Climbing With Purpose 2026
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) .
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.”
Join us—climb, donate, or cheer us on—as we head to the Summit for Their Future. Your steps create their path! Click here to read more about this 8-day guided adventure.
Expedition Details:
Dates: March 20th–27th, 2026
Location: Puerto Plata & Pico Duarte, Dominican Republic
Click here to read more about this hiking excursion.
Participation Requirements:
✔️ Excellent physical condition
✔️ Ability to hike 9 hours uphill (Day 1) and 12 hours downhill (Day 2)
✔️ Commitment to fundraising or donating toward Dove’s mission
Cost & Fundraising Commitment
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Participants are responsible for:
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Roundtrip airfare to Puerto Plata (POP)
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$260 Pico Duarte hike excursion fee (Includes park permits, guides, mules, meals, and equipment)
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A personal fundraising goal benefiting Dove Youth Development
Included for Fundraisers:
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5-Star resort stay (double occupancy)
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All meals and beverages
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Roundtrip airport transfers and transport to/from base camp
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Dove volunteer experience
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Commemorative T-shirt and recognition plaque from Dove
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).
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Share your journey using #SummitForTheirFuture and raise funds online.
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Virtual hikers receive a digital certificate, event T-shirt, and recognition on Dove’s website and social channels.
Donate or Become a Sponsor
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Donate directly to support Dove’s youth programs.
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Sponsor a climber to help them reach their personal fundraising goal.
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Become a corporate sponsor to help support our mission.
Donation Impact Levels | Corporate Sponsorship Tiers |
|---|---|
$25 – School supplies for one child | Base Camp Sponsor ($500): Logo on campaign page |
$50 – One month of after-school programming | Trail Sponsor ($1,000): Recognition on social media and banners |
$100 – Vocational training for a teen | Summit Sponsor ($2,500): Logo on training/hike shirts |
$250+ – University scholarship support | 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 December 31, 2025 to express interest and/or for more details.
Meet Our Team
“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!
