Please see our FAQ below!
Or, download a PDF by clicking the FAQ button Don't see your question on this list? Send us an email at methodisthabitat@gmail.com. |
Who is BMH affiliated with?
Bahamas Methodist Habitat is an outreach ministry of the Bahamas Conference of the Methodist Church, an autonomous Methodist denomination and member of the World Methodist Council.
BMH is also supported by the United Methodist Volunteers in Mission (UMVIM) and the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR). BMH is NOT AFFILIATED with Habitat for Humanity.
BMH is also supported by the United Methodist Volunteers in Mission (UMVIM) and the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR). BMH is NOT AFFILIATED with Habitat for Humanity.
Who can participate in short term mission SERVICE?
BMH hosts young and adult volunteers alike. Youth must have graduated from 8th grade in order to participate with a youth group. Younger youth may participate if accompanied by a parent or guardian during their week of service. We typically host church youth groups and college campus ministries in the spring break and summer busy seasons and adult teams throughout the rest of the year. We can accommodate up to 50 people at our Camp Symonette facility, so teams may share service weeks. Some of our other sites are better suited to teams of 15-20 people.
Who supervises participants?
BMH requires a ratio of 1 adult per 5 youth (17 and under). Adult leaders are directly responsible for the actions of their group and must adhere to BMH policies. We also ask that groups bring skilled leaders to aid in construction projects where possible.
how much does it cost?
For 2020, a week in service with BMH costs $800.00 per person. A team registration fee of $500 is required to solidify your week of service. Your travel to the island, UMVIM travel insurance, and one meal on Friday excursion are EXCLUDED from this price.
Please keep in mind that our ministry operates year round. Your volunteer fee covers the cost of your week, a contribution toward building materials, and ensures our continued operations, employment of local staff, and community support. We recommend that volunteers bring at least $35 to cover Excursion Day meal, snacks/ice cream trip, church offering, and any desired souvenirs.
Please keep in mind that our ministry operates year round. Your volunteer fee covers the cost of your week, a contribution toward building materials, and ensures our continued operations, employment of local staff, and community support. We recommend that volunteers bring at least $35 to cover Excursion Day meal, snacks/ice cream trip, church offering, and any desired souvenirs.
What does BMH provide?
- Breakfast, lunch (except Friday), dinner, and drinking water
- Lodging
- Construction materials and tools for work site (you may bring your own tools or provide tools as in-kind donations)
- Local site leaders
- On-island transportation
- BMH Mask
- Cultural orientation and evening activities
- Bahamas Excursion Day Experience
- Pre-trip planning with Team Leader
- Continued year-round project oversight and community support
What does BMH expect?
Volunteers must come with a servant's heart and mind that is flexible to change. God may surprise us with new opportunities to serve and we must be willing to follow that calling. Prepare yourself for conditions that do not include all the comforts of home. Respectfully interact with people who are different from you within your group and the community.
What about Insurance?
Due to the nature and location of our ministry, and in case of unforeseen emergency, we REQUIRE EACH VOLUNTEER to purchase traveler's health insurance. Insurance may be purchased through UMVIM at www.umvimnej.org or an alternative provider. This policy ensures continuity when emergency circumstances arise. Due to the policy at many medical facilities in the Bahamas, it is recommended that a credit card with at least $7000.00 limit be available in case of emergency.
*You do not need to be a member of the United Methodist Church to obtain UMVIM insurance.
*You do not need to be a member of the United Methodist Church to obtain UMVIM insurance.
When can we serve?
Our ministry operates YEAR-ROUND! Summer and spring break are our busiest seasons, but we have fall and winter opportunities which are great ways to beat the cold back home. Volunteer teams are invited to serve for one week, with arrival on SUNDAY AFTERNOON and departure the following SATURDAY MORNING. Reserve your dates early to ensure your desired week.
do i need to bring tools?
