Compass FTE — Compass

Compass x FTE

A Journey of Vocation + Collaboration

in Iceland

In 2026, we’re excited to offer a time for FTE leaders to gather, reflect, and co-create.

Thanks to funding from Forum for Theological Exploration, we are seeking a small cohort of leaders to participate in a unique opportunity: a service-learning experience in Iceland centered on vocational renewal, cross-institutional connection, and curriculum design.

Together, we will travel, serve, and co-create a story-based mentorship curriculum designed to serve youth and young adults navigating questions of purpose, belonging, and faith.

Who Can Join?
Staff and leaders from any FTE partnering organization that agree to abide within Compass’ mission, vision and values are welcome to join. We operate as a non-denominational Christian organization grounded in our Core Values.

What to Expect

A one-week, majority-expenses-covered* service-learning trip to Iceland in either spring or fall 2026
Participation in a small cohort of FTE leaders exploring vocation, mentorship, and spiritual formation
Guided reflection, global service experiences, and space for vocational renewal
A Compass facilitator to support your group and collect insights across both trips
Contribution toward a final, open-source mentoring curriculum built from the collective experience
Minimal time commitment outside of the one-week trip—optional pre-trip connection opportunities may be offered

*Participants and/or their institutions are responsible only for the cost of a domestic flight to the international departure airport. All other costs are covered by Compass.

What’s This About?

Over the next 18 months, Compass is hosting two service-learning trips to Iceland (one in spring, one in fall 2026). FTE leaders are invited to participate in one of these trips, joining a cohort of peers for vocational renewal, global service, and deep conversation around mentorship and vocational formation.

Each trip will be facilitated by Compass staff, with a curriculum facilitator weaving insights and outcomes from both cohorts into a shared, open-source mentoring curriculum to be released at the end of the project.

Funded by FTE, this experience is designed to strengthen cross-network collaboration, foster institutional partnerships, and provide renewal and empowerment for those engaged in this work.

Who Should Join:

FTE leaders (campus ministers, program managers, faculty, clergy, organizers, etc.) who:

Long for vocational renewal and creative rest
Are open to collaborative curriculum design
Want to bring young adults into transformational formation experiences in the future
Are curious about service-learning and global partnerships

Ready to explore further?

Fill out the interest form below with your contact details and institutional context.
Discuss this opportunity with your institution to determine alignment and support.
Compass will follow up with next steps for registration, including available trip dates and cohort info.

Because of anticipated demand and the planning needs of academic institutions, we ask that interested leaders be proactive and prepared to commit to this experience by Fall 2025.

About Compass

Compass is a proud member of the High School Youth Theology Network, with roots in the Compass youth program launched by the Lilly Endowment at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in 2001. In its journey toward long-term sustainability, Compass became an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit in 2021.

Since then, Compass has expanded to serve colleges, churches, schools, and organizations from a wide range of backgrounds through service-learning programs that cultivate purpose through travel, reflection, and community. Hundreds of college students, high schoolers, volunteers, youth leaders, faculty, and community partners have journeyed with us to Iceland, where we engage in exploration, service and spiritual formation together.

Along the way, Compass has developed a curriculum rooted in story—paired with a mentoring model that equips leaders to walk alongside young people as they explore purpose, identity, and faith. This FTE initiative continues that collaborative spirit, with the goal of refining and open-sourcing that curriculum for the future of all the youth our organizations serve.

Our Mission, Vision and Values

Who We Are

About Our Partners

During our time in Iceland, we’ll collaborate with organizations committed to justice, sustainability, and community.

Worldwide Friends is a nonprofit focused on environmental restoration and cultural exchange. They lead volunteer efforts in reforestation, coastline cleanup, and global connection through hands-on service projects.

The Salvation Army Iceland is our local church partner. We’ll worship with their community in Reykjavik, gaining a deeper sense of how faith is lived out in everyday life across cultures.

What do we actually do when we’re in Iceland?

It’s a fair question—Compass trips don’t always look like traditional mission or service trips. In Iceland, you’ll partner with local organizations that have been building community and addressing real needs for years, from environmental work to compassion-based ministry.

But Icelandic culture isn’t driven by checklists. Service here often looks different than in the U.S.—less about tasks, more about presence. You might spend part of the day cleaning up a forest trail, sorting clothes at a ministry center, or picking up trash from a remote beach. Other times, your role might simply be to listen, learn, and show up fully for your group and the people you meet.

At Compass, we believe curiosity is a form of service, and presence is a gift. Whether you're working with your hands or engaging in conversation, you’re invited to show up with purpose, humility, and a willingness to grow.

This trip isn’t about accomplishing. It’s about growing—together, in faith, and in purpose.

SCHEDULE

This is a tentative schedule aimed to provide participants and parents with a general understanding of the trip. Additional details and information will come fall 2025.

Every day on the program will begin with personal quiet time. Each evening will conclude with small group debriefing, known on Compass as ‘Table Talk’ as well as journal content and programming provided by Compass.