Ultimate Workout 36 for Teens
Overview
Maranatha’s annual teen-only project, the Ultimate Workout, is entering its 36th year, and we’re heading back to the Dominican Republic in 2026.
High school-aged teens worldwide join the Ultimate Workout and find opportunities to get out of their comfort zone, serve others, connect with Christ, and grow physically, socially, and spiritually. Maranatha provides all project leadership. In fact, adults are not allowed to participate in the project unless they are pre-selected by Maranatha as staff or leaders.
This year, we expect up to 120 volunteers to make a difference in the San Cristóbal province, west of Santo Domingo, the Dominican Republic’s capital city. Teen volunteers will help construct the new Torre de Salvación Church, which includes an additional building for Sabbath School classrooms. Depending on the size of the group, we will paint other existing churches, built by Maranatha Volunteers in previous projects. Teenagers will also reach out to the community through children’s ministry programs and medical clinics. For the excursion, volunteers will travel to La Romana and enjoy a day at the famous Isla Catalina.
This project will have limited capacity, and confirmations will be made after the $100 (non-refundable) deposit or a full payment is submitted.
Final deadline: June 1, 2026
Scope
Church Construction – Block work
Children’s Ministry
Community Outreach – Painting, Door to Door Ministry, Food Distribution, Health Education, Sports Programs
Medical and Dental Clinics
Leaders
Itinerary
Departure from Santo DomingoSUNDAY, JULY 19
Staff Arrival in Santo DomingoTUESDAY, JULY 7
Required Staff OrientationWEDNESDAY, JULY 8
Participant Arrival in Santo DomingoTHURSDAY, JULY 9
Orientation and First Work DayFRIDAY, JULY 10
Worship with the Local CongregationsSATURDAY, JULY 11
Work Days with Midweek ExcursionSUNDAY, JULY 12
Worship with the Local CongregationsSATURDAY, JULY 18
Departure from Santo DomingoSUNDAY, JULY 19
Staff Arrival in Santo DomingoTUESDAY, JULY 7
ARRIVALVolunteers will be flying to Santo Domingo (airport code SDQ). You will be given the exact flight arrival window upon confirmation.Please wait for confirmation from Maranatha before purchasing your airfare to ensure there is still space on the project and to ensure you book the right flight.
DEPARTUREAll volunteers will depart on Sunday, July 19. You will be given the exact departure window upon confirmation.
DORMITORIES
VIEW ACCOMMODATION DETAILS
Travel Information
Volunteers will purchase their own plane tickets to and from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. Maranatha representatives will meet volunteers upon arrival in Santo Domingo.
Once you are confirmed for the trip, you will receive the exact windows within which to arrive and depart. Please wait to receive this time frame BEFORE booking your flights. Any tickets outside of these guidelines will result in additional fees.
Participants arriving with staff parents for the staff orientation will be required to pay an additional fee to cover the expenses incurred during their early arrival.
Travel Resources
Butler Travel:
503-879-5005 or by email info@butlertravel.com
Excursions
ISLA CATALINA
Isla Catalina is an island located about 1.5 miles from the mainland, off the southern coast of the island. The picturesque island has white sand beaches, warm, clear water, and palm trees. The group will take a bus to La Romana, and from there, board a small catamaran that will take them to the island. About halfway there, the boat will stop offshore at “The Wall,” which is a small coral reef where volunteers can snorkel. Masks, snorkels, and fins are provided, but you’re also welcome to bring your own equipment. Once on the island, the group will have a reserved section of beach chairs with some shade trees. Lunch and sodas will be served on the island, and there are opportunities to purchase souvenirs from beach vendors. After a few hours, the group will board the boat to return to the mainland.
Dominican Republic Facts & Figures
CAPITAL
Santo Domingo
POPULATION
10.85 Million
LANGUAGE
Spanish
CLIMATE
Tropical maritime. Little seasonal variation
RELIGION
Roman Catholic 95%
CURRENCY
Dominican Peso
Entry Requirements
All passports must be valid for at least six months from the dates of intended return.
eTicket online form (includes, customs and immigration forms)
Medical Requirements & Precautions
Tetanus shot (required)
COVID-19 (recommended)
Hepatitis A & B (recommended)
Typhoid (recommended)
Anti-malarial medication (recommended)
Visit the Center of Disease Control and Prevention website for more details.
Contact Us: Want to speak with someone at Maranatha directly? Please call our office at 916.774.7700 to speak with a volunteer specialist. Alternatively, you can send us an email.