Why do we go on this mission trip? 

We go to share the good news of salvation through Jesus and the love of God as we use our God-given skills by providing medical and dental care to residents of Manchester parish and doing construction projects. 

How long is the trip? 

There are two options: either 8 days (from Saturday to Saturday) or 13 days (from Saturday to Thursday). 

What kind of skills do I need to have? 

We need all kinds of health professionals, both medical (physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, nurses, pharmacists) and dental (dentists, dental hygienists, dental assistants), as well as general helpers and construction types. If you love Jesus and want to serve Him in Jamaica, we can use you. Flexibility is an asset!

Is there an age limit for participants?

Anyone 15 years of age or older may apply. Teenagers add greatly to the team and are encouraged to come. Those under the age of 18 MUST be accompanied by a parent or a responsible adult of the same gender.

Where in Jamaica do we go? 

We fly into Montego Bay on the north coast, then travel to the parish of Manchester in the south-central portion of the island. Mandeville is the largest city in Manchester. Medical and dental teams go the rural areas of the parish each day, where health care is less accessible. Clinics are held in government clinic buildings, churches, and community centers. 

What language is spoken in Jamaica? 

The official language of Jamaica is English, and is used in government, media, education, and business. However, Jamaican Patois is the most widely-spoken language in the country, and derives the bulk of its vocabulary from English.

How many people are on the team? 

We usually have somewhere between 50 and 60 people on the team. Participants are then divided up into smaller teams of 7 – 14 people. Medical, dental, and construction teams, are assigned to go to different locations in the parish each day (although the construction team may only go to one or two locations). A medical team usually consists of one or two medical providers, nurses, a pharmacist, and general helpers. A dental team usually has one or two dentists, a dental hygienist, dental assistants, and general helpers. 

What does the project fee include? 

The project fee includes transportation, food, housing, and licensing while on the project. In addition, each participant is responsible for his or her own airfare from their home to Montego Bay. The 12-day trip includes some sightseeing on the weekend that costs an additional $10 for YS Falls and about $20 for dinner out on Saturday night. 

Where do we stay while we are there? 

We stay at Kendal Camp and Conference Center, which is a Bible camp owned by the Missionary Churches of Jamaica. It is located at Shooter’s Hill and sits high above Mandeville, the largest city in the parish. The altitude is about 2,200 feet. It is usually in the 80s during the day but drops into the 60s at night. 

What are the accommodations like? 

Rooms accommodate 2 – 4 people,and each room has an attached bathroom with running water and flush toilets. Because this is a camp and not a hotel, rooms are cleaned every other day and towels and linens are provided once a week. It is NOT advisable to drink the water from the tap in the rooms; safe water is provided in the dining hall and participants should bring a water bottle for personal use. 

Are our meals provided? 

The camp provides three meals a day for us while we are there. A hot breakfast is served daily, as well as a full dinner in the evening. Peanut butter, jelly, bread, and some kind of fruit, are sent out with the teams for lunch. Safe drinking water is always available in the dining hall and is also sent out with the teams during the day. 

What kind of transportation do we use? 

We are transported in comfortable “coasters,” 26-seat buses driven by experienced Jamaican drivers. 

What is a typical day like? 

The day starts with an optional prayer meeting at 6:30 a.m.; breakfast at 7:00 a.m.; and devotions and announcements at 7:30 a.m. We usually load the buses at 8:00 a.m. and travel anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour to the locations for the day. Clinics try to finish up by 4:00 p.m. and teams try to be back at camp by 5:00. Supper is at 6:00 p.m., with a sharing time afterward. Evenings are usually free for fellowship and games. 

How physically taxing is the day? 

Participants should be able to work 8 hours in a day. You should be able to walk without difficulty, especially on uneven ground. Any serious medical conditions should be well-controlled. There is a possibility of prolonged standing while seeing patients and it can get quite stuffy and hot in the clinics. On the construction sites, it will be hotter the closer the work is to sea level. If you are on blood pressure or heart medication, it would be wise to consult your physician if this might be a problem for you. 

What kind of clothing should I bring? 

Temperatures usually are in the 80s during the day and the 60s at night. Lightweight shirts and long pants (or scrubs) are worn at clinics. Closed-toe shoes are advisable because the terrain is sometimes uneven. You will need a sweatshirt or light jacket in the evenings. Shorts can be worn at camp. 

Is insurance provided? 

H2Jamaica provides emergency medical evacuation insurance for the time you are in Jamaica.ParticIs there an age limit for participants?