SHORT-TERM VOLUNTEERING: THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE BETTER WAY
Short-term mission trips are often full of passion—but without wise planning, they can do more harm than good.
This course equips church leaders, sending organizations, and global ministries to design trips that truly bless children and families. You'll learn the risks of poorly planned trips, what research and Scripture say about best practices, and how to create experiences that support local goals, protect children, and build lasting partnership.
YOU’LL WALK AWAY WITH
- A biblical and research-based framework for wise short-term missions
- Common pitfalls to avoid when engaging with children, families, and caregivers
- Tools to help you design trips that respect, protect, and empower
- Practical strategies to foster long-term partnership between global and US churches
-
A CAFO Certificate of Completion to demonstrate your learning
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT
Customizable Tools
& Templates
Download and adapt pre-trip planning guides, partnership checklists, and post-trip debrief tools.
Team Discussion &
Summary Guides
Use built-in reflection guides to align teams, mission committees, and send leaders around best practices.
CAFO Certificate of
Completion
Show your commitment to growth and best practices with a downloadable certificate from CAFO.
A PROVEN FRAMEWORK FOR BETTER CARE
This course is part of CAFO’s Core Elements of Success program, which provides a clear roadmap to improving outcomes for vulnerable children through evidence-based training on key aspects of quality care.
Drawing from global best practices and enriched by insights from NGOs, field experts, and experienced leaders, each course equips you with the knowledge, skills, and tools necessary to provide quality care for vulnerable children and families. Topics range from child protection and confidentiality to board governance and fiscal accountability—giving you the resources to implement best practices across every aspect of your organization, ensuring your efforts lead to meaningful, positive outcomes.
If you're committed to achieving measurable results—rather than just hoping for positive outcomes—and need actionable strategies and tools to improve your program, this course is for you.
CAFO’s Core Elements of Success: Simplified care improvement, designed for you.
AT A GLANCE
Plan short-term mission trips that honor local expertise, protect children, and build lasting impact.
- Who is This Course For?
- Christian leaders and staff serving vulnerable children and families
- Church mission teams and sending organizations
- Time Commitment
- Fully self-paced
- Most courses take 3 hours to complete, but you’re welcome to move at your own pace.
- Price
- Free
COURSE CURRICULUM PREVIEW
EXPLORE OTHER COURSES
Want to keep learning? Check out other courses in CAFO’s Core Elements of Success program.
