The beautiful island of Puerto Rico invites you to relax on white, sandy beaches, take a mountain hike or enjoy traditional Caribbean music and cuisine. While the island has much entertainment and recreation to offer tourists, some residents are suffering. Your group can help those affected by the predominant issues of poverty and homelessness by partnering with local organizations that exist to address these needs.

Demographics

Puerto Rico is the “Island of Enchantment.” With nearly 4 million residents on the island that is approximately 100 miles long and 35 miles wide, it is one of the most densely populated islands in the world. Puerto Rico became a commonwealth of the U.S. in 1898, but its history dates back to 1493, when the Spaniards arrived. The Spaniards may have had the earliest and greatest influence on the island’s language and culture, but the region also has been molded by African, Indian and U.S. influences. The YouthWorks site is in the northern Puerto Rico city of Arecibo, which is about 50 miles west of the capital, San Juan. Arecibo became the third Spanish settlement on the island and today is home to 100,164 people. The majority of workers in Arecibo produce agricultural machinery, clothing, plastics, paper and sporting goods. Despite the natural beauty of the island, many Puerto Ricans face economic struggles. In Arecibo, 49.4 percent of residents live below the poverty level and the unemployment rate is 16.3 percent. In addition, more than 7,000 Puerto Ricans are homeless. Come to Puerto Rico and partner with local ministries to serve those in need while letting the light of Christ shine.

About the Ministry

Participants serve in a variety of ways during a YouthWorks mission trip. Students may spend all week at one ministry or switch between ministries during the week. Our goal is to partner with local organizations and programs that seek to address the very basic needs of residents. Students may serve at places like: Children’s Programs, Elderly Centers, Soup Kitchens/Homeless Shelters and Thrift Stores. We cannot confirm until all groups arrive exactly what ministries your students will be a part of during the week. We ask that you come with a willing and flexible spirit!

Activities

Evening activities during a YouthWorks week are designed to give participants an insight into the lives of local residents and the culture of the area. A list of evening/cultural activities we have done in the past include: attend a local church service; partake in a two community cookouts; and go to the local beach. These are examples of what your group might partake in during your mission week. These examples are subject to change due to weather or availability. In case of change, suitable substitutes will be provided. We try to arrange for free evening activities, but from time to time, an additional cost may be required for an activity. Please plan to bring an additional $10 per person to cover any extra costs. We will confirm the details closer to your trip. We encourage your group to take the opportunity to come early or stay longer to explore the Island. There is much to see and experience!

Ministry Week

Partnering with Local Ministries.

Mileage

Puerto Rico is located in the heart of the Caribbean just east of the Dominican Republic, Haiti and Cuba. Puerto Rico has several airports, with the San Juan Airport being the largest. Arecibo is approximately 50 miles west of San Juan.

Transportation & Travel

Each group is responsible for transportation to and from the site in Arecibo, and during the mission week. Puerto Rico can only accommodate standard 15 passenger vans or smaller and cannot accommodate trailers. There are several vehicle rental companies located in and nearby the San Juan Airport. Major rental companies located at the airport include: National 1-800-CAR-RENT, www.nationalcar.com; Budget 1-800-527-0700, www.budget.com; Hertz 1-800-654-3131, www.hertz.com and Avis 1-800-230-4898, www.avis.com. Other Web sites to help find travel information, accommodations and local rental car companies pertaining to Puerto Rico include: http://sanjuan.airporthotelguide.com/san_juan_car_rentals.html; www.mytravelguide.com/rental_car/san-juan.php; www.puertoricowow.com/html/rentals.asp.

Additional Information

If you would like more information on what there is to do in Puerto Rico before or after your trip call at 1.800.866.7827 or check out the following Web site: http://www.gotopuertorico.com