Frequently Asked Questions...

What does a World Servants mission trip look like?

All World Servants short-term trips have 3 main components:

• Construction: building or repairing homes, churches, community centers, etc
• Outreach: kids club, sports camp, home visits, women's ministry, etc
• A focus on helping participants process their experiences through reflection, experiential learning exercises and discussion.

The daily schedule will vary by trip type but will allow for quiet time, construction and outreach, 3 meals, evening program, small group break-out time, free time and any possible community events during the week.

Is World Servants affiliated with any denomination?

World Servants, Inc. is an independent organization and is not directly affiliated with any specific denomination.  Participants from all denominations are welcome on our mission trips, please see our statement of faith and core values for more information about our beliefs.

Do I need to apply to go on a World Servants trip?

You do not need to apply to participate on a World Servants trip.  We will ask that each participant fill out an application at a later date for administrative and safety purposes only.

What is the age limit?

For all Family and Intergenerational trips there are no minimum or maximum age limits.

Youth trips are designed for youth groups only.

Jr High trips are for 6^th ...8^th grades

Sr High trips are for 9^th ... 12^th grades

Adult trips are for anyone 18 years of age or above.

What is the ratio of adults to students for youth groups and schools?

For Jr. High the ratio of adults to students should be 1:5

For Sr. High the ratio of adults to students should be 1:7

When are payments due? What payments are non-refundable?

For organizations (church, school, business, etc…):

A registration fee of $250 by credit card or check is due immediately to reserve space.  A deposit of $100 per person (minus the registration fee) is due within 45 days.  The remaining trip balance will be broken into two payments due 90 and 45 days before the trip start date.

For individuals and families:

A registration fee of $150 by credit card or check is due immediately, to reserve space, and acts as the deposit.  The remaining trip balance will be broken into two payments due 90 and 45 days before the trip start date.

All registration fees and deposits are non-refundable, but transferable.  After April 1^st all trip fees are non-refundable (for Sept-May trips, 45 days before trip start date).

For more details please see Terms & Policies

What does the mission trip fee include? (What is included in the World Servants Experience?)

Trip fees include: Pre-trip training, all set-up and logistics, food, housing, construction materials, outreach program, t-shirts, reflection journals, evening worship service, translators (where applicable) debriefing and re-entry resources, and trip leadership.

Click here to see a cost breakdown of the three main categories of trip types.

Is transportation included in the cost of the trip?

Transportation to and from the mission site is not included in any World Servants trip.

Local ground transportation is included for international trips only.  For all domestic and Mexico border trips, participants are responsible for their own transportation between housing, construction and outreach.

In Reynosa, Mexico we offer local ground transportation for an additional fee. For 2009 trips the cost of local ground transportation is $75 per person. (Space for transportation is limited. Cost subject to change for future years. Please contact our office for more information.)

What is the deadline to register? Are there any late registration fees?

Summer Trips:

All registrations completed after March 1st are considered late and will incur an additional fee of $25 per participant.  The final day to register for a trip is 30 days prior to the trip start date, pending availability of space.  We highly recommend registering as early as possible for both your convenience and ours!

Sept - May Trips:

Registrations complete after 90 days prior to trip start are considered late and will incur an additional fee of $25 per participant. The final day to register for a trip is 30 days prior to the trip start date, pending availability of space.  We highly recommend registering as early as possible for both your convenience and ours!

What do I need at the time of registration?

At the time of registration you will need to know the location where you will serve, the number of participants (this number can be changed), and be ready to pay the registration fee of $250 for a group,  or $150 for an individual or family.

What does the registration fee go towards?

The fee of $250 for a group registration is a portion of the deposit. The fee of $150 for an individual and family registration is the entirety of the deposit. The deposit is part of the overall cost and is included in the per person price.

Does World Servants offer training?

Yes. Cross Cultural Orientation (CCO) is required for all first time participants. CCO is provided for one (1) person for groups of three (3) or more (additional persons may attend for a small fee).  We encourage individuals to attend for a small fee.

More information about Cross Cultural Orientation can be found under Training

What are the accommodations like on a World Servants trip?

Housing will always be safe, clean, and have showers available everyday (the only exception to this is Kenya). Sleeping quarters are divided into men's and women's areas. For Family trips we will try to provide rooms for families to sleep together, but this is not possible at all locations.  Typically, air mattresses are needed; in some location bunk beds are provided. All food safe to eat and is provided and cooked by locals or with the help of the team. Some locations have air-conditioning.

What if I/my group does not have any construction experience? Are construction projects appropriate for small children?

You do not need any construction experience to participate on a short-term mission trip with us.  There will be someone available at each site to teach what is needed to complete the project.  This is a great time for adults to teach new skills to their students, or parents to their children. There is always something for small children to do also, such as carrying tools and supplies or other simple tasks; they always take pride in being needed.

What is the cost for a World Servants trip?

International trips will vary by location and are priced per person.

All domestic and Mexico border trips are $495 per person + Construction Donation.

For organizations (church, school, business, etc.):

Minimum construction donation is according to group size.  The donation is in increments of $500 per 5 participants, starting at $500 for 3-5 participants, $1000 for 6-10 participants, $1500 for 11-15 participants, etc.

For individuals and families:

Minimum construction donation is $100 per person. 

Children age eight (8) and under at the time of the trip go for half price.