Question 1

What is a typical mission trip?

Answer

After your team secures a travel date, our project manager will help you select a project that matches your teams gifts and abilities to the long-term needs in our communities. A typical week is as follows: • Saturday – Arrive in Managua and travel to one of our campuses in Masaya or Leon • Sunday – Church in one of our 22 church plants. Teams are often asked to bring the message, sing and lead children in Sunday School • Monday – Thursday – VBS for kids, door-to-door evangelism, construction, sports camps, conferences and more • Friday – Cultural Day – Choose from Zip Line, Volcano Visit, Boat Ride and more • Saturday – Travel to Managua and depart for home

Question 2

Can I sign up as an individual for a trip?

Answer

No, not at this time. A typical short-term mission team consists of groups from churches, schools, universities and businesses rather than individuals signing up for a trip. To use ministry resources most efficiently, Mission Teams should be a minimum of 10 to as many as 200+. We welcome people of all ages – from age 8 and up!

Question 3

What does it cost?

Answer

The cost is $650/person for an eight day period. This fee is typically collected by your Team Leader. What’s Included: • Lodging at our resort-like facilities • All ground transportation • Translators • Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner (excluding soft drinks available for sale in the dining hall) What’s NOT Included: • $10 Entrance Fee at the airport as you enter Immigration • Airfare – typically starts at about $400 • Project Funds – We work with your team leader to identify a project that matches your skills with the needs in our communities. Projects can include construction, feedings, conferences and more. • Money for your Cultural Day with activities such as zip-lines, volcano tours, boat rides, a day at the beach and souvenir shopping. Credit cards and US dollars are accepted in Nicaragua but it needs to be either $1 or $5 bills that are clean. New money is the most accepted. Most merchants will not take bills if they have marks on them. Large bills are not taken. There is no reason to bring a lot of money.

Question 4

Where will I stay and what will I eat?

Answer

CCM owns and operates all our facilities and vehicles. All of our staff are CCM employees as well. We have two locations – Masaya & Leon. Each location is unique and have a resort-like atmosphere. Our campuses are gated and have 24-hour security. Rooms are air-conditioned, with flushing toilets, showers and fresh water. Each campus has air-conditioned vehicles and work trucks. Additionally, each campus has english-speaking staff and cooks. The food is exceptional and prepared fresh each day. They do an amazing job offering authentic Nicaraguan food and some American favorites. Rice and beans are offered at most of the meals on campus, but eggs, pancakes, chicken, among other “American” foods, are served as well. Sometimes you work close enough to return to campus for lunch, but if you are working too far away to return the staff will pack sandwiches to take with you. If you have a medical reason for a special diet please have the team leader let our offices know ahead of time.

Question 5

How does air travel work?

Answer

Logistically, it is better for teams to get their own travel. Many airlines offer group rates. This is something that you will want to confirm early in your planning. Teams should fly into the Managua (MGA) airport. CCM recommend using the travel agency, Group Source. Please contact the office for assistance. Email shawna@chosenchildrenministries.org or call 864-599-0067

Question 6

Is it safe?

Answer

Nicaragua is rated as the safest country in Central America. The people are very kind and gracious. We have two security guards on duty 24 hours a day on our campuses. Everyone should stay with their team and NEVER walk off by themselves. Most team leaders use a buddy system to make sure that everyone has someone to remind them to stay with the team. It also helps to do a head count each time you get on the bus.

Question 7

Can I drink the water?

Answer

We are fortunate enough to have our own artesian water supply. You can brush your teeth and shower with no worries! Consequently, the staff will have ice water all during the day to offer. We also have an ice machine on campus where you can fill your own water bottle up each day. You will also have cold water available on the work sites. Many times on the way to job sites, we will stop at gas stations where you can purchase drinks and snacks. Our staff always accompanies the team to make sure you are paying the correct amount.

Question 8

What should I wear?

Answer

Nicaragua is tropical climate and warm year-round. Believe it or not, long pants and long sleeve shirts made of lightweight material are the best clothes to wear when working. Most choose to wear: • Men: basketball shorts and t-shirts- (NO CUT Off T-shirts) • Women: Shorts that come close to the knee or capris- and t-shirts. NO Tank Tops •Teams will attend a church service. Men are ok to wear shorts – most men wear khakis and a polo shirt to wear. Women normally wear LONG skirts or capris and a short sleeve shirt (NO TANK TOPS). We strongly recommend that everyone wear tennis shoes or work boots while working or when you are off campus. On campus it is fine to wear flip flops and most people bring flip flops to wear in the showers. We also recommend you bring bug spray containing deet.

Question 9

Do I need a passport and shots?

Answer

You must have a passport to travel. If you do not have a passport- apply now! It can take months to get your passport in. If you have a passport, check to make sure it is still up to date. Expiration date should be good through duration of trip. (We also recommend the expiration date be 6 months after your return date to the US as travel policies are constantly changing.) CCM does not require any shots. We do recommend that if you are nervous about what might be needed, check with your physician.

Question 10

What if I'm under the age of 18?

Answer

If you are under the age of 18, you must be accompanied by an adult who will sign our documentation and be responsible for your well-being.

Question 11

WHAT ABOUT COVID-19 in Nicaragua?

Answer

The economic effect of COVID-19 has been devastating to families in Nicaragua. The virus itself has been minimal country-wide. In the remote communities where we serve, it has been almost non-existent. With the guidance of our full-time staff physician, Dr. Ariana Cordero, we continue to take precautions with the wearing of masks, appropriate social distancing and the sanitazion of our entire campuses. We are very comfortable in receiving teams of all ages to serve alongside our churches and pastors in the communities! ** At this point, the government of Nicaragua does require a Negative COVID-19 PCR test (not the antibody rapid test) taken no more than 72 hours (3 days) prior to your arrival to Nicaragua. You must present the official test result document along with your passport at the Immigration desk at the airport in Managua. Check with your doctor or local health officials to find a testing facility.

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