Become a Trip Participant

"Trip Volunteers are key to our success"

Since 2001 we have had over 200 people volunteer their time and share their skills and knowledge with the villagers. Lasting friendships and positive feelings of self worth are some of the benefits, as well as a deep appreciation for many of the material and social benefits that we take for granted.  Truly, the village is hugged by the faithful arms of volunteers.

Participant Selection Criteria and Process

• All participants must be 18 years of age one month prior to departure for the trip.
• All interested individuals must complete an application and participate in the selection process.
• Selection will be based on the application process including police clearance for new missionaries and past performance of experienced participants, as well as the purpose of the trip and the skills needed.
• Selection is to be completed by the Missionary Committee, and the Board has the right to hear appeals.
• Participants are requested to become members of Guatemala Hope.
• Upon selection, all participants will pay a Registration Fee of $300.00 and first time participants will pay an additional Initiation Fee of $100.00

Flights

The organization will select airline and flight times for the group. Participants will book and pay for their own flight. If the flight schedule is different from the group schedule, the trip coordinator will be notified in advance.  Charitable tax receipts for in-kind flight donations will be issued in February if a flight receipt is submitted to Guatemala Hope by December 1st.

• Individuals may fund raise to cover their expenses but fundraising activity must be pre-approved by the Missionary Committee and clearly indicate funds raised are for the individual not Guatemala Hope.

Team Living

The maximum number of people on a trip is 24, which is a workable number for the living conditions. Two cooks prepare all the meals but everyone takes a turn doing some of the chores. These include scrubbing the latrines and showers, washing pots and pans, and burning the garbage. Everyone is responsible for washing their own dishes and picking up after themselves. We try to share meal time but this doesn't always work out with people's schedules, especially if they are working with the villagers. We do try and have team meetings during the week to share experiences and concerns. Every precaution is made that participants are provided a safe environment in which to do their work.

Guatemala Hope provides:

• Security while travelling to and from the village
• Plenty of safe, healthy food
• Unlimited fresh water
• A trained medical officer

Participants are expected to:

• Avoid eating or drinking food that might be contaminated
• Take precautions to avoid heat or sun stroke
• Drink plenty of fluids
• Avoid being alone when off the designated premises