Application FAQ's
Q. I am trying to apply and wondering what is meant by the Newspaper City, Newspaper Address and Newspaper State. Can you let me know what I need to put for this?
A. We like to send out press releases about youth doing humanitarian projects in your local paper. That is why we nee this information.
Q. What if the trip that I want to attend is full?
A. The best way to be able to go on a trip that is full is to ask your mom or dad to go as an adult coach. We always reserve space for the son or daughter of an adult coach. Just get them to apply as an adult coach and then call us and we will add you to the trip. If your mom or dad can't go, the second option is to put your name on the waiting list. We start a waiting list once all of the trips are full for young women (or young men). There is only one waiting list for all trips and all dates and we take people in the order that they apply for the waiting list. If a waiting list is available it will be posted on the Expeditions page.
Q. What if I want to do an Eagle Project while on an AYS expedition?
A: AYS allows two young men on each trip to work on their Eagle Projects. Participants that want to do an eagle project during their AYS trip should check the box "Eagle Project Desired". Once you have checked that you desire to do an Eagle Project and paid your $500 registration fee you sill must submit a written description to AYS for approval. Please refer to the Eagle Project link on the AYS website home page for complete details. If you have already registered for an AYS trip without checking this box and want to do an Eagle Project you must call AYS to check on the availability for your trip. Participants may not organize Eagle Project work on an AYS trip unless they are one of the two young men that have been approved in advance.
Q. If I am signing up as an adult coach do I sue the same application as a youth participant?
A. Yes, the adult coach and youth participant application are the same, any field that does not apply to you as a parent write NA. Only a parent of a youth participant can go as an adult coach, and must be a current temple recommend holder.
Q. What if I am a parent filling out the application for my son or daughter?
A. Fill in the application as if you were the participant, but be sure to check under the getting to know you section that you are the parent/guardian.
Q. Can I attend an AYS expedition if I am not from the US or Canada?
A. Yes, all fields in the address portion of the application must be filled in. In the (select a state) drop down menu please select "other". All participants regardless of home state or country are responsible for round trip domestic airfare/transportation from home to the start point airport (usually LAX or MIA). There may be additional visa charges and immunization requirements from other countries other than the US or Canada. Please contact AYS directly if you have any difficulty registering or paying for your deposit for any AYS trip.
Q. Which e-mail address will AYS use to contact me regarding important or time sensitive trip information?
A. The e-mail address you use when you set up your username and password, will be the primary means for AYS to contact you. Please make sure this is a current active address. If you need to change it for any reason, please contact AYS directly.
Q. Who should I use for my Emergency Contact information?
A. List two contacts who would most likely be available in case of emergency while you are on your AYS expedition.
Q. How do I calculate my years in seminary?
A. When answering the question of how many years of seminary you will have completed by your trip date, be sure to include the seminary year you are currently enrolled in.
Q. I am too young to hold a temple recommend, what does this question mean?
A. This question is referring to a temporary youth recommend specifically for conducting baptisms that you may request from your bishop.
Q. Why do I need a temple recommend?
A. In expedition countries where there is an LDS temple, the group plans a temple night where youth have an opportunity to do baptisms. Your Bishop should be able to provide you with a youth recommend.
Q. Can I still go on an AYS expedition even if I am not able to obtain a temple recommend?
A. Yes, saying no on your application will not disqualify you from a trip but it will require approval from AYS staff. It will also exclude you from the temple activity. The LDS recommend request is a youth recommend obtained from you bishop for baptisms only.
Q. I am not a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Am I still able to attend?
A. Most definitely and we would love to have you. We just require that you commit to and sign the code of conduct and follow LDS principles and standards.
Q. How detailed do I need to be when answering questions in the health section?
A. Please be as honest and detailed as possible. The health questions are not intended to prohibit anyone from going on AYS expeditions. This information is kept confidential and is only provided to the adult leaders on your specific trip, to be referred to in case of an emergency, or if you should need any special attention or assistance while abroad.
Q. If more than one family member is attending the same expedition do I still need to fill out two applications?
A. Yes, we need a separate application for everyone that is attending. You will also have to setup a different login for each person.
Q. do I have to pay the $500 deposit when I apply?
A. Yes. the following cost and guidelines apply:
- Each participant is required to make 3 payments
- $500 down payment with the online application (Non-refundable once confirmed on an expedition).
- $1000 2nd payment due February 28 or with the down payment if application is made after February 28.
- Balance of trip cost is due April 30
Q. I want to go on an AYS trip , but don't think I can come up with the money. What options do I have?
A. It is possible to go on an AYS trip with little or no expense to the participant by becoming an AYS volunteer fundraiser. Click here for more information on fund raising.
Q. What Eagle Projects do you offer?
A. There are several options for doing an eagle project in conjunction with an AYS expedition. Click here for more information.
Q. Can I go on an AYS expedition if my 16th birth date falls during the trip?
A. No. You must be 16 by the trip beginning date. No exceptions.
Q. How do I choose which trip is best for me?
A. First of all narrow down your trip choices by date (which ones work best for me). Secondly, read over the trip details and itinerary and choose the trip you want to attend based on the service provided (which one inspires you the most). The majority of your trip, and the primary focus will be providing service to others.