Hands-On Opportunities
We provide opportunities for people like you to visit the areas that we are supporting and to see first-hand the difference that you are making. Through our field partners, you will get to participate in joining the front-lines of life-changing work and interact with the locals of neighbourhoods in poverty. Through distributing donated goods and playing with children in their context, your presence alone brings hope to a group of children and families that are often overlooked.
Some of the activities that we have done in the past include globally distributing Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes and Tom Shoes and refurbishing and distributing pre-owned wheelchairs. Each of these distribution activities also include a time to interact and play with the children. Locally, we have distributed food, water and clothing and have assisted rescue missions and other NGOs working with impoverished children, adults and families.
Please also note the following general details for each trip (may vary):
Interested applicants must apply through an organization partner for that specific trip. If you have no relations to any of our organization partners, you may contact us so that we can connect you to one that is most appropriate.
Please note that the following schedule will be updated as new opportunities become available.
Some of the activities that we have done in the past include globally distributing Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes and Tom Shoes and refurbishing and distributing pre-owned wheelchairs. Each of these distribution activities also include a time to interact and play with the children. Locally, we have distributed food, water and clothing and have assisted rescue missions and other NGOs working with impoverished children, adults and families.
Please also note the following general details for each trip (may vary):
- A deposit will be required to secure your spot on the team. This is generally up to 10% of the estimated trip fee.
- Expect up to 6 team meetings leading up to the trip. These meetings are used for training and team bonding.
- You are NOT expected to know the local language. Translators, if needed, will be provided.
- A payment schedule will be provided upon acceptance to the team. Generally speaking, 50% of the fees are due approximately 3 months before the actual trip with the full amount due 2 weeks before departure. This will vary from organization partner to organization partner.
Interested applicants must apply through an organization partner for that specific trip. If you have no relations to any of our organization partners, you may contact us so that we can connect you to one that is most appropriate.
Please note that the following schedule will be updated as new opportunities become available.
Trips |
Partners |
Thriving Kids Care Society Harvest City Church |
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2019 COSTA RICA SUMMER TEAM August 2019 - Open to all ages - |
Contact us |
If you represent an organization that wants to send a team through our organization, we welcome the conversation! Please do not hesitate in reaching out to us. We would love to customize a trip just for you!
Frequently Asked Questions
Are these trips religious in nature?
It can be but not necessarily. You can generally tell the style and expectations of the trips based on the organization partners for that specific trip. When in doubt, feel free to contact us for clarification.
Also, remember that on these trips, we are going as guests who are supporting the work of the local charitable organizations. We do not start and run our own operations as the locals are in the best position to maintain consistency and ensure follow-up after our visits. Therefore, some organizations that we work with may be religious in nature.
Also, remember that on these trips, we are going as guests who are supporting the work of the local charitable organizations. We do not start and run our own operations as the locals are in the best position to maintain consistency and ensure follow-up after our visits. Therefore, some organizations that we work with may be religious in nature.
Do i have to share the same RELIGIOUS beliefs to qualify?
Your religious beliefs, if any, will not disqualify you from participating. However, you will need to be willing to accept the code of conduct and respect the beliefs of the team, if any and/or different. Although you will be encouraged to participate, you will not be forced to participate in anything that you are uncomfortable with.
what if i cannot afford the full fee?
The reason why we desire all participants to register and participate under an organization partner is because we would usually be developing a financial affordability plan with our partners to ensure that everyone who is going can afford to go. This will vary from personal and team fundraising efforts, providing tax-receipts and other subsidies. You can safely assume that the fee you see listed would be the "maximum" amount. There are other factors, such as currency exchange rates and final flight costs, that will affect the final total (usually lower).
Is there really no age limit?
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 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 probably will not be able to meet any special requests/accommodations for your children.
Is the trip tax-deductible?
If the organization partner is a registered charity in Canada, then yes; any amount you paid or fundraised can be tax-receipted by the organization partner. However, once the funds are tax-receipted, they are not refundable (in the event that you need to cancel). We, as a not-for-profit society, cannot issue tax-receipts for any donations through our system.
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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
Costa Rica / 2016
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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
Costa Rica / 2017
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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
Costa Rica / 2017
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Best mission trip for families👍 My team last year really enjoyed it and was really blessed. They all came back with an excitement to tell others about their experience. From the kids to the adults I have to admit its definitely is a life changing trip.
Krystle
Costa Rica / 2017
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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
Costa Rica / 2017
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