Island Impact: Young Women's Leadership in the Dominican Republic

The itinerary is the starting point to your tour, but it’s not set in stone. Your group leader may make changes leading up to departure.

Day 1, Monday July 6: Santiago

Depart from the USA and arrive in the Dominican Republic for your ACIS Young Women’s Leadership Program. We’re excited that Girl Scouts are joining our mission at ACIS to empower and support local communities throughout the world. A portion of your Program Fee is donated directly to the families, businesses and non-profit organizations you’ll be visiting, working alongside, and sharing meals with along this journey. Thank you for sharing in our commitment to supporting these invaluable partners. Upon arrival in Santiago, meet your Tour Manager at the airport and transfer to your hotel for orientation and a welcome dinner – together finally as a group from all around the country. For an after-dinner treat, we’ll visit the spectacularly illluminated Monumento a los Héroes de la Restauración on a hilltop park in the center of the city. (D)

Day 2, Tuesday July 7: Cabarete

This morning, travel through the lush mountains to the coastal town of Cabarete, where you’ll spend the next two nights. Upon arrival, join an orientation with DREAM and UNICA. Founded in 1995 and established as a nonprofit in 2002, the DREAM Project now serves over 6,000 children each year with the support of Dominican staff, expatriates, and global volunteers. In partnership with DREAM, UNICA runs empowerment programs that focus on gender relations, youth leadership, and civic engagement. You’ll meet the volunteers who train young leaders in the peer-to -peer programs that provide training and skills to develop healthy decision-making and strong citizenship skills that they pass on to the children and youth around them. After meeting and learning about what Unica provides to the communities, you'll take part in the same games and activities they use to share these lessons throughout the community. Later on in the afternoon, it’s time for interactive exploration of this beloved beach town! Dividing into small groups, the Cabarete Culture Quest tests your wits and problem-solving abilities in a treasure hunt-style challenge along the beach, then cap off the evening with a scenic boat ride along the Yasica River and a cozy bonfire dinner on the beach under the stars. Did someone say beach? (B,L,D)

Day 3, Wednesday July 8: Cabarete

After breakfast at the hotel, we’ll meet with a local community of children and staff at Patio de Niños. Patio de Niños is a Dominican owned and operated daycare and Montessori school serving Cabarete and its surroundings. The school offers a recommended, yet voluntary, tuition allowing families to contribute in non-monetary ways to reach a broader community without discrimination of economic standing. After a tour of the property and an orientation, we break up into smaller groups to provide service as needed in Patio de Niño's programs. Following lunch at the school, head out for a snorkeling adventure in Sosua Bay, supervised by a certified dive master. In these warm, pristine waters you'll get a crystal-clear view of the bay's stunning marine life, including spectacular coral reefs. You'll also gain a greater appreciation for the fragile nature of marine and coastal environments. (B,L,D)

Day 4, Thursday July 9: Santiago

Say adios to the North Coast this morning and head back to Santiago, stopping first in Luperon for a leadership workshop with Dogs and Cats of the Dominican Republic animal rescue (DCDR). DCDR was founded in 2013 when a number of friends decided to coordinate their efforts to help the animals on the north coast of the country. Many of the founders had many years of experience working with animals on their own and had seen some improvement in the overall well-being of the dogs and cats they were treating, but wanted to find a way to do more. This workshop will teach you how DCDR was created as a way to help even more animals through everyone working together, gathering support from friends and family, and bringing greater awareness of the extreme need the "Coconut Hounds" and "Coconut Cats" have throughout the island. Before heading back for dinner, you’ll take a ride on the Santiago Cable Car, enjoying sweeping views of the city and the scenic outskirts of the surrounding region. (B,L,D)

Day 5, Friday July 10: Santo Domingo

This morning, you’ll meet with the Dominican Scout Guides for a cultural exchange and the chance to learn from one another, followed by a shared lunch. Afterward, head south toward the capital city, Santo Domingo. Along the way, take a refreshing break at Jima Falls, where you can cool off in the beautiful waterfall. Upon arrival in Santo Domingo—your home for the rest of the trip—check into your hotel, freshen up, and end the day with a group dinner. (B,L,D)

Day 6, Saturday July 11: Santo Domingo

During breakfast at the hotel, prepare for this morning's leadership workshop and presentation at Movimiento de Mujeres Dominico-Haitianas (MUDHA). Learn about MUDHA's mission to improve the living conditions of vulnerable communities—especially for Dominican women and children of Haitian descent—while implementing human development programs including health programs, legal assistance, and human rights initiatives. Then students will enjoy a Global Exchange focused on comparative learning and sharing dynamics with students from Anaisas School Drama Group, followed by lunch together. Later set out to explore Parque Los Tres Ojos, a stunning series of open-air limestone caves and crystal-clear lagoons. (B,L,D)

Day 7, Sunday July 12: Santo Domingo

Today, conclude your adventure in the Dominican Republic with a ride on the Colonial Chu Chu, a charming train that offers a guided tour through Santo Domingo’s historic district, bringing the city’s rich history and landmarks to life. Then browse through the Mercado Modelo, where you can experience the lively atmosphere and shop for souvenirs. In the evening, gather for a special farewell dinner and unique Friendship Circle - Dominican style - to celebrate and reflect on the week’s unforgettable journey. (B,L,D)

Day 8, Monday July 13: Departure

Depart for the USA. (B)