The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians is a federally recognized Native American nation located in the beautiful mountains of western North Carolina. With a membership of about 16,000, the Cherokee people have a rich history, vibrant culture, and a deep sense of community.

AIM mission teams come alongside the local church and community, offering encouragement and support through both ministry and presence. Opportunities to serve are diverse and can include:

• Vacation Bible School (VBS)
• Sports camps and recreation (volleyball, basketball, park ministry)
• Prayer walks and community outreach
• Visiting with locals, door-to-door ministry, and relationship-building
• Helping with practical needs like sorting clothing, light construction, or cleaning

Partnering with the Local Church
You’ll be working hand-in-hand with a thriving Cherokee church, known throughout the region for its faith and love for Jesus. The leaders are dedicated, passionate, and eager to walk with your team in ministry. Together, you’ll share Christ’s love, pray for and with one another, and grow in understanding as you serve side-by-side with the Cherokee people.

This trip isn’t just about what your team can give—it’s also about what you’ll receive. As you listen, learn, and build relationships, you may find connections that extend far beyond this one week, shaping hearts and lives for years to come.

You will stay onsite at the church and will have access to bathrooms, kitchen and meeting area. Sleeping arrangements will be on the church floor, so bring your sleeping pad/air mattress and blankets or sleeping bag.
Showers are at the local fitness complex which is 3 min from the church.
A hotel is adjacent to the church and can be used when available for an additional cost.

The church has a full kitchen. Meals are very much a team effort, and we have a lot of fun in the
process! Teams will participate in the meal prep, and serving. Breakfast can be cold cereal and fruit or a hot cooked breakfast depending on the effort of your team. Lunch will be packed sandwiches, fruit and a side that can be taken to a ministry site. Hot dinners will typically be served after ministry and prepared by your team. Food is prepared and served in the church.

$500 Deposit: This deposit is required to reserve your trip. At this point, you will lock in your trip and we will keep in touch with you going forward about preparation. This deposit is applied to the total cost of your trip.

50% Payment: Half of your total trip cost will need to be paid 3 months before your trip.

100% Payment: The remaining balance is due 2 months before your trip.

An adult Mission Leader will be assigned to your team throughout the duration of your trip. They will stay with you and your team, as well as engage daily with you throughout ministry and daily life activities. This leader will have strong missions experience, leadership experience and a demonstrated competence in the area of discipleship of youth and young adults. In most cases, your Mission Leader will help with facilitating ministry, meals and daily debrief and devotional time. Your Mission Leader will be assigned to your trip and you’ll have the opportunity to have conversations with them during the weeks leading up to your trip.