How long is the flight?
That depends on where you’re going! It is typically about 2 days of travel to Malawi and 1.5 days of travel to Sierra Leone.
Where will I stay?
Children of the Nations (COTN), the organization we partner with, provides housing on their property.
While in Malawi, you will be staying in African mud huts – dormitory style – with running water and electricity.
While in Sierra Leone, you will be staying in typical brick/stucco housing with no running water; water for showering and toilets comes from nearby wells.
What is the age limit?
The age limit is determined on a case-by-case basis for all teams.
Why Africa?
It is our hope at Summit to be a part of long-term change in the physical and spiritual climate of this continent. For generations, HIV/AIDS, poverty, the exploitation of children, and a number of other epidemics have ravaged the people of Africa. Our strategy for joining in the work that God is doing in these desperate communities is to ask each individual in our community of faith to Pray, Get Educated, Go, and Get Involved.
Summit is working to form strong partnerships with existing ministries in Africa where we can unite as individuals and organizations to put a stop to the worst humanitarian crisis in the history of the world. God has always been on the side of the poor and needy. As his hands and feet, Summit is honored to play a part in history and join the work he has already started in Africa.
Will I be safe?
While there are inherent risks whenever and wherever you travel, we work closely with COTN to ensure the correct protocols are in place for everyone to be safe and secure. We have had zero personal safety incidences with the more than 200 people that have gone on one of our teams. If you agree to follow the set protocols, everyone should remain safe and secure. Additionally, in each country there will be around-the-clock security where you are staying.
If you (or your mom) still have questions concerning this topic, we would be more than willing to meet with you to discuss them. Please contact us to set up an appointment.
What is a Progress Team?
As our partnership grows with Children of the Nations (COTN) we are interested in how Summit can specifically help COTN with the gifts and skills we have to offer; we will be building the teams around those specific skills. For example, we are hoping to send a team of teachers to Malawi during the summer to help the Malawian teachers. Our goal with a teacher team would be for the teachers at Summit to build relationships with the Malawian teachers and be able to provide them with beneficial and helpful tips toward academic success for their students.
How do I raise support?
Summit’s official way of raising support is to help you cast vision for why you are going to your friends and families, as we do not do fundraisers. The most popular way of doing this is by sending out support letters, and Summit provides resources to aid you in writing these letters.
How do I write a support letter?
Summit provides many resources in helping you create a support letter. (Click here to see examples of support letters and tips on how to write one.) Help will also be provided at team meetings.
What do you do there?
During the week with COTN, you will spend time in a village in Malawi or Sierra Leone building relationships with the people of Malawi, COTN staff, and your team. While in the village you will cook, clean, share stories, and make a lasting impression on the people through your actions. You will also have the opportunity to share with groups of teens, men, women, and widows about health, disease prevention and the spread of AIDS. As part of your trip you will get to see the lives being changed through the on-going work of COTN.
Will there be translators?
There are translators available for verbal communication, however most of the communication will be non-verbal.
What medical preparations do I have to make?
Routine Vaccinations (lists available at meetings)
Hepatitis A Vaccination
Hepatitis B Vaccination
Typhoid Vaccination
For more information on international travel visit cdc.gov
