
COSTA RICA 2025
JOIN US THIS SUMMER!
2025 is our tenth year working in Costa Rica. We invite YOU to join our next team this August as we continue to serve the vulnerable children and families in local communities.
DETAILS
Is there a minimum or maximum age?
While there is no minimum or maximum age, we do have some conditions. Teenagers that are 16 years old through to 18 years old can participate on their own with parental permission. Anyone younger must have at least one parent attending. Anyone under 12 years old must be mature and independent enough to not be a distraction to the team. We will not be able to meet any special requests/accommodations for your children.
What is covered? What is not covered?
All expenses from the moment we land until we depart are covered by the team budget, except for personal incidentals. Meals during travel to and from are not covered. Visas, passwords, checked luggage fees, and travel health insurance are also not covered.
When is the trip?
The trip will take place between August 13-20, 2025. It may shift a day or two earlier if airfare is more favourable.
How do I qualify?
There are no qualifications except a willingness to serve in any capacity as needed. We are guests in the country, and therefore we follow all local customs. A criminal record check will be required as we are working with vulnerable children and families.
Do I need to know the local language?
No, we have local translators joining us throughout the trip.
Accommodations? Travel? Food?
Most meals will be at restaurants or cooked by professional chefs. We will not have meals in local homes. We will also be staying in hotels with air conditioning. There is no need for sleeping bags. Ground travel will be via vans, mini-buses, or chartered buses, depending on the final team size. We will ensure all elements are low-risk.
What is the cost?
Trip budgets vary depending on flight expenses, project expenses, team size, and exchange rate. Each team member will be responsible to help raise funds to meet the budget. The amount set for this year's trip is $3800-$5000 per person and will be finalized as details are confirmed. All funds raised are tax-receiptable.
Is there preparation work involved?
Expect monthly team meetings between April - August. This is a time of learning and team bonding before the trip.
Am I the right fit for this trip?
Our trips are perfect for first-time short-term missions participants and families. It is also great for veteran short-term missions participants if they have never experienced a compassion-based missions trip.
ACTIVITIES

OCC Shoebox
DISTRIBUTING OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD SHOEBOXES
We will be provide hope to children by sharing the Gospel along with a special OCC shoebox, which for many children, will be their first ever "Christmas" gift.
You will also have the opportunity to pack and share a personal box to a child. It's a highlight you will never forget!


Virtuous Woman
BRINING HOPE TO VULNERABLE WOMEN LIVING IN POVERTY
We will be walking alongside women by participating in projects that will bring hope to them. These projects will provide food and a self-sustaining income while restoring their dignity.
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The exact activities are to be determined as the current community activities are wrapping up. A new community will begin their participation in the coming months.


Hope on Wheels
PROVIDING LOVE, EMPATHY, AND MOBILITY THROUGH WHEELCHAIRS
We will be refurbishing wheelchairs and distributing to people who may otherwise be unable to afford one that fits. We will hear their stories and offer prayers of support and hope.


TESTIMONIALS
​Vincent was super organized in preparing the team for our cross-cultural mission. Everything was well planned from pre-trip team building to the nightly debriefings. He demonstrated grace and control ready for any environment we entered or unexpected circumstances, including re-booking flights for 20 people due to hurricane related cancellations! My experience on the mission trip to Costa Rica stirred in me a greater passion to go beyond wanting to make a difference in the world. The many faces of poverty need to encounter love in such a way that it sparks hope for change, to break the generational poverty cycle and ignite belief for new life. It was impactful and inspiring for me to be on the Costa Rica 2017 Team. Serving along the frontlines with Moviendo Esperanzas in their dedicated outreach to families living in impoverished communities, my eyes were widened to God’s amazing love in motion.
JEAN
​Over the course of 7 days, we distributed 169 shoeboxes and fitted 1064 pairs of shoes. We went into the slums (the poorest of the poor neighbourhoods) and served in the local churches and schools. We (“Chino from China” as the children affectionately referred to us) would interact with the children through games, crafts, face painting, nail painting, songs and even simply through a smile or a gentle touch. The highlight each day was watching the children open their shoeboxes and seeing their big smiles when they held up that toothbrush or hugging that stuff animal or hearing them squeal when they got a pair of brand new shoes. Things that we sometimes take for granted were considered priceless! I often think of the children and I doubt I would ever see them again but I know that I played a part in bringing smiles to their faces and hopefully hope for a better future.
CHRISTINA
All that's really required from people is a desire to go and serve those communities. You're more equipped than you know, and opportunities like this provide valuable time to learn more about yourself. What are some hidden strengths? What things am I weak on? Everything can be provided through time and training, but the one requirement to go on this trip: willingness. If you're willing, a trip like this can teach you more about the world than any book, and more about yourself than any other experience.
CLEMENT
When I took part in the 2016 Operation Christmas Child distribution trip in Costa Rica, I became part of a team where every member was united in their compassion for children and for reaching out to those in need. Being onsite, learning about the communities, developing friendships that span countries, and putting faith into action; these are the invaluable takeaways that continue to speak to me and resonate in my life.
CHARISSA