Ultimate Workout 33

Dates

July 20 - 30, 2023

Location

Dominican Republic

Participation Fee

$999

Download Info Pack

* Maps may indicate region where project will take place, not a specific site location.

Overview

*** This project is currently FULL. If you have been invited as a staff member, please proceed with the registration process as normal. If you are not a staff member, you will be added to a waiting list for this project and will be notified of openings on a first-come first-serve basis in the order you joined the waiting list.***

Maranatha’s annual teen-only project, the Ultimate Workout, is entering its 33rd year, and we’re headed to the Dominican Republic! Each year, high school aged teens from around the world join the Ultimate Workout and find opportunities to get out of their comfort zone, serve others, connect with Christ, and grow physically, socially, and spiritually.

This year we are expecting more than 100 volunteers to make a difference in communities near Santo Domingo, DR. Teen volunteers will help construct new churches, renovate existing buildings, and reach out into the community through children’s ministry programs and medical clinics.

This project is Maranatha’s teen-only project. Maranatha provides all project leadership. In fact, adults are not allowed on the project unless they are leadership pre-selected by Maranatha.

Scope

Church Block Construction

Church Foundation Construction

Children’s Ministry

Community Outreach – Painting, Door to Door Ministry, Food Distribution, Health Education, Sports Programs

Medical and Dental Clinics

Monday, July 17

Staff Arrival in Santo Domingo

Tuesday, July 18

Required Staff Orientation

Thursday, July 20

Participant Arrival in Santo Domingo

Friday, July 21

Orientation and First Work Day

Saturday, July 22

Worship with the Local Congregations

Sunday, July 23

Work Days with Midweek Excursion

Saturday, July 29

Worship with the Local Congregations

Sunday, July 30

Departure from Santo Domingo

ARRIVALVolunteers will be flying to Santo Domingo (airport code SDQ). You will be given the exact flight arrival window upon confirmation. Please wait for confirmation from Maranatha before purchasing your airfare to ensure there is still space on the project and to ensure you book the right flight.

DEPARTUREAll volunteers will depart on Sunday, July 30. You will be given the exact departure window upon confirmation.

Christian Retreat Center

VIEW ACCOMMODATION DETAILS

Our group will stay at a retreat center camp called Fundacion Campamento – Brisas de la Ceiba, about an hour from the furthest job site. Volunteers will be assigned to dorm rooms with anywhere from 4-8 people in each room. There is not quite enough room for our large group, so some people (depending on site assignment and gender) will sleep on mattresses on the floor of a large room in a makeshift dorm. Some will also be asked to bring a tent and bedding to set up camp on the bottom floor of the main building. Bedding is provided for those in the dorm rooms.

Travel Information

Volunteers will purchase their own plane tickets to and from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. Maranatha representatives will meet volunteers upon arrival in Santo Domingo.

Once you are confirmed for the trip, you will receive the exact windows within which to arrive and depart. Please wait to receive this time frame BEFORE booking your flights. Any tickets outside of these guidelines will result in additional fees.

Participants arriving with staff parents for the staff orientation will be required to pay an additional fee to cover the expenses incurred during their early arrival.

Travel Resources

CI Azumano Travel:
800-454-4099 or by email with Erle or Azumano Team at corporatetravel@ciazumano.com

Butler Travel:
503-879-5005 or by email with Nathanael at nathan@butlertravel.com

Tres Ojos Cave

On the first Sabbath afternoon, volunteers will visit the Tres Ojos Cave just outside of Santo Domingo. This large limestone cave has four lakes with turquoise freshwater. Three of the lakes are accessed by stairs descending into the open cave. The final lake is either viewed from a walking path above the cave or visitors can take a small boat across the third lake. This is a national park and the water is protected, so no swimming is allowed.

Isla Catalina

Isla Catalina is an island located about 1.5 miles from the mainland, off the southern coast of the island. The picturesque island has white sand beaches, warm clear water, and palm trees. The group will take a bus to La Romana, and from there, board a small catamaran that will take them to the island. About half way there the boat will stop off shore at “The Wall,” which is a small coral reef where volunteers can snorkel. Masks, snorkels, and fins are provided, but you’re also welcome to bring your own equipment. Once on the island the group will have a reserved section of beach chairs with some shade trees. Lunch and sodas will be served on the island, and there are opportunities to purchase souvenirs from beach vendors. After a few hours, the group will board the boat to return back to the mainland.

Contact Us Want to speak with someone at Maranatha directly? Please call our office at 916.774.7700 to speak with a volunteer specialist. Alternatively, you can send us an email.

Thank you for your interest in one of our mission projects. You have been added to the interest list, and you will be notified via e-mail as soon as more information is available and registration has been opened. Typically registration is open three to six months in advance of the project dates; although, sometimes it can be delayed as we lock in accommodations and budgets. Thank you for your patience.

Please note that putting your name on the interest list ensures that you will be notified when registration is available, but does not guarantee you a place on the project. You will still need to complete the online registration form to reserve your spot on the trip.

Feel free to contact us at anytime to find out the current status of this project.