Orphanage Outreach Intern Guide

Dear Orphanage Outreach Interns,

Thank you for all of your time and commitment to the Orphanage Outreach Program. According to past volunteers, this will be a life-changing experience, full of opportunities to make a difference in your self and in the lives of so many children in the community.

You probably have many questions as you are thinking about an internship, or have signed up and are getting ready to go. This Intern Guide should serve as the ultimate resource to answer any questions that you may have. Please read this guide completely and carefully.

Please share this Volunteer Information Packet with people who are concerned about you and interested in your trip—parents, spouses, etc.  Sometimes they have more concerns than you do, especially when they don’t have all the information you have.

 

1-Page Summary Sheet

1) Be 2 Hours Early to the Airport 

2) Find your passport now.   

3) This is NOT an American Express vacation.  This is NOT a tour.  This is a work trip to a developing country.  Part of the fun is all the things that go wrong.  Expect it. Enjoy it.  Be flexible.  Practice being “Gumby”. 

4) Things to bring:

• Your passport.
• Mosquito repellent. Extra mosquito repellent.
• Sun screen.
• A flashlight with extra batteries.
• A personal water bottle.
• Twin sheets, a towel, an airline style blanket/throw, and washcloths. (Sheet and towels and  blankets are optional, they are available at the orphanage)
• Foam Ear plugs (The chickens and donkeys can be loud at night!)
• A camera, extra camera batteries and film or memory cards.  Double the film or memory you think you will need.
• Personal toiletry items, including soap, you may need.  Instant hand sanitizer is helpful.
• Just in case—items for stomach issues—Pepto Bismol, immodium, etc. 
• An extra pair of glasses or contacts, if you use them.
• A plastic garbage bag to store your dirty clothes for your trip home. OO does not provide them.
• Guys—bring at least one pair of pants for working in the schools. If you plan to go to church, also bring a nice polo or dress shirt.
• Women - The Pentecostal orphanages and professional Dominican women dress very modestly.  Wear skirts or pants or capris at or below the knee.  No shorts, tank tops, or sleeveless dresses. Long shorts (at knee or below) can only be worn while running before breakfast, or over your swimsuit if you go to the beach with the kids.   A one piece swimsuit always. If you plan to go to church, bring a long dress or skirt and blouse.
• You will receive OO tee-shirts to wear each day when you arrive in the D.R

 5) For those who may need to reach you in case of an emergency, have them leave a message on the Orphanage Outreach machine (602) 375-2900.  We will check messages daily.   It is an Orphanage Outreach requirement that you call someone at home with an “arrived safe” message.  Please coordinate this in advance of your trip so your family knows who you are going to call.  Please tell people NOT to expect a “Got there O.K.” call from you until at least 24 hours after you arrive.  Phone calls during the week will be limited to emergency calls only.  We find that phone calls during the week can be a significant distraction from your work at the orphanage.  If you are staying more than one week, you will be able to call home on the weekend.  Phone cards will not work; plan on spending approximately 40 cents per minute to call home.  If you bring your own cell phone, you will be asked to put it away after your “Got there O.K. call home.  You will have access to a phone if you have an emergency in the Dominican Republic. 

6) Your housing, food, ground transportation, and insurance is covered through your donation.  The amount of spending money you need will be minimal. You will need $10 to enter the country and $10 to exit the country.   You will need money to make a phone call home,  to buy an occasional soda,  buy any miscellaneous personal items you may need, etc. Some volunteers have spent less than $10 during a week at the orphanage.  You will probably not have access to an ATM machine, unless you are at the orphanage for more than a week .   Our suggestion is to bring $100 in cash (not traveler’s checks), and to not change money until you arrive in the Dominican Republic.  

7) Most airlines allow you to bring two large (up to 50 pounds each) pieces of luggage to check in; confirm with your airline. Also check to see if there are any special luggage embargoes on your airline, i.e. no checked boxes. We request that you bring all personal essentials and one week of clothing in your carry-on, as it may take a week to return to the airport to pick up lost luggage. 

Mental and Emotional Preparation

Please read the following carefully:

With volunteers coming from all parts of the United States and from around the world, without having a chance to meet each person individually, with different objectives, and with different perspectives of what this trip is all about, here are a few suggestions on mental and emotional preparation for the trip that may help.

1) This is NOT an American Express Vacation!  Perhaps because we've been working in the Dominican Republic for a number of years, we've got a complete website, we've got newsletters, and because we have had so many positive comments, people sometimes believe this is a sort of a third world "Disneyland trip to the orphanage". A high level of quality control, consistency, significant support staffing, a "program", etc is sometimes expected.  It is not always that way.

You are participating on a very unpredictable, self generating, self directed program at a poor orphanage at the end of a road in a  developing country.  It is NOT YMCA camp. It's a group of individuals working together to provide opportunities for orphaned and abandoned children.

Your experience will be like no experience before it, or after it. If you are volunteering with Orphanage Outreach for the second time, expect a completely different experience. It will not be a repeat of your first trip. Be prepared for frustration, break down, discomfort, etc.  Also be prepared for an unforgettable experience with miracles, little and big.

2) Be Gumby.  Things will not happen as you hope and plan.  Be "Gumby" and adjust.  If the bus breaks down, open the window and enjoy the breeze while you take a nap.  If the power goes out, enjoy the romantic candles.  If the cement isn't there to pour the floor, play some catch with one of the kids.  If the toilets aren't working, enjoy the walk into the restaurant in town.

3) You'll be camping in a building.  The quality of the facilities are relative to what you're expecting.  My suggestion is to expect that you're camping, with the benefit of a roof.  Anything beyond that is gravy.

