Service Opportunities with our Partners (SOOP)
Service Opportunities with Our Partners (SOOP) provides exciting short-term and long-term service opportunities for families and adults of all ages. SOOP provides a profound way to make an impact at any stage of life.
What is SOOP?
Ready to use your talents and collaborate with others?
Seeking a unique family vacation experience?
SOOP is the perfect fit for you!
Share life’s experiences through service opportunities with our partners! SOOP provides short-term and long-term service opportunities for individuals age 25+ and families of all ages ranging from two weeks to two months. SOOP is designed to bring together the experiences and skills of adults with missional faith communities all across Canada and the U.S.
There are about 70 SOOP sites throughout Canada and the U.S.A., and beyond! SOOP staff and participants, along with local coordinators, discern the location, time and length of assignments that fit the current needs of volunteering participants!
Frequently asked questions
- Gleaning fruits and vegetables, processing and distributing to people in need
- Maintenance, cooking or office work at numerous camps across Canada and the U.S.
- Serving in a soup kitchen or packing products at a food bank
- Working with community home repair projects
- Working on a farm
- Tutoring in after-school programs
At each SOOP location, there is a local coordinator who administers the program. They will be your contact person during the program and give you direction while you are on site.
While on assignment, participants engage with and learn from different people and communities. By sharing God’s love and compassion through hands-on work, SOOP volunteers walk alongside local partners as they seek to meet the needs of those they serve.
- Canadian citizens (U.S. citizens can learn more here about how they can participate in SOOP through Mennonite Mission Network.)
- Primary residence within Canada or the U.S.
- At least 25 years old, includes families with children
- Willing to follow SOOP’s statement of faith
- Committed to a personal Christian faith
Some assignments will require successful completion of a criminal background check.
To learn more about the placement locations and lodging options, read the SOOP Placements catalog (PDF).
Yes, you can express a preference for where you want to serve, but the final decision may depend on the needs of the program and available placements. The SOOP coordinator will work with you to find a suitable placement.
At each SOOP location, there is usually a local coordinator who will guide you on your tasks. They will provide orientation and training to ensure you understand your responsibilities during your service. You will receive clear instructions and ongoing support throughout your time at the location.
The application process involves completing an online form where you provide basic information, your preferences for location and type of service, and sometimes a background check. You will be asked for references. After submitting your application, you will be contacted by the SOOP coordinator.
Participants in the SOOP program are responsible for their own food, accommodations, and transportation to the SOOP location. However, many placements offer food and accommodation for volunteers on-site. There is no additional program fee for participation. For more information, please refer to the SOOP placement details here.
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