What's the mission?

Our mission is to make Christ known to all peoples in many ways. Hampton Beach sits in a spiritually dark corner of America and draws guests from all over during the summer months. In any given day, you could meet someone who's never heard the name of Jesus or who is curious about God and wants to know more. And each day could be different from the next! That's why we focus our ministry in relationships and God's word. We want to show the love of Christ and give people opportunities to explore the truth of the Gospel. Because there is such a variety of people, cultures, and personalities, we use a variety of outreaches— relational, initiative, church partnerships, and digital. The outreach team will design creative ways for sharing God’s love in person and using media. We’re excited about the potential impact because we know people hunger for God.

Will I be trained?

The first week of mission is devoted solely to your ministry training. In addition to that, you will receive optional online resources to prepare your mind and heart before you arrive. Through HBSM training, you will develop skills in conversation, asking good questions, sharing your story, transitioning topics, answering tough questions, knowing how to answer someone who's argumentative, engaging someone who's apathetic, and being respectful of differing backgrounds and cultures. You'll be trained in how to study the Bible and how to share scriptures accurately and effectively. You'll receive guidance in your own walk of faith as well. You'll learn how to resolve conflict and devote yourself to prayer. And that's just in the first week!

After that week, you'll continue to receive personal discipleship from a trained Cru staff member. This is a highlight for students. Your discipler will walk beside you in life, pray with and for you, help you process truths with the Lord, give you guidance in your new endeavors, and leave you with an action plan for the future. 

The training, discipleship, and love you receive while on mission will set you up for a lifetime of ministry and walking with Jesus if you let it!

Where do the students stay for the summer?

All the students live in a large New England style Guest House located at 20 G Street. It is in the center of Hampton Beach, one block from the beach itself. The men and women live on separate floors. The house is newly restored and furnished. There are 3 fully functioning kitchens with cooking utensils provided. Bedrooms have new floors and new mattresses with protective coverings. The owners, local church members and mission supporters, have a heart for you. They pray for you regularly and this house is a labor of love for the Lord's glory. It is a true gift! See the cover photo of this website for an exterior view.

What are the pandemic guidelines/restrictions?

We value your health, safety, and that of the community. In keeping with Cru guidelines, we will follow the recommendations of the state of New Hampshire, which has remained a state with comparatively low cases throughout the pandemic. Above all, we seek to honor the Lord by continuing the mission He has set before us while respecting the guidelines of the local community. We bear witness to God’s love and friendship by being friends to the Hampton community in these ways. We value you by providing clean and enjoyable spaces. You can read more about Cru’s Covid guidelines at Cru.org.

Who are the leaders?

There’s a team of directors who bring their families each summer. They provide a safe and smart environment that can make first timers (and their parents) feel at ease. They care for Summer Mission students like they are their own, adopting them in heart immediately, and they pray for them throughout the years. They welcome any questions you or a parent may have. Feel free to message them (info on the About page of this site). In addition to our directors, there’s a team of Cru staff who will be serving you for the summer. They provide one-on-one discipleship, ministry training, but most of all their friendship as they pour into you and as you live life alongside each other.

How does transportation work / how do students get around?

Feel free to make your own travel arrangements for arrival or to hop in with a group of your new teammates to carpool or share an airport shuttle. Once you arrive to mission, you’ll be put into carpool groups for traveling to work, church, and errands. Because of this, not every student needs or should bring their own car—parking is limited. Students/passengers who ride with drivers to work, church, etc. generally tip their drivers for gas, about $1 for each local trip.

Do I Earn Money?

All participants of HBSM will work in the community. This is one of the joys of mission because local businesses have come to expect great things from HBSM workers. They eagerly reserve summer positions just for our mission members, so jobs are ready and waiting for you when you arrive! Earnings start at minimum wage, but many pay more. You can accept a job that has been reserved for mission members, but you also have the freedom to find your own employment (as long as the hours meet the mission requirements). You will work 4-5 days a week which allows you to earn quite a bit of cash, but more importantly, these jobs allow us to sow seeds of God's love throughout the community as you work alongside people who've likely never had a Christian friend.