4) This is a happy trip.  The trip will be a  fun, happy time.  If you are prepared for a serious, hard working, miserable trip to a poor, impoverished orphanage - please adjust your expectations.   You may see things that might shock you, living conditions that are unacceptable, items that aren't fair. However, everything that we do on this trip is a positive that they would not have had without your involvement.  What we don't get done, is an opportunity for future involvement. In the mean time, have a great time. The kids will!

5) The intangibles are as important as the tangibles.  It's easy to focus on "what are we going to accomplish", meaning what are we going to do with the wood, cement, blocks, etc.  I encourage you to focus also on the intangibles.  The kids probably don't remember who built the basketball court, but they remember who played basketball with them. I encourage you to focus on the kids, as much as the projects.

6) Do not become too attached to one particular child.  Please be friendly and affectionate, without being too affectionate.  It's very important to develop relationships with the kids during the trip, and natural for us and them to be sad when we have to leave.  It isn't natural for one particular child to be upset because one particular volunteer is leaving.  It's only happened a couple of times, so it's not something to be fearful of, but something to be aware of and to avoid.

7) We aren't there to run the orphanage.  There may be items you disagree on relative to the operation of the orphanage.  Please do not spend excessive energy thinking and worrying about items we can't change.  We are there to provide resources, provide support, provide ideas, provide opportunities, etc.  But at some point there is a line between our providing support and the operation of the orphanage.  Don't let it be an upset for you.    

8) Know your objectives.  Know that you're responsible for the attainment of your objectives. Please write down, and be ready to share with the team, your objective(s) for being on the trip.  If you don't know why you're going, please spend some time figuring it out.  It's not so we know, so that we can fulfill your objectives.  It's so you know.  And so we, and other members of the team, can assist you in whatever way we can.  Bottom line, you are responsible for the fulfillment of your objectives of your trip.  It also means you are responsible for communicating with us if it's not happening.  This is a very important point.  You are investing heavily in this experience.  If your objective is to take a break - know it.  If it's to make a difference to one child - know it.  If it's to leave a lasting impact - know it.  And be happy when it happens.

Some of the above items may be a surprise, or may be generating some questions, or may not be clear.  If so, please communicate with us.

Orphanage Outreach 10 Principles for a Successful Trip

People usually sign up for an Orphanage Outreach trip to make a difference, to offer a helping hand.  And you will make a huge difference during your trip and through your contribution of time and money to Orphanage Outreach.

But there is also a lot available for you yourself to learn  and gain from the trip.  It’s why volunteers often say they gained more from the trip than they gave.

To maximize the experience, we have assembled 10 principles.  Please take some time to review these now.  Your team leader in the Dominican Republic will discuss these with you during orientation, and refer to them throughout the week.

Hopefully, you will view the world and yourself a little differently after your trip; reflecting on  and embracing these principles will help you do that.

1) Acknowledge Yourself
Acknowledge yourself for the difference you are making. Very few people are willing to do what you have done—raise or donate funds,  take a week or more of your time, give up other options you had for this time (skiing, the beach, work, etc)-  to go to the Dominican Republic for the benefit of an orphanage and kids you don’t know.  And many of you had to overcome fears and obstacles—a different language, not knowing anyone, only knowing Orphanage Outreach from the internet, parent’s concerns, etc.  It’s a big deal that you  are here.  The orphanages would not be existing, at least as they are, without you.  Celebrate the difference you are making!

2) You Are Orphanage Outreach
There is no big staff of Orphanage Outreach doing work.    Nothing happens without you—the majority of funds and labor come from the volunteers.  You aren’t here to “help” Orphanage Outreach, you “are” Orphanage Outreach.

3) It’s Not About You
As generous as you are, sometimes your time here can become about you.  “What difference am I going to make?”, “How can I optimize the use of my time”,  “I can’t speak the language”, “there’s too much free time”, “When will my donated items be used?”  Focus on the big picture, the difference you are making as a group.  Take the focus off of you, and enjoy the impact the kids are receiving.  Example—reading a story to one of the little boys may not be the best utilization of your skill, but it means the world to the boy.

4) This Is It
Most of the time, Americans are living in the future.  Kids are waiting for high school, high-schoolers are waiting for college, college students are waiting to graduate and get a job, single people  are waiting to get married, etc. etc.  People don’t live that way in the Dominican Republic; they live much more for each day.  This is a unique opportunity to really live in the present —forget about worries at home, forget about tomorrow, quit thinking about what lasting impact you are having—just enjoy the present moment.

5) Communicate Love
It is not necessary to know Spanish to be involved with the kids and to make a difference.  We’ve had many volunteers who spoke no Spanish make a huge difference with the kids and had a great time; we’ve had other volunteers fluent in Spanish get frustrated because of the unique Dominican words and expressions.  The experience is totally what you make of it.  No matter how much Spanish we know, we always wish we knew more.  What you know is what you know, so make the best of it.  Don’t let your lack of Spanish be an excuse to not get involved. 

6) Poco a Poco (Little by Little)
You can’t change the world in a week.  But, you can make a world of a difference in one or more of these kids lives.  Don’t be frustrated by the slow progress; great things happen little by little.  Your contributions this week, along with those volunteers who came before you, and those volunteers who will come after you, are making a huge difference.

7) Jump Right In
You’ve got a short period of time here.  Don’t spend a day or two getting to know what is going on.  Jump right in, be assertive, do what you came here to do.  If you wait till you get it all figured out, your time will be over.

8) Serve, Don’t Help
There’s a subtle difference between serving and helping.  We’re here to serve, not to help.  These are not poor, sick, helpless people who need our help.  We’re here to serve.  We share our strengths and blessings with them, and they share their blessings with us.  It’s a two-way street. 

9) Be  Flexible/Creative
Living and working here requires flexibility and creativity.  Practice it, enjoy it! You have all the skills you need to be effective and productive at the orphanage.

10) You Are Responsible
The experience you have here is up to you.  You need to take responsibility for their experience in the D.R.  Do not look to the team leader to give you the experience. Use the team leader as a resource. Communicate with the team leader. They will support and facilitate your work.  But you are ultimately responsible.

