AYM FAQs
Q. What is the history of AYM?
Asheville Youth Mission (AYM) was founded in 2008 by Aimee and Bill Buchanan, Christian educators and ordained PC(USA) ministers. Over the years this ministry has grown to include dozens of partnerships and thousands of youth. Our ministry has also expanded to sites in Raleigh, NC, Charleston, SC, Dallas, TX and Memphis, TN and an umbrella organization, Youth Mission Co.
Asheville Youth Mission (AYM) was founded in 2008 by Aimee and Bill Buchanan, Christian educators and ordained PC(USA) ministers. Over the years this ministry has grown to include dozens of partnerships and thousands of youth. Our ministry has also expanded to sites in Raleigh, NC, Charleston, SC, Dallas, TX and Memphis, TN and an umbrella organization, Youth Mission Co.
Q. Who is AYM Staff?
Bill Buchanan is the Executive Director of Youth Mission Co. The Director of Administration & Registrar for Youth Mission Co is Cristi Wunsch. AYM employs college interns for the summer season. AYM relies on countless volunteers, board members and adjunct staff to keep us up and running. Thanks be to God!
Bill Buchanan is the Executive Director of Youth Mission Co. The Director of Administration & Registrar for Youth Mission Co is Cristi Wunsch. AYM employs college interns for the summer season. AYM relies on countless volunteers, board members and adjunct staff to keep us up and running. Thanks be to God!
Q. How do I register?
Please fill out the registration form online.
Please fill out the registration form online.
Q. What is the cost to participate in AYM?
- For a week-long experience (Sunday evening through Friday morning), it is $450 per person.
- For a weekend experience (Friday evening through Sunday morning), it is $250 per person.
- Sunday only Montreat Mission Experience (you MUST register with Montreat Conference Center) cost is $25 per person.
- Free Afternoon Montreat Mission Experience (also must be registered through Montreat Conference Center), cost is $15 per person.
Q. When and how is the money due?
Once your registration has been received and you have been notified that your date is penciled-in, please send a non-refundable deposit of $225 per participant (for a week) or $125 (for a weekend). This deposit is due within fourteen (14) days of the email notification from AYM. Please make all checks payable to “Asheville Youth Mission” and mail them to the following address: P.O. Box 2988 Asheville, NC 28802.
Upon receipt of your check, AYM will send a confirmation email that we have received payment and that your spots are reserved. Final numbers and payment in full (the balance due) are due thirty (30) days prior to your scheduled arrival. Click here to see the full Financial Policy.
There is also a parking fee of $50 per vehicle for groups staying for week long experiences. This money goes to our hosting church (First Presbyterian Church of Asheville) to support their outreach ministries.
Once your registration has been received and you have been notified that your date is penciled-in, please send a non-refundable deposit of $225 per participant (for a week) or $125 (for a weekend). This deposit is due within fourteen (14) days of the email notification from AYM. Please make all checks payable to “Asheville Youth Mission” and mail them to the following address: P.O. Box 2988 Asheville, NC 28802.
Upon receipt of your check, AYM will send a confirmation email that we have received payment and that your spots are reserved. Final numbers and payment in full (the balance due) are due thirty (30) days prior to your scheduled arrival. Click here to see the full Financial Policy.
There is also a parking fee of $50 per vehicle for groups staying for week long experiences. This money goes to our hosting church (First Presbyterian Church of Asheville) to support their outreach ministries.
Q. What if we have to cancel?
AYM’s cancellation policy is as follows:
30 days and more: If your group or any registrant in your group must cancel 30 days or more prior to your arrival date, the payments paid prior to cancellation will not be refunded. Any registrant deposit is transferable to a replacement registrant for the original and currently reserved week.
29 days and less: If your group or any registrant in your group must cancel 29 days or less prior to your arrival date, the payments paid prior to cancellation will not be refunded AND payment in full is due for each registrant cancellation.
The deposit and payments that are held for an AYM experience by any group are only good for the original and currently reserved week for that group. If you must reschedule your AYM experience, a new deposit and payments are required. Please contact us ASAP to make arrangements.
Deposits from cancelled participants cannot be used for the balance due on remaining participants.
