---
title: Brigade-Chapter
description: Chapter Brigade resource page to support Chapters through the planning and implemenation stages leading up to their Brigade in country.
---
# Baylor University
Bookmark your site to help you prepare for your upcoming Guatemala Medical Brigade.
Shortcut to your **[MyBrigades Page](https://dashboard.globalbrigades.org/empowered/chapter/baylor-university-medical-brigades/brigade/baylor-university-medical-brigade-august-2026-guatemala)**
# GUATEMALA MEDICAL BRIGADE
August 15 - 21, 2026
#### Guatemala: What You Should Know
**Population:** 18.1M
**Age Range:** 65% of Guatemalans are between the ages of 15–64
Guatemala experiences one of the highest rates of health inequality in Latin America, with rural Indigenous populations facing the greatest barriers to care. Clinics in remote regions often lack staff, supplies, and consistent funding.
Our global health initiatives in Guatemala center on closing this gap by working with local doctors and communities to bring mobile medical services and public health education to those with limited access.
#### Donation Goal & Deadlines
Each volunteer is required to cover their donation goal.
**Brigade $1845 + Airfare $850 (estimated) = Donation Goal $2695 (estimated)**
The deadlines to fundraise per volunteer:
1\. April 10: **$250**
2\. June 9: **$1250**
3\. July 9: **remaining funds**
*Can you go beyond Your Goal? Extra funds fuel year-round programs in our partner communities. Click[here](https://info.globalbrigades.org/hubfs/Global%20Brigades%20Annual%20Reports/Global%20Brigades%20Annual%20Report%202023.pdf?hsLang=en)to see a breakdown in how your funds create impact year over year.*
> I'll be your go-to for recruitment, fundraising strategy, info session meeting tips, and overall Chapter momentum. My mission is to help your team grow and thrive!
Emily Gabriel Success Advisor
#### Passport Requirements
A valid US or Canadian passport is required to travel on all Global Brigades programs. **Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your return date**. This is required by most countries for entry.
If you’re applying for or renewing a passport, we recommend doing so as early as possible, as processing times may vary. Not a U.S. citizen? Please check with your advisor for country-specific requirements.
#### Team Flights
When to book: Seven (7) months out from Brigade your travel advisor will reach out to you concerning flight options and airfare quotes.
Flights Schedule: TBD
> I'll be your support for all things logistics, flights, deadlines, in-country details, Donation Goal questions, my mission is to ensure your Brigade runs smoothly.
Maria Pego Program Advisor
# Helpful Links
🧭 Brigade Support Hub
The Brigade Support Hub is your go-to resource center packed with everything you need to plan, lead, and succeed on your Brigade journey. From recruitment and fundraising to travel prep, safety, and post-Brigade storytelling, this hub keeps Chapter Leaders, and volunteers supported every step of the way.
**[Click Here.](https://info.globalbrigades.org/support?hsLang=en)**` `
🤖 Ask Brigade Bot 24/7
Meet Brigade Bot, our AI-powered chat assistant, ready to help Chapter Leaders and volunteers find exactly what they need, fast. Whether you’re looking for fundraising tips, travel info, or how to host an information session, just ask. It’s like having your Success Advisor on-call, anytime!
**[Click Here](https://info.globalbrigades.org/support/contact?hsLang=en)**
🧰Chapter Leader Resources
Whether you're a first-time Chapter Leader or leading your third Brigade, these tools are designed to help you lead with purpose. You'll find everything you need to mobilize your team, stay organized, and make a lasting impact.
[**Click Here.**](https://info.globalbrigades.org/support/leader-resources?hsLang=en)
📣Recruitment 101
Our Recruitment Resources are designed to empower our Chapter Leaders with the tools to help you inspire action. These resources help communicate the mission and mobilize new volunteers.
**[Click Here.](https://info.globalbrigades.org/support/recruitment?hsLang=en)**
💸Fundraising to Fuel Impact
Fundraising is more than raising money to go on a Brigade. It's rallying your community around a cause that matters. to all of you Our tools make it easy to set goals, tell your story, and inspire others to support sustainable health systems and meaningful volunteer experiences.
[**Click Here.**](https://info.globalbrigades.org/support/fundraising?hsLang=en)
✉️Stuck? Let’s Chat!
Email Your Success or Program Advisor when you need additional support, have an idea, or can't find what you're looking for. We're here to help you get to Brigade!