Health, Safety and Medical Concerns

It is natural and prudent to have concerns about health and safety when traveling overseas to a developing country. Here are some comments concerning these issues relative to traveling with Orphanage Outreach to the Dominican Republic:

Health:  

• Only purified bottled water is used for cooking and drinking.
• Mosquito nets are provided for sleeping.
• A competent, professional clinic is located near the orphanage.
• Emergency medical evacuation is included in your insurance.

Safety and Security:

• You will be living and working in Orphanage Outreach facilities and the local schools.
• You will usually be living and working with 20-70 other volunteers.
• You may be allowed to walk several blocks into the center of town as an organized group to buy ice cream, snacks, etc. 
• The orphanage is located in small, rural towns.  The people in the Dominican Republic are very friendly, with no anti-American sentiment.  Orphanage Outreach volunteers are welcomed. 
• Since 1994, we have had nearly 5000 volunteers working with us in the Dominican Republic, with no issues of a volunteer’s personal safety being threatened.
• You will be transported to and from the airport as a group in a chartered bus.

Medical Precautions:

There are several medical issues to consider when participating on a trip to the Dominican Republic:

Tetanus
Your tetanus booster should be up to date.

Malaria
There is some malaria in the Dominican Republic.  Depending on the time of the year and recent weather conditions, the mosquito population can vary from light to heavy.  To deal with the risk of malaria, we recommend that you  get a prescription of malaria pills. Chloroquine is recommended.   Bring plenty of mosquito repellent for morning and evening hours.  You will have a mosquito net to sleep under.

There were a few cases of malaria reported by tourists in the eastern end of the island in late 2004.  An update is available at:

http://www.cdc.gov/travel/other/malaria_dr_2004.htm

Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A can be contracted from contaminated food and water.  Although we use all bottled water and we have our own cook who is very experienced in food preparation, we recommend that participants get the Hepatitis A vaccine. We encourage participants not to eat uncooked food if eating at a restaurant, and to not drink any beverages in which you do not observe how it is prepared.

AIDS
Although concerns about AIDS should not stop you from volunteering, commonly practiced precautions need to be taken anytime you are working with small children. These precautions will be reviewed upon your arrival at the orphanage.

Dengue Fever
There have been cases of Dengue Fever reported in the Dominican Republic. The government has been aggressive in spraying for mosquitos and educating the public of the dangers of stagnant water, etc. The recommendations for tourists are to wear mosquito repellents, use mosquito nets, etc. 

Please visit the CDC web site for complete medical precautions and more detailed  information:

http://www.cdc.gov/travel/caribean.htm

Orphanage Outreach Insurance Policy

Adams & Associates

INTERNATIONAL

This insurance plan has been specifically designed to meet your needs during your overseas assignment and available for; Orphanage Outreach Personnel on active service. The policy provides Accidental Death & Dismemberment, Permanent Total Disability, Emergency Evacuation, Repatriation, Baggage and Emergency Assistance Services.  This plan is intended to be supplemental insurance to an approved overseas major medical insurance policy.  This meets the Orphanage Outreach requirements for overseas service, as briefly described below;

 SUMMARY OF COVERAGE FOR PERSONS AGES 13 - 69

 Accidental Death and Dismemberment, Principal Sum $100,000.00
  Permanent Total Disability Income, per month for 1st - 100th months, Accident $1,000.00

 per month for 4th - 54th months, Sickness $250.00

 Medical, Legal, Passport, Baggage and Assistance See Separate "AIG" Assist Info Sheet

 Emergency Medical Transportation $50,000.00

 Repatriation of Mortal Remains $7,500.00

 Property (baggage) Insurance, $100 deductible, per occurrence $2,500.00

 SUMMARY OF COVERAGE FOR PERSONS AGES 70 & OVER & CHILDREN AGES 12 & UNDER

 Accidental Death and Dismemberment, Principal Sum $10,000.00
  Medical, Legal, Passport, Baggage and Assistance See Separate "AIG" Assist Info Sheet
  Emergency Medical Transportation $50,000.00
  Repatriation of Mortal Remains $7,500.00
  Property (baggage) Insurance, $100 deductible, per adult unit (Chubb), per occurrence $2,500.00
  (The Property Benefit does not apply to children.)

NOTE: THIS IS A SUMMARY OF COVERAGE AND NOT A CONTRACT OF INSURANCE.  FOR DETAILS OF COVERAGE, PLEASE CONSULT THE MASTER POLICY NUMBER: XXXXXXX AND OTHERS, OR SUBSEQUENT POLICIES ON FILE WITH THE POLICYHOLDER.

 AMONG THE MAJOR EXCLUSIONS IN THE POLICY ARE WAR, SUICIDE AND SERVICE IN THE ARMED FORCES OF ANY COUNTRY AND CERTAIN FLYING IN NON-SCHEDULED AIRCRAFT.

ENROLLMENT FORM:

To enroll in the Master Policy, please fully complete the attached enrollment form and return to Orphanage Outreach.

CLAIMS

Claim forms are attached to this insert to be carried with you when traveling overseas. In the event of a claim, please complete the appropriate form and return to Adams & Associates International. Please identify yourself as Orphanage Outreach, the country in which you are serving, and your dates of service so we may verify coverage. 

Orphanage Outreach  BENEFIT OVERVIEW

SHORT TERM VOLUNTEER MEDICAL                                                                                      Page 1 of 2OUTREACH INTERNATIONAL - Group # OGT 00000 38497   Effective March 1, 2001

Eligibility

All participants and their dependents, who are approved by Orphanage Outreach for Volunteer Service are eligible. Eligible dependents include the Volunteer or Volunteer's Spouse and unmarried children from birth to Age 19 (23 if attending school and the Parents are providing sole support).

