How do I sign up for a Full Count Mission Trip?

We require online registration on our website: Mission Trip Registration. Once you have completed the online registration, we will contact you about passport information and payment details. Signing up online confirms you are ready for us to book your airfare. You do not have to have your passport to sign up, you can sign up and then apply for your passport.

How does COVID-19 affect our trips?

We keep a close watch on all travel restrictions and guidelines for Central America. Currently, EITHER a vaccination card (2 doses) OR a negative PCR COVID-19 test is required for entrance into Nicaragua. Currently, there are no restrictions to return to the US. If flying from the Nashville area and not vaccinated, we coordinate testing with a local lab to have our team members tested. If flying from somewhere other than the Nashville area, we are happy to work with you to find a testing site. Testing costs are your responsibility and not covered in the trip cost. Currently a mask is required in the Nicaraguan airport. We will keep all team members up to date on travel restrictions and guidelines as they change.

What is the cost of a Full Count Mission Trip?

Currently the trip cost is $1050 + airfare cost. Full Count will coordinate and purchase all airfare to ensure all team members arrive in the same time frame. The trip cost includes transportation in country, lodging in country, three full meals a day in country, trip packet, travel insurance, and any group activities in country as well. This does not include: passport application and processing fees (if applying or renewing your passport), pre-travel US Covid tests, meals at airports on travel days, snacks in country, or souvenirs. Registering for your trip early usually means lower airfare, which means a lower trip cost for you. We encourage you to sign up (form linked above) as soon as you know you are going so we can get the best airfare price for you. Airfare costs to Nicaragua range from $900-1300 typically, sign up early to get a lower price!

What if I want to stay multiple weeks in the summer?

Because our summer trips run consecutive weeks, we allow you to stay an additional week for only $500. The weeks must be consecutive, back to back trips. This fee covers 3 meals a day, lodging, transportation, etc. for your second week.

Is financial assistance available?

We know that not all families can pay the full trip fee, we do not ever want that to be the reason a student does not go on mission. First, we encourage fundraising for your trip. You can have friends and family make tax deductible donations toward your trip anytime on our website. Second, we are willing to work with families to figure out a way for your son to go. Reach out to Jacob Oldham to talk about scholarship options.

How do I apply for a passport?

Passports are issued by the US Government: US Passport Application. There are 3 categories for passport applications: Minors Under 16, Minors 16-17, and Adults 18 and over. Passports cannot expire within 3 months of your trip date, this is a Homeland Security Rule, they will not let you out of the country if your passport expires within 3 months of your trip date. Please check your passport!

If my child is a minor, do I need any special travel documentation?

We do not require minors to travel with any type of letter of consent from parents. The US government issued passport is sufficient for travel into Central America.

Are any shots required to travel to Central America?

No, none are required. 

What language will they speak, how will we communicate?

In Nicaragua and Honduras Spanish is spoken. We will have translators with us anytime we are in the community. Our translators are also Full Count’s missionary staff in Nicaragua!

What will we eat and drink?

We have local staff that caters 3 delicious meals a day. They cook Americanized Nicaraguan meals. We promise you won’t go hungry! There is a store where you can get American snacks. We DO NOT drink the local water, we have purified water for drinking (and brushing teeth). You can drink any canned or bottled drink you buy in the stores as well. 

How much money should I bring?

You will need $10 cash to enter customs in Nicaragua, we recommend having exact change. You do not need cash for a customs fee in Honduras, it is already paid in your airfare. Once you land in country, until you board the plane back to America, meals, travel, accommodations, etc are included.  You will use personal spending money to buy meals at the airport on both travel days, snacks while we are in country, and to buy souvenirs if you would like. It is up to you how much you bring, but $100-150 is a good starting point. If you are planning on buying lots of souvenirs (or snacks), plan accordingly. Tipping of our ministry staff is encouraged, but not required, the amount is up to you.

Will we be able to communicate back home?

Yes! There is limited wi-fi at the mission house (or hotel), so you can iMessage, Facetime, email, etc. We will update Full Count’s social media pages throughout the week, so be sure you follow us! You can check with your cellular provider about international rates if you are interested in using your phone while in Nicaragua. Parents, we HIGHLY recommend not turning on international service for your son. We have found that guys who have international service do not engage with the group as much as guys who do not. If there is an emergency, all Full Count Staff have international service.