Welcome past, present, and potential volunteers! Here you will find everything you need to know about volunteering with The GOD'S CHILD Project. Volunteers are a vital part of our organization; we look forward to seeing you soon.
Friday Vegetable Distribution
Dental Field Clinic
The Dreamer Center
"I spent just 4 days helping in Casa Jackson; now, four months later, there isn’t a hour that goes by where I don’t think of the children there. I can honestly say that my time there wasn’t long enough, but that short time changed my life."
-Audre Rae Krull
Volunteer of the Month
Michelle Geyer: June 2011
Zuzana Jankechova, from Switzerland, has been spearheading ITEMP's operation to open a branch program in the Czech Republic. She arrives each day with an upbeat and professional attitude and has shown independence, innovation and commitment.
"It has been a real pleasure working with her. She was able to take a vague concept and turn it into an actionable program," Charles Moore, Director of Operations, ITEMP.
Zuzana is a wonderful example to volunteers of how hard work and drive can improve the lives of those served by The GOD'S CHILD Project.
The Volunteer Experience
Felicitas Wahl, Germany
"I searched a longer time to find the right project for me. When I came to Casa Jackson, I knew that would be the right one for me!
At Casa Jackson, you get the feeling that you really help with your work. In the beginning, the children look very thin, and in the end very, strong and healthy. When you engage with the children, it is like a sunrise when they smile, laugh or try to say some words! The children remembered me when I came in their rooms and they would smile at me. In these moments, I knew I chose the right project and I did something really great. It is a very nice, caring and helpful project for the children at a time when they are very ill. After my time in Casa Jackson, I can say I would come back. I like the project very much. Thanks for the great experience!"
How To Join Us
To begin the application process, volunteer candidates complete a volunteer application, which asks for some basic biographical and medical information, references, and inquires why you are interested in volunteering with our program in Guatemala.
You will find this volunteer application, and much more information about the programs, volunteering, and what life is like for a volunteer with a GOD'S CHILD Project-sponsored charity in Guatemala in our Volunteer Handbook. Contact us today to get an access code to view and download this invaluable document. If you would like just the Short-Term Volunteer Application, click here.
Please complete the Short-Term Volunteer application and return it to us in The GOD’S CHILD Project United States office along with the $140 registration and international insurance fee. (Insurance coverage is for a two-week period. The rate may be higher for longer stays). Our mailing address is:
The GOD'S CHILD Project
Post Office Box 1573
Bismarck, ND 58502-1573
(701) 255-7956
Also, we always like to know how our new volunteers have heard of us, so please take a minute to indicate that on your application.
When we have received your completed application and you have been accepted, we will coordinate with you and with the volunteer team in Guatemala, via fax or e-mail, your arrival time, living preferences, anticipated arrival and departure dates, and your volunteer opportunity preferences.
While volunteering with us in Guatemala, most volunteers prefer to stay with local middle-class host families. These families usually speak a little English and run their homes as bed-and-breakfast (and lunch and dinner) type community houses. Living with a host family greatly enhances the cultural experience you will enjoy as a volunteer. In addition, our host families are able to help you in a wide variety of ways. We can help you arrange lodging with a host family; the cost is US $70 per week, which includes a bed and 18 meals a week (Sundays not included), which you pay directly to the host family.
When it is time to begin your volunteership, you will travel to Guatemala at your own expense. If you wish, our Volunteer Team will arrange for you to be met at the Guatemala City International Airport and transported to our main Project site in La Antigua, Guatemala (a distance of about 45 KMs). The Guatemala City-to-Antigua fee is $35 per person, paid in advance to the Bismarck office.
The Guatemalan charities that are sponsored by The GOD’S CHILD Project have numerous volunteer skilled and semi-skilled opportunities working in education (teacher, teacher’s aide, or in the library), nutrition (cooking and meal service), construction (doing maintenance and construction on the grounds of our community development center, or, depending on the time of the year, out in the poorer neighborhoods), health care (physician, dentist, nurse, aide, reception), and community development.
In general, full time, long-term volunteers must be:
--Age 21 or older, single, or married, without dependents
--Preferably able to speak Spanish or take classes at their own expense
--Motivated by a desire to serve others and be self-sufficient
--Be mature, flexible, in good health and with a good sense of humor
Don’t hesitate to let us know if you have any further questions, as we’re happy to help as much as possible. We look forward to working with you, and to having you with us soon.