Mission Teams

Thinking of volunteering with the Root Cellar? Here is everything you need to know to make that happen and sign up!

What Makes this Trip Different?

Volunteering with the Root Cellar is a unique and memorable experience. Find out more from the dropdown menu.

  • The Root Cellar is a Christian Community Development organization, that works to cultivate social, economic, and spiritual wholeness. We are committed to seeking the Kingdom within our neighborhoods. Staff and volunteers have been working alongside our neighbors for the last 10 years, serving more than 1500 individual neighbors annually through several specific programs and ministries. Joining us through trips is a chance for you and your team to be part of the ongoing, bigger story that God is weaving through our community.

  • Building community requires taking the long road. It’s harder, less efficient and can be incredibly frustrating - but there is so much beauty to find along the way. Learning to love your neighbor as yourself takes time, effort and patience to seek to understand before seeking to “get it done.” In this way, we recognized that each of us is made in God’s image, with the task of contributing to building His Kingdom here and now. We welcome you to join us and our neighbors in this long and beautiful journey.

  • We believe in being rooted within our community - so we invite you to stay with us, in the Tree Streets neighborhood. Each team member will get a chance to taste, see, smell and feel the experience of our community. We invite you to learn from our neighbors by experiencing their neighborhood for a week. We have found this to be transformational for our mission team members and have seen many get a glimpse of what incarnation ministry is all about.

    Don’t worry - we stay with you too. Our staff is dedicated to walking with you through each week and guiding you as you and your team discover what it means to love God and love your neighbors in Lewiston, ME.

  • We already talked about how much we value relationships with our neighbors - but we want to make sure it’s clear - that includes you too!

    We are building partnerships with local churches from down the street and across the nation, recognizing that God has given each of us something unique to offer each other. Financial support is needed - but we see that as only one way of partnering. We want to be in a relationship with you and learn from each other.

    We invite you to come see, experience, and discover the bigger picture and how we could partner together for the Kingdom in Lewiston and in your hometown.

  • June 21-26

    June 28-July 3

    Julu 5 - 10

    July 12-17

    July 19-24

    July 26-31

    August 2- 7

    August 9-14

  • CLICK HERE to read (and watch) more about what kind of activities and ministries you will be a part of.

Group of children and teenagers smiling outdoors, wearing green shirts with a tree mural on a brick wall in the background, and a grassy area with picnic tables.

What’s Included

  • Our trained staff, who will be with you 24/7

    Kingdom and Community Conversations - a scripture based approach to Loving God and Loving our Neighbors. This includes…

    1. Morning devotional/journal (for each participant to keep)

    2. Practical Ministry Discussions 

    3. Worship and small group times

    4. Neighborhood/Root Cellar Orientation

    5. Coordinating all Neighborhood Service Projects

    6. Lodging and meals

    7. Preparation materials for trip leader

    8. One Super Summer T-shirt for each Mission Team Member

  • 1. Transportation

    2. Any off site dinners

    3. Spending money for snacks, etc.

  • In addition to your cost, groups coming are asked to bring a Super Summer Service and Supply Tub valued at approximately $250-$300 (depending on your group size). Your customized list will be sent to you 45 days before your trip. We recommend getting your whole family and church involved in filling the tub.

Urban street scene with person crossing road, multi-story residential buildings, parked cars, trees, utility poles and overhead wires, blue sky with clouds.

Trip Details

Scenic view of a coastal lighthouse on rocky cliffs with an ocean backdrop under a clear sky.

  • The Root Cellar schedule is very full, and there is not much time for regional sight-seeing. Traditionally, groups have planned to use Friday as a touring day. Our staff is available to help plan a day trip in Maine to suit your team.

    We highly recommend taking some time to check out Maine - it’s not called Vacationland for nothing!

  • The Root Cellar provides a complete week-long, faith-based, urban, multicultural service/learning experience for your group.  We will manage all the details and plans so that the group leaders can serve alongside your group.

    In addition to aiding with service projects and Super Summer activities and curriculum, we will provide the necessary orientation to our city, our ministries and the training needed for the week.

    Each day, we will gather for a time of reflection, allowing you and your team to unpack what God is teaching you or work through any questions/concerns.

  • Safety starts with relationships and knowledge. Our staff and volunteers will serve as your guides to our community and are very knowledgeable of any safety concerns within the neighborhood. Each person is trained and experienced in handling an emergency situation and we currently have a trained Lifeguard/ EMT on staff.

  • Mission Teams stay with us within The Root Cellar building. Everyone sleeps on the floor and needs to bring a sleeping bag. We do suggest air mattresses/sleeping mats as the floor is concrete.

    We have 2 showers on site. Teams will be given opportunity in the morning and evening to use the showers.

    Since we use the space for programing, all bedding and luggage must be clean up and placed in the designated storage space by 7am each day.

  • All meals are included from Sunday at 5:30pm to Friday at breakfast. This includes one African meal from a local restaurant/cook.

    We encourage group to purchase any additional food at neighborhood markets, Somali Cafes and The Italian Bakery. Supermarkets are not within walking distance but are also available as needed.


  • Teams are responsible for all travel costs during the trip.

  • CLICK HERE TO VIEW A SAMPLE DAILY SCHEDULE

Policies & Forms

Please make checks payable to:

The Root Cellar, 89 Birch St, Lewiston, ME 04240

  • Registration Deposit – $50 per person – due with confirmation from church/group leader

    Final Payment – $345 per person – due 1 month before arrival  

    Total Cost: $395

  • June 15 –PAPERWORK DUE!

    All participant paperwork (registration, release forms) must be received.

    INDIVIDUAL TEAM MEMBER REGISTRATION (See Below)

    TEAM MEMBER RELEASE FORM (FOR EACH MISSION TEAM MEMBER)

    GROUP ROSTER FORM (FOR TEAM LEADER)

    CHURCH/GROUP PROOF OF LIABILITY FORM (FOR TEAM LEADER)

    All team members over 18 years of age must complete a background check - we will email you the details.

    Final Payment – Due Upon Arrival

    The remaining balance is due based on $395 per person, minus previous payments.

  • We request that each group bring a Supplies Tub, valued at $200-$300.  These supplies help with our summer and school year programs by replenishing our athletic, art and school supplies. We will send you a list of suggested items after your team registers and picks a week.

  • Mission Teams agree to bring vehicles with enough seats to transport all participants on their team for the entirety of the trip.

  • For every five students, each group must include at least one adult leader (age 21 and above) who is mature and committed to investing in the lives of my youth while on this trip.

  • 1. Groups that cancel before June 1 will forfeit their group Registration Deposit.

    2. Groups that cancel between June 1 and June 15 (Paperwork Day) will forfeit their deposit and any other payment.

    3. Groups that cancel after June 15 will be required to pay the full amount based on the number of participants they provided on June 1.

Registration Form

Each Mission Team Member must complete the registration form below.