Two local youth groups have big plans in store for late June.

A team of 12, ranging in age from 11 to 21 years old, will be setting out for Guatamala for a week of service and ministry. Youth and young adults from First Baptist Church Washington and Alpha and Omega Baptist Church are currently raising funds for the trip.

Partnering with Catalyst Resources International, a missionary group based in Kentucky, the youth will spend their time in the Central American nation taking on a variety of projects. From home construction and installing indoor bathrooms and cook stoves to the installation of water filters and ministering at an orphanage, the team will undoubtedly see conditions they are not used to seeing in the relative comfort of Beaufort County.

“I’m hoping that while our kids get to do some ministry, they’ll get to see what a third world country looks like, what real poverty looks like and have our eyes open,” FBC youth and education director Greg Hombirg said.

With two major fundraisers coming to Washington later this month, the local community will have a number of opportunities to support the group’s mission.

Coming up on May 24, the group will hold a fundraiser dinner at Pizza Inn. From 5 to 8 p.m., a portion of the restaurant’s sales will go towards the group’s mission.

A second fundraiser, a barbecue plate sale in partnership with Same Power Ministries and Catering, will take place in the Belk parking lot from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on May 24. Tickets will be on sale prior to the event.

With a cost of $1,500 per person, the youth group needs to raise approximately $8,000. In addition to contributions made during the fundraisers, tax-deductible donations can also be made at FBC Washington or by mail to 113 N. Harvey Street.