FAQs

Everything you want to know about taking on an overseas challenge for Children in Crisis…

FUNDRAISING

How do I go about raising the money?
When you sign up to do an overseas challenge for Children in Crisis we will send you a fundraising pack full of tips on how to raise the money, including advice from past fundraisers. We have a team of fundraisers here at Children in Crisis who are on hand to offer you any ideas and advice you may need. Our first tip would be to set up an online fundraising page on Justgiving or Virgin Money Giving, and then to investigate whether your company or local businesses will be able to support you.

What happens if I can’t raise the money?
If you cannot raise the money in time, we will ask you to make up the costs yourself in order to take part in the event. If this is not possible, we will offer you the opportunity to join another challenge in the future, giving you longer to keep fundraising. If you do have to cancel from the event, we will refund your sponsorship to your donors directly, if requested by them. Please note that cancellation charges do apply if cancelling within eight weeks of departure date, (although travel insurance may cover cancellation costs, depending on the circumstance).

Will people think they're paying for me to go on holiday?
Children in Crisis promotes these events to increase our income and enable us to continue our work throughout the world, not to send people on holiday. Explain to potential supporters that you are taking part in a challenge (similar to a marathon or any other sponsored event) and that it will require dedication, commitment and training to raise money & to complete the trip

The more you talk about the charity, the more they will realise how important your hard work is. You could always choose to pay towards the costs of the event yourself, so you can reassure your sponsors that 100 per cent of their donation will benefit Children in Crisis.

How much of my fundraising will pay for the actual costs of the Challenge?
If you opt for the minimum sponsorship method of payment, about half of the sponsorship target will be used to pay the costs of the trip, although this varies slightly for each event. If you opt for the self-funder method of payment, 100% of your fundraising will go towards Children in Crisis. Your deposit is not included towards the sponsorship target, but does go towards covering the challenge costs.

What is included in the cost of my overseas challenge?

• Return flights from London
• All travel arrangements on the trek
• Accommodation as stated on the challenge itinerary
• All food and refreshments on the trek
• Camping equipment (where applicable) excluding sleeping bags
• Guiding team and medical provision
• Transport of your luggage between camps/accommodation

What is not included in the cost of my overseas challenge?
When you have completed your registration and paid your deposit, we will send you an event pack in which we will detail exactly what is involved in signing up to the trip. e.g.

• Your spending money
• Personal travel insurance
• Payments for visas
• Vaccinations and medical forms (where required)
• Airport taxes where applicable
• Optional tours and meals on your free day
• Personal items from the kit list
• A tip for the local guides and porters
• Your travel to and from the UK departure airport

When does my sponsorship money need to be paid in by?
The sponsorship money needs to be paid to Children in Crisis 10 weeks before the date of departure. This is because the charity has to pay the tour operator costs in advance, and have to ensure that every person we pay for has raised all the money. Some people find it difficult to ask for the money up front, but it is a lot harder to get the money in after the event. Your sponsors will understand about this.

BEFORE THE DEPARTURE

What is the minimum age to do a challenge?
You need to be a minimum of 18 years old at the start of the challenge, in suitable physical condition to undertake the challenge as set out in the itinerary and be fully aware of the possible risks inherent in adventure travel. Everyone taking part is asked to have a medical form (supplied by Children in Crisis) completed and signed by their doctor to confirm your suitability to take part. All participants must also have adequate personal travel insurance.

15-17yr olds may also participate in any challenge with the agreement of their parent or guardian and if accompanied by a parent or guardian on the challenge who is of legal age, (18 years of age or older). The parent or guardian will have to complete the booking form for anyone who is under 18 at the time of booking and sign the following parental responsibility form.

What sorts of people sign up to take part in Children in Crisis Overseas Challenges?
Group sizes range from 12 – 30 depending on the challenge. You will come across a wide mix of people on an event like this, and you are likely to make some life-long friends. All ages take part, from all backgrounds.

How fit do I need to be?
Required fitness levels depend on the trip you are taking part in and your current level of fitness. These trips are not targeted at experienced trekkers, so we will have people of all abilities on the event. We do advise that everyone should train for the event, as the fitter you are, the more you will enjoy yourself. We also advise people to go at their own pace on the event – it is not a race, and the idea is to enjoy yourself.

How do I go about training?
If you have not done any exercise for some time we recommend you visit your doctor before starting your training. Our tour operator, Charity Challenge provide training guidelines when you sign up or you can visit their online guidelines.

THE TRIP

What kit will I need to take?
We will provide you with a kit list when you sign up.

How are Children in Crisis’ Overseas Challenges organised?
Children in Crisis works with an excellent (ATOL protected) tour operator called Charity Challenge in the UK. Charity Challenge arrange the details of the trip and use a local ground agent to arrange all our accommodation, meals, transfers etc. The trips are very well organised and you will be well looked after, so all you have to concentrate on is the challenge ahead.

Are the challenges safe?
Yes. The tour operator and ground agents are very experienced in organising challenges such as these and you will be accompanied by a tour leader, a doctor as well as English-speaking local guides and porters who are all there to ensure your safety and enjoyment of the trip. The routes we take are well established and known well by our guides. As an international organisation Children in Crisis is also aware of any rising political, health or safety issues affecting the countries our supporters visit.

Can I extend my stay after the Challenge?
Yes. We will put you in touch with Classic Tours, our tour operator directly who will be able to reschedule your flight home and help you plan a holiday if required. Please note that there will be extra costs for extending your stay and you will need to plan this well in advance.