Volunteer as a Summer School & Camp Counselor

in the Dominican Republic!

Spend five weeks in the DR teaching children sports, arts & crafts, writing, reading, and other activities.

The DREAM Guzman Ariza

Escuela y Campamento de Verano

(Summer School & Camp)

 

The deadline to apply for the 2008 DREAM Guzman Ariza Summer School & Camp, running from June 29th – August 2nd, has passed. We will be accepting applications for the 2009 DREAM Guzman Ariza Summer School & Camp starting September 15th, 2008.

Our Volunteer Program gives students, teachers and qualified individuals the opportunity to work directly in DREAM sponsored schools. The summer school & camp was developed for children aged 8 to 17 that are critically in need of academic help, with many being one or more levels behind in school. 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. 

DREAM volunteers develop specialized educational programs that focus on self pride, respect and peace education. Most children entering the program can neither read nor write. With many having previously failed in public schools, the program provides an opportunity for children to learn about their environment, culture and peers through experiential learning and educational excursions. Most of the children are discovering and developing respect for their community and themselves for the first time.

Requirements

The DREAM Guzman Ariza Summer School & Camp requires a 5-week commitment. Volunteers must be at least 18 years old at the start of the program.

Spanish Skills Needed:

Spanish proficiency is not mandatory, but a basic knowledge of Spanish is required.

The level of proficiency will be used to determine available placements.

Spanish proficiency is a tremendous asset and native speakers are encouraged to apply.

Cost:

$1,600 per volunteer covers one week of training, accommodations, 3 meals a day (Monday through Friday), drinking water, oversight and program costs.

+$100 for pick up/drop off from the airport in Puerto Plata.

 

Click here to download the volunteer application. All completed applications, along with the $35 application fee and letters of recommendations must be mailed to:

The DREAM Project

PO Box 4136

Ithaca, NY 14852.

Please note the deadline for the 2009 DREAM Guzman Ariza Summer School & Camp is March 1st, 2009.