Do you go to church while on mission?

Local churches are a big part of the HBSM experience. We have amazing local church partnerships with some of the most hospitable and kind people you'll ever meet! They eagerly anticipate our arrival each summer, and welcome us not only on Sundays, but also into their community. We collaborate with the local churches in our outreach events, volunteer our services to them on Sundays, and really view all our ministry as Kingdom work within the larger body of Christ.

What’s the schedule like for the summer?

The summer will be rewarding, exciting, fun, and full! Ministry activities are at night and on weekends and will include small group Bible studies, evangelism, group meetings with speakers, serving in local churches, and more. You will generally be working 5 days out of the week. There’s one night a week carved out for extended time with the Lord so that you can process and pray over all that you’re learning. There’s time each week to relax with friends or to explore the many beautiful sites of New England. Students typically enjoy hiking together in the nearby White Mountains or just hanging out and playing in the sunshine and sand. Our aim is that each day on mission is filled with purpose, service, accountability, and fellowship. This will come in many forms. You’ll be stretched but grateful!

Why do staff leave mid-summer, and is it safe for students afterwards?

Since Cru summer missions began in the 1960’s, Cru staff have led by example while on mission. They disciple students, facilitate Bible study groups, lead ministry teams, and live relationally with all mission members. Just as in anything, students grow into maturity through doing things themselves, so after having watched and been mentored in ministry and leadership, students lead the mission for the remaining weeks. You might compare the first half of mission to driving with a learner’s permit—an experienced driver is there beside you to teach and guide, but the goal is always independent driving. This transformational aspect is what makes a Stateside Summer Mission with Cru unique and truly life-changing.

We care about our students, and set them up in a safe environment. The mission house is located one block from the police station, and the beach and its surroundings are known for their family-friendly atmosphere. The homeowners, Dave & Amy MacArthur, regularly check in on the group and treat them like family. Students love the MacArthurs, and enjoy their company. Dave frequently grills for them and helps them take care of any needs in the house. The local churches also care for the students and are there to help with any needs that arise. All that to say, when the staff leave, the students are in good and trusted hands.

What’s the weather/summer like in New England?

New England summers are beautiful and idyllic! In June, the days are pleasant, average highs in the 70’s, and we picnic outside after church, play beach volleyball, and enjoy a Boston Red Sox game. Hampton Beach hosts the worldwide sand castle contest annually, and we love to watch the creations being built. The evenings can be chilly in June, so the house provides beach blankets, and students usually grab a blanket before heading out to watch the fireworks on the weekends. July feels like summer, average highs in the 80’s, and an occasional stretch of hotter days. Students enjoy relaxing at the beach, swimming, and hiking. Evenings are pleasant, and the Hampton Beach boardwalk hosts outdoor concerts. As typical for any place on the coast, you can expect some rainy days, but the house is stocked with board games, books, and puzzles, and students sometimes find themselves at one of the many arcades along the boardwalk or just hanging out at the house and watching a movie together.

What should I pack?

Here are some ideas on what to pack:

• Bible, pen

• Enough money with you to get you through until you start receiving paychecks from your job. You will need to buy food, and you may want some spending money. (If you are genuinely concerned about affording food before receiving your paycheck, PLEASE reach out to the mission directors who will help you with this!)

• A guitar or any other musical instrument if you want to help lead worship

• ID's needed for jobs (Some require your original Social Security Card, passport, etc.)

• Any checks you received for your summer support. Be sure checks are made out to Cru.

• Swimwear and anything you’d like for the beach

• Pair of athletic shoes and jeans for work

• Bath towels, twin sheets, blanket/comforter (The mission has limited supplies for students who must fly; please let your mission director know if you would like a set of linens reserved for you).

• Toiletries (You will have an opportunity to shop for food and other necessities. There's a Walmart, CVS, and several other stores nearby.)

• Clothes

  • Casual, comfortable

  • Jeans and shorts

  • Pajamas and athletic clothes

  • Some dress clothes for church and banquets/celebrations

  • One day’s worth of clothes that you don’t mind getting messy (for a service project).

  • Sweats and jacket for chilly nights and/or rainy days