Noroton Presbyterian
Darien, CT
June 26 – July 6, 2026

 Welcome to the Noroton Team 2026!

We are excited you will be joining HopeCo for this special trip! Our goal is to equip you before, during, and after your time in East Africa. Below you will find lots of resources and information. We hope you’ll take the time to read each section.

If you have any questions, please email Kristi Smith at kristi@joinhopeco.com.

TEAM MEMBERS:

  • Thomas Childs

  • Max Childs

  • Zachary Childs

  • John Dunlap III

  • John Dunlap IV

  • Charles Dunlap

  • Brian McIntosh

  • Charles McIntosh

  • Connor McIntosh

  • Marisa Bistany Perkins

  • Levi Perkins

ITINERARY: 

 

Fri 6/26: Meet at NPC (parking lot entrance) to shuttle to JFK. 

Sat 6/27: Arrive in JKIA airport in Nairobi, shuttle to Tamarind Tree Hotel  
Afternoon: Lunch at hotel, visit ChezaCheza dance & Garden of Hope school in Kibera 
Evening: Orientation with Crossing Thresholds + Dinner 

Sun 6/28: Morning: Devotions, Breakfast, Worship at Pastor Bernard’s church in Kibera. 
Afternoon: NPC Luncheon w/all E. African Mission Partners + visit Giraffe Center 
Evening: Reflections & Dinner 

Mon 6/29: Early-morning flight to Migori airstrip, where you will be picked up by HopeCo driver and cross the border into Tanzania. Arrive at City of Hope. Welcome ceremony, tour, and orientation. Spend time with the children. Evening: Reflections & Dinner  

Tues 6/30 - Thursday 7/2: Service projects and programs with the children. Evening: Reflections & Dinner 

Fri 7/3: Early-morning drive to border (Sirari). Rejoin Noroton team members for safari at Basecamp Explorer. Afternoon game drive. 
Evening: Dinner & Reflections around the fire pit 

Sat 7/4: Morning: Sunrise Safari, Breakfast in the Mara (in Tanzania it is called the Serengeti) 
Afternoon: visit Masai village + sunset safari 
Evening: Dinner w/Masai program & Reflections around the fire pit 

Sun 7/5: Morning: sunrise game drive, breakfast, bus back to Nairobi. 
Final reflections over dinner at Tamarind Tree Hotel and head to airport. Arrive morning of Monday 7/6 and shuttle to NPC. 

Mission Team Handbook

The Mission Team Handbook will be your most important resource to help prepare you for your trip.

Read the HopeCo Mission Team Handbook

Your First Steps

Please complete these initial steps promptly.

  • Click this link to access HopeCo's three-part registration form. Please complete this promptly and correctly.

    Required Mission Team Form

  • Please click the link below to complete the background check release. After the check is complete, you'll be emailed a link to the Child Safety Training. Simply watch the program and take the short quiz at the end.

    Complete Background Check Release

    Read HopeCo’s Child Safeguarding Policy

  • Email a photo of your passport to Kristi

    Email Passport Photo Now

  • To find the manual, click on the orange button above or button below

    read handbook

  • Scroll down to see HopeCo's 5 Training Videos.

    Watch Videos Now

Important Dates to Remember

Icon of a passport with a globe symbol on the cover, inside a blue circle.

february 16, 2026

Apply for or renew your passport, if needed. Passports must expire after December 2026.

Icon of a commercial airplane inside a red circle.

march 1, 2026

Complete all of Your First Steps (registration form, background check, child safety training, etc).

Illustration of a syringe with a blue background.

April 30, 2026

Receive Yellow Fever immunization (required) and any optional immunizations (tetanus, hepatitis, etc.).

Wallet with dollar bills inside on a green circular background.

may 26, 2026

Apply for visas. Review Mission Team Handbook and Training Videos.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

Below you will find common questions about HopeCo mission trips. If you have additional questions, just ask!

  • We have hosted dozens of teams over the years, and have received hundreds of positive testimonies. In addition, HopeCo is an accredited member of MissionExcellence, an organization that hold us accountable to their seven standards for mission teams.

    read more here

  • Some skills you have that might be helpful include:

    • Maintenance or construction

    • Organizing and leading activities for children

    • Music, art, or drama

    • Tutoring children

    • Training/workshops

    • A willing heart and a flexible attitude!

    • Other skills welcome … Let us know what you are passionate about!

  • Fundraising can be challenging…so let us help! Here are some ideas to raise funds for your trip and have fun at the same time!

    • Send support letters. When you ask people to donate to your trip, remember to share your heart behind going and invite them to be part of the journey with you. Your supporters will love to see pictures, hear stories, and to talk to you after you get home!

    • Create an online fundraiser that you can easily share on social media and with your friends and family. We can set up a personalized fundraising page just for you!

    • Sell custom T-Shirts or crafts.

    • Create an Adopt-a-Box fundraiser.

    • Host a bake sale or garage sale.

    • Run a car wash.

    • Host a movie night, charity concert, or auction.

    • Partner with a restaurant.

    • Collect recycling.

    • Host a 50/50 raffle.

    The options are endless, and the choice is yours!

    ask kristi about additional fundraising opportunities

  • You can find the specific directions for applying for visas below.

    Passport & Visa Info

  • Try to pack lightly. You will be able to wash clothes at City of Hope. Because of baggage limitations on the flights within Africa, we recommend one checked bag (max 15 kg/33 pounds), one carry-on bag (max 5 kg/11 pounds), and one personal item (like a purse or fanny pack).

    View packing list

  • Only the Yellow Fever vaccination is required for team members. This is not a HopeCo requirement, but something the Tanzanian/Kenyan governments require. Consult with your doctor or local travel clinic to see what other vaccinations are suggested for your trip. Your doctor may also suggest a prescription for anti-malaria medicine.

  • We are no longer encouraging teams to bring donated items because of the limited baggage allowance for the flights within Africa. A financial donation to our programs is included in your trip costs, and you have the opportunity to donate to HopeCo while on your trip. You can even sign up to sponsor a child you meet!

  • While it is nice to learn a few phrases in the Swahili language, many of the children and staff in HopeCo’s programs speak English.

Training Videos: Watch Before You Go

There is lots of great information we want you to know. Please check out this set of training videos developed by HopeCo.

Our Commitment to Excellence

HopeCo is committed to the highest possible standards and best practices in sending teams and interns to East Africa. That’s why we are accredited members of MissionExcellence and committed to following their seven standards for short-term missions.

Mission Excellence Accredited Member logo with "MissionWorks" brand

Safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults

HopeCo takes the protection of children very seriously. The child’s safety and best interests are always our primary concern and consideration. We believe that child abuse is an atrocity that is never acceptable.

HopeCo is a member of Keeping Children Safe, an international network of organizations committed to the highest possible safeguarding standards. These include developing clear policies, training our teams and children, thorough vetting of all staff and volunteers, and rigorous accountability processes.

We have A comprehensive safeguarding policy and have zero tolerance for any form of abuse of children or adults.

Read it Here

 More Questions? Contact Kristi!

A woman with shoulder-length brown hair, wearing a black blouse, silver earrings, and a necklace, smiling outdoors in front of green leafy bushes.

Kristi Smith
Mission Teams Administrator

Contact Kristi

Thank you again for your willingness to serve children and families in East Africa - they can’t wait to meet you! We are here to support you as you prepare for your trip, and to answer any questions you may have.

You can reach out to Kristi Smith with any questions you have regarding your trip, travel, or other HopeCo related questions.

We are excited to welcome you to East Africa soon!