LOCATION

YOM is partnering with SCORE International in the Dominican Republic. The SCORE hotel is located in the town of Juan Dolio on the southern shore of the Island. It is about 20 minutes east of Las Americas International Airport. The airport is 15 minutes east of the capital city, Santo Domingo.

FAST FACTS ABOUT THE COUNTRY

The D.R. shares the island of Hispaniola with the country of Haiti. It is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. Nearly 80% of the country's 49,000 sq. km. is covered with mountains, but some 20 different topographical areas exist in the country. About 4 million of the country's 9 million residents live in the capital, Santo Domingo. Roman Catholicism is the country's official religion and 90% of Dominicans profess this. About half of the population is believed to be involved in occult practices. Only 5% claim to be Christian.

INSURANCE

YOM, in cooperation with SCORE International, purchases insurance for all persons going on trips prior to their team leaving the United States. Insurance coverage is provided through Brotherhood Mutual Insurance Company.

PASSPORT INFO

Passports are REQUIRED for all U.S. citizens traveling to the Dominican Republic!! You need to apply at your local post office to obtain a passport. The cost is about $95 and is good for 10 years. Before the trip you will need to make a photocopy of your passport and carry it with you in a separate place from your passport.

CLOTHING

We ask that each person would help us to stay above reproach in this area. What may not be a problem in the U.S. can be identified as a problem in this culture. You can help us by rising above your personal preference to overcome any problems that could occur. Plan on the weather being hot every day.

Ladies: Dress for ministry is pants, capris, or dresses. Denim skirts or pants are fine. A modest top must be worn. No tank tops or spaghetti straps. Sleeveless tops are fine. If ministry is in a church, a dress or skirt must be worn. Sandals are fine for church, but not flip-flops. Shoes must be worn when visiting a sugarcane village. This is for your safety. Modest shorts may be work during free time at the hotel. Modest shorts are defined as mid-thigh or longer. Short shorts and tank tops are not to be worn at any time. All swimsuits must be one piece. No tankinis! Cover-ups must be worn to and from the pool and/or beach. Please do not be offended if you are asked to change your clothes. These guidelines will be enforced.

Men: Dress for ministry is pants or shorts (not athletic) and a shirt with a collar. Pants must be work to church. Denim jeans are fine for ministry. Shoes must be worn to church and to sugarcane villages. No sandals of any kind for church. Modes shorts and t-shirts may be worn around the hotel and for leisure activities. Pants and shorts must be no lower than the waist. Tank tops are only allowed at the hotel. Shirts must be worn to and from the pool and/or beach.

HOUSING

All persons will be staying in the SCORE hotel unless specifically told otherwise. Each room has a private bathroom. All rooms have air conditioners. Linens and bath towels are provided. Beach towels are not provided.

MEALS

All meals will be eaten at the SCORE hotel. There will be a variety of food served, such as spaghetti, rice and chicken, taco salad, chicken fettuccini, rice and beans, sandwiches, etc. Breakfast will be fruit and cereal. Please bring a box of your favorite cereal for breakfast. SCORE will provide "corn flakes" if you do not bring any cereal. Groups may choose to eat out at a restaurant or fast food if they want to pay themselves. This is up to the group leader to decide.