Ultimate Workout 36

Dates

July 9 - 19, 2026

Location

Dominican Republic

Participation Fee

TBD

Join Interest List

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

Overview

Maranatha’s annual teen-only project, the Ultimate Workout, is entering its 36th year, and we’re heading back to the Dominican Republic in 2026.

High school-aged teens worldwide 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. Maranatha provides all project leadership. In fact, adults are not allowed to participate in the project unless they are pre-selected by Maranatha as staff or leaders.

This year, we expect up to 120 volunteers to make a difference in the San Cristóbal province, west of Santo Domingo, the Dominican Republic’s capital city. Teen volunteers will help construct the new Torre de Salvación Church, which includes an additional building for Sabbath School classrooms. Depending on the size of the group, we will paint other existing churches, built by Maranatha Volunteers in previous projects. Teenagers will also reach out to the community through children’s ministry programs and medical clinics. For the excursion, volunteers will travel to La Romana and enjoy a day at the famous Isla Catalina.

This project will have limited capacity, and confirmations will be made after the $100 (non-refundable) deposit or a full payment is submitted.

Final deadline: June 1, 2026

Scope

Church Construction – Block work

Children’s Ministry

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

Medical and Dental Clinics

Tuesday, July 7

Staff Arrival in Santo Domingo

Wednesday, July 8

Required Staff Orientation

Thursday, July 9

Participant Arrival in Santo Domingo

Friday, July 10

Orientation and First Work Day

Saturday, July 11

Worship with the Local Congregations

Sunday, July 12

Work Days with Midweek Excursion

Saturday, July 18

Worship with the Local Congregations

Sunday, July 19

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 19. You will be given the exact departure window upon confirmation.

Dormitories

VIEW ACCOMMODATION DETAILS

Volunteers will be staying at the Seventh-day Adventist Camp in Najayo, just south of San Cristobal, Dominican Republic. The group will be divided into dorm rooms by gender and team assignments. Each dorm room has six twin beds and is connected with a bathroom. The rooms do not have AC, but overhead fans are provided. The group will meet in the auditorium for worships and in the dining room for meals.

You must bring your own bed linens, towels, and washcloths on the project. Please note that it is expected to be quite warm while we are in the Dominican Republic. A complete packing list will be provided in your final mailing. Don’t expect hot water, TV, air conditioning, or Wi-Fi, but this trip is about eliminating distractions that prevent you from focusing on a connection with Christ.

Each day volunteers will divide into their teams for work, and each night, everyone will come back together for dinner and worship.

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

Butler Travel:
503-879-5005 or by email info@butlertravel.com

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 halfway there, the boat will stop offshore 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 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.