What Others Are Saying

 

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Is the trip safe?

We take this very seriously and recognize this is a big question for many participants. We have taken all precautions to make this trip safe of our participants. Greg Jensen lives full time in Guatemala hires reputable locals. He has been bringing groups of families and youth to Guatemala for over ten years. Participants stay in s prearranged lodging, All transportation is private and with responsible drivers. Participants are always in groups and accompanied by adult leaders.

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Who can participate?

Participants must be ages 15-19 with special exceptions.

Parents are also welcome on this tour.

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How many spots are available?

We have up to 30 spots available.

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Will there be adult chaperones?

Yes. 

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Can parents come?

Parents are welcome to join this trip, but we encourage them to allow their child to have their own independent experience. We also invite parents to participate for their own personal growth and enrichment. Many parents end up having as transformative experience as their child.

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Do I need to get vaccinations?

No vaccinations are required to enter Guatemala. Talk to your family physician for any specific questions about vaccinations.

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What if I get sick?

If someone were to get sick or injured, we have direct local access to doctors, hospitals, pharmacies, etc. 

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Do I need insurance?

We will provide a link for you to purchase temporary insurance for $30 while you are here.

 

What is the lodging like?

Lodging is private and secure and it is not open to the public. Participants of the same gender will share a room. Depending on flight times, there may be a need to overnight in Guatemala City. We use a safe, secure trusted motel near the airport. All participants would be accompanied by the adult leaders.

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What is the food like?

Breakfasts are provided by Cultivate Institute and include things like Guatemalan beans and eggs or pancakes and fruit. Lunches and dinners are either dine in at a local restaurant, or provided in the field on service days. All food is washed and prepared using modern practices. The food is delicious and healthy. We do not serve a lot of processed food. We will make sure you have plenty of food. We will also provide safe drinking water at all times.

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Will we do service projects?

This is NOT a traditional service project. After years of learning what truly benefits the local communities, we have developed a philosophy centered on providing economic support to the Mayan people by learning directly from them. By entering their homes and allowing them to share what they are passionate about, we create an exchange of learning where everyone gains something meaningful and lasting from the experience.

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What is the in-country transportation?

All in-country ground transportation is in private, modern vans with trusted, professional drivers. This includes rides to and from Guatemala City,

as well as transportation on service days.

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Is this a rehabilitation camp?

No. This is not a rehabilitation trip. We are learning and experiencing important and serious things. This is not a week for troubled teens.

We expect participants to understand why they are here and what they want to learn.

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Is this a tourism trip?

No. This is not a sightseeing trip. We will see and experience many amazing things and have some awesome adventures, but this week is more than that. We will learn about ourselves, about effective humanitarian work, and be directly in the homes of the locals.

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Are the trips coed?

Yes. We accept male and female participants. Housing will be assigned by gender and there will be no sharing rooms or entering rooms of the opposite sex.

Dating or pairing off is not allowed.

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What are the rules and standards during the week?

This is a week for learning, growth, and exploration. We want to maintain a safe environment and have trust among the group. There will be absolutely no bad language, no making fun of others in the group or others, no romantic affections. Any bad behavior will be addressed immediately.

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Is this leadership week associated with a religion?

No, this is not a religion week. We are teaching about what true poverty is, leadership, and personal development. These things can be religious in nature, but we do not have an agenda based on any religion. However, we will be maintaining strict behavior standards. We want this week to be a safe place where everyone can learn and grow personally while helping others.

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Can I sign up by myself?

Yes. You don’t have to sign up with a friend or sibling. We will have participants from lots of different places. You will have a new group of friends in no time.

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Do I need to know Spanish?

No knowledge of the Spanish language is required. There will always be Spanish speaking leaders available to help.

 

Can I call home or use the internet?

It is a very busy week with back to back activities. We will allow time for occasional internet use. Internet speed is limited and calls or video chats will be difficult. Messaging or emailing is possible. In the case of an emergency and a parent needs to reach their son or daughter, they will be able to call a U.S. number and reach Greg Jensen on his cell phone.

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Do I need a passport?

Yes, a valid passport is needed to travel to Guatemala. At the time of travel, it must have at least six months left before it expires. This can take time to receive, so you should order your passport as soon as you are accepted.

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Do I need a visa to travel to Guatemala?

Yes. When you arrive in Guatemala, your passport will be stamped, giving you a 90 day tourist visa.

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Can my 15-19 year-old fly unaccompanied internationally?

Yes, they can fly to Guatemala alone. Different airlines have different requirements. Some airlines may require a notarized letter from the parents. Check with the airline for exact requirements.

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Will someone be at the airport in Guatemala City when I arrive?

Yes. Greg Jensen and or/ Casey will be at the airport to personally pick up each participant.

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How much luggage can I bring?

Each participant is allowed one checked suitcase or bag, and a carry-on bag, such as a backpack.

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What should I bring?

Each participant will be provided with a detailed packing list. It includes basic clothing, toiletries, a journal, pen, and a water bottle.

You do not need to bring anything out of the ordinary.

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Can I wash clothes during the trip?

There are no washing facilities for participants. Please plan accordingly and bring enough clothes, especially socks and underwear.

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What flight should I purchase?

We require that all participants arrive on Feb 25 before 3pm, and depart March 3 after 12pm, whenever possible. unless you are extending. In that case you will depart March 6. We can consult on flights.