[Emily Gabriel - Success](mailto:emily.gabriel@medicalbrigades.org)
---
[Maria Pego - Program](mailto:maria.pego@globalbrigades.org)
## Global Brigades Overview
### What you'll experience in country!
- **Serve alongside local professionals:** Support mobile medical clinics and public health initiatives with community members, doctors, and local staff.
- **Start with purpose, end with reflection:** Daily briefings and team reflections connect your work to our larger mission.
- **Hands-on community impact:** Contribute to projects like medical and dental care, water systems, or eco-stove construction.
- **Experience multiple roles:** Rotate through intake, triage, pharmacy, education, and construction stations.
- **Learn through cultural exchange:** Engage with local leaders and staff to better understand community context and strength.
- **Logistics handled:** Transportation, meals, lodging, and safety are organized so you can focus on service and learning, plus a 3:1 staff-to-student ratio to guide and support you every step of the way
- **Return changed:** Walk away with a new perspective on health equity, systems change, and your role in global impact.
See what else you'll experience while on Brigade!
Watch the brief video below on what you can expect in country.
## Additional Travel Prep & Planning
### Registration, Insurance, Vaccines... oh my!
- **Register and start fundraising on your MyBrigades page**
If you haven't yet, and you're ready to officially join the team, click the link [**MyBrigade**](https://dashboard.globalbrigades.org/empowered/chapter/baylor-university-medical-brigades/brigade/baylor-university-medical-brigade-august-2026-guatemala) to register and set up your personal fundraising profile. This is where volunteers sign up for the Brigade and begin raising their Donation Goal, fueling everything from local medical staff and supplies to in-country transportation and year-round programs. Every donation supports sustainable health access for the community you’ll serve.
- **GB Traveler’s Insurance: What's Covered & Not**
All volunteers participating in a Global Brigade are automatically covered by traveler’s insurance as part of their Donation Goal. This includes emergency medical care, evacuation support, and travel-related incidents like lost baggage or delayed flights.
While the coverage offers peace of mind, we always recommend that volunteers review the [**Insurance Overview**](https://info.globalbrigades.org/support/travel-insurance?hsLang=en) to understand what is (and isn’t) included. If any team members plan to extend their travel or add additional coverage, they may choose to purchase supplementary insurance through a third-party provider.
- **What should I pack**
Don’t stress—we’ve got your back. Ask our [BrigadeBot](https://info.globalbrigades.org/support/contact?hsLang=en)! Just type: “packing for Guatemala” and you’ll get a customized list so your team shows up prepared and confident.
- **Group travel safety made simple**
We know that traveling with a team comes with questions around safety and security. Here's a [Safety & Security link](https://info.globalbrigades.org/support/safety-and-security?hsLang=en) to review as a group and share with families back home. It covers protocols, in-country support, and what we do to ensure volunteer well-being every step of the way.
- **Vaccines, what you need to know**
**All Volunteers:** We encourage every participant to consult with their healthcare provider or campus health clinic at least 6–8 weeks before departure to review the [CDC's country-specific recommendations](https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/list).
**Other Vaccines:** Depending on your destination and time of year, your provider may recommend vaccines like Hepatitis A, Typhoid, or routine boosters such as Tetanus. Here are some [helpful resources](https://info.globalbrigades.org/support/vaccinations?hsLang=en)so your team can feel informed and confident while planning ahead. Preparing for your health is one more way we show respect for the communities we partner with, and for one another.
G**hana Brigades:** The **Yellow Fever vaccine is mandatory** and must be documented in an official Yellow Card (International Certificate of Vaccination). You’ll need to present this at immigration when you arrive. Plan ahead, as appointments for Yellow Fever vaccination can be limited. [Click here](https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/find-clinic) to find a clinic in your region.
- **Get ready to lead Charlas or Health Education Workshops**
One of the most impactful roles volunteers play is helping lead Charlas, a short health education workshop within our partner communities. While your topic will be assigned a month prior to being in-country, here's a quick [Insta video overview](https://www.instagram.com/reel/Ci-k-IAvdQ5/) of what to expect, why these workshops matter, and how your team can prepare to step up with confidence and cultural sensitivity.
- **If you made it to the end, congratulations! And if you haven't registered yet, [click here!](https://dashboard.globalbrigades.org/empowered/chapter/baylor-university-medical-brigades/brigade/baylor-university-medical-brigade-august-2026-guatemala)**
Joining this Brigade means more than travel or volunteer hours. It’s your opportunity to work alongside local health professionals, empower communities, and take the next step in your journey toward a career in medicine and service.