discovery
Discovery
Students serve locally, nationally, and around the world, working with the poor and marginalized in the name of Jesus Christ for the glory of God.
Overview
Discovery is about transformation through service.
Our desire is that students would develop and strengthen their faith as they engage in and with various worldviews, belief systems, cultural practices and more. Our objective is to facilitate well-executed intercultural experiences with the potential to advance students’ spiritual, emotional, character and relational development, while meeting desired educational or ministry goals.
"In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."
Matthew 5:16
When Students Serve, They Shine
Through the Discovery program, students gain a new understanding of God and the world as they experience diverse cultures, apply lessons from the classroom, and come alongside families marginalized by poverty.
As students serve, they develop Christ-like compassion and generosity that shapes them for life.
Discovery sends more than 400 students on almost 30 teams across the state, the nation and the world every year. Since our very first experience in India in 2008, more than 3,300 students have served on 222 experiences in 44 countries and 6 continents.
Our Focus
While most of our experiences are outreach-oriented, some focus on cultural immersion, spiritual discipleship, leadership development or academic enhancement.
In every case, whether local or abroad, our prayer is that students will develop and model Christ’s servant leadership as a part of their broader experience. We offer various trips since every student serves differently. Decide what is best for you or your student and experience some of the most rewarding, unforgettable, life-giving, and God-centric times of your life.
Serving in Love
Discovery integrates Valor's vision and mission through life on life engagement, the development of meaningful relationships locally and around the world, and the critical exploration of worldviews, belief systems and cultural practices.
Serving with Christ-like love, we strive to ease burdens, relieve suffering, care for the poor, break down walls of prejudice and discrimination, meet the needs of others with the redeeming power of the gospel and use God-given gifts to transform the world.
Our ultimate prayer is that by God's grace students will grow socially, emotionally, intellectually and spiritually - developing and deepening their faith in Jesus Christ as they...
Go. Serve. Transform.
Discovery by the Numbers
3308
44
6
234065
222
Discovery Stories
2022 grad Ashleigh Anema served in student leadership in her time at Valor, was the VP of Discovery in 2021-22, and has served on Discovery teams in Honduras and Thailand. Recently she shared her reflections on her time in service at Valor.
Each year, Valor Discovery experiences take students all over the country and the globe to serve others in the name of Christ. Many trips are led by the same leaders and partner with the same ministries year after year.
Each year, Valor Discovery experiences take students all over the country and the globe to serve others in the name of Christ. Many trips are led by the same leaders and partner with the same ministries year after year.
Over the years, a handful of Valor students and alumni have spent their summers at Teepee learning scripture, chasing adventure, building relationships and gaining perspective.
As the world went on lockdown, Valor students faced this past Spring with purpose. In the midst of the pandemic, they looked around for what they could do and found comfort in serving.
Madison Kempton’s roots in international missions run deep. So do her roots at Valor Christian. Learn more about her here in a recent blog post.
Unlike most of her fellow seniors, Ellie won’t be headed to college in the fall. Instead, she’ll pack her bags for nine months of service, an adventure with World Race that she started dreaming about years ago.
Alumni Christine Adams sat down to share about her experience as a Physician Assistant in Santa Barbara, CA during recent weeks.
Just a few years ago, the health care field wasn’t one Coach Brooke Jelniker thought she’d end up in – but as she’s learning, God had other plans.
DIRECTOR OF DISCOVERY
TERRY ADAMS
Any additional questions regarding our Discovery program, feel free to reach out directly to our Director of Discovery. We want incoming and current students and parents to feel confident they are being seen and heard. Click the button below to email Terry.