Pre-Trip Information
Project OverviewBethel, Alaska is a growing city of approximately 6,000 people located 400 air miles from Anchorage and 80 miles from the mouth of the Kuskokwim River. The city of Bethel forms the regional hub for the 56 surrounding villages. Since its founding in 1885, the Moravian Church has strived to be a shining light in the lives of the local Yupik people. The Alaska Bible Seminary, in Bethel, was established in 1955 and continues to provide training for needed Christian leaders. The expansion of the school’s facilities will allow training for more Native Christians. Volunteers will assist in ground up construction of two seminary buildings: an administration building and dormitory.
Transportation, Lodging and Food
Arrival & Shuttle Service
Volunteers will need to arrange travel to Kenai, AK on Sunday. If you travel by plane, the Samaritan’s Purse (SP) shuttle driver (dressed in a SP shirt) will be waiting at the airport baggage claim area at the Kenai airport. The driver will have a roster of volunteers with flight arrival information. If your flight is delayed, please call the shuttle driver immediately at 907-252-0850. The shuttle will pick you up regardless of the time you arrive in Kenai.
If you are driving to Soldotna, please arrive at the base camp by 9:00 PM. The Base Camp does not have a physical address, but is located near our office in Soldotna. The address for our office is: 565 Funny River Road, Soldotna, AK 99669. Please call our staff at 907-252-0850 before arrival for specific directions.
Sunday - Overnight Stay in Soldotna
You will be staying at the Samaritan’s Purse Base Camp located in Soldotna (a 20 minute drive from Kenai) the day you arrive. The Base Camp consists of cabins (separated men/women), shower facilities, and a dining hall. Dinner will be at 6:00 PM. If you are unable to arrive by dinner, the kitchen will be open for sandwiches and snacks. Immediately following breakfast and devotions on Monday morning, you will leave for Bethel via a Samaritan’s Purse plane. Only volunteers who have been approved and scheduled through headquarters will be transported to Bethel.
Lodging in Bethel
While serving in Bethel volunteers will stay in existing housing. Men will sleep in a church classroom and have access to flush toilets and showers in a bath tent. Women will sleep in the current seminary dormitory and have access to flush toilets and showers in the dorm as well. Twin size beds with linens, blankets and pillows will be provided. Laundry facilities will only be available for those volunteers staying more than ten days.
Limited internet access will be available. Most cell phone carriers do not have service in Bethel, with the exception of GCI.
Food
All food will be provided. The menu will include typical foods from the United States. Because of limited facilities, there will be no way to prepare alternative food or accommodate special dietary needs.
Samaritan’s Purse
North American Ministries
Pre-Trip Information
Bethel, AK
Departure Flights
You will depart Bethel on Monday for arrival in Soldotna then stay overnight at the Base Camp before departing for home on Tuesday. We will provide transportation to the airport in Kenai.
Please note: Due to weather conditions we cannot guarantee exactly what time you will arrive in Soldotna, which is why we recommend your flight home be scheduled for Tuesday.
Medical Supplies & Limitations
Bethel is accessible only by air and has hospital to handle medical emergencies. Anyone on medications should bring an adequate supply with them.
Luggage Restrictions
Because of the limited seating and weight capacity of the plane, please limit your bags to 50 lbs per person. The bags will be weighed before being loaded on the plane. Please bring a soft duffle bag – no hard suitcases.
Weather
Weather during the months of May, June and July can vary greatly with alternating sunny and rainy days. Daytime temperatures range from the mid 40s to high 70s. Nights are cooler. The weather turns cooler in August and September. Mosquitoes are prevalent, so be sure to bring insect repellant.
PLEASE NOTE: Volunteers are not allowed to bring firearms or other weapons to Samaritan’s Purse facilities in Alaska. If you are going on a hunting expedition before or after your trip you will need to find alternate accommodations for your weapons.
Samaritan’s Purse Policies
Volunteers are expected to follow Samaritan’s Purse policies at all times. The following information highlights
key policies. Please review this information before your trip.
Volunteer Criminal History Policy (for Overnight Volunteers) –As an organization, Samaritan’s Purse believes individuals previously convicted of criminal acts can be fully restored through the work of Christ in their life. We also strive to be good stewards of our resources and diligent in our concern for the safety and security of all volunteers, homeowners, staff, and resources affiliated with the ministry. Therefore, volunteer applicants who have been convicted of crimes against minors or sexual offenses are prohibited from volunteering on any North American Ministry project. Other felony convictions that involve crimes against persons or crimes that, in the sole discretion of Samaritan’s Purse, indicate the volunteer applicant is unsuited for this ministry opportunity will require a clean record for at least five (5) years after the conviction or release from prison, whichever is later. Samaritan’s Purse reserves the right to restrict or deny volunteer opportunities to any applicant who Samaritan’s Purse reasonably believes may jeopardize the safety and security of its volunteers, homeowners, partners or staff. All overnight volunteers, over the age of 18, must undergo a Background Check before they volunteer. Alcohol, Illegal Drugs & Tobacco – We ask that you do not use tobacco products (including e-cigarettes), alcohol, or drugs while serving with Samaritan’s Purse. These products or their use are not permitted at the volunteer housing site, in Samaritan’s Purse vehicles, or within the homes or neighborhood of families being served by Samaritan’s Purse. Those who cannot abide by this policy should not go and will be asked to leave. Language – Foul language or unclean jokes are prohibited.
Pets – Pets are not allowed. No exceptions.
Safety – Your safetyis very important. Samaritan’s Purse Staff will have an orientation and safety briefing with you soon after your arrival.
