James Eaton, 17, wants to learn more about how the people who live in the Dominican Republic interact with each other. He wants to experience gatherings, language, food - he's into it all. James is a member of the New Market 4-H Club and the 4-H Honor Club in Shenandoah County. James shows dairy cattle and market hogs at the County Fair.
Chandler Estep, 16, was a part of this program in 2017 and he recruited several participants for the program this year. Chandler participates as a 4-H Camp Counselor in Shenandoah County. This year he wants to experience the Dominican culture again and immerse himself in the generosity of the people of Punta Cana. He also wants to focus on the people who make this trip possible, and those in the DR who give us so much. Chandler wants to experience the joy of helping the children again, so this trip for him is all about focusing on his tasks but still having fun. He wants the Dominican people to know that we are more than just tourists, but people who are willing and able to help.
Catherine Klinkam, 14, is joining the program from Loudoun County, where she is a member of 6 4-H Clubs and has chosen to miss most of her County Fair to travel to the Dominican Republic. Catherine wants to learn more about the Dominican and Hispanic culture and her goals are to learn and appreciate the culture while serving the community and teaching children about our culture. The most important thing she wants to do is service because there are people all around the world who are less privileged than she is, and she would like to use her privilege to help others.
Raelynn Rush, 16, is an experienced, enthusiastic, Shenandoah Co. 4-H Camp Counselor. Raelynn is excited about the 4-H Day Camp we will conduct in the Dominican Republic. While we are there, she wants to learn so many things - Spanish, food, culture, everything. Raelynn knows life in America is different than in the DR. She wants to learn about the kids and what they like about our program. She wants them to have a fun time and she wants to see lots of smiles. Raelynn also wants to see as much nature as she can, including tropical plants and the coral reef. She has only been to the beach twice in her life, when she was very young, so she is also excited to learn more about the ocean on this trip.
Danny Cayelli, 18, is making his third trip to the Dominican Republic through 4-H. Danny is from Fairfax County and is fluent in Spanish. He uses his excellent translation skills to help everyone learn and understand each other throughout the program. Danny's goals for this year are to make new friends, come out of his shell and provide a positive camp experience to the Dominican campers attending our 4-H Camp. He also wants to work on his merengue, salsa and bachata dancing skills!
Rory Nansel, 4-H volunteer from Shenandoah County, has previously chaperoned 4-H teens on month-long trips to Japan and Finland, and week-long trips to the Dominican Republic. He enjoys witnessing 4-H'ers grow as they go through so many new experiences, and expand their world while still being grounded in their roots.
Carol Nansel, Shenandoah Co. 4-H Agent, has previously chaperoned 4-H teens on a 5 week trip to Japan and she helped establish this 4-H Dominican Republic Program in 2006. She enjoys watching the 4-H teens grow in their leadership and world citizenship skills each year. Many lifelong friendships have been established, and much cultural understanding has taken place over the past 13 years. End of program evaluations from the 4-H'ers show that this program is truly a life-changing experience for them.
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