2025 MAPS Teams Pre-Field Orientation

EL SALVADOR CLIMATE:

The climate in El Salvador is tropical, and temperatures will vary slightly based upon the altitude of the area in which your team minis-ters. Daytime temperatures usually average in the high 80s or low 90s and eve-ning temperatures may fall into the 70s or even in the high 60s. During the rainy season, from May through October, rain and an occasional torrential downpour, should be expected in the afternoons and evenings during your Mission.

EL SALVADOR KING’S CASTLE DRESS CODE:

Modesty in dress is of the utmost importance in El Salvador and when working within the Salvadoran church.  Dress in mainstream Salvadoran culture and within the Assemblies of God church is very conservative and modest. Please avoid wearing provocative or offensive clothes, excessive jewelry, extreme piercings or outrageous hairstyles. 

  • Men: no piercings

  • Women: No piercings other than earrings

  • Do not bring EXPENSIVE OR SENTIMENTAL JEWELRY 

  • Do not bring EXPENSIVE WATCHES.

  • DO NOT COME WITH GANG TATOOS: If you have exposed tattoos associated with gangsters and drug traffickers, you don’t want to come to El Salvador. The government has criminalized belonging or identifying with gangster culture. Even if you have been saved for a dozen years don’t even think of coming down here with a 18th Street or MS 13 Tattoo or you could end up in prison for the rest of your life. Regular Tattoos are accepted as art, and you don’t have to cover them up anymore. We used to cover them up because of the gang culture, but now that the gangsters are locked up for the rest of their lives, we don’t have that problem anymore. El Salvador currently has the lowest murder rate in the entire world because of zero tolerance of Gangster Culture.

  • OUTREACH DRESS CODE: In ministry and during evangelism programs, women must wear skirts below the knee with a King’s Castle T-shirt, and men must wear long pants (nice jeans or slacks) also with a King’s Castle T-shirt.  

  • JOB SITE DRESS CODE: On the construction site, men and women must wear long pants (jeans are allowed).  Tank tops are not appropriate. (Shorts are only allowed on construction projects at the International Training Center, but are not recommended because of safety concerns.) 

  • FREETIME AT THE KCM CAMP: During free time, please wear modest shorts and shirts.  Only one-piece swimsuits are permitted, and cover-ups must be worn when walking to and from the pool or lake.

Click to watch “Dress Code, Cultural Awareness, and Language Tips” Video.

GENERAL HEALTH RELATED ISSUES:

  • CLIMATE & TROPICAL GERMS: The climate and germs in El Salvador are quite different than what your body is probably accustomed to at home.  Fortunately, many illnesses can be avoided if you take a few extra precautions. 

  • SANITIZATION: Wash your hands frequently and make a careful effort not to put your fingers in your mouth or eyes.

  • Use antibacterial wipes/alcohol gel often to avoid Contamination.

  • Sunburns go with the Tropics: Avoid scorching sunburns by using a strong sunscreen (at least SPF 30+) and bring hats, bandanas, etc. to cover head while on the jobsite or in between evangelistic programs. 

  • The Tropics are Bugged: Use strong insect repellent regularly. 

  • URGENT MESSAGE IN THE TROPICS: Drink Water and Gatorade: Avoid debilitating dehydration by increasing your water and Gatorade intake and decreasing your pop, tea, and coffee intake. 

  • THIS FOOD AND WATER MESSAGE: Food and clean drinking water will be provided for your team and is included in your Per Diem.  All food served at the International Training Center is safe for North Americans to eat.  We ask that in order to avoid dehydration and lack of energy don’t eat Street Food. We ask you and your team to make every effort to participate in meals and respect cafeteria times according to the following daily schedule:

  • (Breakfast 6:30 AM; Lunch 12:00 PM; Dinner 6:30 PM).

  • Many sources of water in El Salvador are contaminated, so do not drink water out of the tap!  Drink only bottled water and use bottled water when brushing your teeth.  In restaurants, most water and ice are purified. However, if in doubt, err on the side of caution. The same applies to food. If it has been cooked or you can peel it, it should be safe. But, especially beware of foods that have not been properly cooked, washed or have sat exposed to the elements. If in doubt, consult your missionary host. DO NOT EAT STREET VENDORS FOOD.

  • IF YOU FEEL SICK: Please report ANY illnesses to your Intern before taking medication.  Illnesses in Central America may have similar symptoms to those that you are familiar with at home.  However, they may require a totally different treatment, and thus it is imperative that you tell your group leader specific symptoms before taking ANY medication! Heat exhaustion, heat cramps, diarrhea, vomiting, sweating, fever can land you in the hospital if ignored. Early detection and treatment can prevent complications. 

