BLUE Missions

Program Reviews

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Daniela
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

My Pico Experience

If you're looking for an exciting way to get out of your comfort zone and give back at the same time, then BLUE Mission's Pico Duarte trek is the trip for YOU! When I decided I was going to trek the tallest peak in the Caribbean, I have to admit i was a little intimidated but, I had no idea that it would be such a memorable experience. I had the opportunity to connect with others who trekked with me as well as other people from all over the world who came to hike this incredible mountain. Along with the exhilarating feeling of reaching the mountain's peak, I was extremely happy that I was able to connect people with access to clean water by participating in this trip. Don't pass up on the opportunity to challenge yourself and help others. There is no greater feeling.

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Jill
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Just Do It! You’ll Love It!!

My sister challenged me to do this trip. I registered and was immediately embraced by the BLUE community thru a welcome meeting, training plan, meet-ups for training, as well as shopping and packing tips. The staff take care of you every step of the way. The trip is challenging but the reward of succeeding at it is amazing. I was so proud of myself and the people who trekked in front of and along side of me. This is an experience like no other. The friendships you form along the way are powerful. More importantly, walking the path that so many Dominicans make prompter me to realize I need and want to help people less fortunate. The water crisis is real and we must do our part to ensure everyone has access to clean water. Support BLUE for all that they do!

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Linda
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Amazing Experience

This was such an amazing experience with such an amazing group of people. Pico Duarte, the journey and the people (both BLUE leaders and other participants) made this such an amazing experience. The trip was so well-planned from the moment I decided to do this, through the fundraising and trip preparation, during the trip and after. It seemed like every detail was taken care of - all I needed to do was let my friends know I was doing the trip, show up and then enjoy the hike. The BLUE group took all the stress out of it. Yes, it was physically challenging. I was not in great shape when I decided to do this. But the BLUE emails, facebook posts and instagram posts and the people on the trip carried me through. And I'm so glad they did! As I said an amazing experience. I will do it again and I highly recommend it to anyone of all ages.

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?
Train more. I want to do this again and I feel if I had felt more confident with the physical challenge, I would have enjoyed the experience more than I did.
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Amanda
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Best experience ever!

This experience was a serious game-changer for me! From the moment you sign up you are met with so much support and encouragement! The trip itself was amazing, our leaders were so informative and supportive and the guides on the mountain were so friendly and helpful. I felt very safe the entire time. The hike is beautiful and yes it is a little difficult but as long as you train beforehand it is do-able! I personally recommend packing electrolytes and some altitude sickness medication just in case! Also getting to visit some of the places where BlueMissions makes its impact was so rewarding and meeting the people who are directly affected by the water crisis was very humbling. I am eternally grateful for this experience and would recommend it to anyone!

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Train! And make sure you bring some altitude sickness medication, just in case!
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Lucia
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

You can do this! BLUE can help.

The most incredible community of people who give you realistic preparation (even for beginners!) and support you before, throughout, and after your trek. Trekking Pico Duarte has been one of the most impactful experiences of my life because it was done in community. It’s not a regular trek where you typically don’t get the opportunity to do service as well. You get to trek the beautiful mountains of the Dominicans Republic in service of people who trek daily for water. If you ever wondered what the walk for water for many around the world may look like, now is your chance to make those steps count. The trek for clean water is one of the most beautiful exercises in reflection, empathy, and hard work. Trekking Pico Duarte was the most amazing way to start my New Year and I promise you won’t regret it!

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Don’t be afraid of the distance or if you can’t keep up with a certain pace! BLUE does an amazing job of making sure everyone treks and their own pace. You got this!
Read my full story
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Alexandra
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

If you're waiting for a sign, this is it.

I had the incredible opportunity to be a participant on the January 2018 Pico Duarte Trek. This was by far one of the BEST things I have ever done. It was something I had never done before (hiking for 3 days) but this experience pushed me out of my comfort zone and allowed me to truly understand how rewarding it is to accomplish something you never thought you would. If you are on the fence about wanting to go, trust me, GO! You won't get a chance to experience something like this AND give back to a great cause at the same time! And if you've never done a blue mission trip before, not only do you get to become an expert hiker, but you get to also visit an amazing campo and meet some of the kindest souls you'll ever come across! What are you waiting for?!

What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?
The most surprising thing I did was share a tent with 3 complete strangers and actually enjoy it!
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Bianca
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Most rewarding experience

Participating in BLUE Mission’s Pico Duarte trek was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. This 3 day trek was challenging but well worth it. The support from the BLUE team throughout this experience, and the meaning and self awareness discovered during this trip is overwhelming in the best way possible. I learned a lot about myself and how much I am capable of. Along with the amazing experiences and memories I took away from this trip, the BLUE team also provided the opportunity to visit a local campo. I experienced first hand the long-lasting impact the BLUE team had left in this community by building an aqueduct. The community was so grateful for the generosity of BLUE and shared stories on how their impact had changed and eased their quality of life. It was so humbling to experience this and I could not be more thankful to BLUE Missions for giving me the opportunity to take part in this amazing experience. Highly recommend!

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Pack warm, bring snacks, leave your worries at home and fully immerse yourself in this experience! You won’t regret it!
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Nicole
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Changed my life

I participated on my first BLUE Missions service trip in 2011 and it completely changed my life. I was scared a first, living in a rural community for a week without access to water, electricity, cell-reception is hard. However, as soon as I arrived in the community of Rio Piedra, Dominican Republic I knew I was where I was supposed to be. Working hand in hand alongside of the locals to complete the construction of a gravity driven water system is a very unique experience. Would highly recommend this program and service trip to anyone who is ready to get their hands dirty and make a direct impact on a rural community that lacks access to water and sanitation.