“What would God do if I said ‘yes?’”  That’s the question we want to help answer with Palmetto Genesis.  Students will have the opportunity to discover God’s heart, train for the mission, and then go to the nations. Palmetto Genesis prepares the student to answer the call to missions domestically and globally, while also inviting a church-based mentor to encourage and equip the student along the way. Students will attend retreats, take part in virtual calls with the cohort, and have the opportunity to participate in a summer missions experience.

• • Born-again follower of Jesus.  
  • Baptized by immersion as a believer.  
  • Active member of an SCBC (South Carolina Baptist Convention) Church.
  • At least 15 years old by August 22, 2026, and no older than 18 years old.

* Approval is subject to parental and pastoral reference.

Don’t meet the requirements above? We’d encourage you to have further conversations with our team. Reach out to Palmetto Genesis Coordinator, Jamie Buckley, at palmettogenesis@gmail.com.

• Study: Students will be given a curriculum designed and written for Palmetto Genesis. It has one weekly chapter with reflection questions, as well as a Bible reading plan.  
• Mentorship: Each student will select a mentor from within their local church to meet with them twice a month. Mentors will have guides to debrief on what the student is learning in the curriculum and on the virtual calls.  
• Virtual Calls: Every other Sunday afternoon, the cohort will take part in virtual training calls that will introduce them to missionaries, church planters, and pastors from around the world.  
• Events: In-person events include a Kick-off in August, Fall Retreat, Summit, and a Spring Retreat. These events will train, inspire, and connect students to God’s heart for the nations and the necessity to be on mission together.  
• International Mission Trip: There is also an optional summer missions experience for Palmetto Genesis students. For a detailed schedule, click here.

To help the student answer the question, “What would God do if I said ‘yes?’” we have provided theological and practical training each month.

• • Weekly curriculum engagement, 30 minutes per week.
  • There will be a virtual call two times a month on Sunday afternoon from 3-4pm. Students will hear and interact with missionaries from around the world.
  • Semi-monthly mentor meeting to further interact with the curriculum.

The cost per semester is $200. This includes program fees, Palmetto Genesis swag, and admission to in-person meetings. Please read below for the cost of the optional summer missions experience.

This also covers the entry fee for Summit. 

Applications will open on June 1 and will close on August 1.

Students can engage with the nations by going overseas for a one-week missions experience. They will work alongside existing missionaries through the International Mission Board in Lima, Peru. To learn more about the dates, cost, and focus of the missions experience, please click here.

Although we will be speaking to you directly about missions and heavily encouraging you to consider this calling, it is not necessary for you to have received a call to go to the nations. We pray that God will show you his plan to reach the people and places of the world and how you can be directly involved!   Even if you ultimately feel called to serve the church in America, Palmetto Genesis would be a valuable experience! 

We understand that there are varying circumstances for each individual. What you put into Palmetto Genesis is what you’ll get out of it. Although nothing is mandatory, we encourage you to dive in as much as you can!

The cost cannot be prorated based upon your participation. Palmetto Genesis is heavily subsidized through the generous gifts of SCBaptist churches through the Cooperative Program. 

To encourage and equip students to answer the call to missions both domestically and globally. This is accomplished by working through the Palmetto Genesis curriculum and meeting with students semimonthly to discuss key priorities and lessons from the curriculum. Mentors should have an existing relationship with the Palmetto Genesis student, ideally through the student's local church, such as a pastor or youth leader.