Youth Leadership Week

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Everything you need to know about preparing for your Adventure, Culture & Humanitarian Service Week!

Mission & Fundraising

Do I have to do any fundraising?

Yes, and it’s for an amazing cause! Mason Gives is dedicated to improving the oral health of thousands of children in Guatemala each year by providing education and oral hygiene kits. To support this vital work, we ask each participant to raise $250 USD for Mason Gives. This is a great way to practice leadership! Get creative—ask local businesses, your dentist, or approach Grandma and Grandpa!

What will we do for service projects?

Prepare for two days of profound connection!

1. Faith Seeds International (FSI): We will visit the Quetzaltenango City dump, respectfully interacting with the workers, then meeting the children FSI serves at a local soccer field for games and fun. This day connecting with some of Guatemala’s poorest families is often the highlight of the trip for our groups.

2. Mason Gives School Visit: We visit a sponsored school to teach oral hygiene and distribute oral hygiene kits. We follow the lesson with games like soccer and basketball, coloring, and genuine connection.

   • Kit Assembly: Before the trip, we ask that each participant gather materials for and assemble 100 oral hygiene kits in the US and bring them to Guatemala—a wonderful way to start your service before you even arrive!

Safety & Logistics

Is the trip safe?

Absolutely. Safety is our top priority. Your host has experience in Guatemala.  Cam and Mandee Quayle lived in Guatemala with their four children for a year and have hosted numerous groups. We take every precaution:

• Lodging: We use approved, safe hotels that the hosts have personally vetted and stayed in.

• Transportation: All travel is via private, modern vans with trusted, professional drivers.

• Supervision: Participants are always in groups and accompanied by adult leaders.

Will there be adult chaperones?

Yes! We maintain a high ratio to ensure excellent supervision and mentorship. We have 20 spots for youth, and four adults on every trip.  These four adults include a mix of hosts, parents and youth mentors.  We ensure a minimum ratio of 1 adult to every 5 youth.

What if I get sick or injured?

We’ve got you covered! We have a nurse on call who can assist with common ailments via Telehealth. In the event of a more serious issue, we have direct local access to excellent doctors, hospitals, and pharmacies.

Do I need insurance?

No, because we include it! Travel medical insurance is built into the cost of the trip, covering emergency medical  expenses, as well as emergency evacuation or repatriation—just in case!

What is the lodging like?

Comfortable and secure! Lodging is in approved housing. You will share a room with two to four participants of the same gender (separate beds). All rooms have a full bathroom with hot water, hopefully 🙂  If we have to overnight in Guatemala City due to flight times, we use a trusted and secure hotel near the airport, and all participants are accompanied by adult leaders.

What is the food like?

Delicious and healthy! We focus on healthy, non-processed foods. Breakfasts include things like traditional Guatemalan beans and eggs, or pancakes and fruit. Lunches and dinners are either dine-in at our hotel, a local restaurant, or provided in the field on service days. All food is washed and prepared using modern, safe practices. Plus, safe drinking water is provided at all times.

What is the in-country transportation?

VIP style! All ground transportation is in private, modern vans with professional, trusted drivers. We handle all logistics, including transport to and from Guatemala City and all travel.

Participant Requirements & Rules

Who can participate?

Participants must be ages 15-19 when the week begins. Exception: We may make an exception for a participant under 15 if they have an older sibling registered for the same week or if approved by the youth leadership hosts.

How many spots are available?

To ensure a high-quality experience, we limit the size! We have 20 spots available for youth each week.

Is this a rehabilitation camp?

No. This is a week for learning, serious leadership development, adventure, cultural exposure and humanitarian service. This is not a week for troubled teens. We expect participants to be self-motivated and understand why they are here.

Is this a tourism trip?

It’s so much more! While you’ll experience amazing adventures and beautiful sights, our focus is deeper. This week is about self-discovery, effective humanitarian work, and hands-on service.

Are the trips coed?

Yes, we accept both male and female participants.

• Housing: Will be strictly assigned by gender. There is no sharing rooms or entering rooms of the opposite sex.

• Behavior: Dating or pairing off is not allowed.

What are the rules and standards during the week?

We foster a safe and trusting environment where everyone can learn and grow. We have strict behavior standards to ensure this:

• Absolutely no bad language.

• No making fun of others in the group or locals.

• No romantic affections.

• Any bad behavior will be addressed immediately.

Is this leadership week associated with a religion?

No, this is not a religion week. Our curriculum focuses on universal principles of service, leadership, and personal development. While these themes can be spiritual in nature, we do not have an agenda based on any specific religion. We do, however, uphold the strict behavior standards mentioned above to maintain a safe space for personal growth.

Can I sign up by myself?

Absolutely! Most participants sign up solo. You will meet participants from many different places, and we promise you’ll have a new group of friends in no time!

Do I need to know Spanish?

Nope! No knowledge of the Spanish language is required. There will always be Spanish-speaking leaders available to help with translation and communication.

Can I call home or use the internet?

It’s a very busy, packed week! We limit access to the internet to provide a better, more immersive experience without distractions. In the case of an emergency, parents can call a U.S. number and reach the week hosts on their cell phones.

Packing & Travel

Do I need a passport?

Yes! A valid passport is essential. At the time of travel, it must have at least six months left before it expires. Since processing can take time, please order your passport as soon as you are accepted!

Do I need a visa to travel to Guatemala?

No pre-arranged visa is necessary for U.S. citizens. When you arrive in Guatemala, your passport will be stamped, granting you a standard 90-day tourist visa. I wish we were staying that long 😉

Can my youth fly internationally unaccompanied?

Yes, they can! However, check directly with the airline for their specific requirements. Some airlines may require a notarized letter from the parents.

Will someone be at the airport in Guatemala City when I arrive?

Yes! A representative of Mason Gives will be at the La Aurora/Guatemala City International Airport to personally pick up each participant.

What flight should I purchase?

We require that all participants arrive  and depart in a specified time window based on the group schedule. Flight itineraries will be provided to help you purchase a ticket on the same flight as other participants, if possible.  Thank you for not purchasing flights before arrival and departure windows are provided.  

How much luggage can I bring?

Please keep it simple! Each participant is allowed one checked suitcase or bag and one carry-on bag (like a backpack).

What should I bring?

Don’t worry about guessing—a detailed packing list will be provided! It includes basic clothing, toiletries, and a reusable water bottle. You do not need to bring anything out of the ordinary.

Can I wash clothes during the trip?

Sorry, no laundry facilities available for participants. Please plan accordingly and pack enough clothes, especially socks and underwear!