Purpose of the Plan

This plan is designed to reimburse for eligible expenses incurred by the insured and covered dependents for medical care and treatment as a result of serving overseas and non-occupational injury or illness incurred while in the U.S. This plan will pay a percentage of such covered medical expenses as outlined in the plan, less the deductible and coinsurance, but not more than the Maximum Lifetime Benefit.

Maximum Medical Benefit $100,000 Lifetime, Per Insured.

Deductible $100 per year Overseas or on Furlough.

 $1,000 USA/Canada or Non furlough.

Coinsurance After the deductible the plan will pay 80% of the next $5,000 (then 100 %) of eligible expenses per insured, per policy period.

Reasonable & Customary All charges will be reimbursed based on the R & C Charges where service is rendered or based on negotiated rate within the PPO network.

Hospital Room & Board Average Semi-Private Room Rate.

Accidental Death & US$25,000 principal sum

Dismemberment (AD&D also provided on Travel Insurance.) 

Pre-Certification

All proposed Hospital admissions and Surgeries overseas or in the United States, whether In-Patient or Out-Patient, will be subject to Pre-Certification. The Insured or the Attending Physician must call the number listed below prior to admittance to a Hospital or performance of a Surgery.

The information given by the Physician will be reviewed by the Company. If the Company agrees with the Physician, the Company will confirm to the Physician.  In the event of an Emergency Admission, the Pre-Certification call must be made within 48 hours after the admission, or as soon as is reasonably possible. In the event a Hospital Admission or Surgery is not Pre-Certified, Eligible Medical Expenses will be reduced by 50%.

PLEASE NOTE:  This is a summary of Coverage and not a Contract of insurance. For Specific details of the policy limits and exclusions, please refer to the complete Summary Plan Description.

Major Exclusions

• Pre-existing conditions
• Dental
• Preventative, Routine or Experimental treatments unless qualified for Wellness Benefits
• Routine Vision Care
• Dangerous Pursuits
• Influence of Drugs or Alcohol, Willful Injuries, Aids or related illness
• Criminal Acts
• Substance Abuse Treatment
• War related occurrences

NOTE: This is only a brief listing of the major exclusions.  For a complete description of the Policy exclusions, please refer to the complete Summary Plan Description.. 

Orphanage Outreach BENEFIT OVERVIEW

SHORT TERM VOLUNTEER MEDICAL OUTREACH INTERNATIONAL – Group # OGT 00000 38497  Page 2 of 2

Special Coverage's

Outreach International Travel Medical InsuranceSM includes the following special provisions:

1) Incidental Home Country Coverage:  During the period of coverage an insured person may return to their country of citizenship for incidental visits up to two weeks total.  The following conditions apply to this coverage:

The insured person must have left their country of citizenship. The total Period of Coverage must be for a minimum of 30 days. The return to the country of citizenship may not be taken to receive treatment for a condition incurred while traveling.

2) End of Trip - Home Country Coverage:  You will be covered for up to one additional months for Home Country Coverage at the end of your trip, if you have paid a premium for this at the time of your enrollment.

3) Benefit Period:  If a covered injury or illness has continuing treatment after the policy expires, the Benefit Period may provide continued coverage.  When the policy expires, IMG will review the date of initial treatment for the covered injury or illness.  If treatment began less than six months before the policy expired, benefits for the covered injury or illness will continue subject to the Policy Limits until there has been six months of coverage.  The Benefit Period serves as an extension of benefits and does not limit the treatment time during the Policy Period.

Emergency Reunion

During a medical emergency having a family member near by brings comfort and peace of mind.  Outreach Travel Medical InsuranceSM includes coverage for the travel and lodging expenses of a relative or friend during an Emergency Medical Evacuation.  The travel expenses for the relative or friend may be either the cost of accompanying during the evacuation or traveling from the country of citizenship.  The reunion expenses are covered up to US$15,000 for a maximum of 15 days.  To make scheduling easier, all arrangements must be approved and coordinated by IMG.

Claim Payment

To make claim processing efficient, claims are paid two ways.  All benefits are subject to the provisions described in this brochure and the Policy Wording.

Eligible claims are made by the insured person will be reimbursed directly to the insured person.  Payment will be sent by check or directly deposited to a US bank account. 

Eligible expense that have not yet been paid by the insured person will be made to either the insured person or directly to the provider.

Conditions of Coverage

Ø Coverage is subject to the deductible and coinsurance. Ø Charges must be administered or ordered by a physician

Ø Coverage under this program is secondary to any other insurance Ø Coverage is for medically necessary, usual, reasonable and

Ø Charges must incurred during the Policy Period or the Benefit Period  customary charges only Claims must be presented to IMG for payment within the Policy

  Period, Benefit Period or three months immediately following the Policy Period

Exclusions

1) Pre-Existing Conditions, defined as an injury or illness which was contracted or which first manifested itself; or for which manifestations of symptoms would have caused a prudent person to seek medical advice or treatment or for which a licensed physician was consulted; or for which treatment or medication was prescribed within the three years prior to the effective date of the Insured Person's coverage.

2) Treatment or surgeries which are elective, investigational, experimental, or for research purposes.

3) War; political insurrection, protest; or any act thereof.

4) Immunizations and routine physical exams.

5) Treatment of Temporomandibular Joint or dental treatment, except as provided for herein.

6) Venereal disease, AIDS virus, AIDS related illness, ARC Syndrome, AIDS or the cost of testing for these conditions and charges for treatment or surgeries which are Incurred by the Insured who was HIV+ at time of enrollment into this insurance.

7) Pregnancy, childbirth, birth control, artificial insemination, treatment of infertility or impotency, sterilization or reversal thereof, or abortion.

8) Injury sustained while participating in a professional, club, interscholastic, or intercollegiate sport.

9) Visual or ear tests and the provision of visual or hearing aids.

