1. Who can participate?
We welcome anyone who has a heart of service to help those less fortunate.
2. What skills do I need to have?
Your most important skill is a good attitude. Other than that, we have workers with all levels of ability. Some are professional contractors and some have never held a hammer before. It’s a great time to learn. This past winter we increased our effort to teach local field labourers more construction skills. We want to continue that trend.
3. What is the cost?
The Mexico work relies on donations to fund food, water, camp fees, rental of equipment and transportation while in Mexico. $300 CDN or $285 USA.
4. What are the dates of this summer’s trip?
Sunday, July 4, to Saturday, July 10, 2010. Application deadline -- April 30.
5. What will we be doing each day?
We arrive in San Diego on Sunday and get settled into our tents at camp that night. Work begins bright and early Monday morning and continues daily through noon Friday. We will leave Mexico early Saturday morning.
6. How do I get to Mexico?
You will need to fly (or drive) to San Diego arriving no later than 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, July 4. We rendezvous at the San Diego airport and transport everyone from there to our quarters in Mexico. We will return you to the San Diego airport by 5 p.m. on Saturday, July 10, for you to fly home. If you must leave earlier on Saturday, please contact us.
7. How will I find the rest of the group at the airport?
We will have several vans waiting for you at the San Diego airport when we arrive. Everyone should claim their checked baggage and make their way to the Terminal 1 Alaska Airlines baggage claim area, and cross over the Sky Bridge to make your way outside. Look for us in our TNHH t-shirts at the bottom of the escalators.
8. What documents will I need to have with me?
You will need a current Passport. It is required that minors without parents accompanying them have a signed and notarized permission to travel letter. You can check at www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel for official information. Have your passport or other documents on your person (not in your suitcase) when you arrive at the San Diego airport. We will have your application in hand.
9. Is there an age limit to participate?
Those younger than a high school graduate must be accompanied by a parent or adult chaperone and be under their supervision at all times. We have had participants ranging from 10 months to 77 years. Anyone with a good attitude and physically able is welcome.
10. How do I sign up?
Fill out an application found on the website and submit by April 30. Applications after that date please contact Patty@TrueNorthHH.org to confirm if space is still available.
11. Where will we be staying?
We have reservations at a campground right on the ocean at Punta Banda. The camp is about 20 minutes from the Maneadero location where we are building. The camp has restrooms and showers with a limited amount of hot water, a security enclosure protecting the area. We will be staying in tents.
12. Is the water safe to drink?
No. You must drink only the bottled water that we will provide in abundance. Even vegetables and fruits sold locally in Mexico should be avoided unless washed in appropriate solutions.
13. What should I bring?
Basic needs will include a personal water bottle, work clothes (including gloves), sleeping bag, pillow and tent, sunscreen, personal hygiene items and a good attitude. Nights are cool.
14. Where will we be eating while we’re in Mexico?
You will be responsible to provide your own lunch on Sunday and on the following Saturday in the airport. In Mexico your meals are covered with the exception of eating out one night at La Bufadora. Each morning we will have breakfast in camp before leaving for the work site. Snacks are delivered to each work site twice a day. The Food Crew delivers the lunches to the work sites. Water is provided continuously at each work site and everyone is reminded often to drink plenty of water. Dinner is prepared and served at camp by the Food Crew. Everyone should be prepared to take a turn helping the Food crew.
15. What tools should I bring?
Basic needs are a hammer, work clothes (including gloves), a nail apron. A more comprehensive list is posted on this web site -- Tool List. If you are a skilled tradesman, please let us know.
16. Should I get any immunizations?
It is recommended that you make sure your Tetanus is up to date. Both HEP A and HEP B are also recommended. Most high school students have received the HEP B but are lacking the HEP A.
17. Where does the money come from to pay for the school?
We fund raise for donations. They are typically received from churches, Canadian Embassy small project fund and individuals.
18. If I can’t make the trip is there some other way I can help?
As mentioned above, we would welcome any financial help you could give. You could also lift us up in prayer for the health and safety of those going. Or if you know of others who could help, either financially or as a participant, put them in touch with us.
19. Can I be contacted in case of an emergency back home?
We will check daily for messages @ 360-798-7139.
20. Who will be leading the group?
Our directors are Garnett Andrews – Treasurer, Patty Jacobs-Kunkle - Managing Director, John Clelland – Secretary, John Smith – Alberta Director and Roy Kunkle - Construction Manager.