Welcome to the Team!

We are excited you will be joining HopeCo for this special trip! Our goal is to equip you before, during, and after your time in East Africa. Below you will find lots of resources and information. We hope you’ll take the time to read each section.

If you have any questions, please email Kristi Smith at kristi@joinhopeco.com.

mission team Handbook

The Mission Team Handbook will be your most important resource to help prepare you for your trip.

Read the HopeCo Mission Team Handbook

Your First Steps

Please complete these initial steps promptly.

Click this link to access HopeCo's two-part registration form. Please complete this promptly and correctly.
Required Mission Team Form
Please click the link below to complete the background check release. After the check is complete, you'll be emailed a link to the Child Safety Training. Simply watch the program and take the short quiz at the end.
Complete Background Check Release Here
Read HopeCo’s Child Safeguarding Policy Here
Email a photo of your passport to kristi@joinhopeco.com
You can send a check to: HopeCo, PO Box 4001, Martinsville, VA 24115 or click this link: Mission Trip Payment Page | HopeCo (joinhopeco.com )
To find the manual, click on the orange button above.
Scroll down to see HopeCo's 5 Training Videos.

Important Dates to Remember

passport

4-6 months before travel, apply for a passport or renew your passport

deposit

First payment of $2,000 deposit is needed before we can book flights

immunizations

3 months before travel, make sure you receive your required immunizations

balance due

Second payment of the remaining balance is due 30 days prior to travel

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

Below you will find common questions about HopeCo mission trips. If you have additional questions, just ask!

We have hosted dozens of teams over the years, and have received hundreds of positive testimonies. In addition, HopeCo is an accredited member of MissionExcellence, an organization that hold us accountable to their seven standards for mission teams. You can read more here.
Some skills you have that might be helpful include:
-Maintenance or construction
-Organizing and leading activities for children
-Music, art, or drama
-Tutoring children
-Training/workshops
-A willing heart and a flexible attitude!
-Other skills welcome … Let us know what you are passionate about!
Prices vary depending on the length of the trip. The cost per person is around $1950 plus airfare. This includes food, lodging, local travel, project costs, insurance, work permit, and a donation to our programs. A short safari can be added for an additional cost.
Fundraising can be challenging…so let us help! Here are some ideas to raise funds for your trip and have fun at the same time!
- Send support letters. When you ask people to donate to your trip, remember to share your heart behind going and invite them to be part of the journey with you. Your supporters will love to see pictures, hear stories, and to talk to you after you get home!
- Create an online fundraiser that you can easily share on social media and with your friends and family. We can set up a personalized fundraising page just for you! Just ask!
- Sell custom T-Shirts or crafts.
- Create an Adopt-a-Box fundraiser.
- Host a bake sale or garage sale.
- Run a car wash.
- Host a movie night, charity concert, or auction.
- Partner with a restaurant.
- Collect recycling.
- Host a 50/50 raffle.
The options are endless, and the choice is yours!
You can find the specific directions for applying for visas here.
Try to pack lightly. You will be able to wash clothes at City of Hope. Because of baggage limitations on the flights within Africa, we recommend one checked bag (max 15 kg/33 pounds), one carry-on bag (max 5 kg/11 pounds), and one personal item (like a purse or fanny pack).
You can find a complete packing list here.
Only the Yellow Fever vaccination is required for team members. This is not a HopeCo requirement, but something the Tanzanian/Kenyan governments require. Consult with your doctor or local travel clinic to see what other vaccinations are suggested for your trip. Your doctor may also suggest a prescription for anti-malaria medicine.
We are no longer encouraging teams to bring donated items because of the limited baggage allowance for the flights within Africa. A financial donation to our programs is included in your trip costs, and you have the opportunity to donate to HopeCo while on your trip. You can even sign up to sponsor a child you meet!
While it is nice to learn a few phrases in the Swahili language, many of the children and staff in HopeCo’s programs speak English.

Training Videos: Watch Before You Go

There is lots of great information we want you to know. Please check out this set of training videos developed by HopeCo.

HopeCo is an accredited member of MissionExcellence, which promotes a set of seven standards for mission teams.

You can read more here.

Help Us Keep Our Children Safe

HopeCo takes the protection of children very seriously. The child’s safety and best interests are always our primary concern and consideration, and we are a member of Keeping Children Safe, an international network of organizations committed to the highest possible safeguarding standards. As a visitor or volunteer, you will be required to read and sign our comprehensive Child and Vulnerable Adult Safeguarding Policy, as well as complete a child safeguarding training prior to your trip.

Download our Safeguarding Policy

Raise Funds for Your Trip

Fundraising can be challenging…so let us help! Below are some great ideas to raise funds for your trip and have fun at the same time!

Send support letters. When you ask people to donate to your trip, remember to share your heart behind going and invite them to be part of the journey with you. Your supporters will love to see pictures, hear stories, and to talk to you after you get home!
Create an online fundraiser that you can easily share on social media and with your friends and family. We can set up a personalized fundraising page just for you!
Sell custom T-Shirts or crafts.
Create an Adopt-a-Box fundraiser.
Host a bake sale or garage sale.
Run a car wash.
Host a movie night, charity concert, or auction.
Partner with a restaurant.
Collect recycling.
Host a 50/50 raffle.

The options are endless, and the choice is yours!