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Summer Communities of Service (SCOS), a national leadership program for young adults aged 19 and older, is set to fully relaunch in May 2026. The program will introduce new host sites and continue its focus on faith, community service, and justice advocacy. SCOS gives participants the chance to live and serve from late May through early August at host congregations and community organizations throughout the United States.
Previously, SCOS operated as a joint effort between the United Church of Christ (UCC) and the Alliance of Baptists. It has provided young people with opportunities to deepen their faith, engage in ministries focused on justice, form intentional communities, and gain professional experience. The program’s origins can be traced back to Volunteer Ministries in the UCC, where training for young adults was held at the Fernbrook Center—a facility established by volunteers to support future leaders.
After a pause due to the COVID-19 pandemic, SCOS began a soft relaunch this summer by collaborating with Back Bay Mission in Biloxi, Mississippi. As part of this preview phase, a student from Heidelberg University is participating in the program. Organizers say this pilot aligns with SCOS’s aim to prepare young adults for service, justice work, and leadership within their communities.
The full relaunch planned for May 2026 will include two confirmed host sites: Back Bay Mission in Biloxi and Mohala Farms in Hawaii. Volunteer Ministries continues preparations for this return and expects to welcome new participants who are interested in exploring their faith and making an impact.
For those seeking more information about becoming a participant or host site with SCOS, Volunteer Ministries at the United Church of Christ is available as a contact point.
