DOMINCAN PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS PROJECT • Lend a Hand Building Infrastructure in a Rural Batey Village • Shower in the Natural Beauty of the “27 Waterfalls” • Wander the Cobblestone Streets of Historic Santo Do- mingo • Mentor and Inspire Students in La Mina Community • Raft the Rapids of the Rio Yaque and Surf the Waves of Playa Encuentro • Explore the White Sand Beaches and the Turquoise Waters of the Caribbean • 30 Hours of Community Service

Spotlight Project: La Mina Community The Dominican Republic thrives on tourism. Unfortunately, many rural communities away from the coast are not able to capitalize on this commodity. La Mina is one of these communities with the majority of families living in tin structures with dirt floors, lacking proper plumbing and are educated in a crowded one room school that accommo- dates toddlers to teens. The spotlight project of the Dominican Republic program is to continue to make improve- ments in La Mina while working alongside members of this community in need.

Days 1: Travel Day Participants are met by their leaders at the John F. Kennedy International in New York (JFK). After an ini- tial orientation, we board our flight to . Upon arrival, we head to our hotel in the historic colonial zone for a good night’s sleep. Accommodations: Hotel

Day 2: Santo Domingo and Travel to We spend our first day orienting ourselves to life in the Dominican Republic and getting to know one another through ice breakers, team building activities, and eating our first meals together. We introduce the role of “Leader of the Day” which is an essential component of every ARCC trip. We also take the morning to explore the fascinat- ing neighborhoods of Santo Domingo and wander the cobblestone streets of the Zona Colonial. In the afternoon, we say goodbye to the bustle of the capital city and travel to the spine of the island to the temperate mountain town of Jaracaboa. Accommodations: Hotel ARCC Programs | Dominican Republic: Project Caribbean Day 3: Rafting the Rio Yaque

Known as an adventurer’s paradise, we take advantage of the natural wonders of this lush mountain town. In the morning, we get a safety orientation, don our helmets and lifejackets and head to the waters of the Rio Yaque. Working together with our trusty guides, we paddle the techni- cal the Class III rapids of this tropical watershed. Rewarded with a hearty lunch, we use the afternoon to take advantage of all that the adventure center has to offer by swimming in the river, playing a game of or testing out our skills. After a day packed with activity, we have a great meal and prepare for our service with The DREAM Project. Accom- modations: Hotel

Days 4 - 6: The DREAM Project Service and Surfing

Today we travel to the coastal town of and prepare for our ser- vice project with The DREAM Project. This amazing non-profit provides free services to the impoverished communities surrounding Cabarete. Whether we are replacing dirt floors in Batey community houses, building much-needed latrines or working with young children in DREAM’s summer camp, we know that our efforts are appreciated. While in Cabarete, we are immersed in village life, living alongside our hosts as we provide valuable assistance to local families.

In the afternoon, we have an opportunity to “hang-ten” on the famous Playa Encuentro. After a lesson on land, we head into the water. Under the care of our Dominican instructors, we learn proper surf stance, ocean safety and how to maximize our paddling strokes. The consistent surf in Cabarete is perfect for beginners, and the outer breaks provide a challenge for experienced surfers. Accommodations: Hotel

Day 7: “27 Waterfalls”

A trip to the Dominican Republic is not complete without spending time in the many waterfalls the island has to offer. Known locally as “Salta de Damajagua,” or “27 Waterfalls”, we cascade down a series of spectacular waterfalls with the rainforest canopy above and crystal clear water below. We take a short hike to the river and spend the rest of our time climbing, swimming, jumping and sliding down these amazing natural waterslides. Taking time to have a meal in the restaurant at Damajagua that is run by a local Dominican cooperative, our day is full of natural wonders and deli- cious food. Accommodations: Hotel

ARCC Programs | Dominican Republic: Project Caribbean Days 8 - 10: Spotlight Project: La Mina Service

Switching gears, we head up to La Mina and spend the next three days im- proving the lives of the children in this small community in the hills above Cabarete. Many rural communities are not able to capitalize on the money that tourism can provide, and La Mina is one of these communities. With many families living in structures with dirt floors and lacking proper plumb- ing, our service here is two-fold. Using basic construction skills, we work to improve the living conditions of community members in need. In the past, ARCC students have rebuilt a teachers dilapidated home and refurbished La Mina’s one-room school house.

We also spend time organizing and carrying out activities with the local schoolchildren. Through arts and crafts, games and activities, we give back to a community that is often overlooked in this island paradise. After three days, the children have a safer school and an admiration for their new “camp counselors” and “tutors.” Accommodations: Mountain Bungalows Day 11: Playa Grande Beach

On our last full day in this northern region, we celebrate our work throughout our adventure by visiting Playa Grande and relaxing. Lined by palm trees, this beach is known around the world for its water, white sand and inspiring vistas. We take time to relax, swim and look back on our journey while we soak in the Dominican sun. Accommodations: Mountain Bungalows

Day 12: Free Day and Final Celebration We celebrate our last full day in the DR and all that we have accomplished. We have a chance to shop for souvenirs and gifts in Cabarete before our closing ceremony and Final Feast of traditional Dominican cuisine. Accom- modations: Mountain Bungalows Day 13: Departure Eventually all good things must come to an end. Early this morning we head to the Santiago Airport for our departures back home. Our fond memories of this life-changing experience and our wonderful new friends carry us through to next summer!

Want to Learn More? Contact the Regional Director:

Bridget Murphy | Regional Director: Dominican Republic [email protected] 415-332-5075 Ext. 251

ARCC Programs | Dominican Republic: Project Caribbean