Caritas Smile
- Email address verified
3 reviews
Oct 5 - 9, 2023
Group size: 10 - 15
Santiago Dominican Republic - Community Immersion Program
Santiago Rodríguez, Dominican Republic
Caritas Smile
- Email address verified
3 reviews
Oct 5 - 9, 2023
Group size: 10 - 15
About this trip
Experience Santiago's Heart and Soul: 5 Days of Community Engagement
🌟 Explore Santiago, Dominican Republic! 🌟
🗺️ Dive into Culture, Adventure, and Empowerment 🗺️
Embark on a transformative journey to Santiago, where culture, adventure, and meaningful connections come together. Discover the heart of the Dominican Republic and experience a unique blend of community engagement and leadership growth.
Activities - Dominican Style
- Cultural Interaction: Participate in cultural activities to learn about traditional crafts, music, dance, and, fostering a deeper understanding of the local culture.
- Interactive Discussions: Engage in open discussions with community members to learn about their way of life, challenges, and aspirations.
- Guided Tours: Explore Santiago's landmarks, historical sites, and hidden gems with guided tours that provide insight into the city's history and significance.
- Cultural Performances: Attend live performances of traditional music, dance, and theater to witness the vibrancy of Santiago's artistic scene.
- Local Markets: Visit bustling local markets to interact with vendors, sample authentic food, and shop for handmade crafts and souvenirs.
- Outdoor Adventures: Embark on scenic walks to discover Santiago's natural beauty and breathtaking landscapes.
- Community Meals: Share communal meals with locals to deepen connections and gain insights into traditional cuisine and dining customs.
- Storytelling and Sharing: Share your own experiences, stories, and cultural perspectives with the community, fostering a mutual exchange of knowledge.
- Free Time Exploration: Enjoy leisure time to explore Santiago independently, visit local attractions, or simply relax and recharge.
These activities will provide a comprehensive and immersive experience, allowing you to connect with the community, learn about their culture, and contribute positively to their well-being.
What’s included
- Ground TransportationIncluded
- Three MealsIncluded
- Art WalkIncluded
- Cultural toursIncluded
- Eco-tours activitiesIncluded - Hiking, local exersions, river tours, cultural activities, dance lessons
- Handcrafted JournalIncluded
- Coffee/Tea/WaterIncluded
- Travel T-shirtIncluded
- Community toursIncluded
- 24/7 securityIncluded
What’s not included
- AirfareYour flight from your location to Santiago Dominican Republic
- Flight InsuranceNot included
Itinerary
CEO & Founder
CEO & Founder Sixcia (pronounced six-see-ya) Devine
¡Hola! Hello!
Welcome to Caritas Smile, Take A Trip Change A Life travel with purpose program.
My travels in other countries have taught me that generosity has the power to change the world and unite humanity.
It inspired me to create the charity, Caritas Smile. The word Caritas in Latin means love of humanity and in Spanish multiple tiny faces. The word smile is simply happiness:). One word in Spanish and another in English to symbolize the unity of two worlds.
Caritas Smile, is a pro-mission, non-profit organization with a drive to empower communities in need while changing the lives of those who travel with us. We not only improve lives, but engage with the community, go on hikes, swim in rivers and beaches, learn about the rich art, food, and music of the country.
Take a trip and change a life becuase the life that you change will be yours.
Your Organizer
Caritas Smile
3 reviews
Caritas Smile is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization. It's retreat program- Take A Trip Change A Life is a soulful, purpose-driven, social enterprise dedicated to positively transforming lives and engaging with humanity through transformative travel experiences. Caritas Smile's mission is to inspire, educate and empower women and children worldwide by performing goal driven acts of kindness to communities in need in the US and in developing countries – mainly Domincan Republic.
Reviews
MN
I've been on retreats around the world and several volunteer projects. This was the perfect blend of service and spirituality. Before each day of service, we had yoga and mindfulness practices in spectacular settings looking at mountains and beaches, Working with the children and their families was the highlight of the trip though. Language barriers don't matter when you're in service. As much as the kids enjoyed our activities and presents, though, the volunteers received the real gift. Every day, my heart was even more full. And I feel like I met a new extended family with the other volunteers. There's nothing I would have changed about this journey and I can't wait to do it again!
By Marcia N for Dominican Republic Volunteer Trip - Moncion, Santiago Rodriguez on Jan 18, 2024
I first met Sixcia Devine and heard about Caritas Smile & their adventures at a leadership program back in May 2022.
The minute Sixcia started sharing with me the life-changing and important work she does in the world with her organization Caritas Smile, I knew this was something that I wanted for myself to personally experience, and then share with my community and the world. I had absolutely no idea how this was going to happen or what an extraordinary adventure this would be both personally and professionally but knew it was something I wanted to do.
From the very start, Sixcia had organized a soul filled, heartfelt, well,
organized, jampacked, service focused, professionally organized, life-changing, Journey for both the participants and the recipients.
We spent several days learning about the culture of the country. We learned about their music, their foods, their interests, their needs, their struggles, their desires, and learned abo how we can be of service to this community right now.
Many lives were changed throughout our time together. The lives of Caritas Smile‘s participants and every single soul that we touched along our journey. Then, the lives of those souls that have been, in some way, inspired or touched and the ripple effect of kindness and love that has been created is endless.
I can’t wait to journey with Caritas Smile’s team again, and again, and again…
By Laura R for Dominican Republic Volunteer Trip - Moncion, Santiago Rodriguez on Jan 18, 2024
Jami Lieberman
My heart is so full. Our team will be bonded for life. This week taught us so much about each other and our strengths both physically and emotionally. Our deep sense of wanting to make a better world one smile at a time. Thank you Sixcia Devine what a tower of intense love you are. The lessons we take with us are deep. Thank you Heather Marcus Berg Laura Waldorf Reiss Dahlia
Chesnoff Lessne Carrie and max neumann Jodi Grobman Brunsvold
Jonathan
Ward Jodi Brunsvold JR
Jose chano anji neulyn and angel baby.
We are a #family
1h Like Reply
2
Sixcia Devine
What a lifetime of Joy
By jami l for Dominican Republic Volunteer Trip - Moncion, Santiago Rodriguez on Jan 11, 2024
This review makes us smile! Thank you Jami for taking a trip and changing so many lives. From the waterfall hike to radomly surprising kids in need to the wild boat ride in the mangroves, you are a real superstar. We are missing you fun laugh! We're looking forward to a lifetime of friendship. We LOVE your LOVE!
By Caritas Smile on Jan 13, 2024