ILLUMINATE has been leading youth-focused trips for ages 14 to 19 for over 13 years, offering international experiences and church history tours for youth belonging to, or adhering to the standards of, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Each trip is rooted in sharing the light of Christ, adventure travel, and cultural immersion.
ROAM Humanitarian was founded to provide families and adults with meaningful, purpose-driven travel opportunities around the world. With a focus on service and connection, ROAM helps travelers make a difference while exploring new cultures.
These two missions now come together through RISE: ROAM ILLUMINATE Service Expeditions. RISE combines the transformative spirit of Illuminate with the intentional service focus of ROAM, offering youth powerful experiences that blend adventure, faith, and lasting impact.
The beginning...
The Founders
Lindsay Bowen is the founder and soul of ROAM Humanitarian and now RISE. She has a deep love and passion for humanity that is woven into every aspect of these companies. Lindsay has always felt her purpose is to be a connector between people – those who want to serve and those across the world in need of help. With a Master’s of Science in Leadership, she has the skill set to create the change and connection between the two, creating waves of goodness everywhere she goes and to every person she meets. Lindsay lives with her husband Justin, and their four incredible children in the mountains of Heber, Utah. She loves the sun on her skin, old + new friends, sunsets, being a mother, laughing until it hurts, and authentic human connection.
Even though Justin Bowen dreamed of being a sheep herder in New Zealand when he grew up, he is a photographer by trade and has led hundreds of youth across the globe with National Geographic for nearly 10 years and 12 years with youth who are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints with Illuminate Youth Trips. Justin’s passion for the world, the youth, and life in general is contagious and captivating. Justin met his wife Lindsay when he was 14 years old and after over 20 years of marriage still has any adventure with her and their four incredible children at the top of his bucket list.
Official Partner:
Fewer than 1% of U.S. nonprofits have achieved Platinum Transparency status with Candid. This represents a small fraction of the over 1.7 million nonprofits registered with the IRS, though the exact number fluctuates as more organizations earn seals. To earn this highest level of recognition, a nonprofit must provide detailed information on its mission, goals, strategies, impact, leadership, and finances.
proud to have earned....
ROAM Humanitarian believes in the power of service and cultural connection to change lives—yours included. Founded in 2020 by Lindsay and Justin Bowen, ROAM bridges cultures to create sustainable, meaningful change. Whether building homes, funding small businesses, or teaching skills that spark independence, every expedition empowers communities to thrive long after we leave.
RISE is thrilled to partner with ROAM Humanitarian. Since RISE participants will be donating supplies and manpower to ROAM Humanitarian projects, a large amount of RISErs' trip fees are tax deductible!
RISE in Partnership with ROAM Humanitarian
impact January-july 2025
RiSErs manage to have a lot of fun while they immerse themselves in the local culture, have adventures, and most importantly, give A LOT of varied service over the course of their expeditions. Click to see what we've been able to accomplish in just 16 travel days with our two inaugural 2025 expeditions!
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Impact Reports
Impact Reports
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During our two inaugural trips in 2025 (to Peru and Fiji), we had 59 RISErs who provided labor to: Plant 320 trees, pull weeds, plant veggies, dig fence holes, paint a kitchen and kids' room at an orphanage and a kindergarten classroom at a school, build a sand house therapy structure, build 2 bunk beds, and build a piggery.
We donated and distributed: water filters, school supplies, clothing, food, books, shoes (in partnership with Lemonaide), reusable menstrual kits, hygiene kits, balls, crafts, art supplies, 20 piglets, and funded 3 months of therapy services for a special needs school. We also helped a girl be able to travel to a rugby tournament and spent time talking, laughing, playing with, and writing notes of encouragement to those we served.
TOTAL NUMBER OF PEOPLE SERVED: 743
kind words from those who
— Ben M. (Parent)
The variety of activities and experiences packed into such a short time. [This company] gave my son an unforgettable
experience and was a wonderful way to help prepare him for serving a church mission!
— lizzie f.
"My favorite part was meeting the people and getting to experience the different culture."
— Addison M.
"My favorite part was being able to experience a different way of life and interact with the people there.This was an amazing trip especially for people who want to travel but don't want to do it alone."
— Daycee R.
"I loved that they made service fun. I got to dedicate two weeks of my summer to helping people less fortunate than me and somehow it was a blast the whole time. I was impressed that they managed to combine adventure and exploring with the gospel and service. Overall an amazing and life changing experience!!!"
As a chaperone, you’ll have the opportunity to guide teenagers through transformative experiences abroad, providing support, safety, and encouragement every step of the way. If you’re ready to embark on an unforgettable journey that combines service, adventure, and leadership, apply to be a chaperone today.
Apply to be an expedition leader
We would love to work alongside you and become changemakers as we RISE together!
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From sponsoring a child in one of the countries we travel to, giving to a specific aid project, or just regularly donating money to go where it's needed, we can always use dedicated sponsors giving recurring donations to help RISE make the world a better place!
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