What about COVID-19?

The Pioneers-USA base and teams requesting Edge teams continue to monitor the pandemic along with associated travel and visa restrictions. Our posture is to move ahead with plans for summer teams but adjust these plans as needed. Each team will also take appropriate precautions to protect Edgers, field staff and local partners during the course of the Edge trip.

How do I know an Edge trip is safe?

Your safety is a priority for Pioneers. The Edge team monitors fields closely by assembling a Security Advisory Team composed of our International Security Adviser, Edge Director and the VP of Mobilization. We follow the news and State Department postings and rely heavily on our leadership within the country to decide if it is safe to send a short-term team. If we determine that a particular area is not safe for the Edge team, we either re-route the team to an alternate location or have them join another team in the event of cancelation.

What happens in the event of an emergency on the field?

We will be in contact with our field missionaries during the summer and be notified of any emergencies. Should conditions become unsafe during the summer, the appropriate emergency protocol for that specific destination will be followed. Each field team has contingency plans in the event of an emergency. The Edge team, since they are a part of the field team for the summer, will be included in these plans. We also purchase international health insurance (including evacuation insurance) for each Edger. Once you are accepted to our program, we will provide you with an emergency contact phone number available 24/7.

How does communication happen while I am on my Edge trip?

Communication varies from one team to another. We do ask you to prepare for limited communication with people back home during your time on the field. Many of our trips are in very remote and isolated parts of the globe where electricity and internet access may be inconsistent. Email and Signal are usually the best methods of communication. In some locations, you may be able to purchase an international calling card to call home when the internet is not readily available. If you have more questions about specific Edge trips, please contact us using the chat window. Or if you prefer email, send us a message at summer@pioneers.org.

What does the trip cost cover?

The advertised cost covers the following: stateside orientation, stateside debriefing, round-trip international airfare, all field costs (lodging, transportation, food, sight-seeing, etc.), entry visa when necessary and international health insurance.

What costs are not covered?

The advertised costs do NOT cover the following: domestic travel to orientation and from debriefing, passport fees, immunizations, airport food, souvenirs and other personal items.

Are there fees related to credit card transactions?

Credit card companies charge a 3% fee to process credit cards, which is subtracted from the gift before it is credited to the Edger’s account. We encourage donors to mail in a check with your name and Edge account number or give online via e-check.

What does the structure of an Edge team look like?

An Edge team consists of a team of young adults (Edgers), one young-adult leader (Edge Peer Leader) and the Field Mentor (the missionary and team you will be working with on the field).

Can I receive college credit if I go on an Edge trip?

We handle this question on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us discuss it further with you.

Still have a question not answered here?

If you’ve still got questions, we'd love to chat with you! Click or tap the red button in the bottom corner of this page to launch the chat window. Or if you prefer email, send us a message at summer@pioneers.org.