ABILITY CAMP: HONDURAS
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
ELIGIBILITY & REGISTRATION
Who is eligible to participate in Ability Camp Honduras?
All members of Pi Kappa Phi are eligible — undergraduate brothers, associate members, and alumni. You do not need to be a current student. Participants must be in good standing with their chapter and able to commit to the full trip (May 9–16, 2026).
Is there a cost to participate?
Each participant is responsible for raising $2,500 through The Ability Experience's fundraising platform. This covers all trip costs including flights, lodging, meals, transportation within Honduras, and construction materials. Scholarship assistance is available — reach out to your chapter advisor or The Ability Experience for details.
How do I sign up?
Click the "Sign Up Now" button at the top of this page to begin your application. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Acceptance is not guaranteed — spots are limited to 15 participants.
What is the application deadline?
Applications are open now and reviewed on a rolling basis. We strongly encourage applying early, as spots are limited. Final applications must be submitted no later than March 31, 2026.
THE TRIP & LOGISTICS
Where will we be staying?
Participants will be housed at Casa Guadalupe, a Franciscan friary in Comayagua, Honduras. Accommodations are shared and simple — bring a positive attitude and an open mind.
How will we get around in Honduras?
Transportation between the airport, lodging, and the worksite is provided by Hogar Nazareth's vehicles. Participants will not need to arrange their own transportation within Honduras.
What vaccinations or health precautions are required?
We strongly recommend consulting your healthcare provider or a travel medicine clinic at least 6–8 weeks before departure. Common recommendations for Honduras include Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid, and updated Tetanus. Malaria prophylaxis and mosquito protection (DEET-based repellent) are also advised. This is not medical advice — please consult a physician.
What is the typical daily schedule?
Days begin early, typically with breakfast, a brief orientation, and then transportation to the worksite. Construction activities run through the afternoon, with a break for lunch on-site. Evenings include dinner, debrief, and structured group reflection. Cultural experiences and community visits are woven throughout the week.
What will we be eating?
All meals are prepared by local cooks at or near the project site and Casa Guadalupe. Expect traditional Honduran cuisine. If you have dietary restrictions or allergies, please note them in your application so our partners can accommodate you.
Do I need a passport?
Yes. All participants must have a valid U.S. passport with an expiration date of at least six months beyond May 16, 2026. If you do not have a passport or need to renew, apply immediately — processing times can take several months.
Is Honduras safe to travel to?
The safety of all participants is our top priority. Our partners at Hogar Nazareth have deep roots in the Comayagua community and a proven track record of hosting international volunteers safely. We follow comprehensive safety protocols, including no independent travel, always moving as a group, and maintaining direct contact with local partners throughout the trip. The U.S. State Department does list Honduras with a Level 3 travel advisory — we take this seriously and will brief all participants and families fully. Previous international Ability Camps have been conducted safely with proper planning and local partnership.
THE CONSTRUCTION PROJECT
What will we actually be building?
Pi Kappa Phi brothers will help construct a medical clinic and nursing station (Enfermería y Bodega) at Hogar Nazareth's Casa Misericordia Mujeres in Comayagua. The 21.55 m² facility will include a patient examination area, medication storage, and waiting space. When complete, it will serve the 80+ residents of the home and their extended families.
Will construction be complete before we arrive?
Local contractors will begin foundation and structural work approximately 10 days before the team arrives. This ensures the site is ready for volunteers to contribute meaningfully from Day 1. Your labor will be essential to completing the walls, finishes, and painting.
Do I need construction experience?
No construction experience is necessary. Professional local contractors will lead all technical work — participants contribute meaningful labor including cement mixing, block placement, plastering, and painting. If you have skills, bring them. If you don't, you'll leave with new ones.
Who is Hogar Nazareth?
Hogar Nazareth is a Franciscan ministry in Comayagua, Honduras, dedicated to serving individuals with disabilities and their families. Casa Misericordia Mujeres is the women's home within the community, housing over 80 residents. This project was arranged through a direct relationship with Fr. Justin Alarcon, a Pi Kappa Phi brother (Gamma Chapter, UC Berkeley) who now serves as a Franciscan friar in Honduras.
FUNDRAISING & DONORS
How does my fundraising support this project?
Every dollar raised by participants directly funds Ability Camp Honduras — including airfare, lodging, meals, transportation, construction materials, and project management. The fundraising goal reflects the true cost of sending 15 brothers to Honduras to build a lasting facility.
Is my donation tax-deductible?
Yes. The Ability Experience is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. All donations made through this platform are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.
Can I donate if I'm not participating?
Absolutely. Click the "Donate" button at the bottom of this page to make a general donation to Ability Camp Honduras, or find a participant's page (on the main event page) to give in support of a specific brother.
Can I donate to a specific participant?
Yes. Each accepted participant will have a personalized fundraising page linked from this event page. You can donate directly to any participant from their profile page.
What is the fundraising deadline?
Participants must reach their $2,500 fundraising goal by May 1, 2026. Failure to meet the fundraising commitment by the deadline may affect your participation. Reach out to The Ability Experience if you have concerns.
PARENTS & FAMILIES
My son wants to participate — how can our family stay informed?
We encourage participants to share this event page with their families. Once accepted, participants will receive a comprehensive pre-departure briefing packet that includes trip logistics, safety protocols, emergency contact information, and a packing list. Families are also welcome to reach out to The Ability Experience directly with questions.
How will we know our son is safe?
Group leaders will maintain regular communication with stateside contacts throughout the trip. A communication plan, including check-in protocols and emergency contacts, will be shared with participants and their families before departure.
Will there be staff from The Ability Experience on the trip?
Yes. The trip will be staffed by trained Ability Experience team leaders. Local partners at Hogar Nazareth will also be present throughout the week, providing logistical support and cultural guidance.