Tuesday - Travel Day

Today we flew back home, it was a sad but happy day. We said bye to everyone that we became friends with down in the Dominican Republic and also the people we became friends with from Virginia. It’s kinda funny how the first day we got down there everyone stuck with the people they knew and didn’t interact with everyone else. But by the end of the week we all became close friends and it was kinda sad saying by knowing that we probably won’t see each other again or at least for awhile. But the week was overall good and it was a very cool experience and I would definitely go again. 

-Hannah Biby, Shenandoah Co.

Monday - Snorkeling, Free Time, and Dinner and Dancing at the Giudicelli home

On the last day of our Dominican trip we went snorkeling and saw so many new things. It was very refreshing to be able to swim around on a nice party boat and certainly is an extreme privilege. Next, we paid a visit to an extremely caring family and learned how to dance! We had such amazing food and it was a blast. I thank all of the agents for helping this year to make everything possible!

-Cora Hodges, Alleghany Co.

Today we went snorkeling in the ocean. We had a lot of fun watching the fish and we saw a lot of turtles from the boat. The water was very clear and very pretty. We went shopping on the beach. I have never been snorkeling so it was an experience. 

-Margaret Copp, Shenandoah Co.

Today we went snorkeling early in the morning and  played in the ocean until lunch time. The snorkeling was really fun and I saw a lot of cool fish and we also saw metal furniture at the bottom. When we got done snorkeling we went to see Dolphins doing their tricks and also saw a stingray pass by while we were watching. After we stopped there we went to about waist high water and played there for a while and then when our time was up there we got on the boat to come back. While on the boat we started dancing with the workers and it was really fun. Once we got back to the resort everyone was either hungry or wanted a shower. After everyone got food, shower, or got in the pool most people took a nap or started packing and just relaxing as we had to leave the next day. But we had dinner at the Giudicelli’s house and it was so fun! We all danced even if some of us don’t usually dance and the energy was just so welcoming and it felt like a family. They showed us their dances and we showed them some of ours and the food was absolutely amazing, it was by far the best food of the week, you could tell it was made with love. But overall the day was relaxing and fun day for everyone.

-Hannah Biby, Shenandoah Co.

Sunday - Trip to Higuey

 

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Today we were asked to observe all that we were seeing throughout our trip to Higuay. Our first stop was at the Basilica where I loved hearing about the history of the founding and construction of the church. 

Today I observed how family oriented the area is. When we were traveling through the Farmers Market we were welcomed by the locals and as I walked through, there were people of all ages involved. Grandparents, parents and children all surrounded the area to welcome us and market their products. 

We then ate a Dominican lunch at Wellinton’s family home where the best hospitality was shown, once again I witnessed the importance of family in the Dominican culture. They prepared a large meal for us which was amazing. 

In conclusion, I observed today just how important family is and how blessed I am for all that I have. Can’t wait for snorkeling tomorrow and enjoying every moment left with these people!

Kerrigan Bauserman, Shenandoah

Today was a very interesting and eye opening day. We began with a trip to the Basilica which was a very interesting experience where we learned some good history and took pictures.  Then we had a great experience at the Farmers Market where we definitely saw new experiences and smells. 

We then made it to the Welintons family home in the countryside and had a wonderful time eating a proper and delicious Dominican meal. We hung out with the kids and family and had good communion. 

Finally we went to the supermarket and were able to enjoy our time shopping for different souvenirs. It was great as we were able to notice the similarities and differences between that store and different stores in the states.

David Olorunda, Loudoun

I guess today was one of the best days due to the fact we got to see all different kinds of people blend together and treated everyone including us with dignity and respect.

We were just normal everyday people in the market.  We were not Americans in the market. We were just shoppers.

Chad Biby, Shenandoah

Saturday - Service Day

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I went through today with an open mind, I have never experienced a place like the Dominican Republic so I had no idea what to expect walking through their town. I was taken aback by the amount of people all in one place in Domingo Maiz. While we were painting the 4-H mural I was amazed by the support from the community members. People gathered in the street to watch what we were doing, kids we didn’t know joined to help. It was like we were all united by the comprehensive love for art. Through the language barrier and different ideas it can be hard to work together but a love for art always  manages to unite us.

