This is a general itinerary. The dates, hotels, and airlines are correct, but the times for specific activities in DR and the details of those activities are still approximate. Board members will update the group each day or whenever new information becomes available!

Monday, May 18th
4:00 – 6:30 pm: Students meet to prepare for the trip. Meet at Frank Merckx’s house next to Drew (see email for address) for a potluck and overnight ready for an early start to the airport Tuesday.   We will spend the evening packing donations and preparing for the trip.

Tuesday, May 19^th  NOTE: in-country details are subject to change.
6:00 am – Depart for Newark airport
8:55 am – Newark (EWR) United Airways, flight 1624 to Santiago Cibao International Airport (STI) DR
12:50 pm – arrive Santiago
1:30 pm – private bus from the airport to Bonao
5:00 pm (approx) – arrive at Hotel Plaza Jacaranda (Autopista Duarte Km 87-1/2 [809-525-5590]), unpack, settle in.
6:00 pm – visit el Hogar de niñas María Madre de Dios, meet with the children and the director and plan out the week’s work
6:30 pm – Dinner at the children’s home and interact with the children
7:30 pm – return to the hotel, reflection, and then relax and prepare for the work project.

Wednesday, May 20^th  – Saturday, May 30^th
7:30 am – breakfast at the hotel
8:30 am – arrive at el Hogar and begin work (on the playground or painting)
12:30 am – Lunch at the children’s home with the children, then rest
2:00 pm – return to work. Some students will teach English or computer skills
6:30 pm – Dinner at the children’s home
7:30 pm – interact with the children, play, help with homework, etc.
9:00 pm – return to the hotel, reflection, and relaxation.

Sunday, May 31^st
Rest day. Group visit to a beach if possible, and/or local tourism. Details to follow.

Monday, June 1^st  
7:30 am – breakfast at the hotel
8:30 am – visit local school in Bonao, teach and or play with children
3:00 pm – return to the hotel, pack, prepare for final dinner and reflection.
Details to follow

Tuesday, June 2^nd  
6:00 am – breakfast at the hotel
7:00 am Private bus to Santiago airport (arrive c. 11:00 am)
1:40 pm Santiago (STI) airport,  United, flight 1625 to Newark
5:45 pm* arrive Newark (EWR) Parents meet students and take them home, or drivers take them to Madison or to Sandra’s house to collect cars or for later pick up by parents.

* Please note flight delay–check estimated arrival & gate with United Airlines!