10) Vocational, recreational, speech or music therapy.

11) Treatment while confined primarily to receive custodial care, educational or rehabilitative care, or nursing services.

12) Charges resulting from or occurring during the commission of a violation of law by the insured, including without limitation, the engaging in an illegal occupation or at, but excluding minor traffic violations.

13) Treatment for substance abuse or drug addiction.

14) Injury sustained while under the influence of or disablement of drugs or alcohol.

15) Willfully self-inflicted injury or illness.

16) Treatment required as a result of complications for treatment or condition not covered hereunder.

17) Any services or supplies performed or provided by a relative of the insured or provided at no cost to Insured.

18) Treatment for mental and nervous disorders.19) Organ or tissue transplants or related services.

20) Illness or injury where the trip to the host country is undertaken for the treatment or advice for such illness or injury, except as provided for herein.

21) Treatment incurred as a result of exposure to nuclear radiation, and/or radioactive material(s).

What To Bring

Personal Items to Bring:
Casual clothing is well accepted, although you should avoid bringing clothing which may be viewed as "too revealing" from the Dominican and Pentecostal cultures.  

Important—Special Cultural Issues regarding clothing for Women:

Respectable women in the Dominican Republic do not wear shorts in public.  As a result, we require that female volunteers wear pants, crop pants or skirts that fall BELOW the knee. No shorts. Also, shoulders are to be covered. Therefore, tank tops/strappy tops are prohibited.  We will provide tee-shirts to be worn for camp. Bras must be worn at all times.  No see-through clothing is allowed. No spandex pants, no bare midriffs.  Bring a one-piece bathing suit AND one pair of shorts (shorts are to be worn over your suit while in and out of the water) for any possible trips to the  beach with the kids. If you plan to attend church—please bring a long skirt and blouse or dress.  No bare shoulders. 

Guys—You may be teaching in the classroom or attending church.  We request that you bring at least one pair of pants (dockers/nice casual) to use during this time.  If you plan to attend church, also bring a nice polo shirt or dress shirt.

Orphanage Outreach will be sending you a tee-shirt to be worn during the day program.  You will receive additional  Orphanage Outreach tee-shirts in the Dominican Republic to wear throughout the week.  Even so, we encourage you to bring a couple of shirts, in case the power is out or the washing machine is broken and we can’t wash all the Orphanage Outreach tee-shirts.

Since you will be staying more than one week, you will be able to wash clothes on the weekends.

We recommend bringing a firm pair of sandals and tennis shoes for daily footwear.

Weather during the winter and spring can be chilly at night and even during the day, you should bring pants and a jacket.  Even in the summer, a light sweater or windbreaker is good to have. 

In addition, you may want to review the following list for more items to pack for you:

• Your passport.
• Mosquito repellent. Extra mosquito repellent.
• Sun screen.
• A flashlight with extra batteries.
• A personal water bottle.
• Twin sheets, a towel, an airline style blanket/throw, and washcloths. (Sheet and towels and  blankets are optional, they are available at the orphanage)
• Foam Ear plugs (The chickens and donkeys can be loud at night!)
• A camera, extra camera batteries and film.  Double the film you think you will need
• Personal toiletry items, including soap, you may need.  Instant hand sanitizer is helpful.
• Just in case—items for stomach issues—Pepto Bismol, immodium, etc. 
• An extra pair of glasses or contacts, if you use them.
• A plastic garbage bag to store your dirty clothes.
• Guys—bring at least one pair of non-jean pants for working in the schools. If you play to go to church, also bring a nice polo or dress shirt.
• Women - The Pentecostal orphanages and professional Dominican women dress very modestly.  Wear skirts or pants or capris at or below the knee.  No shorts, tank tops, or sleeveless dresses.  A one piece swimsuit. If you plan to go to church, bring a long dress or skirt and blouse.
• You will receive OO tee-shirts to wear  each day when you arrive in the D. R.

Most airlines allow you to bring two large (up to50 pounds) pieces of luggage to check in. You should confirm this with your airline.  We request that you bring all personal essentials and one week of clothing in your carry-on, as it may take a week to return to the airport to pick up lost luggage.  We request that you save as much space as possible in your two large suitcases for donated items.

Donated Items to Bring:

The orphanage in town is very poor, as is the community surrounding the orphanage and English Institute. The things that we don’t use, and would normally get rid of in a yard sale or even throw away, can be used in the Dominican Republic.  Please take this opportunity to bring items with you to the D. R. 

On most airlines, you are allowed to  bring two fifty pound suitcases plus a carry-on.  I encourage you to put your personal items in your carry-on, and bring items for the orphanage in your suitcases Needed items are noted in the table below.

We encourage each volunteer to bring at least 3 of the following 7 high priority bulk food items (expensive in the D. R.):  peanut butter, jelly, pancake mix, oatmeal (not in the large round tube, they burst), canned tuna,  gatorade or kool-aid mix, grated parmesan cheese. When someone says "What can I give you other than money?", these are good suggestions.

Please remove as much “packaging” from your donations to minimize the creation of trash at the orphanage.

