Preparing for Your Jamaica Mission Trip
When you sign up for a mission trip with Mustard Seed Communities, you’ll receive personalized support throughout your preparation. This includes a dedicated fundraising page, step-by-step guidance, and access to helpful resources such as the mission handbook, disability awareness guide, and packing list to help you feel prepared and informed.
If you have questions at any point, our team is here to help. Contact us at missiontrips@mustardseed.com or 508-544-4681 for support as you prepare for your trip.
Preparing for Your Mission Trip
1: (Leaders) Sign up for your team
Provide the link to find teams and start (four to six months before your trip).
2: Check your passport.
Confirm that your passport is current and begin the renewal process right away if needed.
3: Start fundraising!
Watch How to Connect to Your Participant Center and How to Start a Facebook Fundraiser
4: Learn more about MSC & Jamaica
Explore these resources to deepen your understanding of MSC and Jamaica.
6: Keep fundraising!
Learn more about the Good Moves fundraising app and how to share your trip via text.
7: Your trip is almost here!
Watch the orientation video and review guidelines for community living.
8: Get ready to travel.
Pack and get ready to travel (complete your required 🇯🇲 Jamaica immigration form.
Important Resources
Learn More About Jamaica & Our Homes There
Quick Facts About Jamaica: Download this guide to learn essential information about Jamaica before your trip.
About Interacting With MSC Residents and Communities
Disability Awareness Guide: Reading this guide is an essential step in providing respectful, person-centered support to people with disabilities.
Cultural Respect & Engagement Guide—🇯🇲 Jamaica: This guide helps ensure our work is rooted in respect for local culture, community, and lived experience.
Explore a Day in the Life of a Mission Volunteer: Discover what serving as a mission volunteer looks like, from daily activities to community living.
Your Trip is Almost Here!
Mission Volunteer Handbook: Please review the Mission Volunteer Handbook in advance so you’re fully prepared for your time at Mustard Seed Communities.
Watch the Mission Trip Orientation Video: Watch this video for an overview of the mission trip and what to expect.
Living in Community, Volunteer Guidelines: These guidelines provide essential guidance for volunteers living and working in shared community settings.
Getting Ready to Travel
Jamaica Immigration Form: Read important instructions to ensure your Jamaica immigration documents are completed correctly.
Packing List: Download the packing list to get ready for your journey.
A Day in the Life of a Mustard Seed Mission Volunteer
5:30 a.m. Rise & Shine, Breakfast & Assist Residents You’ll glimpse daily life at the homes, help caregivers with morning routines, and prepare breakfast with your group (food provided by MSC). After cleanup, it’s time to begin the “work” day! | 4:30 p.m. Spend Time with Residents As the week goes on, you’ll grow closer as a team and connect deeply with the children. Staying on-site allows for meaningful time with our residents. The experience may be challenging at first, but with an open mind and heart, it will be deeply rewarding. |
8:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. Work Projects Mission groups will also take on hands-on projects like landscaping, painting, or light construction to improve our homes. Projects vary by location and year, so flexibility is key. If your team has special skills or interests, let us know when planning. | 6-7 p.m. Dinner & Clean Up During dinner, enjoy another delicious meal of authentic Jamaican cuisine prepared by our staff. We proudly offer a variety of local dishes and can accommodate food allergies or dietary restrictions upon request. Afterward, your group will help clean up the dining area before relaxing for the evening. |
12:30 p.m. Break for Lunch During your midday break, enjoy a delicious meal of authentic Jamaican cuisine prepared by our staff. We proudly offer a variety of local dishes and can accommodate food allergies or dietary restrictions upon request. | 7:30 p.m. Group & Reflection Time Each evening, we encourage time for group and personal reflection. Sharing your experiences helps you learn from one another and from the children of MSC. |
1–4 p.m. Resume Work Projects After lunch, your group will return to your assigned work projects—continuing hands-on efforts like painting, construction, or landscaping that help improve our homes and communities. | Note: You’ll also have a “day out” with your group to enjoy the country and culture that you are visiting! Additionally, there’ll be opportunities for daily prayer and Mass throughout the week. |