6 monthly training and team building sessions. These meetings are essential to prepare our heart, mind and soul for the things we will learn and experience.
During the 2.5 week trip to Rwanda we put much of what we’ve learned into practice. In Rwanda, we will join with a group of Rwandan young leaders and together facilitate a camp for Rwandan elementary school-aged children. We will have the opportunity to learn more about Rwandan culture and history
through your friendships as well as opportunities to travel to a few cultural heritage sites.
The overall experience costs approximately $4300. This covers all training, travel, trip food, accommodation and program expenses. We encourage all participants to participate in the fundraising activities to reach this goal. It is a leap of faith and it does take a lot of work and commitment, but we
provide as much support as you need along the way.
or download and fill out the form, so you can send it back via email or mail.
EE 2025 Participant Application Form
We would love to come out to your youth group or ministry and share about the Elevation Experience with you and your youth. For more information please contact the Elevation Project manager Chris via e-mail: chrishege@youthunlimited.com