Program Summary
Our summer camp volunteer program gives students, teachers and qualified individuals the opportunity to work directly in DREAM sponsored schools. Volunteers help to implement and lead an intensive five-week summer program designed to provide a quality education, experiential learning and a general support system for disadvantaged and at-risk youth. The summer school and camp was developed for children ages 10 to 16 that are critically in need of academic help, with many being one or more levels behind in school. Most children entering the program can neither read nor write. With many having previously failed in public schools, the camp provides an opportunity for children to learn about their environment, culture and peers. Activities include: tutoring, team building challenges, art projects, sports education, music and dance instruction, science and nature experiments, excursions and educational games. Most of the children are discovering and developing respect for their community and themselves for the first time.
Summer camp volunteers work as teachers, teacher trainers, counselors, and area instructors in the camp. Volunteers work side by side with Dominican staff in a group effort that crosses language and cultural barriers to promote the exchange of ideas, strategies and methods in teaching and activities. Please see our FAQ’s for more information.
Requirements
The DREAM Guzmán Ariza Summer School & Camp runs from June 26 to July 30, 2011. Volunteers must be at least 18 years old at the start of the program. We are now accepting applications for the 2011 Guzmán Ariza Summer School & Camp. Late applications will be accepted on a case by case basis.
Spanish Language Proficiency
Spanish fluency is not mandatory, but a proficiency in Spanish is required. Spanish proficiency is a tremendous asset and native speakers, especially those of Dominican or Haitian background, are encouraged to apply. All applicants will be interviewed in Spanish, and level of proficiency will be used to determine available placements.
Cost
The cost is $1,800 per volunteer, which covers one week of training, program excursions, accommodations, 3 meals a day (Sunday dinner though Friday lunch), drinking water, pick up/drop off from the Puerto Plata airport (up to 48 hours before the start of camp and 48 hours after the end of camp), oversight, and program costs. This fee is waived for experienced certified teachers.
Application Process
To apply, please download the summer camp application. If you have participated in the camp before, you can fill out the application for returning volunteers. The application deadline has been extended to March 31, 2011.
To apply as a certified teacher, please email info@dominicandream.org with your resume, references, and a letter explaining how your experiences in literacy or math will be helpful to students in our program. Please specifically state how you imagine running your class and the instructional practices you will use. If you were a former teacher with the DREAM Project, please follow the same application procedure, but write your letter on why you would like to return and what you hope to achieve during the program.
Mail completed applications along with the $40 application fee and letters of recommendations by March 31, 2011 to:
The DREAM Project,
35 Thasha Lane, Unit A-8
Essex Junction, VT 05452
Applications can also be faxed to the DREAM office at 815-550-1727,
or scanned and emailed to info@dominicandream.org. All applications must be completed in full or they will not be reviewed! Letters of recommendation can be sent separately or included in the application.