High Priority Items Bolded

Food (Highest Priority)

Bulk Food Items:

• Pancake mix
• Powdered Fruit Punch/Lemonade/Gatorade
• Syrup
• Peanut Butter
• Jelly and Jam
• Tuna fish
• Rice
• Oatmeal (not in cylinder packaging)
• Cornmeal
• Cake & Cookie Mix, Frosting, Sprinkles, Cupcake Paper
• Tomato Paste and Sauce
• Spaghetti Noodles and Elbow Macaroni
• Parmesan Cheese
• Spaghetti Sauce (No Meat)
• White Sugar
• Cereal
• Salt and Pepper, Cinnamon, & Organo
• Powdered Milk
• Canned Mixed Vegetables, Corn, Black Beans, Green Pigeon Peas, and Green Sweet Peas
• Pudding and Jello

(Food items may be used both at the orphanage dining room and volunteer dining room)

Household Items:

Dish soap, scrubbing pads and brushes, tools, tape, work gloves, first aid supplies (band-aids, antiseptic lotion, aspirin, Tylenol, batteries, cough syrup, vitamins, etc), tooth brushes and tooth paste, shampoo, soap, hair combs and brushes, deodorant, batteries, small stocking-stuffer type toys for Christmas/birthdays, light airline type blankets, single sheet sets, hair elastics, clips and ribbons for girls

Clothing and Shoes:

Tennis shoes, dress shoes, sandals, khaki pants, socks and underwear, belts, tee-shirts, dress shirts,  dresses, long skirts, blouses, one piece swimsuits, baseball caps, school back-packs

Educational Needs:

Spanish books, G or PG rated DVD’s with Spanish language track, DVD players, Lego's, pens, pencils, pencil sharpeners, scissors (don’t pack in carry-on), tape, small and large notebooks, chalk, chalkboard erasers, tempera paints, colored paper, white paper, copy paper,  beads, chalk, glue, glitter, blocks, arts and craft supplies, multi-lingual games, 1” 3-ring binders, working notebook computers

Sports and Recreation:

Baseballs, baseball gloves, frisbees, volleyballs, kickball's, basketballs, jump ropes, kites, basketball nets

Please Do NOT Bring:

Jig-saw puzzles, English-only books/movies/games, stuffed animals, heavy sweaters, candy, gum, balloons, girls shorts and tank tops, jewelry, nail polish

General Information

Effective December 31, 2006, you will need a passport for your trip to the Dominican Republic. You will need US$20 to pay for your Dominican Republic tourist card and departure tax. You will also need some additional money to pay for any snacks, beverages, and meals you decide to eat outside the orphanage, phone calls home, and any souvenirs you purchase.

If you are staying longer than two weeks, there is an additional departure tax of approximately:

15 Days to 3 months: $12 US or 300 Pesos

3 Months to 9 Months $20 or 500 Pesos

Please make two copies of your passport. Leave one copy with a friend, and put one copy in a pocket of your luggage. That way, if you lose your passport, you have another copy available.  We have not had anyone lose their passport or get it stolen, but if it does happen and you don't have a back-up, it can be difficult getting home.

Don't miss the flight!!!  Plan to arrive at the airport two hours early.  If you do miss the flight, follow the enclosed directions.

You may want to bring a snack for the ride from the airport to the orphanage (2-3 hours).  Also, bring a personal water bottle for your use on the trip there, as well as during your stay.  Orphanage Outreach will supply the bottled water in the Dominican Republic.

We recommend that you pack as much of your personal items in your carry-on bag as possible.  This will free up your two checked suitcases for donated items for the orphanage.  In addition, if your checked luggage is lost, we will probably not be able to return to the airport until the end of the trip.

Emergency contact:  Leave a message at (602) 375-2900.  We will check messages daily

The living conditions are simple and primitive, although every effort is made to ensure cleanliness in the facilities where we stay.  You will be sharing a room, dormitory style, with other teammates of your gender.  The electricity can be sporadic and the shower water is cool.  Tap water is not drinkable (or useful for brushing your teeth!) and purified water will be provided.  Please be sure to wash all fruits and vegetables thoroughly with purified water before eating them.  If you are in doubt about what is healthy to eat or drink, please ask.

Towels and twin sheets are available, but you may want to bring your own, and donate, if possible, at the end of the trip.

The Dominican Republic, especially the rural areas, is very safe, but follow the same safety precautions you would here.  In particular, away from the orphanage, you need to watch out for theft.  Don't set your purse, camera, etc. down without watching it.  Also, you should not bring any expensive or sentimental jewelry.

We encourage you to spend as much time as possible with the children at the orphanage.  Even a half-hour stolen from other activities will make a difference in the lives of one, two or maybe many kids.  If you like, bring an interactive project or be prepared to play basketball, baseball or other games with the kids during your free time. 

WEATHER

Comfortable during the day with the temperature reaching the 80's or 90's in late afternoon.  The temperature may cool off at night to below 70 and you may wish to bring a light sweater or wind breaker.  Be sure to bring plenty of sunscreen and insect repellent.

IMMIGRATION/CUSTOMS

You will need a valid passport. 

When you arrive in the Dominican Republic, you will purchase a tourist card.  The cost is US $10.  Upon exiting the country, you will be required to pay departure tax of US $10 once you've cleared immigration at the airport gate.  Both fees are payable only in US dollars (not Dominican currency).

MONEY

The official currency is the Dominican peso.  The exchange rate fluctuates, but it has recently been around 30 pesos per US dollar.  Generally, you can exchange money at the airport on your arrival or your first day at the orphanage.  Credit cards are not generally accepted  in the rural areas, but can be used in the tourist areas, like Puerto Plata.  You will occasionally have access to an ATM machine.

LANGUAGE

The official language of the Dominican Republic is Spanish. You may wish to purchase a pocket electronic translator - they come in very handy talking with the kids and communicating ideas with the orphanage staff.

MEALS

Meals will be simple but nourishing.  A vegetarian will have no problem with the diet – there is lots of fruit, rice, beans, plantains, egg plant, pasta, etc.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU MISS THE PLANE

1. If you have missed your flight due to late airline connections through the fault of the airlines, they will work with you to get you on another flight to  Santiago, as well as providing a hotel if an overnight stay is required.

2.  Once you have made alternative arrangements, leave messages on your status and a number we can reach you at on the Arizona voice mail box - (602) 375-2900. Let us know your flight number, arrival time, and airport. We will make every effort to meet you at the airport when you arrive. 

