Jamaica Trip Details

When
The trip dates are June 23-30, 2008. We’ll fly out from either Kansas City or St. Louis EARLY the morning of June 23. That means we will stay in a hotel the night of the 22nd. We should return the evening of June 30.

Cost
The starting cost of the trip will be $1300 per person. HOWEVER, The Crossing is hoping to cut this cost down to around $650 per student. We can’t guarantee this until the budget is finalized in late December. This cost includes: airfare to and from Jamaica, transportation on the island, all meals Monday-Sunday, housing, medications and supplies used at the work sites, various operational costs, wages for our Jamaican employees and miscellaneous expenses.

Housing
Our base is located in Harmons, Jamaica at the Won by One facility, affectionately known as The Harmony House. The house includes sleeping rooms, a kitchen, a meeting room, and fully functional bathrooms…yes there is running water! Adjoining the house is also a large tool room and our ‘store’ from which we distribute food, clothing, and medical supplies.

Meals

Regarding meals, you will undoubtedly eat well while in Harmons. Four Jamaicans work with Won by One as our cooks. Though we provide our own breakfast food, such as cereal, pop-tarts, etc, the Jamaicans will be preparing lunch and dinner for us. Lunch usually consists of sandwiches and fruit, eaten at the work sites. Dinner will be eaten every night at the Harmony House.

Safety

Another concern when traveling outside the US is ‘will I be safe?’ The answer regarding our Jamaican destination is YES. In general, the places to which we are going in Jamaica are safe. More specifically, we have taken precautions for your safety by establishing rules for team members and by keeping the Harmony House always safe and locked at night.

Miscellaneous

Do I need a passport?
Yes. YES. YES! It is now required to have your passport. Get this ASAP.

Do I need immunizations?
You are not required by Won by One to get any immunizations. You may wish, however, to get a Tetanus booster, Hepatitis A immunization or otherwise consult with a travel nurse or your family doctor. (You will always have access to clean food and water).

What other extra expenses can I anticipate?
Collection of items to donate (such as toiletries, clothes, school supplies, medical supplies). Additionally, extra spending money in Jamaica may range from $50-$150. These costs may include 3-5 meals (at the airport, in Mandeville, and in Ocho Rios) as well as souvenirs.

What will we bring?
Each team member will take one carry-on piece of luggage (full of his/her own individual items) and two check-in pieces of luggage weighing 50 pounds each. The check-in luggage will be full of various items that we will be distributing to the Jamaicans. Start thinking about collecting items for this trip now.

How do I pay for this trip?
The following are the balance amount requirements between now and June 2008.
November 23, 2007: $100 per person to reserve your plane ticket. This amount is non-refundable, contingent upon policies established by Tall Travel, DuBois, PA and the airline.
March 23, 2008: $700
June 1, 2008: Remaining balance

Is it tax-deductible?

Make sure checks are made out to The Crossing in order to be tax-deductible. You can mail checks or drop them off at The Crossing.

Polly Drover, 3615 Southland Drive, Columbia, MO, 65201

For more information or to ask questions regarding this trip, contact or call 573-356-4995.

You can also check out the Won by One website.