My children and I had the wonderful opportunity to volunteer with Kids Around the World to help build a playground in a small town in Mexico. Serving others with my children was a fulfilling experience filled with joy, hope, and love.
*Coronavirus Update 3/20/2020:*
Dear Current/Potential Impact Team Volunteers,
I wanted to take a brief moment to talk about the conversation around every dinner table…the Coronavirus began taking the world by storm first via news outlets and social media and now seems to occupy most conversations. This is now our globally reality, as virtually every country in the world has or is in the process of closing their borders. This is no small deal and we have sought to respond in an appropriately and timely manner.
The Coronavirus has and will continue to have a significant effect on our ministry. We have taken the steps to postpone all Impact Teams scheduled from now through May 31, 2020. All volunteers on these teams, departing before May 31, should have received communication specific to them earlier this week. Impact Teams scheduled after May 31 will be evaluated as the situation unfolds.
Humankind has a real need, and it’s not to beat the Coronavirus (though we can all agree we’re looking forward to the day that is true). Humankind’s REAL need is Jesus. The REAL need is salvation. While we have been temporarily limited from traveling abroad to expand this effort, let’s not neglect coming alongside of those close by who have fears, pointing them to the true source of freedom from fear. As Paul reminded Timothy, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.” (2 Tim 1:7)
Do not forget that while this element of our work had been reduced, around the globe children are still meeting in regular Story Clubs to hear and be transformed as their life story comes in contact with the story that God has been telling since the moment of creation.
Please join us in prayer. Prayer for these children. Pray for those that are and will be inflicted with this virus. Pray for those leading the way to combat the outbreak. Pray for those that are living in fear. Most importantly, pray that God will be glorified in all of these things.
Do not hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns you may have.
Dave Dahl
Everyone has a place and a purpose on our teams…
Our volunteer Impact Teams are the “hands and feet” that get to go and see what God has purposed to do through Kids Around the World come to fruition — whether it is by giving kids the gift of play with a beautiful playground, providing nutritious meals, or sharing God’s story of His love for them. We partner with amazing ministries all over the world and come alongside them to help kids come to know God’s transforming hope in their own lives. The work our Impact Teams do often serves as a springboard to impact more and more children.
Our team members come from all walks of life, locations, different age levels and abilities. They all have a place and a purpose on our teams and we are so thankful for all that they do! There is so much more to be done! Won’t you join us?
Why Join an Impact Team?
Have more questions?
If you still have questions about a specific trip or Impact Teams in general, see the FAQ section below or let us know and someone from our staff will be in touch with you shortly!
HAVE MORE QUESTIONS?
If you still have questions about a specific trip or Impact Teams in general, let us know and someone from our staff will be in touch with you shortly!
FAQs
What is an Impact Team trip?
What is travel like in each country?
If I raise support, will my donors receive tax-deductible receipts?
Are there age requirements for joining a trip?
What does the trip land cost include?
What happens if I get sick on the trip?
What shots do I need?
What if someone from the States needs to reach me in an emergency?
What should I pack?
Do I need to have any previous missions experience?
What do you do on a missions trip?
What if I feel that don't have any relevant skills to serve on a mission trip?
How do I pay for the trip?
What is a visa?
What is an Impact Team trip?
Our volunteer Impact Teams are the “hands and feet” that get to go and see what God has purposed to do through Kids Around the World come to fruition — whether it is by giving kids the gift of play with a beautiful playground, providing nutritious meals, or sharing God’s story of His love for them. We partner with amazing ministries all over the world and come alongside them to help kids come to know God’s transforming hope in their own lives. The work our Impact Teams do often serves as a springboard to impact more and more children.
What is travel like in each country?
We encourage you to read the stories and information on our website to learn more about our ministry programs in each country. For additional information on countries visit: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages.html
If I raise support, will my donors receive tax-deductible receipts?
People who make financial contributions for volunteers traveling on a mission trip will receive a receipt for their donation. As a volunteer who is paying your own way on a mission trip, a significant portion of your cost may be tax-deductible.
Are there age requirements for joining a trip?
Our team members come from all walks of life, locations, different age levels and abilities. They all have a place and a purpose on our teams and we are so thankful for all that they do! There is so much more to be done! We welcome children on our trips…our trips are a great way for kids to experience other cultures and interact with children around the world. The age discretion is up to the parents or guardians of the minor (under 18 years old). We do require a travel permission waiver for minor volunteers.
What does the trip land cost include?
Your trip land cost includes all in-country expenses (all meals, lodging, in-country transportation, insurance, events, visas, taxes, and fees). The trips will vary for additional pricing such as flights, meals not included, shopping or any other expenses you chose outside of the land package.
What happens if I get sick on the trip?
The cost of your trip includes secondary insurance that covers emergency medical healthcare. If there were a serious illness or accident, staff would be available to immediately transport you to a safe hospital or clinic for quality health care. Most of the minor discomforts and illnesses that occur during international travel can be taken care of with over-the-counter medicines. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for medicines to help you adjust to potential health issues. A few examples of what to bring: Tylenol, cold meds, non-drowsy Dramamine, roll-on pain reliever, first aid kit…
What shots do I need?
Depending on where you are traveling you may or may not need shots. This will be covered in the trip overview. For immediate information visit the World Health Organization: https://www.who.int/countries/en/
What if someone from the States needs to reach me in an emergency?
The trip team leader will be reachable during the trip and in communication with our offices in the states. There are many options to stay in touch with family and friends back in the states while you are traveling. With internet access, Facebook is a great way to stay in touch along with email or the app WhatsApp. International phone plans are easy to set up and reasonably priced based on your phone provider.
What should I pack?
There is a general packing list provided for each trip that will help with your packing needs. There will also be team communications to help prepare you for your upcoming trip and answer any questions or concerns you have.
Do I need to have any previous missions experience?
Our team members come from all walks of life, locations, different age levels and abilities. They all have a place and a purpose on our teams and we are so thankful for all that they do! Everyone has a place and a purpose on our teams. There is so much more to be done!
What do you do on a missions trip?
Each trip is different so you will need to read through the descriptions to find out the specifics. Travel with one of our teams to see children and their communities transformed and impacted through providing food, building playgrounds and sharing God’s Word. You will help provide a brighter future for kids all over the world.
What if I feel that don't have any relevant skills to serve on a mission trip?
You do! God has blessed everyone with multiple giftings, skills, and hobbies, and all can be used on a trip. What you can use on a mission trip might surprise you!
How do I pay for the trip?
Each team member has the opportunity to raise his or her own financial support in order to go on a mission trip. While this task may seem daunting, it is a unique opportunity to see God provide in ways that will strengthen the faith of those going on the trip. The trip can also be paid in full if you decided to not fund raise.
What is a visa?
A visa is an entry document required by a foreign government in addition to your passport. Not all foreign governments require a visa. Your team leader will check the foreign entry requirements for the country you plan to visit. A visa may be stamped on your passport or a paper visa may be affixed to your passport. If a visa is required, we’ll provide the appropriate visa application forms for you to complete. Most visa applications require two or three passport-size photos as well. The visa fees for each team member are included in the team budget. If you are not a U.S. citizen, please make sure that the team leader and the Missions Department know this information. It may mean a different visa process for you. If you do not have a passport, we recommend that you begin the process immediately. See complete passport information from the U.S. Department of State. Most countries require that travelers’ passports not expire within six months of the end of travel. Please check your passport immediately. If it is set to expire within six months of the end of this trip, please begin the process to renew it now.