FAQs

Who is eligible to register for this trip? 

• Flint Hill students currently enrolled grades 8-11 and their parents

What is the payment and refund policy? 

• The standard payment plan is broken up into three parts:

1. $250 Nonrefundable Deposit -- 90 days before trip (April 17, 2026)

2. Airfare cost -- 90 days before trip (April 17, 2026)

3. Half of the remaining balance -- 60 days before trip (May 17, 2026)

4. Final remainder of balance -- 30 days before trip (June 17, 2026)

• The initial $250 deposit toward registration and airfare is nonrefundable. Once airfare is purchased, the remaining airfare cost is also nonrefundable. If a trip participant must withdraw from the trip 30 days before arriving, we can refund the remainder of their payment in full. However, if a participant must withdraw with less than 30 days remaining before the trip, we cannot refund any payment.

My student needs certain medications. How will those medications be handled while in Guatemala?

• Medications will be collected by the Director of Health Services and given to the chaperones to distribute during the trip. 

Will my student be allowed to explore independently while in Guatemala?

• No. Students will always be in groups with an adult chaperone.

How many chaperones are on the trip? 

• There will be two faculty/staff chaperones, one male and one female, for a trip with up to 20 students.  If we have more than 20 students, we will add an additional chaperone.

How do I contact my child while they are on the trip? 

• You can contact your child through text or email.

Has Flint Hill Partnered with the Highland Support Project in the past? 

• Yes, we partnered with the HSP from 2010 to 2019 and resumed our trips in the summer of 2025. 

How will food be provided on the trip? What if my child has allergies?

• All meals are prepared according to US health standards.

• Alternate options are provided for students with allergies.

How is clean drinking water provided on the trip?

• Pure water will be available in large water cooler-style tanks, so students need to bring a large, Nalgene-style water bottle. Plastic bottles are better than metal.

Are there any safety concerns I should be aware of as a parent?

• HSP makes safety our top priority and follows these safety precautions: 

● We do not travel after dark. 

● We rent ordinary passenger vans with no markings. 

● We limit travel to areas that fall inside the region known as the “golden triangle of tourism.” The Guatemalan government takes special care that this area remains trouble-free, as it is a key source of income for Guatemala. 

● We check the State Department travel advisories on a weekly basis. 

Is there Wi-Fi available where we are staying?

• There is Wi-Fi at El Refugio and all hotels, but it’s not as strong as you are accustomed to. It is difficult to stream, snap, etc, but you will be able to send texts and emails.