• Know your limitations, take frequent breaks, and always remember to keep hydrated. • Be aware of your surroundings. Whenever off church property walk with a buddy or group.
• Adults must never be alone with an individual youth, unless the adult is a family member of the youth. This applies to all volunteers, Samaritan’s Purse staff, host church staff, host church members, homeowners, etc. • While on the worksites, please be sure to wear appropriate work clothes, work boots/shoes with thick soles, hat
or cap, sun block and insect repellant.
• Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) will be provided. Volunteers are expected to wear safety equipment as directed.
• Each team member should be current on their Tetanus Vaccination.
• Report all injuries immediately to the Construction Supervisor or the Program Manager.
• Samaritan’s Purse is not responsible for lost or stolen items. We ask that valuables be left at home. Other Important Information
Be considerate
Housing - Please take off dirty work boots before entering your housing accommodations.
Beneficiaries - Taking photos at the job site is allowed as long as you obtain prior permission from the beneficiaries and others you are working with.
Sleeping Quarters - Please be mindful of your fellow roommates, who may want to get to sleep early – your sleeping quarters are not the place for visiting or creating a lot of noise. Do not leave any valuables (i.e. cameras or wallets) in your rooms.
Shower Etiquette - Volunteers should change clothes in bathroom stalls or shower stalls and should
be fully dressed when arriving or leaving bathrooms. Please limit your shower time and help conserve water whenever possible.
Mealtimes - Be on time for all meals, devotionals, and other scheduled events. Take your turn at dining
room/kitchen clean-up, garbage collection, etc. with a willing and pleasant attitude. Be sure that everyone has been served at mealtimes before you go back for a second serving. Samaritan’s Purse provides meals for overnight volunteers. However, due to limited facilities and high volume of volunteers, it is not possible to prepare alternative food or accommodate special dietary needs.
Other Volunteers – If you have a conflict with another team member, go directly to that team member or to your team coordinator to work things out. If you fail to resolve the issue, both parties and the team coordinator should to go to the Program Manager for guidance.
Stay Informed
Website - For more information about all the ministries of Samaritan’s Purse, visit our website:
Volunteer Opportunities - If you’re interested in learning about further volunteer opportunities visit
Reminders
Each volunteer must complete their forms online at confirmation email. They will also need to complete the following forms and return them to Megan Robinson by email to
Alaska Volunteer Travel Information (attached to confirmation email) – Please return at least one month prior to your trip.
Note: The Alaska Volunteer Travel Information form asks for weight and shirt size. Your shirt size is needed so we can send your shirts and a jacket before your trip. The pilots of the Samaritan’s Purse plane need each volunteer’s weight to determine how many supplies can be added to each flight once passengers are accounted for.
“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.” 1 Peter 4: 8-10
Thank you for using your gifts to further the message of Jesus Christ to people in remote parts of Alaska.
Need to change your team numbers?
If you want to add team members afteryou initially scheduled your team, you will need to talk with Megan Robinson
(828-262-1980 ext. 1245) to discuss. We cannot guarantee that we will have room for
additional volunteers. This is due to housing, meal, and transportation limitations. Thank you for your understanding.
Packing Check List
Below is an extensive packing list for this site. Rain gear and cold weather gear are recommended. Remember to dress in layers so you can control your comfort level. Volunteers will be provided with 2 Samaritan’s Purse t-shirts, a hat and jacket before traveling to Bethel – please bring these items to wear on the construction site each day.
Reading & Writing Materials ___ Bible/Devotional/SP Journal ___ Notebook and pencils or pens Identification & Other Important Items
___ Driver's license or other form of official identification ___ Important phone numbers
___ Health insurance information ___ Money ($50-$200)
Clothing & Baggage (one – two week supply)
Due to the changes in weather, be prepared to dress in layers. Please note: the items listed below are recommended, they may differ depending on the tasks you will be preforming.
___ Jeans/Work pants ___ Shirts (for warm & cool weather)
___ Socks (2 pairs/day; wool or wool blend) ___ Underwear
___ Bandana/Handkerchief ___ Coat/Jacket (warm & cool weather, waterproof)
___ Rain Gear ___ Sleep wear (comfortable, modest - for group living)
___ Soft side duffle bag ___ Laundry bag
___ Hat/Cap (waterproof & sunshade)
Shoes/Boots
___ Work boots/Tennis shoes for interior work ___ Slippers/Shower shoes to wear to the shower
___ Rubber boots/Waterproof footwear for muddy conditions Health, Safety and Hygiene
___ Prescription medicine
___ Non-prescription drugs ___ Allergy kit: bees, etc.
___ Soap ___ Hand sanitizer
___ Deodorant ___ Toothbrush/Toothpaste/Mouthwash
___ Baby powder/Foot powder ___ Comb/Brush
___ Shampoo/Conditioner ___ Shaving cream/Razor
___ Lip balm ___ Antacids
___ Diarrhea medication/Laxatives ___ Skin lotion/Sunblock (15+)
___ Insect spray (Mosquito Repellent and Net) ___ Antifungal ointment or spray
___ Antibiotic ointment ___ Vitamins
___ Other personal needs Food
___ Snacks of your choice Supplies & Equipment
___ Flashlight ___ Tape measure*
___ Watch/Clock ___ Tool belt/Hammer*
___ Work gloves ___ Sunglasses/Safety glasses
___ Sleeping Bag (if desired, linens and blankets provided)
* You may bring your own tools, but it is not required. However, if you choose to bring your own tools your luggage must meet the 50 lb. maximum for the plane.
