WISE SHORT-TERM MISSIONS
Short-term mission (STM) trips can inspire life change, spark generosity, and build global unity—but they can also cause unintentional harm, especially when vulnerable children are involved.
This course helps you step back and reevaluate how your organization engages in short-term missions. You'll learn how to plan trips that support—not disrupt—local families and ministries, avoid harmful attachments, uphold dignity in storytelling, and align your practices with the highest standards of care.
Whether you're a church missions director, NGO team lead, or STM program coordinator, this course equips you with the tools to reimagine your approach for greater impact and faithfulness.
YOU’LL WALK AWAY WITH
- A framework to align your STM strategy with biblical values and global best practices
- Tools to assess your current program and identify needed improvements
- CAFO’s 8 Principles for Better Practice in STM—centered on protection, attachment, caregiver roles, and more
- Editable planning templates, assessment tools, and communication guides
- A CAFO Certificate of Completion to demonstrate your learning
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT
Customizable Tools
& Templates
Downloadable tools help you assess your current STM model, build healthier strategies, and train your teams more effectively.
Team Discussion &
Summary Guides
Lead your staff, board, or volunteer teams in thoughtful conversations about strategy, story, safety, and sustainability.
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
Design trips that uplift local communities and protect vulnerable children.
- Who is This Course For?
- Church leaders and STM coordinators seeking to shift toward healthier global engagement
- US-based staff and teams organizing or participating in service trips
- Global program and NGO leaders reviewing or hosting volunteer teams
- Network leaders equipping others to align with global care standards
- Time Commitment
- Fully self-paced
- Most courses take 3 hours to complete, but you’re welcome to move at your own pace.
- Price
- $89 CAFO Members
- $99 Non-Members
- Need help covering the cost? Learn about scholarships and group discounts.
- Coupon codes can be applied at checkout.
COURSE CURRICULUM PREVIEW
- Evaluating our Program
- Seven Standards of Excellence in Short-Term Missions
- Short-Term Missions Strategy Intended to Benefit Families
- Principle #1: Protection: Safeguarding Children From Harm Is The First Priority
- Principle #2: Attachment: Support Bonds Between Children And Their Parent Or Primary Caregiver
- Principle #3: Caregivers: Honor The Role Of Parents And Primary Caregivers
- Principle #4: Community Support: The Communities Surrounding Vulnerable Children
- Principle #5: Expectations: Make Sure The Trip Purpose Is Clear And Expectations Thoroughly Understood
- Principle #6: Partnership: Anchor Every Trip In Long-Term Relationships With Quality Partners
- Principle #7: Training: Commit To Learning Before Doing
- Principle #8: Media: Share Stories And Images With Care
- Pause and Reflect
EXPLORE OTHER COURSES
Want to keep learning? Check out other courses in CAFO’s Core Elements of Success program.