Mary Anne Roger's, Highland Co. 

Saturday was such an eye opening, yet great day. We started our day by eating breakfast at our hotel, and then we got onto a bus and drove to a school to drop off school supplies. Once we arrived at the school, we were greeted by one of the teachers who taught at the school. We unloaded the supplies and then began chatting with the teacher. We asked her questions about the school. Questions such as how many students go to the school, how many grades it has, how long it’s been opened, etc. We then left the school and went to Domingo Maiz. Domingo Maiz is a neighborhood that Christine and Carol have sort of “adopted” over the many years that they have been doing this program. Once we were at Domingo Maiz, we quickly got to work by picking up trash. While one group was picking up trash, another group began repainting a mural on a wall within the town that was first painted in 2015. The mural was a 4-H clover with the words, “Head, Heart, Hands, Health” in Spanish around the clover. While doing all of this, we were interacting with Dominican boys and girls of all ages. We then left Domingo Maiz and made our way to our final stop, another school to drop off school supplies. We got to go inside one of the classrooms and the main office of the school which was super cool. We then left the school and went back to our hotel. Some people went to the beach, some people went to the pool, and some just went and took a nap. At 8 o’clock, we all ate dinner, did our debrief of the day, and then went to bed. All in all, Saturday was an amazing day that really opened our eyes; it was a day that made us realize how good we have it and how we take all of it for granted.

Ryley Crabtree, Lee Co.

Friday - Last day of 4-H Day Camp

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Today was the last day of camp and it was a very fast paced day. To start the day off we had some fun teaching the campers our line dances and then they showed us some Dominican dances - bachata and merengue. When we went back inside my group made sun catchers and airplanes, we also finished up our pictures frames. When the groups switched we went on a tour to see the farm animals, fish, and iguana farm. After lunch we went to the beach and the kids played for a while. Once we got back we said bye and then the Dominican teens and all of our group headed off to the indigenous eyes to cool off from the heat. 

Hannah Biby, Shenandoah

Today we walked to the beach with the campers. Prior to that we danced, assembled airplanes and made sun catchers from recycled water bottles. I greatly enjoyed the tour and I learned a lot about how the DR uses common resources to become more environmentally friendly to their environment. Later that day we took one more trip to the indigenous eyes and swam for about thirty minutes.

Sydney Ford, Henrico Co.

Today was the last day of day camp! Today has had such positive energy. The kids came in ready to participate and be involved. Everyone was helping make crafts and excited to bring them home. I had the most fun doing the cultural dances. The kids especially loved being able to go to the beach. Today I learned a lot about what school is like in the DR. It is a really big deal to graduate but they don’t have prom or other dances through school. Of course it was fun to be able to go back to the resort and be with our group. Today was lots of fun but also a bittersweet goodbye to our campers! 

Sophia Gallivan, Accomack Co.

Prior to my arrival at Punta Cana, I had my apprehensions about whether or not we could accomplish the mission of this trip in just two days. For many of the campers, this was a completely new experience in an environment with resources that they may not have been otherwise subjected to. This trip has been just as much of a learning experience for myself as well as the children that I was blessed to meet and provide for. 

The second, and last, day of day camp was a bittersweet experience for everyone. The day started as it had yesterday, games and reintroductions to warm everyone up. What stuck out today was a new energy and excitement that was palpable throughout the center. That energy was extended as we shared in our cultures by teaching eachother familiar dances, sharing photos from home, and relating as youth despite our language and background differences. 

All day campers had smiles on their faces as they listened actively and happily participated in the activities and educational tours organized for them. 

A group consensus decided that the beach was the highlight of the day. The area of Punta Cana is a high tourist spot, most places being privatized or simply too expensive for locals to enjoy. To be able to give the day campers an experience to look back on is easily one of the most rewarding feelings I’ll take home with me. Overall I am so so blessed and grateful to be apart of a trip that gives back to a community that is given the short end of the stick in their own home. 

