top of page
Jungle mountain in the clouds.jpg

Climb With Purpose 2026

To the Summit for Their Future: Every Step Helps a Child Rise

Together We Rise

In March 2026, a small team of supporters, staff, and friends of Dove Youth Development will take on the challenge of climbing Pico Duarte,
the highest mountain in the Caribbean (10,164 ft / 3,098 m) .

Join the Climb

Physically, Virtually or by Sponsoring a Hiker​

Donate

Every dollar helps our youth rise higher!​​

Partner

Become a corporate sponsor - grow your brand as our youth climb higher.

IMG_0182.JPG
Our Mission

 

​This climb represents everything we stand for at Dove. It is more than a physical summit; it symbolizes the journey our youth take every day to overcome mountains of poverty, limited opportunity, and social barriers. With education, mentorship, and love, they rise—one step at a time.

As we climb, we show them that with courage, discipline, and teamwork, anything is possible. Every child deserves the chance to reach their summit. Every step we take brings them closer to a brighter future and their full potential. “Every mountain climbed helps a child rise higher.”

8f8e56ae-7908-4c77-9d8a-eb0bc3be1cc2.JPG
Expedition Details:

Dates: March 23–26, 2026

Location: Pico Duarte, Dominican Republic

Click here to read more about this hiking excursion.

Participation Requirements:

✔️ Good physical condition

✔️ Ability to hike 6-9 hours uphill (Day 1) and 9-12 hours downhill (Day 2)

✔️ Commitment to fundraising or donating toward Dove’s mission

Cost & Fundraising Commitment

  • Participants are responsible for:

    • Roundtrip airfare to Puerto Plata (POP)

    • $260 Pico Duarte hike excursion fee (Includes park permits, guides, mules, meals, and equipment)

    • A personal fundraising goal benefiting Dove Youth Development

*** SPECIAL OFFER ***

For hikers pledging at least $1,000 USD, one of our generous donors will fund the following:

  • 7-day stay at a luxury 5-star resort

  • All meals and beverages

  • Roundtrip airport transfers and transport to/from base camp

  • Dove volunteer experience

  • Commemorative T-shirt and recognition plaque from Dove

** For hikers only, please contact us for details

92d72849-9908-4997-be48-6f3f60fa147c.JPG
How You Can Help

 

​Even if you can't join the physical climb, you can still be part of the journey and help us reach our financial summit!

Virtual Hikers — Climb with Heart

If you can’t join in person, you can still climb for a cause! Choose your own “mountain”—walk, bike, or hike 48 km over two weeks (the same distance as the Pico Duarte climb).

  • Share your journey using #SummitForTheirFuture and raise funds online.

  • Virtual hikers receive a digital certificate, event T-shirt, and recognition on Dove’s website and social channels.

 

Donate or Become a Sponsor

  • Donate directly to support Dove’s youth programs.

  • Sponsor a climber to help them reach their personal fundraising goal.

  • Become a corporate sponsor to help support our mission.

Donation Impact Levels

  • $25 School supplies for one child

  • $50 One month of child sponsorship

  • $100 Vocational training for a teen

  • $250+ University scholarship

Corporate Sponsorship Tiers

  • Base Camp Sponsor ($500) Logo on campaign page

  • Trail Sponsor ($1000) Recognition on social media and banner

  • Summit Sponsor ($2,500) Logo on training shirt

  • Legacy Sponsor ($5,000+) Recognition in Dove's annual report, newsletter and at our Youth Center

Ready to Climb?

 

Please contact Liz Rooney via executivedirector@doveyouthdevelopment.org or (612) 442-5974 by Janauary 31, 2026 to express interest and/or for more details.

Meet Our Team
IMG_3137.jpg
Dove - Ed.png
“I am amazed at the courage it takes for our children to show up every day and take on the challenges of life. I’m climbing with purpose — for every child who dreams of more.”

Elizabeth “Liz” Rooney – Executive Director, Dove Youth Development
“Sponsoring children for years has shown me how Dove changes lives. This climb is my way of giving back — step by step."


Art – Longtime Dove Sponsor and Advocate
Follow Our Journey

Follow our updates from training to summit, including behind-the-scenes videos, updates from the trail, and reflections from Dove’s youth on their own “mountains.” 

 

Share your journey using #SummitForTheirFuture!​

  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • TripAdvisor
  • TikTok

DOVE YOUTH DEVELOPMENT (formerly Dove Missions) IS A REGISTERED CHARITY IN THE UNITED STATES

Donations made to any of our campaigns and programs will generate a U.S. Tax receipt sent to email address or post address.

Phone: Dominican Republic: (809)-676-4071     |     US: (612)-442-5974
executivedirector@doveyouthdevelopment.org

 
Privacy Policy

  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • TripAdvisor
  • TikTok
bottom of page