Get ready to work and play your heart out as you explore the Dominican Republic in two ways: through sports and service. Sports are a central part of Dominican culture, whether in the form of baseball, the most popular sport in the country today, or an action sport centered around the endless supply of palm-fringed beaches and warm, mild surf. Between volunteering with energetic local children and trying your hand at playing ball with locals and surfing, staying active this summer will be easy—and unforgettable.

For adrenaline junkies and outdoor adventurers, the north coast of the Dominican Republic is an endless playground. Swim in the blue cenotes of Dudu Lagoon and explore the 27 Waterfalls, taking a thrilling plunge into their crystal pools. And of course, visit Cabarete, known internationally as the Caribbean’s adventure-sports capital. Learn to paddle out on your surfboard, pop up and trim across gentle waves. You’ll also have the opportunity to play baseball with different members of the community.

Highlights

  • Try your hand at surfing in Cabarete
  • Refurbish community sports facilities in under-served neighborhoods
  • Learn about the intersection of sports like baseball with health in developing countries
  • Explore cenotes and swim in a natural cave
  • Hike, slide, swim and jump your way down the 27 Waterfalls of Damajagua

The YOLA Promise

YOLA will tie in with the best-in-class youth travel and education providers that follow rigorous safety and health standards.

YOLA will promote only those travel and education programs that are committed to the highest environmental, fair trade and human rights standards.

YOLA will create ethical experiences designed to have maximum, long-term impact on the communities we partner with.

YOLA and its partners are committed to travel to locations where tourists rarely go, buy goods from locally-owned businesses, and respect local cultures and customs. Our programs provide direct support for education, infrastructure development, conservation, and other community projects.

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Program Profile

Countries

  • Dominican Republic

Duration

14 Days

Ages

13 - 18 Years

Community service hours

30

Student/Staff Ratio

6:1

Are you a parent or teacher?

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Destination Details

Home Base is a rustic ecolodge built from local materials in the style of the Taíno people. The beach is just a short walk away, and students have access to a swimming pool onsite. Students will share rooms with roommates, and have shared bathrooms with cold-water showers. Food will be healthy and locally sourced, including meats, beans, rice, vegetables and fresh fruit.

PLEASE REQUEST FOR THE TUITION FEE

Tuition includes all in-country expenses including: All educational materials Lodging 3 meals per day. All in-country transportation. Airport pick-up/drop-off. Professional full-time staff and experts from the USA/Europe/India. 24/7 Parent Support Hotline during the program. Secondary medical and travel insurance. All cultural activities, lectures and weekend excursions. Pre-departure materials and support.

VISA Charges, International Travel charges, Insurance and out of pocket expenses are NOT INCLUDED in the Tariff

Packing the right gear (and the right amounts) is the first step to an incredible travel experience. Follow these tips to pack like a pro:

Travel light. Pack only the essentials. You’ll need less than you think!

Bring the right clothes. Pack clothes that are culturally appropriate for your destination and acceptable for service projects. This means bringing long shorts (think Bermuda and basketball shorts), t-shirts with sleeves to cover shoulders, and appropriate footwear.

Leave your valuables behind. While traveling, it’s easier for things to get lost, stolen, or damaged. Keep any prized possessions safe at home.

Make sure your luggage complies with TSA regulations, especially your carry-on.

Useful tip: Pack an empty water bottle and fill it up after security.

CARRY-ON
  • A school backpack is ideal as it will be used for day trips.
  • Passport
  • Photocopy of passport
  • Wallet/money
  • Visa documentation (if applicable)
  • Book and/or journal
  • Pen
  • Phone
  • Camera
  • Chargers
  • Change of clothes
  • Water bottle
  • Medication
  • Camera
  • Outlet power converter
  • Additional community service forms
  • Consent to Travel form
  • Yola emergency contacts
CHECK LUGGAGE

A 50-70 Liter duffel bag or backpack is ideal. A wheeled bag is only suitable if it can be carried like a duffel over rough terrain.

Clothes
  • Socks (7)
  • Underwear (7)
  • Pants/capris (1-2)
  • Jeans (1 pair)
  • Knee-length shorts (1-2)
  • T-shirts (5-7)
  • Long sleeved shirt (1-2)
  • Fleece/hoodie
  • Pajamas
  • Swimsuit
  • Quick dry towel
  • Rain jacket
  • Sneakers
  • Strappy sandals (like Tevas or Chacos)
  • Sun glasses
  • Hats (2 – 1 for sun, 1 for warmth)
  • Headlamp
TOILETRIES

Travel size bottles in Ziploc bags including  Shampoo, Conditioner, Body wash, Face wash, Toothbrush, Toothpaste, Sunscreen, Lip balm with sunscreen, Bug spray, Feminine hygiene products, Contacts Contact solution, Foam earplugs, Personal med kit, Deodorant, Hand Sanitizer, Wet wipes, Small packs of tissues, Razor / shaving cream.

OPTIONAL
  • Portable games 
  • Travel pillow (for comfort)
  • Base layers (for safari nights)
  • Important Reminders
  • *Community Service Appropriate Attire includes T-shirts and tank tops with no visible undergarments and shorts with a 3” or more inseam.
  • Don’t forget the Big Five: Water Bottle, Sunscreen, Bug spray, Rain jacket, Closed-toe shoes.

CUSTOMIZE MY PROGRAM

You can choose to add days and programs as well as destinations to derive greater exposure and value-for-money. We offer tailor-made programs for groups of 12 or more, with customizable dates and itineraries.

CUSTOMIZE

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Get in Touch

For any questions, clarifications, or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us. Additionally, our Program Advisors can help you identify the perfect trip and answer all your questions!

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