Our Summer Friends Trips are designed for individuals who want to be part of a service experience but don’t have a group to join. You’ll connect with volunteers from across the country for an unforgettable week in July, working alongside a community in need.
There’s no minimum—and no cap. The more people you bring, the more you save. Recruit 10 volunteers, and your trip is completely free!
While recruiting isn’t required, sharing this meaningful and immersive experience with your friends and family only makes it more fun!
*Discounts are contingent upon recruited participants completing registration and submitting full trip payment. Discounts will be applied to the recruiter’s account only after all requirements are met. For full terms, please contact info@bridgestocommunity.org.
Summer Trip Details
You’ll live and work alongside community members throughout the week, making the experience both immersive and impactful. Each day, you’ll take part in meaningful, hands-on projects such as building bathrooms, repairing homes, farming, and reforestation. Work may include mixing cement, painting, tying rebar, laying cinderblock, and other community-driven tasks.
Beyond the work, you’ll engage in community exchanges, learn about Dominican culture, and explore the surrounding valley landscapes—adding depth and connection to your experience.
Limited spots are available, sign up today!
Summer Trip Cost Breakdown
The Participant fee: $995/pp
- Fundraising support, including a fundraising webpage and additional materials to use for outreach
- 24/7 bilingual team leaders
- Airport welcome and transfers to and from the airport in Santo Domingo (SDQ)
- Private transport to the project and R&R locations
- All meals and accommodations throughout the trip
- International medical insurance
- First aid kits on the worksite, CPR-certified staff
- Unlimited purified water
- Overnight beach trip
- An experience and connection you will not soon forget!
The Project fee: $600/pp
The project fee pays for the materials and skilled labor needed for the project that you will work on during the week. You’ll support the development of a community by working on a needed project, such as bathrooms, house repairs, or house construction. The project is determined by the number of participants registered for the week.
The project fee includes:
- Organization of project with community leaders
- Coordination of paperwork and construction preparation
- Project equipment, materials, and tools
- Experienced and qualified team of masons
About the Community
San Juan de la Maguana is located in the western region of the Dominican Republic and sits in a broad valley surrounded by mountain ranges. Known as the country’s agricultural heartland, approximately 85% of the province’s land is dedicated to farming, particularly beans, rice, and corn. The region’s fertile soil and open plains make it a vital contributor to the Dominican Republic’s food supply.
The climate is generally hot and sunny, with average daytime temperatures around 85°F (29°C). Due to its elevation and surrounding mountains, evenings tend to be cooler, especially after sunset. Rainfall is seasonal, resulting in lush, green landscapes during the rainy months and drier conditions at other times of the year.
San Juan is a predominantly rural province with limited infrastructure, simpler accommodations, and fewer commercial amenities. Visitors should be prepared for basic conditions, intermittent electricity, and limited internet access.