Dominican Republic: Sports Service Adventure

Plunge into a mecca of sports, from waterfall hikes and surfing to impromptu baseball games with locals.

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Highlights

Facilitate a sports camp for local youth
Try your hand at surfing in Cabarete
Refurbish community sports facilities in underserved 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

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Overview

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.

Teen volunteer trips to Dominican Republic

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Community Service

Whether you’re a star athlete or simply passionate about a sport, a sports lover like you knows that the true power of the game lies in uniting communities, developing resilience, building confidence and inspiring healthy lifestyles. This is your mission: transform your love of sports into action—a way to help people and bring communities together. In the Dominican Republic, you’ll work on physical projects to improve sports facilities for youth in at-risk communities—refurbish a local ballpark or basketball court, or help construct the new hangout for neighborhood youth. You'll also help facilitate a sports camp for local youth, putting your sports leadership skills into action. No matter your project, you’ll be building infrastructure that supports residents’ health and joy beyond their home and school lives. Take breaks during service to scrimmage and play pickup games with the local children. Try to keep up with their energy and passion!

Hands-On Learning

How do sports, social conventions and community infrastructure all intersect to promote overall health in developing countries? Participate in workshops and discussions that answer this question and demonstrate how creating programs and structure for youth sports can truly strengthen communities everywhere. Take a day to hike Mt. Brisón to a remote village, and learn about the daily lives of families and children who reside on the mountain. This program takes an interdisciplinary approach to studying communities, health and social issues through the lens of sports in the Dominican Republic.

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Adventure

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.

Lodging

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.

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