Discovery Tours FAQs
How do I apply?
Read the Participant Tour Agreement...
then... print out the application and mail it with your $250 USD deposit to:
United States:
CRWRC Attn: Mary Dykstra
2850 Kalamazoo Ave. SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49560
Canada:
CRWRC Attn: Carol Sybenga
3475 Mainway
P.O. Box 5070, STN LCD 1
Burlington ON L7R 3Y8
You may also call or e-mail Service Learning for a paper copy of the application and then return it to the addresses listed above.
United States: servicelearning@crcna.org ~ 1-800-552-7972x4162
Canada: volunteer@crcna.ca ~ 1-800-730-3490
You are responsible for paying a deposit of $250US to reserve your place. Once CRWRC has confirmed your booking in writing, the deposit paid will become nonrefundable after 14 days. Upon receipt of your deposit, CRWRC will reserve your place (subject to availability) on your selected tour.
How do I pay?
You may pay by check. The balance of the tour price must be paid no later than 45 days before your scheduled departure date from North America. If payment isn't made by the due date, CRWRC will contact you to reconfirm your booking. Tickets and other documents will not be forwarded until full payment has been received by CRWRC. Your Discovery Tour Coordinator will work with you to come up with a personalized payment schedule.
What if I have to cancel?
Cancellations made prior to 60 days before the departure date will be accepted with a US$250 fee being withheld from total of all monies paid. Upon cancellation, you will be liable to pay for any travel expenses (airfare expenses incurred by CRWRC in the terms of the schedule set out hereunder. The cancellation fee will be calculated as follows:
- More than 60 days notice: US$250 of deposit is forfeited (negotiable).
- 45-1 days: total cost of airfare included in tour fare.
What do I need to bring?
All tour participants will receive a field guide in addition to their orientation materials. The field guide explains cultural sensitivity, historical and political information, appropriate clothing and practical tips for a participant’s visit in the host country.
Is this a vacation?
While each Discovery Tour will have a fun excursion, like a safari or a historical or cultural site, and a visit to a local market. These events are planned as part of the tour, not as a separate vacation.
Can I spend extra time in the country after the tour is over?
Participants are able to spend extra time in the host country if they so desire. However, this must be discussed before hand (preferably when the participant registers for the tour) so that CRWRC can make alternate arrangements with the travel company. All of this will come at extra cost to the participant, with the likely event that the flight price will increase.
Is there a way that I can give back to the ministries that we will be visiting?
The cost of each tour includes a gift for each of the ministries that you will be visiting. One of the days you will have an opportunity to give back to one of the ministries by helping them with a service project.
What about food and lodging?
All of this is included in the price of the tour. Our goal is to provide a safe, low-cost tour with adequate accommodations that will put participants in touch with the faith struggles and victories of individuals in the host country.
What immunizations do I need?
To get a full list of recommended immunizations, US citizens should visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s website at www.cdc.gov/travel.
Canadians should contact their local travel clinic; check the website: http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/tmppmv/travel/clinic-eng.php.
You may also want to mention to your doctor or primary care physician all the places that you will be visiting. If you still need help, do not hesitate to contact Mary Dykstra if you need more information.
What about Visa applications?
If the country you are visiting requires a visa, CRWRC will provide you with an application form. However, participants will be responsible for covering the cost of visa and passport fees. CRWRC staff will provide participants with visa deadlines and help facilitate the process. ServiceLink Canada will assist Canadian applicants.
How can I learn more?
If you have more questions, feel free to contact:
United States: Mary Dykstra at (800) 552-7972 ext. 4162 or e-mail servicelearning@crcna.org.
Canada: Carol Sybenga at (800) 730-3490 or e-mail volunteer@crcna.ca
