Mission teams to Sierra Leone - why we travel

Each year, Helping Children Worldwide sends mission teams from the US to support the hardworking and dedicated staff of the Child Reintegration Centre and Mercy Hospital.  A mission trip is a wonderful opportunity to serve alongside the people who work day and day out to help vulnerable children and families, and is likely to be an experience that will change your life and your vision. Before you apply, take a look at these reasons to evaluate why you want to go.

The deadline to sign up for a mission trip is generally five to six months before departure. This lead time allows time for you to attend United Methodist Volunteers in Mission (UMVIM) team training, raise funds for your trip, and complete necessary preparations.

Helping Children Worldwide (HCW) must receive your completed application by the deadline date posted next to each team listed below. Team members must be 18 years or older at time of travel, and must have a valid passport. Each team member must raise a minimum of $3200* in order for HCW to send you on a team. All donations to HCW are tax deductible. Fundraising deadlines will be determined at the first team training session. If deadlines are not met, you may transfer your application to another trip. 

If you would like information about joining a mission team, please email mission@helpingchildrenworldwide.org.  If you would like to apply for a team, please click on the application link below team dates. ​

*$3200 is the amount for travelers originating from Dulles Airport in Virginia.  If you are traveling from outside the DC area, you need to factor in the cost of travel to Dulles where the team will meet for departure for Sierra Leone.

2019-2020 Mission Team Dates

Tentative Travel Dates

July 18 - August 1, 2020
​October 17 - October 31, 2020
​December 26, 2020 - January 3, 2021

Interest Meeting

​Sunday, January 26, 2020 @ 2PM
Sunday, April 26, 2020 @ 2PM
​Sunday, June 28, 2020 @ 2PM

Application Deadline

​January 31, 2020
April 30, 2020
June 20, 2020

CLICK HERE TO APPLY FOR A MISSION TEAM

If you are donating to a trip:

1. Click on the team they are participating in above
2. Scroll until you find their name, then click on their name.
3. Enter the amount you would like to donate and click NEXT
4. Fill in your contact information and click NEXT
5. Click NEXT and fill in your payment information
6. You will receive a tax receipt in your email shortly after payment

If you are donating to a trip, but do not see the person's name listed:

1. Click the team they are participating in above
2. Select DONATE
3. Enter the amount you would like to donate at click NEXT
4. Fill in your contact information and click NEXT
5. Under "dedication", select IN HONOR OF and enter the person's name
6. Click NEXT and fill in your payment information
7. You will receive a tax receipt in your email shortly after payment