Whether you are from a church, school, university, family, or even just a group of friends, Project Esperanza would love to host you! Group trips are a great way to tackle a big project in a short amount of time. We only ask that your designated group leader(s) plan with us before your trip so that we can find activities and projects that will be the best use of your group’s skills and time.
Individuals and couples can also volunteer short term. During summer English camp, we tend to mix volunteers coming from different areas who put on camp together. This is possible at any time during the year with proper planning.
What will we do? We are fairly flexible about the projects volunteers work on, depending on current need and the interests/skills of the volunteers. However, we do have some structure that groups often fit into.
During the school year, we organize field trips where our students or students from other schools can visit our educational farm, which is the same setting as the volunteer house. Volunteer groups plan and execute activities to be carried out during these field trips.
During the summers, we have a six week English camp which is run by English speaking volunteers.
This leaves afternoons open for other activities such as community workshops, recycling projects, construction projects, painting, or just spending recreational time at some of the sites nearby.
What are the costs? Trip costs per person are $400 for one week or $57 per day. This covers airport pick up and drop off (if you arrive/leave in Puerto Plata), 3 meals a day, housing, program transportation, volunteer orientation and program/translation support, and some program materials. (Donated materials are also appreciated.) This does not cover transportation for recreational activities outside the volunteer work or airport trips to airports other than Puerto Plata.
Where will voluteers stay? Our volunteer house is located in Muñoz. Read more here. Traditional Dominican and Haitian meals are cooked for volunteers at the house.
If volunteers should not wish to stay at the house, we can help find arrangements elsewhere. However, staying at the house really does provide the full experience!
Our favorite recommendations for staying elsewhere are Villa Carolina and Tubagua Ecolodge, although transportation is a bit more from the Ecolodge.
When are fees due? The volunteer deposit of $100 per person is due as soon as possible to secure the spot. The rest of the volunteer fees are due 4 weeks prior to arrival date. All group participants will be asked to fill out a few forms as well as a $100 non-refundable deposit. The rest of the funds will be due one month before your group’s arrival date. Once fees and forms are received, we will share our Volunteer Guide with team members and plan logistics and activities in more detail.
What are the cancellation policies? If group members cancel or plans change more than 1 week before the arrival date, we can offer a partial refund on the volunteer fees besides the $100 deposit. Within 1 week of the arrival date or after arrival, we cannot offer a refund on their fees.
How can I find out more? If you are interested in planning a group trip, please send an e-mail to Volunteer@EsperanzaMeansHope.org.
Project Esperanza 