Why did I sign up for this program?

The 2014 Virginia 4-H - Dominican Republic participants have a variety of reasons for wanting to participate in this program. 

Peyton Binebrink, 17, from Shenandoah County, participates in a lot of community service activities in her area.  Her goal is to participate in community service outside of the USA.  She also wants to work with Dominican children in an underprivileged area and to learn about the Dominican culture. 

Aly Durrett, 15, from Bath County, wants to make friends from a different country and wants to help children learn new things.  She says "It's not an every day thing that you can go to a different country and help the children."  While she is there, Aly wants to learn Spanish, how to snorkel, as well as how to appreciate a different culture and a different lifestyle.

Jacob Love, 15, from Rappahannock County, participated in this program last year.  He says he saw and learned a lot last year, but he really wants to learn more about the Dominican culture this year.  His favorite part of the program last year was the 4-H Day Camp.

Chase Smith, from Bath County, has been a part of this program for the past 5 years.  This year he joins us as an adult chaperon - eager to be more of a leader in the group.  He has loved his past experiences in the Dominican Republic and one of his goals this year is to learn more Spanish.

Shenandoah County 4-H Agent Carol Nansel has had an interest in furthering international understanding since she lived in Germany through the 4-H IFYE exchange program.  She helped establish this Dominican Republic program in 2006 and has enjoyed watching the Virginia 4-H teens grow in their leadership and citizenship skills each year.  The welcome shown to our Virginia 4-H group each year by the Dominican people makes us feel like we are there visiting family.  Many lifelong friendships have been established, and much cultural understanding has taken place over the years.  End of program evaluations from the 4-H'ers show that this program is truly a life changing experience for them.