A young Bermuda College student will be reaching out to others by spending her summer vacation volunteering in Argentina.

For Melissa Caldwell, 17, will be one of 30 teenagers helping to build a much-needed dormitory for children at Camp Cenami in Buenos Aires.

But before her adventure begins, Melissa must take part in a "primitive training session'' in Florida.

Such volunteering is organised by Teen Missions International -- a Christian ministry founded in 1970 which aims to challenge, train and discipline young people of any race, colour, sex, age, handicap or national origin by exposing them to worldwide field projects.

And so far, some 30,000 teens and leaders have taken part in various building projects in more than 60 countries around the world.

The summer programme consists of Boot Camp, a mission project and debrief session.

The Boot Camp is a two-week training course designed to introduce both teens and leaders to the conditions of their particular mission field.

The youngsters take daily classes in spiritual growth, Bible study, evangelism, music, drama, puppetry and construction to better prepare them for the work that lies ahead.

Boot Camp ends with a candlelight Commissioning Service before the teens depart for their particular mission.

Once on the field, the teens are actively involved in their project as well as in Bible memory, Bible studies and other classes aimed at developing their goals and spiritual maturity.

On Sundays, they will share the gospel through personal testimonies, music and puppetry in area churches.

After the mission has been fulfilled, the teens take part in a debrief session which encourages them to apply what they learned at home.

Although for Melissa, the exact outline of her mission in Argentina has not yet been revealed, she is enthusiastic just the same.

"I am looking forward to meeting new people and of course to build the dorm for the camp,'' Melissa told The Royal Gazette .

"I'm a little scared of what the living conditions might be. But I'm excited anyway.'' Melissa will be leaving for the trip in June and returning in early August.

To cover her expenses which will be more than $3,000, Teen Missions International requests that each volunteer ask a group of friends to sponsor them for between $80 and $100, which is paid in four monthly installments.

This pays for food, lodging, team airfare, surface travel in foreign countries, tents and administration.

But the volunteers must cover the cost of personal items, postage, medical expenses, spending and souvenir money, passport, visa application, air taxes and transportation from home to Boot Camp.

For further information contact Teen Missions International in Florida on 407-453-0350 or fax at 407-452-7988.