The Esperanza Project now offers a variety of different volunteer options. We offer programs for those interested in helping for just a few days to those interested in spending a whole year here in Cabrera working with our project.
The volunteer programs now offered are:
The Summer Camp Program (Camp Esperanza)
Camp Esperanza is a completely free of charge day camp for local children to take part in sports, drama, music, arts & crafts and other extracurricular activities throughout the summer months in the quiet, picturesque town of Cabrera on the north coast of the Dominican Republic. This program is run solely by a group of young, energetic volunteers, which is where you come in.
Why Volunteer Abroad?
- to learn about and experience a new culture and language
- to make lifelong friends from around the world
- to learn and develop new skills
- to make unique memories that will last a life time
- to build on your resume / CV
- to make a difference
Program Dates:
Half Session #1:
Saturday June 23rd to Saturday July 21st ( 4 weeks )
Half Session #2:
Saturday July 21st to Saturday Aug 18th ( 4 weeks )
Full summer session:
Saturday June 23rd to Saturday Aug 18th ( 8 weeks )
(Camp runs from Tuesday June 26th to Thursday Aug 16th)
Program Fees:
Half Session #1:
$1550 USD (roughly £990 GBP, but will be dependent on exchange rate at the time of payment)
Half Session #2:
$1550 USD (roughly £990 GBP, but will be dependent on exchange rate at the time of payment)
Full summer session:
$1950 USD (roughly £1240 GBP, but will be dependent on exchange rate at the time of payment)
* Discounts are available for people traveling in groups of 3 or more. All returning volunteers will receive a discount of 50% OFF!
Who can volunteer?
All volunteers must be 18 years of age or over by June 1st, 2012. Volunteers should be adventurous, energetic, responsible, and enjoy working with children and youth. They should be open to experiencing and becoming a part of a new culture. Past camp / volunteer experience and Spanish language skills are an advantage , but not essential.
What is included?
- room in a typical Dominican home for entire length of program
- typical Dominican breakfast, lunch and dinner at home-stay
- all project materials
- 24 hour on-call emergency support
- local support on and off the project
- airport pick-up and drop-off to and from home-stay (Puerto Plata (POP) and Samana El Catey (AZS) airports)
- orientation day upon arrival with all staff / dinner in local restaurant
- orientation package before arrival with further information on town, home-stay house and family, things to do and see during free time, and camp t-shirt
What is not included?
- airfare
- travel insurance
Why choose us?
- great location (small town / very safe / several amazing beaches nearby)
- low program fees
- 24 hour local emergency support
- support and assistance on-site during camp hours
- highly experienced camp directors
- access to all project materials
Typical day for volunteers:
Monday to Friday 8:50 am to 1:00 pm
- 8:50 am – 9:00 am: Volunteer camp preparation
- 9:00 am – 9:15 am: Camp begins / Morning circle
- 9:15 am – 11:00 am: Activities
- 11:00 am – 11:15 am: Snack Break
- 11:15 am – 12:45 pm: Activities
- 12:45 pm – 1:00 pm: Clean up / occasional staff meetings
- 1:15 pm: Camp ends
Volunteers will be working in centres with groups of 10 to 20 campers at a time.
Interested in volunteering?
Please contact us if you would like more information.
If you are ready to apply now, you can either:
- download a PDF application to print, complete and mail back to us, or
- download and a text file version to edit and email straight back to us
APPLICATION IS COMPLETELY FREE OF CHARGE!!
The Esperanza Project will notify volunteers of acceptance within 14 days of application.
If accepted, volunteers must pay a non-refundable, non-transferable deposit of $500 USD to confirm their spot in the program.
All final payments are due 65 days prior to volunteer start date.
Volunteers are encouraged to fund-raise in order to save on program costs, however The Esperanza Project is not currently tax exempt. Please contact us if you have any more questions on fund-raising.
Past Volunteer Testimonials
“Camp Esperanza was one of the most mutually beneficial experiences in my life to date. Of all the activities or volunteer opportunities I’ve been a part of, Camp Esperanza stands alone. The kids, the counselors, the parents of kids, and even unrelated townspeople received equally as much satisfaction from the experience as I did. Furthermore, without the courage and compassion of a resourceful and noble couple, Anthony and Fiona, this would have been entirely impossible. My gratitude to Anthony and Fiona extends eternally, approximately the amount of time this endeavor will impact my life.” – Michael from USA
“The Esperanza Project was a truly incredible experience. The town of Cabrera is a very welcoming and charming place to live. The volunteers, including Anthony and Fiona themselves, are an unforgettable group of people. I had so much fun with them during camp and during free time. I’ll always cherish the great relationships I built with the volunteers, my host family and the children at camp. I have never met such warm and friendly people. The Esperanza Project has a special place in my heart and I look forward to watching it continue to grow.” – Katlynn from USA
“Camp Esperanza is the most worthwhile and rewarding program that I have been involved in. Watching the children develop over my stay was one of the most amazing things to see and the people of Cabrera couldn’t have been lovelier: I felt a true member of the community. The people were awesome, especially Anthony and Fiona who made sure that I was relaxed and made the experience for me. I now have friends from all over the globe that I will stay in touch for a very, very long time. Before leaving for Cabrera, any worry or concern was fully answered and they were there for anything during the stay. The flexibility of the programme meant that I was able to take charge of my centre and play to my strengths as well as being able to explore the surrounding area in the afternoons. I couldn’t think of a better way to spend a summer: living in paradise with amazing people working for such a worthwhile cause!” – Benjamin from England
“Summer at Camp Esperanza was awesome! I loved getting to know all the volunteers from all over the world, as well as my home-stay family and the children at camp. Everyone in Cabrera is really, really friendly. Camp itself had a very positive, fun atmosphere, and I feel lucky just to have been a part of it. Aside from camp, some of my favorite memories were swimming at the beautiful beaches, drinking a ton of fresh juice in town with the volunteers, and just hanging out at Anthony and Fiona’s house. I’d recommend Camp Esperanza to anyone.” – Mark from USA
We also offer volunteer placements with…
The Esperanza Project Educational Program
The Esperanza Project also offers an educational program which is run by a group of highly energetic and highly qualified young educators, who are focused on providing an affordable, yet high quality, student-centered, English-based program, which aims to create a structured and differentiated learning environment for students with diverse learning needs. The students of The Esperanza Project Educational Institute are actively involved in designing and running projects which seek to help and improve the local community, which in turn fosters academic growth and overall social development. The project currently caters to students aged 4 to 14 years old.
We are currently recruiting volunteers to join us with our educational program from September 3rd, 2012 to May 30th, 2013.
Program Fees:
$250 USD per month which covers:
+ a one time minimum donation of $750 USD, which will be used towards sponsoring one student to attend The Esperanza Project Educational Program for the 2012/2013 school year.
Who can volunteer?
All volunteers must be 18 years of age or over by July 1st, 2012. Volunteers should be adventurous, energetic, responsible, and enjoy working with children and youth. They should be open to experiencing and becoming a part of a new culture. Past teaching / classroom experience and Spanish language skills are an advantage , but not essential.
If you would like more information on volunteering with our educational program or would like to apply, please contact us via email at info@esperanzaproject.ca or via telephone at 829 425 8102.
NEW!!! We now offer a short term volunteer option called ‘Vacanteering’.
Vacanteering combines a few days of volunteering with one of our above programs, with a few days of vacation and relaxation. Please follow the link below for more information on our Vacanteer Program and Apartment Rental.
