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Adult MedicineJamaican Mission Program2010 Trip InformationWesthaven


Jamaican Mission
Program 2010

Trip Week:
Wednesday, January 13, 2010 through Wednesday, January 20, 2010

We plan to work at Westhaven Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.  As an option, volunteers are welcome to attend Faith Chapel with the Westhaven and POS children on Sunday.
General Travel Information:

1) Passport Requirement
      - All volunteers traveling to Jamaica require a passport
      - If considering volunteering, apply for your passport now
      - Passport Information

2) Trip costs
      - 2010 costs
             - Sunset Beach: $125 per person, per night
             - Air Jamaica: About $500 per person
             - Airfare and hotel costs for work days is tax deducible
             - More information and booking can be done through our recommended
                travel agent, Linda Kutzke at 920-988-3212.


      - Jamaican Mission Program is a volunteer run organization with minimal
            overhead expenses. Almost all money raised goes to work in Jamaica.

      - Fund Raising

             - Individual fundraising
                   The program welcomes individuals to solicit donations to help
                   cover their own trip.  These donations are given to the program
                   and applied to that individual's trip cost.

             - Group fundraising
                   The program plans group fundraising events to help cover the
                   costs of ground transportation and mission supplies when in
                   Jamaica. Any extra group fundraising dollars will be available
                   for volunteers who need assistance paying for their trip. Stay
                   tuned for details about these fundraising projects.


3) All-inclusive
      - All travel with the Jamaican Mission Program is all-inclusive
      - This includes:
             - Airfare
             - Hotel stay in Jamaica
             - Ground transportation
             - All food and beverage at the hotel
             - Hotel entertainment
      - This doesn't include:
             - Souvenirs
             - Optional tours

4) Air Jamaica
     - Jamaica Mission Program flies via Air Jamaica
     - Direct flight from Chicago to Montego Bay, Jamaica
     - 3.5 hour flight
     - Baggage allowance: 1 carry-on, 2 checked bags (50 pounds each)

5) Sunset Beach Resort
     - Jamaica Mission Program spends all nights at Sunset Beach Resort
     - 430 room, oceanfront, all-inclusive, 3-star hotel
           - All food, drinks, and tips are included
                - Two traditional restaurants
                - One buffet style restaurant
                - One beach grill
                - Six bars
           - Air-conditioned rooms with balcony
           - Nightly entertainment
           - Large, private beach on protected Marine Park
           - Watersports (snorkeling, ocean kayaks)
           - Waterpark (lazy river, waterslides)
           - Spa (not included) and fitness center
           - Tennis courts and equipment

   
        
 
Vacation Days:







Dunn's River Falls



Margaritaville










YS Falls





Blue Mountain Bicycle Tour






Montego Bay Craft Market
    


Monday and Tuesday are considered vacation days.
    - These trips are not included in the package price
    - The program can assist with coordinating tours


Dunn's River Falls (about $50/person)
    (website link)

 
Dunn's River Falls is one of Jamaica's national treasures located near Ocho Rios.  It is a 90 minute drive from Montego Bay.  You may chose to climb the falls in a human chain led by experienced Falls Guides. Pause several times to jump into pools, slide down areas of the falls, or get a massage under a waterfall.  Jamaican guides will take pictures, keeping your camera dry, for a small gratuity. For the less brave, you may view the activities of the more intrepid from the safe vantage point of the terrace or deck.


Margaritaville (about $10/person for taxi)
   (Website link)
  

   Visit Jimmy Buffet's famous Margaritaville on "The Hip Strip" in Montego Bay. It can be seen over the bay from the hotel and takes 10 minutes by taxi.

   By day, patrons can enjoy international sporting events on the big screen TVs and jam to the laid back sounds of Jimmy Buffett. At night, the ‘Ville turns into a dance club with the sounds of our in-house deejays.  The busy open-air bar downstairs serves up a rainbow of tropically-flavored margaritas.

   A popular attraction with both adults and children is the 110ft waterslide, which winds its way from the rooftop terrace above into the warm Caribbean below. Two giant water trampolines anchored just offshore and a rooftop whirlpool tub complete the wild and watery fun.


YS Falls ($40/person; $30 for zipline)
    (website link)

   YS falls is located 2 hours from Montego Bay in the lush tropical forests of St. Elizabeth parish near Jamaica's beautiful south coast.  It is a nature-based attraction offering the opportunity to experience the beauty of the waterfalls surrounded by flora and fauna.  There are seven waterfalls, several of which cascade into natural pools. Guides on site, will guide you through areas where you can swim under the falls, jump into deep pools, and even take pictures for you while keeping your camera dry.  There is even a rope swing with a 20 foot drop to the pools below. There is a natural pool, fed by underground and above ground springs, which is more suitable for children and others unable to swim.  For the more adventurous, a zipline runs just above the falls. For an additional cost, you can fly above the falls through five different zipline stations.


Blue Mountain Bicycle Tour ($90/person)
   (website link) 

   The Blue Mountain Bicycle Tour offers a downhill riding tour.  The 4 hour drive to the Blue Mountains provides an additional tour of Jamaica. We stop at an open air restaurant, one of the most picturesque stops in Jamaica, where you will have a wonderful Jamaican brunch.  Then you'll travel to Hardware Gap, the highest point in the Blue Mountains accessible by vehicle, an impressive 5600 feet up. The Blue Mountain Peak is the highest point in Jamaica towering at 7,402 feet. All participants are then fitted with protective gears and bicycles, in preparation for a thrilling yet enlightening downhill ride.

   The descent begins! The tour moves leisurely at approximately 5 - 10 miles per hour. There are designated picture-taking stops to allow you the chance at some great shots. While coasting down this part of the mountainside you will experience the  beautiful landscape with its pristine streams and waterfalls, misty slopes, varied species of Jamaican birds, wildflowers and plants.  Blue MountainPeak is the home of the celebrated Blue Mountain coffee, one of the world's most rare and expensive. The conclusion of your tour is crowned with a swim at the pristine, secluded waterfalls that we discovered.


Shopping Tours ($10/person for taxi)

  Spend as much or as little as you desire purchasing gifts from local merchants at the Montego Bay craft market.  This tour includes the craft market and duty free shops.


Sunset Catamaran Cruise (about $25/person)

  
Enjoy a sunset ocean cruise aboard a catamaran.  The trip includes beverages, entertainment, and snorkeling. The cruise lasts 4 hours and provides a great view of the famous Jamaican sunsets.