The most important thing I learned is that preconceived notions and expectations only hold the weight they are given. As a delegate, I made it a point to walk into 4H camp ready to learn and be surprised by what I may learn and see from the campers that arrived. All in all, even though our camp is over for the summer, I am glad to leave knowing a difference was made in the lives of so many deserving individuals.

 

Journey Mason, Henrico Co.

Thursday, July 27 - First day of 4-H Day Camp

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 Today was the first day of day camp! Getting past the initial chaos of meeting people, assigning them to groups, and getting ready for the day, there was a lot of excitement. Through many games like Uno and Jenga, we got to meet and befriend many of the kids who came. We also went on a tour of the property, looking at the compost, bees, and conservation and sustainability projects the Punta Cana Foundation leads. We also met their National bird, the Ridgeway Hawk, and learned of the ongoing efforts to preserve and protect this species. Overall, it was a day of learning and fun and we all can’t wait for tomorrow! 

Jennifer Farmer, Shenandoah

Today was very chaotic but fun day. It was our first day of day camp. We definitely had lots of fun but we found it difficult given the language barrier. I was part of the Amarillo group (yellow). We did many activities today but one of my favorites was playing with the kids and getting to know their history and where they are from. I can’t wait for what tomorrow brings.

Nate Farmer, Shenandoah 

Wednesday, July 26 - Team Building Day with the Dominican Teens

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Today was an awesome day filled with lots of fun activities! I started out the day by watching the sunrise on the beach before heading out to meet our Dominican Republic teen partners for the first time. All of the kids were super nice and jumped right in to helping us pack and organize our donated school supplies. While packing the bags, it was amazing to see how us American teens were able to come together to provide so many items that will later be donated to the locals. I also shared a conversation while packing the school supplies about how good it makes you feel when serving others and how grateful we are for our privileged life in America. After we were done working it was then time for a fun adventure. We took a short hike before we reached the natural freshwater pools where we were able to relax and enjoy the beauty that surrounded us. It was a day full of fun and I’m excited for what is to come!

- Kerrigan Bauserman, Shenandoah

Today was great day!  We had the opportunity to volunteer at the foundation and got to meet the Dominican teens.We did fun team builder activities which helped us not only grow to know Dominican teens but also more of our own 4-Hers. We had the opportunity to hangout in a natural pool which was a super fun experience with both of our 4-H groups. In conclusion I think we had a wonderful time today and cannot wait to see what the rest of the week brings.

-David Olorunda, Loudoun Co.

I enjoyed the opportunity to learn the lifestyle of the Dominican Republic teens and the way I got to interact with them personally. I had a great time at the natural pool, and the resort is nice. I’m looking forward to meeting the Dominican Republic campers tomorrow! I can’t wait to play lots of games and participate in many activities.

-Carson Stern, Shenandoah Co.

We started with going to the Grupo PuntaCana Ecological Foundation and meeting all of the Dominican teens. I really enjoyed talking to them. It was fun helping the others out with  their Spanish. My favorite part was going to the Isles after and jumping into the freshwater hole. The one hard part of today was that after dinner I got peed on by a snail we saw on our way to our room. I am most looking forward to working with the 4-H teens tomorrow and trying more Dominican food. 

-Bre Young, Loudoun Co.

Today was definitely an experience, but was so much fun! It was really nice getting to interact with the Dominican teens. I also got to learn more about the other 4-Hers on this trips with us. The indigenous eyes were a lot of fun and the water was super clear. Can’t wait to see what the rest of the week brings.

Natalee Peterson, Shenandoah Co.

Today was so much fun! It felt so good to organize the school supplies and give back to the community. I also had so much fun meeting and getting to know all of the Dominican teens. Even though it was a little toasty for a while today we got to cool off at the beautiful Indigenous Eyes swimming hole! 

-Emma Lucero, Montgomery Co. 

Today was very easy going, we met the Dominican teens and they were shy like us in the beginning but once we got to work we started talking like we’ve known each other for years. Working along side them as well as having fun and swimming along side them really was an experience that I will never to forget as we grew so close within such a short period of time. Aside from that, scenery is amazing here and the people at the hotel are really nice and welcoming to us even if we don’t speak their language. That’s all from the experience so far, can’t wait to make more memories.

-Cole Swartz, Shenandoah Co.