OUTREACH TEAMS
Outreach teams have been visiting Open Arms Village for over 13 years and continually evolve to meet the needs of the families in the community we serve. Through medical clinics and ministry projects, 9–11 outreach teams every year work with local Kenyans to provide hope within the community.
All About the Outreach Experience
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Financial CommitmentThe cost of an outreach trip will vary slightly based on the number of days spent at Open Arms Village. The cost begins at $1,350 and increases by $100 per night at the Village. Payments can be made in installments, with a non-refundable application fee of $250 required 120 days before departure. Full payment is required 60 days before departing from the United States or another home country. Please note, this cost does not include flights, passports, visas, vaccinations, etc. The following services are INCLUDED in the cost of the outreach trip: All transportation in Kenya related to the outreach trip All meals during your stay at the Village One meal at a local restaurant Safe drinking water while at the Village Travel planning support by the OAI Travel Guru and Team Host(s) Travel and cultural training by the OAI Team Host(s) Use of the OAI online fundraising platform 24-hour support from Kenya staff and Team Host(s) 5-star hospitality and accommodations with running water 24/7 security while at the Village The cost of the outreach trip does NOT INCLUDE the following services: International flights (typically about $900-$1,400) Passports (about $165) Visas (about $53) Insurance (about $100) Vaccinations (varies) Luggage fees (typically included in airfare) Spending money (we suggest taking about $300) Side trips (varies)
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The Role of a Team HostEach outreach team will have a team host, a staff member from Open Arms who walks through the whole pre-trip preparation process with the team and then travels to the Village with them. The role of a team host is to be there to make sure everything goes as smoothly as possible, even when the inevitable travel mishaps occur (i.e. rainy afternoons, missing luggage, delayed flights, etc.). But more importantly, the team host is there to be a resource that will give you the space you need to really enjoy, learn, and grow throughout the experience. So if there is something your team host can do to support you before, during, or after the trip, please let them know! For example, if you’re not feeling well, having trouble sleeping, not getting along with someone, not satisfied with something, etc. please share your concerns with your team host. If there are small adjustments that can be made to create more space for you to enjoy the experience your team host will see what they can do!
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Pre-Trip PreparationsAbout 4 months before your anticipated departure, your team host will begin walking you through your trip preparations. This will include: Help writing a fundraising letter Creating an individualized online fundraising platform Searching for and booking flights (independently or through our trusted travel partners) Step-by-step instructions for applying for a Kenya eVisa Help packing Advise for purchasing travel insurance Help finding a travel clinic in your area to get medical advise about vaccinations You will be expected to attend 3 team meetings prior to departure. These team meetings will teach you about the Village, about Kenya, and about what to expect from your trip to Open Arms Village. Most importantly, we urge our team members to sit in the Word as they prepare their hearts for an outreach trip.
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Requirements for Travel InsuranceInternational travel is a bit more nerve wrecking in today’s Covid-effected world. To give you some peace of mind in your travels, we’ve identified a recommended international travel insurance policy for your trip to the Village in Kenya. The following insurance policy, or a comparable policy, is required for your visit to the Village. IMG Patriot Platinum International Plan Summary: Provides first-class protection for the discerning international traveler who wants to obtain the maximum coverage available in a short-term travel medical insurance product. Additionally, the plans offer enhanced benefits and services to meet your global travel needs. You can choose from an extensive range of deductibles and maximum limits, you have exclusive access to our Global Concierge and Assistance ServicesSM, and you have access to more than 17,000 providers through our International Provider AccessSM (IPA) when seeking treatment outside the U.S. ·Type of Insurance: Travel Medical Insurance ·Maximum Limits: $2,000,000, $5,000,000, $8,000,000 ·Individual Deductible Options: $0, $100, $250, $500, $1,000, $2,500, $5,000, $10,000, $25,000 ·Period of Coverage: 5 days to 12 months - renewable up to 36 months ·Coinsurance for treatment received outside the U.S.: Plan pays 100% To learn more and purchase IMG’s Patriot Platinum International plan, visit imglobal.com or view the brochure here.
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Team Members with Medical NeedsMany teams include medical professionals (doctors, nurses, etc.) who can treat minor ailments, which is why OAI must have your signed Medical Treatment Consent & Release and Assumption of Risk forms. It is also imperative that you inform OAI of all conditions and/or allergies that may affect your trip so we can better anticipate your health needs.
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ImmunizationsEvery country has specific vaccinations requirements. Please consult your health care professional and/or a Travel Clinic for recommendations regarding what immunizations and medications you should receive for your trip to Kenya. Country-specific immunization requirements can also be found on the CDC and the US Department of State websites.
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Required Skills/Experience of Team MembersNo specific skills or experience are required for most teams, as anyone can serve as an assistant in medical clinics, children’s programs, and/or ministry. Areas where we do have need for specific skill sets and experience are: Medical Clinics: We need doctors, nurses, dentists, dental hygienists, paramedics, pharmacists, medical technicians, etc. Children's Programs: We need team members who have experience teaching and working with children. Pastors' Conferences: We need pastors, Bible teachers and those who can teach Christian ministry leadership. Ministry Events: We need those gifted in ministry; those who can share their faith through drama, music, speaking and one-on-one counseling. Construction: We need experienced contractors and construction workers who can supervise, build new projects and oversee the renovation of other projects. We also need individuals experienced in water engineering to assist us in setting up filtration systems, digging wells and building water tanks.
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Team Member ApplicationComplete the outreach teams contact form. OAI staff will contact you to help determine the best outreach team to fit your schedule and skillset. Then, you can submit an application and application fee ($250) online. From there, we help you every step of the way - don't hesitate to ask questions!
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AccomodationsYou will stay in guest houses at the Open Arms Village. Our guest houses are extremely comfortable with many Western amenities including running filtered water, flush toilets, comfortable beds, hot showers, and washing machines.
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Meals at the VillageThe Village provides 3 meals per day. Most are cooked by the staff and served family style in the dining room. Some (usually on Sunday mornings) are self-catered, meaning the Village provides the ingredients and you can cook independently in the guest lodge kitchen.
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Is there a minimum age for team members?An applicant must be at least 18 years of age to go on an OAI trip without a parent or guardian. Individuals under the age of 18 may be eligible to go on a trip if OAI gives its approval AND if a parent or guardian accompanies the individual on the trip. We address all underage applicants on a case-by-case basis. OAI believes that it is important for teenagers to experience life in other countries, so please don’t hesitate to ask. There is no maximum age limit for prospective team members. If an individual is in good physical and mental health, age is not a concern.
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Can I extend my stay longer than a typical team?First time visitors are invited to stay for a maximum of two weeks, with a team. If you have been to the Village before and would like to stay longer, please contact the office for an extended stay application. You will be asked to share how you plan to spend your extra time.
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What if I have a special dietary need?The Village can accommodate most special dietary needs. Please let us know about your needs in your team application, as we'll want to give the staff at the Village ample time to prepare accordingly.
COVID-19 and Outreach Teams
At Open Arms Village, our number one priority is the health and well-being of our children, staff, and visitors. Out of caution, in the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, we suspended all outreach teams from visiting the Village.
We took time to implement important safety protocols. And now, as the world's borders open to travelers, so has Open Arms Village!
We are very excited and eager to be welcoming teams back to the Village!
For additional information, get in touch!
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