  • IMMUNIZATIONS: RECOMMEND A TETNAS SHOT. Although an immunization card is not required to enter El Salvador and no specific shots are necessary, we recommend that all team members have a current Tetanus shot and any other immunizations recommended by their doctor. 

KING’S CASTLE INTERNATIONAL TRAINING CENTER INFORMATION

1. Security: We make every effort to guarantee your security and safety at our International Training Center.  A host of trained guards and guard dogs provide 24-hour protection.  However, we ask that you respect our rules:

  • You are the best Security for your things: Do not ever leave the property - boundaries are block walls & gates.

  • Curfew is at 10:30 PM, and we ask that you please be in your rooms with lights out. Pool and Snack Bar close at 10:00 PM

  • Guards, guard dogs & wild horses moving around at night:  If you hear footsteps or strange noises, please do not be alarmed. Our guard dogs will be released to help guard you at night after 11:00 p.m.  

  • Help is nearby: In case of emergencies, please see your Team Leader first and if necessary, seek a King’s Castle staff member.  

  • Beware of the Animals: As cute as they are, our Monkeys bite and can steal your glasses, hat, or anything they can reach.  So, don’t try to feed or touch them.  Also, do not pet any stray dogs, and remember that stray animals are not vaccinated.  Also, beware of killer bees and black scorpions (which are rare, but occasionally pop up). Our horses are basically wild, and they do bite, kick and are not afraid of you. Please keep your distance and just enjoy looking at them graze. 

  • Valuables: Please leave jewelry or valuables at home in the States.  Return flight tickets, passports, and extra team money can be locked up in a safe place by our King’s Castle Missionaries.  We recommend that the team leader bring an envelope to collect your team’s passports and tickets after orientation.  Give collected items to your King’s Castle Team Leader.

  • TEAM LEADER NOTE FOR EACH TEAM MEMBER: You will want to carry the copy of your passport with you. 

2. Laundry & Bedding: Bedding is provided at the International Training Center, as well as 1 towel.  If you want an extra towel for swimming, please bring it.  You will need to bring washcloths.  Sheets will generally be changed at the end of your Mission, unless your stay is longer than 10 days or if you make a special request because sheets are unbearably dirty.

3. We don’t Wash: While we are hoping to have laundry facilities available for visitor use soon, we currently do not have the capabilities to allow everyone an opportunity to do personal laundry.  You may choose to hand-wash some items, but we recommend that you bring a different set of clothing for every day of your Mission.  

4. We do Wash: We will wash the (2) King’s Castle T-Shirts used in evangelism.  Wear one/wash one. You will get your clean shirt from your Team Leader or Intern at night, and you will give them your dirty shirt to be washed the next day. 

5. Sleeping & Restroom Facilities The dorms at our International Training Center will comfortably house your entire team.  We have bunk beds and provide the bedding and pillows.  We also have modern bathrooms with hot-water showers.  Please keep the following information in mind: 

  • Do not flush paper products – please put toilet tissue in the wastebasket because paper products will damage the plumbing & septic system at our International Training Center and other locations at which you may be staying

  • Be aware of your trash – please do not leave any open food packages or food in your rooms because Tropical sugar ants, bugs, and scorpions will quickly find your treat (and may move in for your entire Mission)! 

  • Don’t leave items on floor unless it is zipped up in your suitcase

  • Please make your own bed daily 

  • On your last morning, please strip bedding and leave on mattress – and take special note not to mix bedding with your wet towels on mattress!

  • Let us know how we can help – please tell your leader if you need extra towels, pillows, blankets, fans, etc.

Electricity Electric current in El Salvador is the same as in the U.S. (110 volts). Please run fans on medium or high speed. In case of a power outage, have a flashlight handy at night.

Click to Watch “Accommodations and Daily Routines” Video.
Click to Watch “Ministry Days Overview” Video.

SHOPPING IN TOWN

One of the days you are in country we will go to an area Artisan Market to shop. There is also opportunity at King’s Castle to purchase additional T-shirts, a few souvenir items as well as snacks at the “Cosecha CAFÉ” or from the UCCR Students who will have their wares available for purchase at your Farewell. 

Money: Team members should bring cash in U.S. dollars for personal use and to buy souvenirs. We also recommend that you bring a credit card, which will be accepted, in most urban establishments.  Do not bring Traveler’s Checks; they are very difficult to cash in El Salvador.  The amount of money we recommend that you bring is based upon your individual preferences.  Depending on your Mission Assignment, there may be opportunities to purchase snacks on a daily basis. There will also be an opportunity to purchase souvenirs of varying prices during your trip. 

