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WEEKS 1 & 2 Volunteer Project

Each volunteer work project runs for the first two weeks and is operated in partnership with well-established conservation organizations including, not-for-profits, government and non government organizations (NGOs), private industries, and local grassroots groups. Projects are based in various locations throughout the Dominican Republic.

Volunteer Work Projects

Each project can be broadly classified based on the goals of the host organization, the project location, and the primary work task.

Crossroads

• Teaching English to children
• Building community facilities through light-construction, painting, etc.
• Recreational activities with children and families
• Feeding the poor at various times during each week
• Medical projects
• Community night with people from the village

Blue Moon Project

• Community activities, garbage clean-up, and housing construction.
• Children's programs at local school (classes, recreation, music, drama, skits, puppetry, clowning, dance and games)

Community Service Alliance Project

• Building school facilities and public latrines through light-construction, painting, etc.
• Full children's program- summer camp, recreation and classes for local children (music, drama, skits, puppetry, clowning, dance and games)

WEEKS 3 & 4 Adventure Tour

Day 1: Arrive in Santo Domingo
Today you arrive in the Capital of the Dominican Republic, Santo Domingo, after your projects. This is the oldest city in the Americas. Orientation will take place after arrival. Walk in the footsteps of pirates and conquistadors! Visit one of the first houses that Columbus ever lived in, walk on the first street ever built in the New World, visit the first church and learn about Dominican History. Stroll the pedestrian area of the "Zona Colonial", enjoy the local cuisine and soak up the unique atmosphere.

Day 2: Fun-Fun Caves (Caving)
An early departure from Santo Domingo to Hato Mayor gives you a chance to experience the thrill of caving in one of the largest cave systems in the Caribbean. Take a horse ride, rappel into huge caverns and swim through the underground canyons of this expansive cave system while taking in the sights and sounds of this amazing underground world. See Taino Indian Artifacts and learn about Taino History at the Ranch. Back in Santo Domingo, it's a night out in the cosmopolitan "Zonal Colonial".

Day 3: Santo Domingo to Bahoruco
Wake up early and travel to the spectacular Southwest. This is a remote region of the Dominican Republic with undeveloped bays, small villages and beautiful scenery. In the afternoon, learn about Larimar, the endemic precious stone, and how to make jewelry from the local artisans. On this night, participants are treated to a local folkloric dance display. Enjoy an evening at Casa Bonita, swimming in a pool with a high-rise view to the beach and coconut groves below.

Day 4: Casa Bonita
Participants who choose the Optional Activity Package will go on a hike to the House of Tarzan. Hike along tropical forest and across a crystalline river where you will learn about endemic flora and fauna and local coffee initiatives. Arrive at Tarzan's House; a secluded terraced hide-away in the jungle with its own private waterfall. There you will have a relaxing swim in an amazing setting and afternoon snack. This is one unique place you do not want to miss! In the evening, relax in Bahoruco by the hotel's pool and visit the local beach. End the day with a party at the local open-air disco.

Day 5: Bahoruco to Jarabacoa
Say good-bye to beautiful, tropical Casa Bonita and travel to pine-clad Jarabacoa, the mountain adventure capital of the Dominican Republic. The town of Jarabacoa is situated at an elevation of 600 meters/1800 feet and is next to the highest peak in the Caribbean, Pico Duarte (3,087 m/9,261 ft). Rest up for an exciting next couple of days in a beautiful mountain hotel next to a river.

Day 6: Rancho Jarabacoa (Whitewater Rafting):
On this action packed day, you will start from this Dominican Ranch and spend a day whitewater rafting on the Yaque del Norte River. The only whitewater rafting trip in the Caribbean will take those with the Optional Activity Package through technical rapids and beautiful scenery in one of the most remote areas of the Dominican Republic. You may also visit the local waterfalls including Salto de Jimenoa (over 120 feet high) and relax in this refreshing mountain town. In the evening, you can enjoy swimming in a pool next to a roaring river.

Day 7: Rancho Jarabacoa (Waterfall Rappelling)
Get off to an early start and experience an unforgettable day of waterfall rappelling. This is a unique opportunity to visit a high elevation canyon in the central highlands of the Dominican Republic. This is an excellent chance to get your adrenaline pumping while seeing the beauty of this mountain area at the same time. Enjoy a night of local dancing and karaoke.

Day 8: Jarabacoa to Las Terrenas
On the way to Las Terrenas and some of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean, you will stop in Samana. The optional activity trip travels across Samana Bay by boat to the spectacular Los Haitises National Park; a pristine maze of egg-shaped, small islands and mangroves formed by limestone erosion. Visit a spectacular cave where the Taino Indians lived. Kayak through red mangroves, floating by spectacular fauna and flora. This evening you will arrive in the beautiful seaside town of Las Terrenas.

Day 9: Las Terrenas (Horse Riding/Hiking/Swimming)
Begin the day early with a bus ride to the beach town of El Limon, where Don Franco, a true Dominican cowboy, will have our horses saddled and ready for a ride to the Limon waterfalls. Hike to a secluded swimming hole at the base of a 100 foot waterfall in a beautiful ecological park. Spend a relaxing afternoon enjoying the endless beaches and sunset at Las Terrenas.

Day 10: Las Terrenas to Cabarete
Today travel west along the spectacular North Coast and continue to Laguna Blu, a sapphire-blue limestone lagoon, and take a break at breathtaking Playa Diamante. Stop at the beautiful beach of Playa Grande to play volleyball and swim. Lunch on the beach. This evening you will arrive in the adventure capital of the Caribbean, the beach town of Cabarete. Enjoy a free night out at the colorful beachside cafes and venues where locals and tourists mingle.

Day 11: Cabarete (Surfing)
On this action filled day, you will go surfing. Get an early start and head to the beach for 2.5 hours of surfing lessons by local professionals on one of the best surfing beaches in the Caribbean. Hang Loose in the crystal clear water! In the evening, enjoy a free night to explore the international flavor of this multi-cultural adventure community.

Day 12: Cabarete (Canyoning)
Enjoy another adrenaline packed day as those with the Optional Activity Package try canyoning which includes jumping and sliding down natural water slides at 27 Waterfalls. Be immersed in a beautiful jungle setting for this exciting activity. Enjoy another free night to explore the international flavor of this multicultural adventure community.

Day 13: Cabarete (Windsurfing/ Snorkeling)
In the morning, those signed up for the Optional Activity Package will have friendly staff with good equipment help them grasp the basics of windsurfing in the protected bay of Cabarete. In the afternoon, be prepared to be immersed in an aquatic world of tropical fish and reef life by taking a boat out to three beautiful reefs off the coast of Sosua. Jump in and see angelfish, parrotfish, sea stars, and many coral species. The guide will inform you about the coral conservation projects in the area. Enjoy another colorful night in exciting Cabarete.

Day 14: Departure
Time to say farewell or better yet "hasta pronto" to the Dominican Republic and tell everyone about your experiences.