DON'T MISS YOUR FLIGHT!!  YOU'VE INVESTED TOO MUCH IN THIS TRIP; PLAN TO ARRIVE AT THE AIRPORT WELL AHEAD OF YOUR SCHEDULED FLIGHT TIME

Air Travel

Getting to the Dominican Republic

Air travel to the Dominican Republic is the responsibility of each volunteer.  Several major airlines fly into Santiago from the U.S. and Canada, usually with convenient schedules and competitive prices.

• We fly in and out of the Santiago (NOT Santo Domingo) Airport on the arriving and departing Saturdays of your trip. We will pick you up and drop you off at the Santiago airport. This cost is included in your trip participant fee.
• If  your flight is scheduled to arrive after 10:00 P.M. or depart before 7:00 A.M., there will be additional costs for transportation. Please contact us before purchasing a ticket with a late arrival or early departure so we can be clear on the arrangements.
• All ticketing arrangements and funding are made directly between you and the airlines. Funds can not come to Orphanage Outreach, and then be sent back to you for ticket purchases.
• You will need to submit a copy of your itinerary to the Orphanage Outreach office by the funds due date to ensure a timely pick-up and drop off at the Santiago airport.
• Your airline ticket is tax deductible (for U.S. tax payers) if the primary purpose of your trip is charitable work. Your ticket is your receipt; you will not receive a tax receipt from Orphanage Outreach for your ticket.
• Please do not purchase your airline ticket before you have submitted your volunteer sign-up form to Orphanage Outreach and received a confirmation of your trip participation.
• Please do not purchase your ticket until you are confident you will have the mission participant fee in our office on the funds due date.

Suggestions:

    American Airlines is the major airline into Santiago. Continental Airlines and Delta Airlines also flies to Santiago, as do a number of charter airlines. Jet Blue flies in and out of Santiago, but with arrivals and departures after midnight.

    Many volunteers have used a regional airline to get to JFK, and then purchased an inexpensive American Airlines ticket from JFK to Santiago.

     We recommend using an experienced travel agent to help with your booking, or an internet service like Expedia or Orbitz.

Santo Domingo Airport:

Occasionally, flights are less expensive into Santo Domingo than Santiago:

Individuals: If you choose to fly into Santo Domingo, you will be responsible for transportation to the orphanage. Contact us for suggestions.

Groups of 10 or more: If you choose to fly into Santo Domingo, we can arrange for a bus to pick you up and take you back. It will take 5-6 hours from the airport to the orphanage, compared to 2-3 hours from Santiago to the orphanage. The additional cost of the bus from Santo Domingo is $600 each way. A bus can serve about 16-17 people with full luggage from the airport to the orphanage, and perhaps 20-22 people from the orphanage back to the airport with less luggage.

Final Travel Notes

You will probably receive an electronic ticket.  Bring your itinerary along with your passport to the airport, and they will issue your ticket there.  Note: I suggest making two copies of your passport; put one copy in your suitcase separate from your original, and leave one copy at home with a friend or family member.  If somehow you were to lose your identification in the D. R., having access to a copy would help the process greatly. If you are under 18 and not traveling with your parents, please complete the Temporary Guardianship Form and give it to the temporary legal guardian traveling with you.

Please wear your Orphanage Outreach tee-shirt to the airport. It will help you identify other volunteers, and help them to identify you.  Most of you will be traveling with other volunteers, at least from Miami or JFK.  If not, just follow the directions below. You won't have any problems.

When you land in the Dominican Republic, you’All exit the plane.  Follow the crowd, and you will get to a big room for immigration where people are standing in line.  Look for a desk with a sign that says “Tourist Card”.  You’ll need to purchase a tourist card for $10 in U.S. funds.  Do not stand in one of the long lines until you have purchased your tourist card, or you’ll just have to go buy your card and then stand in line again.  After you go through the immigration line, they will give you back a copy of your tourist card.  Keep it!  You will need that copy and another $10 U.S. when you leave the D. r.

Note: Explain to the tourist card official that you are missionaries, and they may waive the $10 entrance fee. If they do waive the fee, you are invited to donate that savings to the orphanage basic necessities fund.

You will then pick up your luggage, go through customs (they might inspect your luggage), and then go outside. Do not wait for a big group to congregate before going through customs; just grab your luggage and head out.  We will be waiting outside with the bus ready to go to the orphanage.  Note:  Please bring only suitcases, not boxes.  Customs will often let you through without inspecting your suitcases, boxes are always inspected.  If your luggage does not arrive, please make sure to report it to American Airlines inside the terminal, and get a claim slip from them. 

When you exit the airport terminal,  we'll be waiting for you with Orphanage Outreach tee-shirts on.  Baggage handlers will be asking to help you with your luggage.  They can be quite assertive.  I suggest, unless you really need help, to refuse their assistance unless you are willing to pay a tip of $1-2 per bag.  We'll collect in a group until all the volunteers are there.  You will have a chance to use the bathroom and, depending on the time of the day,  possibly change some money, get a soda, and call home.  Please bring a water bottle with you, both for the trip and for your use at the orphanage.  Also, bring enough snacks to sustain you during your airline trip and bus trip to the orphanage.  Please tell your family not to expect a call home until 24 hours after your arrival.

If flights are full and the airlines offers you a travel voucher to take a later flight (even the next day) and you are willing to donate your voucher  to Orphanage Outreach, you are encouraged to accept the voucher.  Call us, and let us know the new flight you will be arriving into the D. r.  We will meet you at the airport on your new flight.  Do not accept a flight into any airport other than the Santiago airport.  Your travel vouchers are valuable, especially if a group of you gets bumped.  Those funds can mean a great deal to the orphanage.  If you are not willing to donate your voucher, please do not accept the voucher.

Note:  If you miss a flight and are not on the flight you are supposed to be on in getting to the Dominican Republic, please communicate by calling our number in Arizona: (602) 375-2900.  Please leave a message, let us know your status, and when you will be arriving into the Dominican Republic (date/airport/flight #/arrival time).  We will plan to be at the airport when you arrive.   Remember, please call our number in Arizona and leave a message if your travel does not happen as planned.

