Teams

Normally, Team members must be 12 years or older. However, exceptions to this policy may be considered on a case-by-case basis. If you would like to inquire about an exception, please contact the Operations Director.

Team members typically stay in the Team dorms on CVE’s campus. There are separate dorms and bathrooms/shower facilities for men and women. Both of the dorms have numerous twin bunk beds with sufficient bedding and room for a full Team. Bed linens are provided. 

First, read through the materials on this page. Review the current Team schedule to see if there is already a Team scheduled for the time period you have in mind. After you have reviewed this material and read through these FAQ’s, contact the Operations Director for more information.

There is very little difference between travel in Mexico and travel in the U.S. Speed limits vary to some degree from the U.S. Street signs, road signs, and road markings are very similar to the U.S. Road travel is safe and the main roads are well-maintained.

There are several documents Team members will need to complete before coming down to CVE. It is the Team leader’s responsibility to notify members, collect the completed forms, and send the completed forms to the Operations Director at CVE. To see a list of the required documentation for Team members and the downloadable forms, please see sidebar to the right and click on "See team leader info" under Documentation for Team Leaders.

Magdalena is in a relatively safe and peaceful region of Mexico. CVE’s campus is also fully secured and lit at night throughout the campus.

It is very important that Team members are respectful of the host country. Team members represent CVE and, more importantly, Jesus Christ throughout their visit. Their actions and words can have a major impact on the mission at CVE, both positively or negatively. All Team members should review the Orientation to Mexican Culture document for more information. This document can also be accessed on HarvestCall's Team Information page.  

There are a few requirements that Team members must meet in order to serve at CVE.

• Must be over 12 years of age. Members between 12-18 years of age must have an adult directly responsible for them for the duration of their time at CVE.
• Team members must complete all required documentation and training before coming to CVE as part of a Team.
• Team members do not have to be Christians to be a part of a Team. However, we do ask that those members of a Team who are not Christians be respectful and courteous during church services, spiritual activities, and throughout their time as a member of the Team. 
• Team members must agree by signature to abide by all CVE and HarvestCall policies. Failure to do so could result in being sent home early. Policy information, along with the agreement form, is included under the Team Documentation page.

There are two nurses on staff that can provide immediate response as well as a hospital in Magdalena 10 minutes from CVE that is able to provide first response for most medical emergencies. 

There is some variance between Teams in regard to travel depending on where the Team is coming from. Typically, Teams fly in to Tucson, AZ (about 2.5-hour drive from CVE) and are picked up by CVE staff. A couple adult Team members may be asked to drive down one of the 15-passenger vans. After grabbing a quick meal in Tucson, Teams will drive an hour to the border and cross. Teams may make a couple of stops in Nogales, AZ for supplies and mail pick up before crossing. After crossing, there will be a checkpoint several miles into Mexico to pick up visas (this typically takes 30-45 minutes for Teams of 35-40 members). After picking up visas, the Team will continue on to CVE. 

Each day is different in at least some way. A general description is what follows:

• Teams usually eat breakfast at 7:30 AM. A group of Team members usually prepare the meals. CVE staff may occasionally help. 
• During breakfast, CVE staff may give a short talk on a topic related to the mission at CVE. 
• After breakfast, the Team usually splits up in groups to work on various projects around campus, provide other forms of support or organize and lead activities. 
• Lunch usually begins at 1 PM. Lunch typically lasts 45-60 minutes. 
• Teams return to their projects/support/activities in the afternoon. 
• Supper begins at different times depending on the evening. 
• After supper, there is usually a planned activity or event.  

Team members are required to go through some minimal training before arrival. These trainings videos are found on the right sidebar on this page. Teams may choose to do the trainings together or can do them individually.  Team members should also review all guidelines and documents available on the HarvestCall website. It is the Team Leader’s responsibility to make sure all members complete the trainings. The trainings consist of:

- When Helping Hurts/Missions Dilemma

- HarvestCall Guidelines Training 

One of the main causes of sickness is due to not drinking enough water. In a desert climate like Magdalena, it is imperative that Team members drink more water than they are used to. This will prevent dehydration.

Should a Team member get sick, CVE is well equipped to tend to your needs. 

A recommended packing list can be found by clicking here.

No. Immunizations are not necessary.

All Team members should bring an UNEXPIRED passport. For those over 16 years old, a driver’s license is also recommended. 

CVE asks that Teams have no more than 25-30 members.