Join a Support Team

About Support Teams

Support Teams are groups of friends, community members, students, or families that spend a week serving at Safe Passage in Guatemala.

The Support Team service-learning experience is designed with first-time visitors in mind but many of our teams join us again and again! While you have fun and learn about Safe Passage you will also make a difference with the time, skills, and energy you share with our students, affiliates, staff, and volunteers. Many of our Support Teams have limited Spanish-language abilities and still have great experiences. Don’t let language be a barrier to your service! We are here to translate and support you during your time in Guatemala.

What Support Teams Do

Throughout the week at Safe Passage, Support Teams engage with affiliates of all ages – from our littlest learners in the Jardín to the women in Creamos. You will learn about Safe Passage and our programs while you provide valuable assistance. Team activities generally include:

- Assisting in English classes
- Serving as classroom assistants
- Planning and leading activities in our Escuilita English classes
- Meeting and working with the women-artisans of Creamos
- Accompanying a group of students on a Saturday excursion for a day of fun
- Supporting our operations team with much-needed tasks
- Touring our community and our programs to learn more about our important work and discover how you can make a difference

Support Team Schedule

Support Teams are typically planned Sunday-Sunday with most teams arriving by dinner on the first Sunday of the Support Team week. Monday through Thursday is spent at the project engaging with our students and affiliates. Friday is a free day for teams to explore Guatemala. On the final day of the Support Team week, teams accompany a group of Safe Passage students on a fun excursion. The second Sunday is typically a departure day for teams.

Forming Your Team

Support Teams can be any group of people looking to spend a week serving at Safe Passage in Guatemala. Past teams have come from schools, community and religious organizations, and groups of friends who want to have a life-changing experience together.

Single teams consist of 8-13 people. We can accommodate “double teams” of up to 24. Please note that all team members must be at least 15 years old upon arrival to Safe Passage and teams with minor participants must include one adult for every three team members under the age of 18.

To reserve your Support Team week, contact our office to confirm your desired dates are available. After confirmation, pay a $500 deposit ($1000 for double teams) to finalize your reservation. Our Support Team Coordinator will work with you closely through the rest of the planning process to make your preparations as easy as possible.

Begin planning your Support Team week today!

We occasionally have Open Teams available for individuals or smaller groups who wish to experience a Support Team week but cannot arrange a full team. Contact our Support Team coordinator to inquire about upcoming Open Teams.

Support Team Cost

The Support Team fee is $695 per person at double or triple hotel room occupancy (single rooms are available for an additional cost). Teams are also encouraged to make an additional donation of $2500 ($5000 for a double team) that goes directly to Safe Passage programs and services to our community.

The Support Team fee includes:

Seven nights’ accommodations in Antigua, Guatemala
Meals (excluding lunch on your free day)
Private airport pick-up and drop-off
Daily, private transportation between your hotel and Safe Passage
Saturday excursion with Safe Passage students

Many teams are able to fundraise 100% of their total trip costs, including the suggested donation. Our Support Team coordinator can help you plan a successful fundraising strategy!

Begin Your Journey Today!

From lodging and logistics to translation and travel, our Support Team Coordinator is here to assist you with every aspect of your visit. Our goal is to help your trip be memorable, meaningful, and empowering. We encourage you to read through our Support Team Handbook in advance of your planning.

Contact our Support Team Coordinator today to begin your journey of learning and service!

What are our teams saying about their Safe Passage experience?

“I have travelled with multiple NGOs and service programs within Guatemala. This was, by far, the most meaningful.” —Gail

“In this one week along I have fallen in love with Guatemala. The best part was seeing smiles on the childrens’ faces. It made me understand why we’re here.” —Jonathan

“Safe Passage is a great organization and makes a meaningful and wonderful experience for all involved.” —Jenn

“I loved being able to meet groups of all ages –from preschoolers to the mothers. In a short time, I felt like I had an understanding of their lives.” — Rose

“The Support Team experience gave me valuable insight into the issues faced by the Guatemala City dump community. It ignited a passion in me to continue this work. .” —Ben

“Even though it was emotional, it was the best week of my life.” —2015 Support Team member

Support Team Resources

Support Team Handbook

Support Team Informational Brochure

Join our Community

When you make a donation, join a Support Team, sponsor a child, organize an event or volunteer in Guatemala, you help a top rated school empower people and change lives in one of the poorest places on earth.

Become a Hanley’s Helper

Join our recurring giving program and help us maintain consistent support for our students.

Donate

Your gift gives hope, education, and opportunity to our students and their families