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.

 

Tuesday, July 25 - Travel Day

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Today was the first day of our trip to the Dominican Republic. We all met up at Washington Dulles at 5:30 in the morning, so we had plenty of time to get through the airport. Once we got to our gate, we all went off to have breakfast (I had fruit and yogurt). We all boarded the plane without a problem and settled in for the 3 hour flight to Punta Cana. The view out the window was amazing! At some points the ocean water was so clear you could see the bottom! We landed without a problem as well, thought it was a little bumpy.

When we got off the plane we noted that it was very warm, but had a nice breeze. The Punta Cana airport was very unique; it was mostly open-air and the roof was covered in palm leaves. We dropped some of our supplies for the day camps at the sustainability center and then headed on to our hotel. The hotel, called the Westin, is very nice. It has a huge pool, and we are right by the ocean. The first thing we all did was get in the ocean, then we played Marco Polo in the pool. For dinner we had chicken, French fries, and, of course, Caesar salad. It was all very delicious. We all ended the evening with a meeting where we told how our day was. We also discussed what we are going to do tomorrow.

 -Cash Chambers, Highland Co.

Today was my first international flight and I was definitely a bit nervous. This was also such a new experience for me and I didn’t know more than a few people on the trip. I am excited for the new bonds and friendships I will make. Saying goodbye to my momma was definitely hard but she was super excited for me. Meeting others was so effortless and everyone was so kind and helpful especially in the confusing and chaotic airport. I am thankful for having a safe flight to this amazing opportunity in this beautiful country and I am so excited for this year ahead. 

-Sophia Gallivan, Accomack Co.

When I arrived at the airport the beginning was a lot more than I had expected because it was the first time going on an airplane in several years. However as soon as we filled out the Embarkation form we all started talking really quickly which made the rest of the travel experience fun. My favorite part about the day was all of the things we were able to do within just the first few hours of being in Punta Cana. We all hung out in the oceans, swam in the pool, celebrated Bre’s birthday and had a chance to start interacting with the Dominicans. What I am most looking forward to the rest of the week is making more great memories and doing the day camp with the Dominican teens.--

Deborah Olorunda, Loudoun Co.

This is my first time leaving the country without being with my parents and, to be honest, I was very anxious about the experience. But, after the first day I definitely feel very at home and comfortable with the team. We met early at the airport and immediately were met with challenges that we quickly faced together as a team. When we got to the resort after the flight we were able to mingle with each other by the beach and at the pool. I had a blast getting to know everybody. The day was challenging and I was anxious, but getting to bond with these wonderful people made me excited for the week ahead!

 

-Addy Sokolowski, Albemarle Co.

Why am I participating in this program? The Virginia 4-H Participants have a variety of reasons for wanting to participate this year.

Journey Mason, 18, Henrico Co., values opportunities for travel and is interested in the opportunity to learn more about sustainability and playing a role in promoting it in a community.   She also wants to strengthen her Spanish speaking because biliteracy is a valuable skill that will allow her to connect with a broader scope of individuals. She also wants to step outside her comfort zone on this trip.

Kerrigan Bauserman, 17, Shenandoah Co., loves to travel and seek new adventures. The most important thing she wants to learn is about the local culture because it is something she's never been around. She can't wait to meet all of the Dominican teens and campers! Her personal goals for this trip are to become more aware of the needs within our world and how she can best address and improve upon those needs, to better understand the Spanish speaking language, and finally, make connections and have fun!

Cole Swartz, 17, Shenandoah Co., sees this program as an opportunity to see and learn about a different culture. He wants to experience and see how people live in a tropical environment. Cole also wants the Dominican children to know that we’re not all the same, we’re all very different, but we can sometimes have the same goals.

Mary Anne Rogers, 15, Highland Co., has always been intrigued by travel and culture. She also loves working with kids, so this program is a good match for her. She wants to learn about the people, test her Spanish skills, and get to know them because that is the most important part of the trip for her.

Emma Lucero, 18, Montgomery Co., applied for this program because she is interested in traveling abroad and loves to teach children about ways to help their communities and the world be a better place. Her personal goals for this week in the Dominican Republic are learning more about herself as a person and broadening her perspective on the world.

Hannah Biby, 14, Shenandoah Co., especially wants to see the small neighborhoods away from the hotel because she wants to see how the local people live. She also wants to learn more about their culture and to learn more Spanish and make new friendships.

Adeline Sokolowski, 17, Albemarle Co., has been on domestic mission trips before and hasn’t been on an international mission trip before as a teen. Addy wants to make new friends, because that is the most powerful part of a service trip.

David Olorunda, 15, Loudoun Co., wanted an opportunity to create an impact globally through his gifts, skills, and talents. Going to the Dominican Republic through a larger branch of an organization that I am a member of gives him the opportunity to help others who may not be as fortunate as he is which is something he is passionate about. He wants to see young kids excited to participate in the different activities that we will offer. He wants to take in all of the beautiful sights and memories during the travel and he wants to learn about the unique individuals living in the Dominican Republic. He is excited for these things because he wants to continue to expand himself and his horizons.