Deciding to participate in a long-term volunteer opportunity can be a rewarding decision, however, there are still some challenges involved with doing so that you should be aware of. The following is a list of such things to consider before making a long-term commitment:

 

Helpful Spanish

Knowing Spanish is absolutely not required to fully enjoy your trip to the Dominican Republic and be effective.   We have had people participate who had a great time, and did not know what the word “Gracias” meant! 

That being said, we do encourage you to learn a little bit of Spanish to communicate to some degree with the kids. If you have taken some Spanish classes,  it’s a good idea to brush up some before your trip. If you’ve never taken Spanish classes, we encourage you to look at a beginning Spanish book or listen to a beginning Spanish CD set. If you don’t have the time or interest to do this, don’t worry.  You can communicate from the heart at least as effectively as from the mouth. Just be realistic with your expectations.

Below are some helpful Spanish words and phrases to learn. 

Hello.	Hola.		Who?	Quien?
Yes.	Si.		Why?	Por que?
No.	No.		What?	Que?
Please.	Por favor.		How are you?	Como estas?
Thank you.	Gracias.		What’s your name?	Como se llama?
You’re welcome.	De nada.		My name is …...	Me llamo ……..
Good morning.	Buenos dias.		How old are you?	Quantos años tienes?
Good afternoon.	Buenas tardes.		Let’s go!	Vamos!
Good night.	Buenas noches.		Quiet!	Silencio!
Good bye.	Adios.		That’s enough!	Basta!
See you later.	Hasta luego.		Look!	Mire!
Do you speak English?	Habla usten ingles?		Listen!	Escuche!
I don’t speak Spanish.	No hablo español.		Wait!	Espere!
I understand.	Yo comprendo.		Blow your nose.	Sople su nariz.
I don’t understand.	Yo no comprendo.		Pick up the trash.	Recobre la basura.
What?  What did you say?	Como?		Don’t pull my hair.	No tiran mi pelo.
Where is the bathroom?	Donde esta el baño?		Don’t hit him!	No lo golpean!
Men/Women	Caballeros/Damas		I like that.	Me gusta que.
Where?	Donde?		Write it down.	Escribalo.
How much?	Quanto?		Share.	Comparta.

Questions and Answers

1) What recommendations do you have for clothing?

Respectable women in the Dominican Republic do not wear shorts in public.  As a result, we require that volunteers wear pants, crop pants or skirts that fall BELOW the knee.  Also, shoulders are to be covered. Therefore, tank tops/strappy tops are prohibited.  We will provide tee-shirts to be worn for camp. Bras must be worn at all times.  No see-through clothing is allowed. No spandex pants, no bare midriffs.  Bring a one-piece bathing suit AND one pair of shorts (shorts are to be worn over your suit while in and out of the water) for any possible trips to the  beach with the kids. If you plan to attend church—please bring a long skirt and blouse or dress.  No bare shoulders.   

Bring sandals, tennis shoes, plenty of underwear (there may be a time you'll sweat a little :-)).The environment will be dusty; I suggest not bringing new expensive tennis shoes or other expensive clothes.  They will get dirty.  If you are at the orphanage for more than a week, your laundry will be done.  However, it will be mixed with other volunteers clothes, so colors may run, etc. Don’t bring your best clothes.     Because these are strict Pentecostal orphanages, we recommend/suggest/request everyone leave their purple and orange hair at home, jewelry be removed from pierced body parts if possible, and guys leave their earrings at home. 

Guys—bring a couple of pairs of Dockers or similar pants.  If you plan to attend church, also bring a polo shirt or dress shirt. You’ll receive Orphanage Outreach tee-shirts in the D.R. to wear.

2) When are the funds due?

Please review the schedule and costs page. 

3) How much money should we bring?

We recommend bringing $100 cash and an ATM card or credit card. You will need $10 to enter the country and $10 to exit the country.  You may decide to buy snacks, sodas, ice cream, etc.  You may need to buy personal toiletry items,  film, insect repellent, etc. if you forget to bring them or don't bring enough.  You will need cash to call home (about 40 cents a minute).  We recommend an ATM card or credit card primarily in case the airlines have difficulty getting you to or from the Dominican Republic, and you need to rent a hotel room, etc. 

4) Should I bring travelers checks?

No.  They are difficult to exchange. 

5) Will I have access to an ATM?

Do not plan on it.

6) Should I change money in Miami or New York?

No, wait till you get to the Dominican Republic.

7) Lots of people are willing to donate tons of clothes and other stuff.  How can I get that stuff to the D.R.?

On most airlines, you can each bring two 50 pound suitcases on an international flight (check with yours). Shipping items to the Dominican Republic is very expensive.  My suggestion - be straight with people who want to help and tell them the number one need at the orphanage is financial - for food, water, and other basic necessities.  And tell them how much $ you are committed to raising. And the 100 pounds you can bring down will be well used. 

8) Should I bring sheets/towels?

If you have twin sheets and a towel that you are willing to donate, please bring them.  If you don't, there will be sheets/towels available for you there.

9) Are we provided with a mosquito net when sleeping?

Yes

10) If I'm fund-raising, can I send in additional funds that arrive after the deadline?

Yes, we will use those funds for necessary basic necessities at the orphanage - food, water, housing, etc.

11) Will we have access to E-mail?

You will probably have access to e-mails during the weekend. You will also have access to a phone, where you can make calls to anywhere in the United States and Canada for $1/call.

12)  Will we have access to a laundry?

There will only be access to a laundry on the weekends.  One week volunteers should bring clothes sufficient for the entire week; longer term volunteers will have access to wash their clothes once/week. Your clothes will be mixed with other volunteers; don’t bring your best clothes.

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