No, we provide tools and materials for you while you are here. However, if you have tools that you would like to bring as in-kind donations, we encourage you to do so. We are in constant need of new or good quality used tools and accept donations with open arms. We will be in contact with your team leader before your arrival to inform your team of our current projects and needs. There is not anything like Home Depot on the outer islands. Freight, import duty, and our Bahamian VAT (value added tax) can double and triple the cost of many items. A drill brought in a suitcase can mean the world to us!
what are the lodging facilities like?
Many teams stay at Camp Symonette in James Cistern, Eleuthera. This is a dormitory style building with a capacity for 50 volunteers. Amenities include: bunk beds, individual shower stalls, A/C units in dorm rooms (for night use only), dining hall and full kitchen, basketball court, nature trails to a salt pond, hammocks, playground.
Teams that serve on other islands usually sleep on air mattresses at a local Methodist church. Showers may be indoor or private, outdoor shower stalls set up by our staff. In Nassau there are options to stay at Adventure Learning Camp or Bahamas Youth Camp depending upon availability and there may be additional fees for those locations.
Teams that serve on the island of Andros stay at Camp Makepeace in Staniard Creek. This is a dormitory style building with a capacity for 15-20 volunteers. Amenities include: bunk beds, individual shower stalls, A/C units in dorm rooms (for night use only), dining room and full kitchen. Plans to expand this historical site are in the works.
Teams that serve on other islands usually sleep on air mattresses at a local Methodist church. Showers may be indoor or private, outdoor shower stalls set up by our staff. In Nassau there are options to stay at Adventure Learning Camp or Bahamas Youth Camp depending upon availability and there may be additional fees for those locations.
Teams that serve on the island of Andros stay at Camp Makepeace in Staniard Creek. This is a dormitory style building with a capacity for 15-20 volunteers. Amenities include: bunk beds, individual shower stalls, A/C units in dorm rooms (for night use only), dining room and full kitchen. Plans to expand this historical site are in the works.
What kinds of project work will we do?
Work projects can include painting, roofing, interior/exterior repairs, plumbing, and electrical based on the available skill sets of your team. Vacation bible school (VBS) with local children may be available June through August. We try to let teams know where they will be working a week prior to their arrival, but project specifics may not be determined until the team's arrival.
Teams perform their service work at homes referred to BMH by community contacts, including the Department of Social Services. These will include homes in need of emergency home repair or community buildings that require service. Our criterion for home selection helps to ensure safe work and living conditions for volunteers and homeowners.
Teams perform their service work at homes referred to BMH by community contacts, including the Department of Social Services. These will include homes in need of emergency home repair or community buildings that require service. Our criterion for home selection helps to ensure safe work and living conditions for volunteers and homeowners.
How are work crews arranged?
Team leaders assist BMH staff to divide their group into work crews, dependent on the size and difficulty of the project. Work crews range in size from 5-10 people. Each work crew must have at least 1 adult per every 5 youth.
What is a typical day like?
7:00am Breakfast
7:30am Morning Chores
8:00am Leave for worksite
12:00pm Lunch
3:30pm Wrap up project work for the day
4:00pm Leave for the beach
5:15pm Return to camp
6:30pm Dinner
7:00 Evening Chores
7:30pm Evening activity/free time
9:00pm Devotions
10:30pm Lights out
7:30am Morning Chores
8:00am Leave for worksite
12:00pm Lunch
3:30pm Wrap up project work for the day
4:00pm Leave for the beach
5:15pm Return to camp
6:30pm Dinner
7:00 Evening Chores
7:30pm Evening activity/free time
9:00pm Devotions
10:30pm Lights out
what kind of money is used?
U.S. dollars or Bahamian currency is accepted on Eleuthera, and the exchange rate is 1:1. You may receive a mixture of currencies as change. Cash is primarily used, as opposed to card.
do i need to bring a power adapter?
No. We used the same electrical service as is used in the States so no adapters are necessary.
can we snorkel?
Yes! There are a few great places to snorkel here. We do not have the equipment for your use, but feel free to bring your own.
*Donated snorkel gear would provide for future groups if you would like to leave yours after your week of service.
*Donated snorkel gear would provide for future groups if you would like to leave yours after your week of service.
How bad are the bugs?
