Purpose Expedition

Are you a young adult in Massachusetts who has experienced foster care and wants to travel, connect, and grow? The Purpose Expedition offers a six-month journey of leadership, mentoring, and community. And it culminates with a service-learning trip to Iceland!

What is the Purpose Expedition?

Purpose is the intention to live life in a way that is personally fulfilling and benefits the world. This program involves intentional community, deep reflection, and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore and serve in the land of fire and ice!

The Purpose Expedition is a transformative six-month journey of leadership, mentoring, and service that culminates in a service-learning trip to Iceland.

Applications for our 2024-2025 cohort have closed. If you’d like to be on a waiting list and considered for future cohorts, please email info@compasspath.org

The Purpose Expedition consists of three components, all of which are mandatory for participation:

  1. A three-day retreat with your group from Monday, November 18th to Wednesday, November 20th.

  2. Six-months of guidance with an assigned mentor. Meetings every two weeks, can be online but in-person is preferred.

  3. A trip to Iceland for volunteering, tentatively scheduled for May 3rd-10th, 2025.

This adventure starts with a simple application and interview.

Then what?

We'll invite two members from each cohort to return the following year as mentors for the next cohort. You'd experience the entire program again, but this time as a guide for others!

How much does this cost?

Upon acceptance, you’ll pay a one-time $100 fee. This is the only cost for the entire Purpose Expedition, including all lodging, meals, plane tickets, service materials, training, and tourism expenses — both for the November retreat and the Iceland trip in May.

However, attendees must also cover the cost for their travel to and from starting points (not including airfare, which Compass covers), personal items or souvenirs, and obtaining a passport.

Where is this happening?

  • The November retreat takes place at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in Hamilton, Massachusetts.

  • Mentoring meetings take place either via Zoom or in-person, depending on the proximity of mentors to your location.

  • The Iceland trip begins and ends at Boston-Logan International Airport.

  • Participants must arrange their own transportation to and from event locations.

FAQ

Who is this for?

This Purpose Expedition is for youth ages 17 to 24 (at the start of the program) who has experienced or are currently experiencing foster care. If you're interested in the event but not sure if it's for you, please email the Executive Director, Bryn Clark: at bryn.clark@compasspath.org

How much does it cost?

There is a one-time non-refundable fee of $100 due upon acceptance to confirm your spot.

How many are in my cohort?

These are small cohorts designed to cultivate close community with 8-10 members per cohort, plus Compass staff and volunteer mentors.

Is this a religious program?

Compass is a faith-based organization, but we welcome individuals from every background and walk of life. This program will not feature mandatory religious components, nor must participants have a faith background to participate. 

What if I have more questions?

Please email the Executive Director, bryn.clark@compasspath.org

The Purpose Expedition is a community event and wouldn't happen without the partnership from the following sponsors:

"Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?"

〰️ Mary Oliver 〰️

"Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?" 〰️ Mary Oliver 〰️

Compass empowers people of any background to pursue their purpose through community and exploration. An experience with Compass cultivates purpose-minded individuals who foster belonging, justice, and hope, locally and globally.