Build Your Own Service Trip

THANK YOU for your interest in creating a custom Service Trip to Local Hope's Xela AID Complex and Eco-Guest House in the Guatemalan Highlands. This form is meant to be filled out by an individual who (1) prefers to create their own schedule rather than choose our two-week package "Volunteer in Guatemala!," (2) is arranging a Group Trip (registering multiple people -- the "Group Leader") or by an individual who is joining a Group Trip. If you are interested in our two-week package, check out our Volunteer in Guatemala offering. Please set aside 30 minutes to complete this form, and have your passport available. If you are registering a group, please have each member's first and last names and an idea of the interests and talents they may wish to share during the Community Service portion of your trip. 

NOTE: After you fill out this form, you will be contacted by a Local Hope Staff Member to review your choices and answer any questions you may have.

CHANGE, POWERED BY YOU - Local Hope, also known as Xela AID Partnerships for Self Reliance, 501 (c)3 not-for-profit organization federal registered in the United States, and in Guatemala (as “ Ciudades Sostenibles”). We work to empower individuals and communities to transform themselves by taking advantage of the resources we offer, spanning high-quality healthcare, education, professional development and social services. Unlike other volunteer experiences run by for-profit organizations, and, as a non-profit organization with other means of supporting our minimal overhead costs in the United States, a full 100% of your "Program Contribution" for joining our volunteer corps will support the loving work of our devoted staff, including direct assistance to village children and families. This contribution (included in your check-out) and all your expenses for participation are historically fully tax-deductible in the United States (please consult with your tax professional), and may also provide a tax benefit to citizens of other countries. We thank you ahead of time for your support!

SERVICE AND ACTIVITIES - To see service and activity options that are available, please scroll down in this form and review "AREAS OF INTEREST" and "PAID OPTIONS and REGISTRATION."

Need help? Call us at (714) 232-8669 - Ext. 1

Guatemala City Stays - Travel to our Complex takes approximately five hours including meal and stretch stops. Because of flight schedules, many travelers choose to arrive in Guatemala City one day prior to travel to our region, and/or stay an extra night in Guatemala before their return home. If you wish to stay in Guatemala City pre- or post-trip, we recommend the Barcelo Hotel which provides free shuttle service to and from the airport beginning early in the morning, and can arrange a transfer for you if you are arriving exceptionally early or late. You may learn more or make a reservation through a third party such as Hotels.com, or here (Note: To take advantage of provided shuttle service, we suggest you arrive prior to 10 PM): HOTEL BARCELO

Antigua, Lake Atitlán - Our most popular trips look like this:

1. Pre-night stay in Guatemala City

2. One night (or two) in Antigua

3. Five nights (four service days) at Local Hope's Eco-Guest House at the Xela AID Complex, San Martín Chiquito

4. Two (or three) nights at Lake Atitlán

5. Return to Guatemala City (hotel, or catch a flight out).

Should you wish to travel to Antigua or Lake Atitlán before or after your Service Trip to San Martín Chiquito, we are happy to book reliable private transportation for you. Later in this form, you will find Transportation Packages. Should you decide to add one or more locations, here are several hotels to consider booking:

Antigua - HOTEL AURORA •  LA POSADA DE DON RODRIGO ANTIGUA

Lake Attitlán - LA CASA DEL MUNDO •  LA POSADA DE DON RODRIGO PANAJACHÉL

OK. Let's build your Custom Service Trip!

GUEST PLEDGE AGREEMENT

 
A - Etiquette at Local Hope's Xela Aid Campus

OUTLOOK - To set a good example while in the village of San Martín Chiquito, I will bring my best to each day, including my enthusiasm, patience, a listening ear and an open heart.

RESPECT - I will recognize as my equal and show respect for each member of the Xela AID staff and village residents, and will strive to do so with those in my group to help ensure an outstanding service experience.

SEEK HELP - Should I take ill, become injured, overly anxious, frustrated or experience any other issue that interferes with my experience, I will seek the help of a Xela AID staff member to quickly resolve the issue.

SAFETY - I will follow safety guidelines shared with me by my Xela AID staff contact in Guatemala.

SUBSTANCE USE - To minimize risks and to avoid modeling behaviors that could be deleterious to the health and well-being of those we serve, no smoking, vaping, or use of recreational drugs is allowed on the premises of the Xela AID Campus. Additionally, in all cases and despite local jurisdictions or the law in a participant's state or country of origin, the drinking age at Xela AID Campus is 21 years of age. It will further be expected that all participants refrain from over-drinking that could result in injury to themselves or others.

B - Health - Keeping Yourself and Our Community Safe

HEALTH - If I have cold or flu symptoms during my experience, including a runny nose, fever, headache, cough, or other symptoms, to protect the staff and village community, I agree to mask, wash my hands frequently, and take related precautions and understand I may be asked by staff to do so. If asked, I will comply.

INSURANCE - Your package does not include health or trip cancellation insurance, which some guests choose to purchase. Please consider your overall health, and the likelihood of circumstances arising that could cause you to have to cancel your trip. (See our Refund Policy to further inform your decision on this option.)