AYM’s cancellation policy is as follows:
30 days and more: If your group or any registrant in your group must cancel 30 days or more prior to your arrival date, the payments paid prior to cancellation will not be refunded. Any registrant deposit is transferable to a replacement registrant for the original and currently reserved week.
29 days and less: If your group or any registrant in your group must cancel 29 days or less prior to your arrival date, the payments paid prior to cancellation will not be refunded AND payment in full is due for each registrant cancellation.
The deposit and payments that are held for an AYM experience by any group are only good for the original and currently reserved week for that group. If you must reschedule your AYM experience, a new deposit and payments are required. Please contact us ASAP to make arrangements.
Deposits from cancelled participants cannot be used for the balance due on remaining participants.
Q. Can we arrange for our group be the one and only group staying at AYM when we come?
AYM has a wide variety of groups, from very small to very large. If you have a large group, you may end up being the only group staying with us at that time. However, as long as slots remain for that time, we cannot promise that you will be the only group here during your week or weekend.
AYM has a wide variety of groups, from very small to very large. If you have a large group, you may end up being the only group staying with us at that time. However, as long as slots remain for that time, we cannot promise that you will be the only group here during your week or weekend.
Q. Where will we be staying?
You will be staying at First Presbyterian Church in Asheville, NC (40 Church St., 28801). There are rooms designated on the second floor for AYM. Warning: there are two 40 Church St. addresses in Asheville, NC. Our zip code is 28801. Check out this Google Map location for a better idea.
You will be staying at First Presbyterian Church in Asheville, NC (40 Church St., 28801). There are rooms designated on the second floor for AYM. Warning: there are two 40 Church St. addresses in Asheville, NC. Our zip code is 28801. Check out this Google Map location for a better idea.
Q. When should we arrive?
If you are a summer week-long group, we will be ready to receive your group at 7:00 pm on Sunday. Please have dinner prior to your arrival. Orientation will begin promptly at 7:30 pm.
If you are a summer week-long group, we will be ready to receive your group at 7:00 pm on Sunday. Please have dinner prior to your arrival. Orientation will begin promptly at 7:30 pm.
Q. What if we’re running late on arrival day?
Please contact AYM 828-231-4635
Please contact AYM 828-231-4635
Q. What about transportation while we are there?
We expect groups to bring their own ground transportation while they are at AYM. We will provide parking for your vehicles while you are with us, with a charge of $50 per vehicle for the week that goes to our hosting church for their mission initiatives. Please tell your AYM Mission Immersion Director beforehand how many vehicles, and what kinds of vehicles, you plan to bring during your time with us.
We expect groups to bring their own ground transportation while they are at AYM. We will provide parking for your vehicles while you are with us, with a charge of $50 per vehicle for the week that goes to our hosting church for their mission initiatives. Please tell your AYM Mission Immersion Director beforehand how many vehicles, and what kinds of vehicles, you plan to bring during your time with us.
Q. What if we want to charter a bus to AYM?
We know that some of our groups are coming a long distance and that chartering a bus can be a great way to get to and from Asheville that doesn’t wear out your adults. However, using a chartered bus can be problematic when it comes to going to visit agencies during the week. We like to keep our work groups small, and only having one vehicle to carry large groups of people to several stops can be challenging. If you are thinking of chartering a bus, contact your AYM Mission Immersion Director before you make final arrangements.
We know that some of our groups are coming a long distance and that chartering a bus can be a great way to get to and from Asheville that doesn’t wear out your adults. However, using a chartered bus can be problematic when it comes to going to visit agencies during the week. We like to keep our work groups small, and only having one vehicle to carry large groups of people to several stops can be challenging. If you are thinking of chartering a bus, contact your AYM Mission Immersion Director before you make final arrangements.
Q. What are sleeping arrangements?
In our designated (and gender specific) sleeping rooms there is plenty of floor space. PLEASE BRING SINGLE SIZE AIR MATTRESSES (not a camping pad) as well as sleeping bags and pillows (sheets are recommended during the warmer months). First Presbyterian Church has air conditioning (and heat).
In our designated (and gender specific) sleeping rooms there is plenty of floor space. PLEASE BRING SINGLE SIZE AIR MATTRESSES (not a camping pad) as well as sleeping bags and pillows (sheets are recommended during the warmer months). First Presbyterian Church has air conditioning (and heat).
