Christmas Family Project 2017

Project Full
Dates
December 20, 2017 - January 1, 2018
Location
Panama
Participation Fee
$850 for Adults. $700 for Children 12 and under.
What's Included

Overview

****This project is currently FULL. In order to add your name to the waiting list, please fill out the registration form on this page, but do not make a payment. We will place you on the waiting list and will contact the list in the order of registration if or when a spot opens up. Thank you. ****

Maranatha offers at least two family projects each year that provide service opportunities for every member of your family, both young and old. This year, spend Christmas in Panama!

Volunteers will help build a large Education and Evangelism Center for a new primary school near Dolega, Panama. The Education and Evangelism Center is a large building with 10 classrooms, a gymnasium/auditorium, offices, and bathroom. This school will be the only private school in that specific region, and the only one teaching Christian values. It is sure to make a big impact in the community. In addition to laying block on the large school facility, volunteers will also conduct local community outreach such as children’s ministry programs and health education.

Click to Watch Video

Scope

Masonry on School Building

Medical Clinics

Children’s Ministry and Community Outreach

Leaders
Claudio and Elizabeth Japas,
Project Coordinators
Itinerary
Wednesday, December 20
Arrival in Panama City
Thursday, December 21
Travel to Boquete, Panama
Friday, December 22
Orientation and First Work Day
Saturday, December 23
Worship with the Local Congregation
Sunday, December 24
Work Day
Monday, December 25
Christmas Outreach
Tuesday, December 26
Work Days
Saturday, December 30
Worship with the Local Congregation
Sunday, December 31
Travel back to Panama City and Panama Canal Excursion
Monday, January 1
Departure from Panama City
ARRIVALVolunteers will arrive in Panama City, Panama (airport code PTY) in the afternoon or evening of Wednesday, December 20, 2017.Please wait for confirmation from Maranatha before purchasing your airfare to ensure there is still space on the project.
DEPARTUREVolunteers will depart from Panama City, Panama (airport code PTY) in the morning or afternoon of Monday, January 1, 2018
Hotel Fundadores
Travel Information

Volunteers will purchase their own plane tickets to Panama City, Panama. Maranatha representatives will meet volunteers upon arrival in Panama City. Please wait for confirmation before purchasing your airfare to ensure that there is enough space on the project. More information including arrival and departure airports and time is available in the information packet. Booking outside these windows could result in additional fees and missed portions of the project.

Travel Resources

CI Azumano Travel:
800-454-4099 or by email with Erle or Azumano Team at corporatetravel@ciazumano.com

Butler Travel:
503-879-5005 or by email with Nathanael at nathan@butlertravel.com

Kayak:
www.kayak.com

When contacting the Azumano or Butler travel agencies, make sure you mention Maranatha for discounted booking fees.

Excursions
Local Excursions and Panama Canal

Boquete is a popular tourist destination in Panama. The area is known for its natural beauty, and on the first Sabbath, volunteers will hike to several waterfalls. This hike can be a bit strenuous at first, so volunteers are encouraged to go at their own pace. There may be opportunities for other area attractions, mid-week; those trips will be identified later.

At the end of the project, volunteers will return to Panama City where they’ll have the chance to see an important part of Panamanian and American history when they visit the Panama Canal. Completed in 1914, the canal, which cuts across the Isthmus of Panama, enabled cargo ships to take a more direct route from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific, instead of traversing the dangerous waters of Cape Horn. The Panama Canal is considered one of the seven wonders of the modern world. This short excursion includes a stop at the Miraflores lookout tower, which gives a view of the working canal locks, and a visit to the Panama Canal museum.

After visiting the canal, the group will stop by artisan markets for souvenir shopping before heading to the hotel for the night; everyone will depart the following morning.

Panama Facts & Figures

CAPITAL

Panama City

POPULATION

3,510,045

LANGUAGE

Spanish and Some English

CLIMATE

Tropical, hot and humid. Long rainy season from May to January.

RELIGION

Roman Catholic 85%, Protestant 15%

CURRENCY

U.S. Dollar

Entry Requirements
  • Passports valid for at least 6 months from date of intended return.
Medical Requirements & Precautions
Contact Us Want to speak with someone at Maranatha directly? Please call our office at 916.774.7700 to speak with a volunteer specialist. Alternatively, you can send us an email.

 

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