Guatemala
May Trip
5/6/2023
- 5/12/2023
Sign Up Deadline 2/15/2023
OVERVIEW
Roughly the size of Ohio, Guatemala is home to tropical rainforests, mountains, valleys, lowland forests, beaches, and more than 30 volcanoes. It is rich with natural resources and its warmer climates are perfect for growing coffee, sugar, fruits, vegetables, and flowers. But Guatemala’s Western Highlands exhibit one of the most extreme combinations of systemic poverty, malnutrition (rates of which rank among the worst in the world), poor health outcomes, high rates of illiteracy, and low levels of educational attainment.
Compounding the problem, most in Guatemala do not have access to affordable, quality education. Teachers in rural schools often lack the formal training and resources—like books and computers—they need to facilitate learning. As a result, educational attainment is low, and illiteracy and dropout rates are high. Young people lack the education to secure higher-paying jobs, and the cycle of poverty continues.
IMPACT
We work alongside middle and high-school students and local CoEd staff on community-based service projects such as language exchanges and youth development activities, and office-based projects like preparing hundreds of teacher-training materials or helping with maintenance and cleaning in computer labs and developing relationships while experiencing God’s love in powerful new ways.
STORY
You were made for more than comfort and ease. A trip to Guatemala forces you to get out of your comfort zone. It’s intense. It’s powerful. It’ll shake you up. In fact, it may just spark a whole new direction for your life. Each year, hundreds of people change their lives by taking trips around the world. Each trip builds cross-cultural bridges, sustainably improves the lives of locals, and creates lasting friendships for those sharing the experience.
Signup Deadline: 2/15/2023
When: 5/6/2023 - 5/12/2023
Deposit: $300
Size of Trip: 25
Crossroads Community: Churchwide
Focus: Vulnerable Children
Audience: All
Minimum Age: 13
Restrictions: Background Check Required
Total Cost: $2,900
Day 1
Fly to Guatemala City and travel to Antigua where you’ll experience the culture and people of Guatemala. This will be a free evening to rest and explore.
Day 2
Attend a local church service, then explore the culture of Guatemala in Antigua.
Day 3-5
Serve the community, alongside Co-Ed. Leave for Panajachel after lunch on day 5.
Day 6
Visit Lake Atitlan, take a boat to visit neighboring villages’ to experience weaving, textiles, ceramics, and the co-ops of Guatemala.
Day 7
Travel back to Guatemala City for your return flight home.
Hotel Camino Real & Porta Hotel del Lago
Hotel Camino Real in Antigua
Porta Hotel del Lago in Panajachel
Cooperative for Education
We are dedicated to breaking the cycle of poverty in Guatemala through education. Our educational programs strive to address the root causes of poverty in Guatemala, rather than merely treating its symptoms.
What precautions will be taken for COVID?
- A negative COVID-19 test is required within 72 hours before departure.
- Follow CDC guidelines.
- Follow all requirements of state and local authorities, as well as the rules of any vendors, venues, or partners that we visit or serve.
- We will not require proof of the COVID vaccine to go on this trip which is consistent with Crossroads’ overall approach. However, if you are not yet vaccinated and are considering getting it, we want to encourage you to consider the time between doses and the departure date.
If you do contract COVID during the trip, you will need to quarantine. We do have insurance that will make any extra hotel, lodging, and medical expenses reimbursable to you up to certain limits.
How much does it cost?
$2,900. This covers your flight, room and board, work supplies, travel insurance, and activities. Not covered are meals at the airport, vaccinations, passport fees (If you need one or renewal) and souvenirs.