C – Restricted Activities to Honor Our Diverse Constituency and Avoid Misunderstandings About Our Mission

• We have learned that charity has unintended consequences. As our guest, we encourage you to reward the excellent experience you’ve had through our tipping system. You agree, however, that you will not give cash gifts directly to staff, participants in our programs or their families on or off-campus. If you are inspired to help, you’ll do so most effectively by supporting one of our established empowerment programs. See our Director or Deputy Director to select a program close to your heart!

• Politics is divisive the world over. As our guest you understand that political activities are not appropriate on our premises, and as a requirement of your stay, you agree that you will not conduct or participate in them.

• We honor diverse world views, and as such, we welcome religious as well as secular groups to our Xela Aid Campus to gather and to serve. Out of respect for all our diverse community and to avoid the appearance of our organization advocating a specific religion or belief system, proselytizing, requiring participation is not allowed on our premises nor as part of activities we arrange for you within the communities we serve. Simple prayers of any faith are welcomed.

Book Your Rooms Now! (Note: 3 Guests Maximum per Room please)

This link will take you to a page on our website where you can choose and book specific rooms. All of our rooms include one comfortable queen-size bed, and one single bed. Please make a note of the rooms you've booked since you'll need to match guests and rooms in the next section. The link should open in a new window. After booking rooms, make sure to come back to finish and submit registration!

LINK TO BOOK ROOM(S): https://xelaaid.org/eco-guest-house

In ADDITION to booking your rooms above, please enter below your selected room, and information about additional guests, if any.

Refund Policy

Local Hope is a not-for-profit 501 (c) (3) organization. Your $525 registration contribution funds the tireless efforts of our staff and further fuels our empowerment programs and is non-refundable if your plans should change. If you believe your plans could change for any reason, we strongly advise that you purchase trip cancellation insurance.

The balance of fees paid here are refundable as follows: 100% 61 days prior to the calendar date of your arrival; 50% 31 days prior to your arrival. We regret that we cannot refund monies beginning 30 days from arrival. Exceptions: In the case of a natural disaster or travel ban imposed by the U.S. or Guatemalan government, and/or flight cancellations due to such restrictions, your trip can be rescheduled and we will offer you full credit toward your future Service Trip within two years. Thank you for your support and understanding.

AIRBNB - Our Eco-Guest House follows the terms set forth as part of its agreement with Airbnb. Please review that agreement. You will manage your Eco-Guest House reservations (including canceling) directly via your Airbnb account. A link is provided here in that will take you directly to our rooms!

TAX DEDUCTIBILITY - Please note that as a Volunteer for our non-profit organization, 100% of your contribution and expenses may be tax deductible. Please consult your tax professional. A tax receipt for the full amount contributed to Local Hope via this form and at check-out from the Eco-Guest House will be provided. We suggest you keep a copy of meal receipts, airfare, and additional hotel stays which may also be fully tax deductible.

Vaccinations and Any Medical Condition(s) You May Have - The Center for Disease Control offers guidelines for vaccinations based on international destination. Please consult the CDC here: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/

Our organization does not provide medical advice. Please consult your physician about recommended vaccinations and additional protections based on destination.

(1) PARTICIPATION - I acknowledge that my participation in this Service Trip is strictly voluntary, and further recognize the inherent risks associated with international travel. Accordingly, I agree to assume any and all risks relating to my participation. I understand and acknowledge that my participation is in the capacity of a Volunteer and that nothing contained herein or in any additional document executed in connection herewith shall be construed to create an employer-employee partnership or joint venture relationship with Local Hope or any related Third Party, either now or at any time in the future.

(2) APPROPRIATE BEHAVIOR - I will not during my visit to Local Hope's Xela AID Complex: (a) Become involved in any political movement; (b) Proselytize; (c) Give nor promise funding to any individual or organization within Local Hope's service area with whom I have no connection prior and distinct from this Service Trip; (d) Undertake these activities involving any member of Local Hope’s staff or a program participant should I return in the future; or (e) Harass or demean or make unwanted sexual advances on any staff or community member or anyone I come in contact with for the duration of my stay at the Xela AID Complex or in transit.

(3) APPROPRIATE BOUNDARIES - Should I be asked for money or passage to the United States, I will report this immediately to Local Hope's Director in Guatemala. Should I wish to help an individual or group I have met while on this Service Trip, I will work through the well-established and carefully managed program structure of the Local Hope organization (ask local Director or CEO for details).

(4) HOLD HARMLESS - I agree to hold harmless and indemnify Local Hope, Xela AID, and, if any, Third Party providers, directors, agents, employees and staff from and against any and all costs, liability, demands, claims, damage and expenses of any nature or any kind incurred in connection with my participation as a volunteer at Local Hope's Xela AID Complex or in transit. I understand that this Release of Liability is in consideration for allowing me to travel and volunteer in Guatemala in connection with Local Hope/Xela AID and but for said Release, I would not be allowed to participate.