Q. Where should we park while at First Presbyterian Church?
Please park in the lower lot of First Presbyterian Church. Enter from Aston St. Take an immediate RIGHT into the lower parking lot. You will need one parking pass per vehicle (car or van), which will be provided by AYM. We will get you these passes upon your arrival. If you’re planning on bringing a charter bus, please let us know ASAP, as the bus won’t fit in the parking lot. We’ll find you another place to park. Please make sure that you have enough vehicles to accommodate those you bring because AYM staff cannot provide rides for others. Once you park, you’ll be on the “parking” floor of the building. An AYM staff person will be there to greet you upon arrival (please keep us informed as to your ETA).
Groups staying for week-long experiences will also have a $50 parking fee per vehicle which goes to our hosting church (First Presbyterian Church of Asheville) to support their outreach ministries.
Please park in the lower lot of First Presbyterian Church. Enter from Aston St. Take an immediate RIGHT into the lower parking lot. You will need one parking pass per vehicle (car or van), which will be provided by AYM. We will get you these passes upon your arrival. If you’re planning on bringing a charter bus, please let us know ASAP, as the bus won’t fit in the parking lot. We’ll find you another place to park. Please make sure that you have enough vehicles to accommodate those you bring because AYM staff cannot provide rides for others. Once you park, you’ll be on the “parking” floor of the building. An AYM staff person will be there to greet you upon arrival (please keep us informed as to your ETA).
Groups staying for week-long experiences will also have a $50 parking fee per vehicle which goes to our hosting church (First Presbyterian Church of Asheville) to support their outreach ministries.
Q. What do meals look like? How do we request special diets?
AYM provides a fully stocked kitchen for breakfasts, lunches and dinners (with the exception of dinner on Thursday, which is free afternoon). You’ll be on your own for Thursday dinner and Friday lunch after closing worship. There is also an option to opt out of Thursday’s lunch (a bagged lunch), if you so choose. As for special diet requests, please let us know at least a week in advance so that we can have it ready for you. Contact us at 828-231-4635 x701. You will not go hungry at AYM; however, if your group likes to have particular snacks and/or gets hungry in between or after meal times, feel free to bring snack food.
AYM provides a fully stocked kitchen for breakfasts, lunches and dinners (with the exception of dinner on Thursday, which is free afternoon). You’ll be on your own for Thursday dinner and Friday lunch after closing worship. There is also an option to opt out of Thursday’s lunch (a bagged lunch), if you so choose. As for special diet requests, please let us know at least a week in advance so that we can have it ready for you. Contact us at 828-231-4635 x701. You will not go hungry at AYM; however, if your group likes to have particular snacks and/or gets hungry in between or after meal times, feel free to bring snack food.
Q. Where do we shower?
Stay tuned!
Stay tuned!
Q. Is there a kitchen available?
Yes. There is a smaller kitchen that we use for breakfasts and lunches and a larger kitchen provided for dinners. If you need to bring something refrigerated, please let us know, as we’ll try to make room in our limited fridge space.
Yes. There is a smaller kitchen that we use for breakfasts and lunches and a larger kitchen provided for dinners. If you need to bring something refrigerated, please let us know, as we’ll try to make room in our limited fridge space.
Q. What does AYM provide?
An orientation upon arrival as well as facilitation and activities for debriefing during the week. AYM provides evening programs Monday-Wednesday as well as a closing worship on Friday morning. We will send out a Bible study for your group to participate in before your arrival. We hope that it will be helpful preparation for your experience at AYM.
An orientation upon arrival as well as facilitation and activities for debriefing during the week. AYM provides evening programs Monday-Wednesday as well as a closing worship on Friday morning. We will send out a Bible study for your group to participate in before your arrival. We hope that it will be helpful preparation for your experience at AYM.
Q. What do we need to bring?
Please bring the following:
• Flexibility and humility (most important as they’re keys to a fantastic mission experience)
• Work clothes
• One pair of long pants (as some sites require pants)
• Closed-toe shoes or work boots (socks, please)
• Work gloves
• Casual clothes/shoes for non-work times (bring layers, as the weather is unpredictable)
• Shower shoes, toiletries, towel, small bag or caddy for toiletries
• Prescription meds (inhalers, insulin, allergy meds, etc.)
