What is the ratio of campers to staff going to Haiti?
We are planning for a minimum staff of 10, keeping us at a 4:1 camper-to-staff ratio, which we have at Laity Lodge Youth Camp every summer.
How will communications be established once in Haiti in case of emergency (either here or there)?
Kevin Mayne will have an AT&T phone for the entire trip. We will post that phone number prior to the trip. If there is an emergency in the U.S., families should contact Diane Henry at 830-792-1220, and she will be able to get in touch with the team in Haiti. If we have any emergencies in Haiti involving your child, you will be contacted immediately. If you want your child’s phone to be activated internationally, just contact AT&T (No other carriers work in Haiti). We will allow campers to bring their personal cell phones.
How do you know the local contacts you have, and how do we know that they can be trusted?
Over 10 years ago, LLYC began a relationship with Haitian families when they started sending their kids to LLYC. Specifically, the last several years, Kevin has developed personal relationships with Gersan Valcin and his family (a pastor in Haiti who has planted over 10 churches), Denny Day and his family (a U.S. citizen, serving as a missionary in Haiti), and Louis Henri Mars and his family (a businessman in Haiti with many government contacts). Kevin has spent extensive time with each of these families, and for years we have dreamed about an LLYC Outbound mission trip to Haiti. Through these threads of conversation, Jacob’s Well emerged as the perfect fit for our mission because it is a camping ministry like us! They are friends of LLYC’s and Kevin’s, and we trust them in the same way they have trusted us with sending their kids to LLYC for years. For more information on the Valcin family, go to http://www.ecchaitirecovery.org/, and to learn more about Jacob’s Well, visit http://www.jacobswellcamp.org/. For U.S. Departnemt of State travel warnings, click here and then click Haiti.
Does the U.S. Consulate still stand and operate in the current situation?
Yes, visit http://haiti.usembassy.gov/ for more information.
Will the campers and staff be registered?
We will register our group with the U.S. Department of State under the Smart Traveller Enrollment Program (STEP).
What medical information is required before departure?
It will be important for each camper to visit his or her physician at least 4-6 weeks prior to the trip to allow time for your vaccines to take effect. We have consulted with a physician in Kerrville who specializes in travel medicine. She said, “We just need to be sure that everybody is up on their childhood immunizations. You will all need to get medication for malaria prophylaxis and to prevent traveler’s diarrhea. Since this is a mission trip, ask your physician about menactra to prevent bacterial meningitis. This is the same shot many young people get before they go off to college to live in a dorm for the first time.” Regarding cholera, there is no current vaccine offered in the US.
For further information visit http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/haiti.aspx
What medical facilities are available for emergencies?
There is a full service, working hospital in Cap Haitian, only 20 minutes from Jacob’s Well. Just as important, we will have Dr. Jeannine Griffin and Dr. Paul Bunnell with us during this trip.
Will there be safe and clean water available in Haiti?
The cooks at Jacob’s Well are aware of the needs of Americans regarding food and water, and they have hosted many of American groups without any problems. Additionally, we will have plenty of safe bottled water on site while we are there.
What will my kid’s responsibilities be while he or she is there?
Our primary mission is to run a camp for local kids and refugees of Port Au Prince. First and foremost, that will include loving kids! However, we will be working with a staff from Haiti. Since we have a large group, we will have the opportunity to work on some additional projects at Jacob’s Well, including some construction of a new covered area for dining or the building of a new school house and church.
How much luggage can each camper bring?
Each camper and staff member is limited to one checked bag, under 50 lbs. (large, durable duffel bags are ideal) and one small carry-on (backpack or tote, NO small suitcases). This will be important when travelling within Haiti; we need to be as mobile as possible. Plus, in addition to our personal things, we will be bringing a lot of supplies for camp.
How will the fundraising work?
In early December, you will be receiving your fundraising packet in the mail. Your packet will have enough materials for you to send to 30 potential supporters. We have written a letter for you to personalize and sign. We recommend sending a picture of yourself with the letter, which is something you could be working on now. This fundraising campaign will be a team effort, so any support your friends and family want to give will go toward our goal and will be sent directly to LLYC. Keep in mind that each of us needs to have a goal of raising a minimum of $1000 to cover the cost of our projects at Jacob’s Well as well as food and supplies for running the camp. Beyond that, we dream of raising enough money to either contribute a cabin at Jacob’s Well or the fencing around the perimeter. More details about fundraising will follow.
