Strake Jesuit Guatemala Mission Trip
WOW Auxiliary Service Experience • July 2026
July 13-20, 2026
Guatemala City, Chimaltenango, Santiago
2,475 per person
Plus Airfare - Estimated
Ready to Travel?
APPLY HEREAbout this Trip
Your team will work alongside the Orphan Outreach Guatemala staff to provide care and ministry support for children, teens, and families in Guatemala City, Santiago, and Chimaltenango. You’ll lead activities and spend time in the homes of families to provide encouragement and support. You’ll also learn more about Guatemala, known as “the Land of Eternal Spring,” thanks to its mild climate and lush landscapes. You’ll experience vibrant Mayan culture, colorful textiles and markets, and communities where ancient traditions remain an important part of daily life.
This trip is designed for Strake Jesuit students who want to make an impact in the world around them. Your trip will be led by experienced Orphan Outreach staff who know your ministry opportunities, the country and the culture intimately.
What’s Included:
Ground transportation, double occupancy lodging near ministry programs, meals, bottled water, translators, training, tips, and insurance.
Land cost does not include airline baggage fees, souvenirs, optional excursions or activities, or snacks. Air transportation costs vary by origin city, time of year, length of stay, and number of participants. Orphan Outreach can help you arrange your air travel, or you may manage this personally.
Where you'll serve:
Community Outreach Center of Chimaltenango
At the CCC, children find a place designed for them. Little ones explore through Montessori learning, while elementary students get after-school homework help. Older students receive support through high school. Every child enjoys hot meals, tutoring, counseling, Bible study and mentoring.
Community Outreach Center of Santiago
In Santiago, young people are finding their future at the CCS. Secondary students gain Gospel-centered education, technology skills that open new doors, and support that keeps them in school. Elementary students receive tutoring and nutritious meals.
Santa Catarina Pinula Montessori
In Santa Catarina Pinula, children ages 3-6 experience hands-on Montessori learning that sparks curiosity. Each day offers hot meals, caring guidance, and social skills training. Their parents also receive guidance to support their children.
CadaNiño
At CadaNiño, children from vulnerable Guatemala City neighborhoods discover what they’re capable of. In this safe space, students dive into STEM training, get tutoring from mentors, enjoy snacks, explore their faith, and learn to give back to their communities.
Tebow Down Guatemala
At Tebow Down Guatemala, children with Down Syndrome and developmental differences receive personalized care in Guatemala City and four other communities. Families learn intervention strategies while children access therapeutic support, specialized education, and adaptive programs.
Your Orphan Outreach trip coordinator: Christina George
Your team leader: Austin South. Regional Director for Latin America.
Member of OO team since 2010.
Your team leader: Margo Isbell. Margo Isbell is Development Director for OO. She began her work with Orphan Outreach as a volunteer mission trip leader, and is a founding member of Women for Orphans Worldwide (WOW/Dallas Chapter). Margo's passion to serve orphaned and vulnerable children began 20 years ago when she and her husband adopted their daughter, Olivia, from Guatemala. She joined the OO staff in 2016. Margo also has two sons, Andrew and Matthew.
Your team leader: Melanie Charles. Melanie Charles is a Spanish teacher at Strake Jesuit who has extensive experience in leading mission trips to Latin America. She has been to Guatemala several times, both with Faith in Practice and Orphan Outreach.
Your team leader: Richard Clinton. Counselor/Teacher at Strake Jesuit. Former Peace Corps Volunteer in Guatemala. Former counselor and college professor in Guatemala.
Important Dates & Deadlines
- Application DeadlineJanuary 12, 2026
- Deposit Due ($500)Within 7 days of acceptance.
- Full Payment Due:June 12, 2026
- Trip DatesJuly 13-20, 2026
Trip Requirements
- Must be 18 years or older at time of travel
- Valid passport required (must be valid for 6 months beyond return date)
- Complete background check and child safety training
- Attend pre-trip orientation call (virtual)
- Physical ability to participate in moderate activity and service projects
- Commitment to Orphan Outreach’s code of conduct and child protection policies
- Recommended vaccinations as advised by CDC for travel
Ready to begin your journey?
Apply here!Your Daily Schedule
Day 1
July 13Depart Houston; Arrive Guatemala City; Ministry at Cada Nino
Day 2
July 14Ministry at Tebow Down and Santa Catarina Montessori; Travel to Antigua
Day 3
July 15Ministry at the Outreach Center Chimaltenango (CCC)
Day 4
July 16Travel to Lake Atitlan; Home visits with Community Outreach Center of Santiago (CCS) students
Day 5
July 17Sports day with Paguacal School students; Visit Santiago Apostol Church
Day 6
July 18Ministry at CCS; Sightseeing and shopping; Travel back to Antigua;
Day 7
July 19Zipline and visit Pope John Paul II Museum; Travel to Guatemala City
Day 8
July 20Depart Guatemala City; Arrive Houston