Mission

To provide an opportunity for hands on service to Safe Passage and facilitate a meaningful understanding of Guatemala.

Vision 

Safe Passage pledges to guide and assist its support teams to most effectively use their energy, skills and resources to build and strengthen its network of active and committed supporters around the world.  Together we will make a difference for the children and families of Guatemala City’s garbage dump.

Team Hope Guatemala with the 1 Basico A class and their tye dye activity

Please click here to read the Support Team Handbook (PDF)

Please click here to read the Health & Travel Handout (PDF)

Teams volunteer with Safe Passage for one week in Guatemala.  Teams play a critical role in our students´ educational experience by preparing and leading educational projects and providing much needed services and activities; for example, serving as English tutors and allowing the children to experience something completely new through a Saturday excursion. Safe Passage’s Team Coordinators will help your team confirm a time to volunteer with Safe Passage, provide you with a budget, itinerary and encouragement as you embark on a life changing experience!

The Support Team is designed with the first time visitor in mind.  The week with a Support Team offers the opportunity of a hand’s on experience to share what Safe Passage is all about.  It enables the Team to learn about the history of Safe Passage, the present goals, and the many different ways they can participate and be involved in Safe Passage’s future.  Through direct contact with the children, and developing a project to benefit Safe Passage’s children the beginning of long lasting relationship will transpire.  During the Team’s experience in Guatemala, there will also be time for exploring Guatemalan culture.

Join an open Team! Individuals interested in volunteering at Safe Passage but who are not able to organize a group of 8-12 people should contact us at teams@safepassage.org. Open teams are currently scheduled for the weeks of February 28, April 25 and September 12.

Things To Know

• Teams are made up of a minimum of 8 people and maximum of 12 people.  If your group is less than 8 people please contact visitors@safepassage.org.
• Team Itineraries will be planned from Sunday – Sunday.  Additional planning for weekend excursions or travel should be done through a partner travel agency.
• To secure your team’s dates, please contact Safe Passage’s Team Coordinators (teams@safepassage.org).  Safe Passage needs receipt of a $500 deposit for final confirmation of your team’s dates.
• Average in-country cost for Support Teams and Service Teams is $595 per person. This includes lodging, breakfast and dinner, all ground transportation, a Safe Passage Guide, and an unforgettable week. 
• Please contact Safe Passage Team Coordinators at:  teams@safepassage.org or +(502) 7832-8328 to learn more about Safe Passage’s Team Programs, or to begin planning your team’s trip to Safe Passage in Guatemala.

 
¨Remember to be flexible, and suspend the idea that everything is going to happen exactly as planned. SP will always make your personal safety a top priority; you can relax, smile, and soak up as much as you can. Children here are much the same the world over; what is different are their backgrounds. Be ready to give and get lots of hugs.¨

—Dave Sciaretta, Bowdoin Alumni Support Team, March 2009

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