Shoulder to Shoulder (Copy)

shoulder-to-shoulder

Shoulder-to-Shoulder gives students the opportunity to learn about the principle of ethical leadership from inspiring nonprofit leaders and to earn service hours.

 
 

Age Range:

11th Graders

Location:

Middlesex, Belize

Panama City and Boca del Toro, Panama

Trip Duration:

8 Days

Dates:

See specific program for dates

ID Needed:

US Passport

visit the shoulder-to-shoulder website

participation Requirements

  • The application should take about 7-10 minutes to complete.

    Dartmouth Students: Please view the registration steps here. Click here to access the Enrolled Student Information page.

    New Orleans Students: Please view the registration steps here. Click here to access the Enrolled Student Information page.

    For any questions, please contact Bill Cotter by email at wcotter@shouldertoshoulder.com or by phone at (970) 690-0093

  • Dartmouth Students: A list of required documents and instructions for completing them can be found here.

    New Orleans Students: A list of required documents and instructions for completing them can be found here.

  • There are no required orientations or workshops prior to attending this Summer Experience. Just make sure to attend your Goodbye Group to receive your equipment and travel itinerary, and to meet the other Summer Searchers who will be traveling with the same program!

apply now!

About the Programs

Belize

Tropical Ecology and Wildlife Conservation

Students will learn about tropical ecology and wildlife conservation while gaining hands-on experience in Central Belize.

 
 

  • While in Belize, students will work alongside researchers from a small grassroots ecological conservation organization at a wildlife research center. Students will be immersed in the research of the ecology and when not in the work of community based research, students will take cooking classes, participate in nighttime walks and event snorkel the barrier reef.

  • Available Sessions:

    • TBD

  • TBD 

  • Homestays, more info tbd

  • This program will be Summer Searchers only. It’s a great opportunity for you to meet and get to know other students in our program!

  • You will not be able to use your phones or any electronic device that connects to the internet once you arrive with program leaders. However, you are allowed to bring e-readers, music devices that do not connect to the internet, and a digital or disposable camera.

    Parents and Guardians are always able and welcome to call the program if necessary — leaders always have working cell phones and service. Students will also create daily blog updates, which will be available to read on the Shoulder-to-Shoulder website.

    In case of emergency, please use our 24/7 hotline - Summer on Call. Learn more about this service here.

  • We recommend bringing no more than $100 for personal spending. You may want to buy snacks and souvenirs along the way!

  • Click here to view the Shoulder to Shoulder x Summer Search packing list. A guide to the equipment we provide can be found on our FAQs + Resources page, along with other helpful links and info — check it out!

apply now

Panama

Children’s Education and Community Development

Students will learn about the incredible archipelago of Boca del Toro, where they will explore coral reefs, mangroves, and rainforests and support the afterschool center run by Give and Surf.

  • Mornings will be focused on waste management, eco-tourism, and coral reef restoration from local researchers. In the afternoons, students will work in the after-school centers, connection with the Afro-Caribbean and indigenous Ngobe communities.

    Students will also visit an organic chocolate farm, and learn how rural tourism supports families economically. Students can even snorkel in a coral restoration site!

  • TBD

  • TBD

  • Hostel, homestays, TBD

  • All Summer Search students from NYC and other sites.

  • You will not be able to use your phones or any electronic device that connects to the internet once you arrive with program leaders. However, you are allowed to bring e-readers, music devices that do not connect to the internet, and a digital or disposable camera.

    Parents and Guardians are always able and welcome to call the program if necessary — leaders always have working cell phones and service. Students will also create daily blog updates, which will be available to read on the Shoulder-to-Shoulder website.

    In case of emergency, please use our 24/7 hotline - Summer on Call. Learn more about this service here.

  • We recommend bringing no more than $100 for personal spending. You may want to buy snacks and souvenirs along the way!

  • Click here to view the Shoulder to Shoulder x Summer Search packing list. A guide to the equipment we provide can be found on our FAQs + Resources page, along with other helpful links and info — check it out!

apply now

Summer Search provides a variety of resources to support you in preparing for your Summer Experience. From travel tips to what to expect from outdoor activities to live events, we got you!

Remember that your mentor is always your best resource! Reach out if you have any questions or need help with your application.

Need to schedule office hours with the Summer Team? Create a Calendly appointment here!

summer experience checklist
FAQs & resources