NOTE: Although we hope that your personal items will be safe at the International Training Center, care of your currency and valuables must be exercised. King’s Castle cannot be responsible for any money or valuables that may be lost or stolen during your Missions Trip.  

WHAT WE NEED YOU TO BRING & WHAT YOU WILL NEED:

What to bring  Packing recommendations and clothing requirements are greatly dependent upon your specific Mission Assignment.  Please request detailed information from us before your Mission.  However, for all types of teams, we recommend that you pack lightly and bring the following:

  • A valid passport (cannot be less than 6 months before expiration date)

  • 1 container of powdered Gatorade per every 3 people (to make 5 gal)—to help re-hydrate. 

  • 4 jars of peanut butter (per team)

  • Bible and notebook or journal with pen

  • Toiletries and personal items

  • Feminine hygiene products

  •  Modest clothing (below the knee length or longer skirts for ladies and long pants for men when in ministry; modest shorts can be worn at the International Training Center)

  • SWIM WEAR Bathing suits (one-piece suits or modest tankini)need a cover up when not in the pool area. 

  • Extra swim towels & washcloths (bedding is provided)

  • Tennis shoes for comfort (and to wear during ministry) and sandals to relax and stay cool

  • Refillable water bottle

  • Insect repellent 

  • Purell gel and/or antibacterial wipes/ ALCOHOL GEL (You will use a lot of this!!)

  • Sunscreen (with a high SPF of 30 or 45) [This is NOT the trip to work on your tan!]

  • Pepto-Bismol, Imodium AD, and/or antacids

  • Umbrella, rain coat, or poncho (during the rainy season between May and October)

  • Flashlight

  • Prescription medicines

  • Favorite snacks

\Click to watch “What to Pack” Video.

GOING HOME & LEAVING DONATIONS:

  • Donations At the end of your Mission, you are welcome to leave donations such as towels, toiletries, medicines, shoes, clothes, etc. (either items brought individually for that purpose or items that you may not want to “lug” home).  Donations can be left in your dorm room upon departure, but please make sure to separate wet and dry items. 

  • Please do not directly distribute your donations or monetary gifts to individuals.  It is important to leave your donations according to instructions at your Farewell so that the King’s Castle Leadership may distribute it in a manner, which will ensure fairness for all and avoid potential problems.  

  • Please follow your host’s indications and do not make commitments, promises, nor extend invitations to anyone on our team without consulting Leadership. (ex: financial assistance, future visits, or invitations to visit you in the U.S.) without consulting the missionary host. 

  • We will ask you to fill out a King’s Castle Contact Information on our iPADs, which will be strictly confidential, and for King’s Castle Official Use Only. If you are uncomfortable filling out the iPad form, then don’t fill it out. We use the information to send Newsletters and e-Mails about King’s Castle. 

  • REMINDER: VERY IMPORTANT $600 PER TEAM BUS or $100 PER STAFF IS REQUIRED SO WE CAN GIVE YOUR STAFF AN HONORARIUM FOR THEIR SERVICE: 

  • UCCR SUPPORT NOTE: HOWEVER, ONE FINAL THING WE ASK YOU TO PRAY

ABOUT SUPPORTING ONE OR MORE OF OUR LAST HARVEST STUDENTS OR MISSIONARIES. WE WILL NOT TAKE UP AN OFFERING, BUT YOU WILL HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO SPONSOR OUR UCCR STUDENTS & MISSIONARIES IF YOU SO CHOOSE.

Click to watch “Supporting the National Staff and Departure” Video.

KING’S CASTLE MINISTRIES CODE OF CONDUCT:

  • Everything you do inappropriately while on a missions’ trip reflects negatively on those of us who have dedicated our lives to point people to Jesus. 

  • BEWARE OF YOUR WITNESS: Your Witness affects everyone. Your team, the Missionaries, the Nationals and of course the Lord. Please do not make negative comments or critical observations because everyone here speaks or understands a lot of English, besides being able to read body language. 

  • We do not allow cursing or swearing anywhere in our ministry. 

  • So, please remember that you are a reflection of Christ and the AGWM in everything you say and do. 

  • Remember, your witness is really our witness because we live here, and everything that happens on a team is a reflection on us.

  • PLEASE DO NOT BRING ANY OF THESE ITEMS: cigarettes, alcohol, drugs, pornography or anything unbecoming of a Christian.

Click to watch the complete “Mission Trip Preparation” video with more details for team leaders and team members.