Inside Out Community Service Day 2026: PAA Goes to Work

Every spring, PAA empties out. Students and staff load up and head into the community to serve, and every year it reminds us of something important: teenagers are capable of tremendous things when you give them the chance. It also reminds us that this is exactly what Jesus called us to do.

This year did not disappoint.

Freshmen and sophomores headed to Gladstone Campground, taking on cleaning, weeding, and outdoor maintenance across this expansive outdoor space. They worked hard and left it better than they found it.

Juniors and seniors spread out across our sister elementary schools, serving at Hood View Adventist School, Portland Adventist Elementary, and Rivergate Adventist School. They moved furniture, cleaned, pressure washed, weeded, cleared blackberries, and changed HVAC filters. They also sat down with little ones to read, and ran around at recess playing alongside young students who were absolutely thrilled to have them there. That part might have been our favorite.

Other students served at Portland Adventist Community Services and Birch Community Services, organizing and stocking the thrift store, preparing food boxes, working in the food bank, and even creating social media reels for PACS to use going forward.

One day. Hundreds of hands. Real, lasting impact on real people and real places.

Jesus says that when we serve the least of these, we serve Him. Inside Out Day is that call lived out loud. It is faith with work boots on. It is the love of God with sleeves rolled up and hands in the dirt.

So proud of every single student and staff member who showed up and gave their best. God used each one of you in ways you may not even fully know yet. Inside Out 2026 was a gift to this community, and we are grateful for a God who calls us out of our comfort zones and into His work.