On this program, you will learn about developmental issues in the capital city of Jamaica. Some of these challenges are getting an education, lack of infrastructure in the development of sports, and how this is related to the well-being of our youth. 

Live in a local community and sample authentic Jamaican food while experiencing the culture.

Get to know the children and families from your neighborhood by volunteering in their schools, helping to lead educational initiatives in a local summer camp, and spending time working with a school community to engage them in more sustainable practices.

After community service, you can explore Jamaica's landscapes and do outdoor activities like visiting Dunn’s River Falls, the Bob Marley museum, and exploring the historical sites of Kingston.

Program Theme:   Working With Children & Education / Sports Leadership 

Destination: Kingston, Jamaica

Age Group: 14 – 18

Service Hours: 32

Group Size: 20 Students & 3 Staff

• Volunteer at a summer school for local children and teach math, remedial reading, and other activities to enhance their English language skills
• Learn about the challenges of the sports facilities and help improve the infrastructure by working on one project to improve the conditions
• Connect and engage with underserved youth at a local Children’s Home
• Tour Bob Marley Museum and feel the spirit and legend of the father of Reggae
• Journey to Ocho Rios and enter a world of waterfalls and lush vegetation
• Take part in a workshop to develop your leadership skills, critical thinking, and cultural awareness. You will also learn about how these are important for future success!

Summer vacation is a time of year when many students are excited for school to end. However, in Jamaica, school is important because it provides opportunities for learning, recreation, and even food that might not be available at home.

In partnership with a school summer camp, students will work on systemic problems. They will plan and renovate sports infrastructure and improve facilities to teach traditional sports like basketball, and soccer. We’ll also introduce non-traditional sports such as touch football and baseball.

During your community service, learn about the problems that have come up in the community since COVID and the opportunities available to the children. You can work with the youth and teach them math, reading, and other activities to help them improve their communication skills.

After a day of working on your community service project, you will have the opportunity to do more work at a local children’s Home. Whatever service project you do, you will be helping to improve the lives of children who need love and care.

You will discover how community infrastructure, poverty, and sports all intersect to form health outcomes for the children and families living in the areas in which you will be working. Through guest speakers and expert presenters, you will learn how sports and games are crucial for physical and mental health. Sports are not only good for keeping in shape but they also help build values of determination, confidence, and sportsmanship.

Students will also be able to channel their energy into working with children at a local childcare facility and learn the valuable lessons of appreciating their parents, home, and the gifts they have.

This program offers opportunities for you to have fun and adventure. Whether you are climbing the six hundred feet cascading waterfalls of Dunn’s River Falls or sitting on a beach, enjoying the beautiful turquoise Caribbean Sea, you will be sure to get a sense of the relaxed, Jamaican vibes. 

You’ll also get a chance to see Jamaica’s bustling capital city, Kingston. There, you’ll learn about the history of the town and understand why it is called the cultural capital of the Caribbean. On your next stop, visit Bob Marley’s former home which is now a museum, and learn why he was not only a Reggae legend but a humanitarian who tried to unite the world with his notion of “One Love”.

Your home base is located in the picturesque hills of St. Andrew overlooking the city of Kingston. This community which was once a sugar estate now has huge homes where many professionals, business owners, and retirees live. This area is known for its towering fruit trees, flora, and fauna. Its serenity and beauty is ideal for hiking, jogging, or simple leisure walks.

Students will share comfortable, gender-segregated, air-conditioned dorm-style rooms with shared bathrooms. The menu served at our home base is authentic traditional Jamaican meals. They’re delicious, fresh, and made with love!