Depending on the time of year they can range from not too bad to incredibly annoying. Mosquitoes and No-see-ems (sand flies) are worst at sunrise and sunset. We suggest cool long pants, socks, and shoes to keep them off your legs. We also recommend you bring bug spray with a DEET content over 40% to ward off the bugs.
how safe is the island?
The Family Islands of The Bahamas are very safe. Still, it is important to use common sense (always travel in groups, keep your valuables safe, don't jump off cliffs) and be respectful of cultural differences. Your team will be safe here as long as proper precautions are used and policies are followed.
what language is spoken in the bahamas?
English is the primary language in the Bahamas.
What if i have dietary restrictions?
On our volunteer information sheet, we ask for a list of allergies and dietary restrictions so that we can be aware of them with enough time to order items not available easily on the island. Our meals usually have something for everyone, but for those with strict dietary needs we may recommend bringing supplementary meals or ingredients. There are grocery stores in town if supplementary items need to be purchased.
Can we donate used clothing?
We graciously accept clothing donations at the end of your week of service. We take these items out to communities throughout Eleuthera, so we tend to accept donated clothing that you would wear again.
How do i get to Eleuthera?
Governor's Harbour International Airport(GHB) is 15 minutes by car from Camp Symonette in James Cistern, Eleuthera. North Eleuthera (ELH) and Rock Sound (RSD) airports are other airports on the island. They are approximately 60 minutes by vehicle from Camp Symonette. Please see Step 3 on our Plan Your Week of Service page for more details and links.
Most teams travel to Eleuthera by:
1) Fly from the U.S.A to Nassau (NAS) and then to Governor's Harbour (GHB) Eleuthera.
Small charter services, such as Pineapple Air, Southern Air, and Bahamasair make the short flight between Nassau and Eleuthera several times a day. The last flight leaves Nassau around 4pm.
Please allow AT LEAST 2 HOURS in between flights to Nassau for your connections and to go through USA Immigration and Customs in Nassau on your return.
2) Fly direct from the U.S.A to Governor's Harbour or North Eleuthera (ELH).
American Airlines, Delta, and Silver Airways make this flight from cities such as Ft. Lauderdale, Atlanta, and Orlando.
Not all airlines fly directly into Governor's Harbour, Eleuthera.
You will go through USA Immigration and Customs in the US on your return.
Most teams travel to Eleuthera by:
1) Fly from the U.S.A to Nassau (NAS) and then to Governor's Harbour (GHB) Eleuthera.
Small charter services, such as Pineapple Air, Southern Air, and Bahamasair make the short flight between Nassau and Eleuthera several times a day. The last flight leaves Nassau around 4pm.
Please allow AT LEAST 2 HOURS in between flights to Nassau for your connections and to go through USA Immigration and Customs in Nassau on your return.
2) Fly direct from the U.S.A to Governor's Harbour or North Eleuthera (ELH).
American Airlines, Delta, and Silver Airways make this flight from cities such as Ft. Lauderdale, Atlanta, and Orlando.
Not all airlines fly directly into Governor's Harbour, Eleuthera.
You will go through USA Immigration and Customs in the US on your return.
Do I need to pack sheets and towels?
We now provide sheets, washcloth, and a bath towel at NO charge for teams staying at Camp Symonette. We still suggest that you bring your own beach towels. If you know your volunteers may get cold with air conditioning, we advise that you bring a blanket or layers to sleep in as we don't have enough blankets for everyone. If you prefer to bring your own sheets or towels, you are free to do that. We do accept donations toward the cost of washing linens after your departure.
What should i bring?
Please see our packing list!
Do i have to be methodist to participate?
Nope! We welcome volunteers of any background with a heart for service. We would love to have you serve with us!
What is the worksite dresscode?
We require all volunteers to wear long pants (nylon fabric or scrubs are acceptable) and closed toe shoes, preferably work boots, on the worksite. This is a safety precaution against sunburn, bug bites, and other worksite hazards like dropped hammers, rusted nails or rough terrain. We also recommend hats, gloves, and breathable shirts with sleeves.