• Sunscreen
• Sleeping bag/sheets, twin air mattress, pillow
• Bible
• Reusable water bottle (AYM has water bottles available to purchase)
• Bathing suit (if your group is doing something water-related on your free day)
Please bring the following:
• Flexibility and humility (most important as they’re keys to a fantastic mission experience)
• Work clothes
• One pair of long pants (as some sites require pants)
• Closed-toe shoes or work boots (socks, please)
• Work gloves
• Casual clothes/shoes for non-work times (bring layers, as the weather is unpredictable)
• Shower shoes, toiletries, towel, small bag or caddy for toiletries
• Prescription meds (inhalers, insulin, allergy meds, etc.)
• Sunscreen
• Sleeping bag/sheets, twin air mattress, pillow
• Bible
• Reusable water bottle (AYM has water bottles available to purchase)
• Bathing suit (if your group is doing something water-related on your free day)
Q. What is the dress code for AYM (adults and youth participants at work sites)?
We have a fairly strict dress code for work sites for the safety of our participants. Any AYM participant not adhering to this dress code will be asked to change immediately or not work at the site.
Dress code for work sites:
We have a fairly strict dress code for work sites for the safety of our participants. Any AYM participant not adhering to this dress code will be asked to change immediately or not work at the site.
Dress code for work sites:
- Closed-toe shoes
- Shorts (wear what is recommended by your group)
- T-shirts
- Socks/Underwear
- It is helpful to bring a pair of long pants.
Q. What things won’t we need?
Please leave all valuables (jewelry, bags, electronics, clothing, etc.) at home. Don’t bring anything you wouldn’t want to lose, as AYM will not be held responsible for lost or stolen personal items. Do not bring lots of money. Leave clothes/shoes that you don’t want to get dirty/sweaty at home.
Please leave all valuables (jewelry, bags, electronics, clothing, etc.) at home. Don’t bring anything you wouldn’t want to lose, as AYM will not be held responsible for lost or stolen personal items. Do not bring lots of money. Leave clothes/shoes that you don’t want to get dirty/sweaty at home.
Q. What are some suggestions of things to do on our free day?
Please refer to your Leader Packet for the “Fun in Asheville” resource provided by AYM. Please let AYM know BEFORE your arrival if you are doing something on your free day that takes the entire day and therefore takes your group out of the Urban Faith Walk. Rafting, Navitat and experiences such as these may mean that your group cannot participate in the Urban Faith Walk, which we understand. We just need to know your plans for our scheduling purposes.
Please refer to your Leader Packet for the “Fun in Asheville” resource provided by AYM. Please let AYM know BEFORE your arrival if you are doing something on your free day that takes the entire day and therefore takes your group out of the Urban Faith Walk. Rafting, Navitat and experiences such as these may mean that your group cannot participate in the Urban Faith Walk, which we understand. We just need to know your plans for our scheduling purposes.
Q. Where is AYM located?
The AYM offices are located at First Presbyterian Church in Asheville, NC.
The AYM offices are located at First Presbyterian Church in Asheville, NC.
Q. What age groups does AYM host?
We welcome rising 6th graders through graduated seniors during our summer mission immersion. However, in the fall and spring we also welcome college-aged groups.
We welcome rising 6th graders through graduated seniors during our summer mission immersion. However, in the fall and spring we also welcome college-aged groups.
Q. What can we expect in our time with AYM?
The AYM Staff will accompany your group to all service sites. We will serve as the liaisons between your group and the work sites and will coordinate with the sites to ensure things are running smoothly. You will be doing all kinds of work from physical labor to visitation to playing games with kids or simply sharing a meal with the homeless. We will all be experiencing what it means to be Christ’s hands and feet in the world. In the evenings, we will reconvene after showers and dinner for a program where we’ll explore and debrief our daily experiences. We will close our time together with worship, led by AYM.
The AYM Staff will accompany your group to all service sites. We will serve as the liaisons between your group and the work sites and will coordinate with the sites to ensure things are running smoothly. You will be doing all kinds of work from physical labor to visitation to playing games with kids or simply sharing a meal with the homeless. We will all be experiencing what it means to be Christ’s hands and feet in the world. In the evenings, we will reconvene after showers and dinner for a program where we’ll explore and debrief our daily experiences. We will close our time together with worship, led by AYM.
