2010 Worthington Christian High School Senior Trip
The Dominican Republic
March 19-26, 2010 (DATE CHANGE)
Our Tentative Daily Schedule (last year's)
Cost: $1200.00
Class of 2010 Advisors: Adam and Jess Heath
Payment Coupons FINAL PAYMENT DUE 1/22
Copy of first letter sent by Tom Anglea and Tom Burns
Registration Letter (follow up from Parent's Meeting on 9/28)
Health Care Information from school nurse Diana Womer,
Parental Consent and Medical Release Form (Jodie Atkins in the GBC office will notarize this for free. Call her at 888-7733 and arrange to meet with her.
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Last Edited 01/21/2010
A picture's worth 1000 words! Click here for photo record of the Class of '09's trip.
Have other questions? Email them to Dr. Buzz
Where in the Dominican Republic will we be?
Why do we have to go outside of the USA?
What about the Medical Mission?
Is a passport necessary or will a birth certificate be enough?
How much "freedom" do the students have?
Q.
Why the Dominican Republic? We have been going to the DR since
2000. We work with S.C.O.R.E.
International. They have a converted, gated hotel that serves as
headquarters for all of our activities. Aside from providing rooms to stay
(two blocks from the beach), they also provide maid-service for the rooms, linen
for the beds, towels, three meals per day, armed security guards
at night,
reliable and safe ground transportation (busses and vans), ministry contacts in
the villages, a medical clinic, an on-call American doctor, a clean,
well-maintained swimming pool, meeting rooms, and other liaison services with
the community. They also have good relationships with surrounding hotels
to provide rooms when our numbers might overflow their facility. We pay
them $60.00 per person per day for these services. Click HERE
for a view of the pool and HERE
for a look as the eating area. TOP
Q. Where in the Dominican Republic will we be? We will be on the southern coast of the Dominican. We will fly into Santo Domingo. The S.C.O.R.E. hotel is just west of San Pedro de Macoris in the village of Juan Dulio. TOP
Q. Why is the cost so high? Sadly, it is high. The breakdown is roughly $700 for airfare, and $450 for lodging and all the things mentioned in the above question. That just about covers the $1150! Class funds raised through Legacy during freshman, sophomore and junior years will fund the snorkeling trip . We will probably have to seek some additional funding for the medical work we do. If finances are a problem, please speak with either Tom Burns or Tom Anglea. Frequently, funds are donated to help those who are unable to finance their trip. TOP
Q. Why do we have to go outside of the USA? While there are ministry needs all across the fruited plain, the Senior Trip is designed to provide three things: (1) a significant cross-cultural experience in an economically challenged area, (2) an opportunity to do meaningful ministry, and (3) an unusually fun, yet safe, experience. The Dominican allows all three. Since we have the relationship with S.C.O.R.E., we don't have to worry about the trial-and-error that comes from organizing a trip of this magnitude from the offices of Worthington Christian. (BTW: Neither WCHS, or its employees, receive any benefits or "kick backs" from S.C.O.R.E.) TOP
Q. What about the Medical Mission? Last year we were able to help over 440 adults and children. Any doctors or nurses interested in coming along? The cost will be the same as for the students (unless you want a private room. Let us know soon if you are interested. Last year we were also able to donate a huge amount of medicine and medical equipment. TOP
Q. Is a passport necessary or will a birth certificate be enough? A current U.S. Passport is a necessity. This is a hidden cost of the trip. Sorry, but the government is so inflexible! A BIRTH CERTIFICATE IS NOT SUFFICIENT. If you have never gotten a passport before, or yours is expired or will expire soon, CLICK HERE for all the information you will need about getting or renewing a passport. Start this process early (AS SOON AS YOU FINISH READING THIS) and avoid all the hefty expedition fees. A passport is valid for 10 years and should be part of every college student's documents! CLICK HERE for a link that will help you find the passport office nearest you! TOP
Q. What about immunizations? Check with your doctor. If all immunizations are up to date, all should be well. Click here for lots of health and immunization information from our school nurse (posted 9/19/2008) READ IT!!!!! Check the Center for Disease Control website's "Traveler's Health Section -- the Caribbean" for current travel advisories. Remember, the people from S.C.O.R.E. live there and give us good information. We do not go far enough into the interior of the country to be at risk for malaria. See information about malaria. TOP
Q. How much "freedom" do the students have? Part of the goal of the Senior Trip is to provide an opportunity for maximum fun and adventure with minimum supervision. College will only be few months away and they will have no supervision at all. This is good practice. There are not chaperones in the students' rooms. They sleep four to a room and are expected to hold each other accountable. Rooms are in a locked, gated and guarded complex. Students are not to be out of their rooms after lights out, but even if they could get out of their rooms, they can not get out of the complex . . . the armed guard sees to that. During free time students may go to the beach (2 blocks away) and walk to the center of the village of Juan Dulio (4 blocks away) without supervision, but they must travel in groups of three or more. After 7:00 PM groups may only leave the S.C.O.R.E. complex if they are accompanied by an adult. They may go into shops but may not go into bars or restaurants. They may only go into restaurants when an adult is accompanying their group. Consumption of alcohol is forbidden and is grounds for being sent home. Drinking age is not an issue in the Dominican, so the young people are on their honor. Have a talk with your student before the trip if you suspect that he or she might be prone to sneak a drink. With respect to terrorism and the like; the sad reality is that in these days there is always a risk no matter where we go. We always try to maximize safety and security, and we are always thankful that God is just as sovereign in the Dominican Republic as He is in Columbus. This is another instance where our relationship with S.C.O.R.E. and the national church leaders is invaluable. TOP
Q. What about clothing? S.C.O.R.E is a bit conservative about clothing issues because they are sensitive to the convictions of the believers who live in the area. Thus, when we are doing ministry, students should dress modestly (no short shorts, or tank tops, and some of the local pastors may ask that girls wear a dress or a skirt). A modest, one-piece swim suit is in order for both men and women -- guys, leave the Speedo at home! Otherwise, we just ask that good sense prevail. Students have been at WCHS for four years and by now they should know what is and is not appropriate. To get a good idea about the clothing, take a look at the pictures from the '07 trip. TOP
Q. Since the students return on March 25, and school is in session on March 26, will the seniors have to go to class that day? NO, seniors will not have to go to school on Friday. BUT, before you schedule a spring break trip to fly out at 6:30 AM Friday, please be advised that we have had travel delays, and at times our flights have been very late . . . one time a whole day late. Your call, but you've been warned!!!!! TOP