Sydney Ford, 15, Henrico Co., would like to improve and practice her Spanish as well as learn about the Dominican Republic culture.

Deborah Olorunda, 16, Loudoun Co., applied for this program to experience being a leader in 4-H not just for her club but in another country and to have the opportunity to experience a new culture and meet new people while doing so. Her personal goals for this week in the Dominican Republic are to see the wildlife in the area, be able to work with the kids successfully at the 4-H camp, have fun exploring the area, and get to know our 4-H team and the Dominicans well.

Natalee Peterson, 15, Shenandoah Co., applied for this program because her cousins went in the past and she thought it would be a great opportunity. Her personal goals are to learn more about the kids and people, see what is different from her home and she wants to be more appreciative for what she has.

Breanna Young, 15, Loudoun Co., will have her 16th birthday in the Dominican Republic! She applied for this program because of the major learning opportunities and the connections to other countries. We are not the only place in the world and if she can help and learn from others that is amazing. The most important parts to her are the kids day camp, and becoming more fluent in Spanish, because she loves working with kids and kids are kids no matter where you go and it’s so exciting to meet new people!

Sophia Gallivan, 17, Accomack Co., applied for this program because she has been able to receive so many life lessons and gifts of mindfulness through Virginia 4-H. When she saw the opportunity to not only give these opportunities to other children but also represent Virginia 4-H, she knew she couldn’t pass this amazing opportunity up. Sophia really wants to help facilitate 4-H changing the lives of youth across the world as it did hers. Being from a rural coastal region of Virginia she wants to be able to experience their culture and share American culture with them through 4-H.

Chad Biby, 17, Shenandoah Co.,has heard great things about this program from previous participants and decided he wanted to participate. Chad wants to experience the history and culture because he loves history. He also wants to make a difference in someone's life.

Nathaniel Farmer, 16, Shenandoah Co., thinks it’s a great opportunity to learn and to help people. He also would like to meet new people because he wants to see how other cultures live.

Jennifer Farmer, 19, Shenandoah Co. would like to learn more about the Honey Bee/Worm Cultivation Nursery because she would like to know more about their efforts to improve sustainability and conservation locally. Jenny I would like to step out of her comfort zone, learn about different cultures, and help teach children about 4H.

Carson Stern, 15, Shenandoah Co. ,chose to come on this trip because he wanted to experience a day in the life of a Dominican kid and he wanted the opportunity to help as much as he can. He hopes to experience the lifestyle and see how fortunate he is compared to them.

Alivia Hoover,17, Alleghany Co. feels that this program will be a life changing experience and she wants to explore the different cultures of the world. Alivia also wants to learn about the differences between the United States and the Dominican Republic

Maggie Copp, 16, Shenandoah Co.

Cora Hodges, 15, Alleghany Co

Ryley Crabtree, 16, Lee Co.

Cash Chambers, 15, Highland Co.

Chris Biby, adult volunteer, Shenandoah Co.

Dj Croskey-Ford, adult volunteer, Henrico Co., says her personal goals are for the Dominican children to have a memorable experience. She would like for their hearts and minds to be touched in such a way that they remember this summer for many years to come. She would also like to use this trip as an opportunity to increase her fluency in Spanish.

Dwight Farmer, adult volunteer, Shenandoah Co. wants a chance to serve and spread the values of the 4H program. He also wants to help our kids grow through service to others and gain new experiences.

Ben Hindman, 4-H Extension Agent, Highland Co., applied for this program because he believes in the importance and value of visiting different parts of the world and experiencing different cultures. His personal goals for this week in the Dominican Republic are to contribute positively to the local community and make a meaningful impact during his time there. He also hopes to use this opportunity to learn about Dominican culture, traditions, and ways of life by engaging with locals, building relationships, and exchanging knowledge and experiences. Ben also wants the Dominican children to know that Americans are diverse people with various ethnic and cultural backgrounds. He wants them to know that many Americans believe in giving back to their communities and helping those in need.

Emmalee Edwards, 4-H Extension Agent, Augusta Co.

Trip Leader:  Christine Hodges, 4-H Extension Agent, Alleghany Co., is one half of the organizational team of this program every year.  

Trip Leader:  Carol Nansel, 4-H Extension Agent, Shenandoah Co.,  is the other half of the organizational team for this program.  Carol enjoys traveling, working with teens and learning about cultures.  She has previously chaperoned 4-H teens on a 5 week trip to Japan and, along with 4-H Specialist Joe Hunnings, helped establish this 4-H Dominican Republic Program in 2006.  She enjoys watching the 4-H teens grow in their leadership and world citizenship skills each year and developing lifelong friendships.