Central America, 2009
Panama International Tribal Exchange
Panama City, Chagres National Park, Kuna Yala (San Blas), Embera-Darien
August 4 - 12, 2009

FAQ

Step One: Decide on your attendance
It is an honor to your community and our program to represent in the Panama Tribal Exchange 2009, our 4th year. Early registration is highly encouraged in order to ensure your space to attend. We accept a small group of no more than 15-20 students. Open to families, and ages 12 and up (with parent); or ages 15 and up traveling without a parent. It is important we confirm our participants’ placement as these privileged spaces may fill quickly. We are available to assist you with questions and with groups of 3 or more. Contact us at: tribalrelations@gmail.com or 760-301-0992

Step Two: Get your correct documentation together
Complete and return the registration form ASAP along with a non-refundable deposit of $100. Once we receive your registration form and deposit, we will notify you of your acceptance into the program.  The confirmation packet and program details (travel necessities, itinerary, etc) will be sent to you following receipt of your registration. Note: you should consecutively obtain a current U.S./Canadian passport. 

Step Three: Raise funds for the trip
This ITY program currently has no sponsors and fundraising is up to the participants, family or community. Each participant is required to raise $1100 to cover the cost. This program fee applies to students who submit their registration deposit by June 25, 2009. International Airfare is separate (not included in the program fee).   Program fee for registrations received after July 25, 2009 is $1300.
Formal or informal requests to family members, community members, or Tribal Councils are the first place to start. Please use your formal letter of acceptance as your proof of privileged participation.  If after making a sincere effort, you are struggling with this, please contact us ASAP. You have come a long way already; and we have faith that you can do anything - we want to help.

Step Four: Confirmation
Confirmation of your attendance is needed before June 25, 2009.  At this time, you would need to have provided a non-refundable deposit of US $100.  If for some reason, you choose not to attend after making your final payment, you will be given travel credit (less the $100 non-refundable deposit) with ITY to be used within one year.  There will be another opportunity for you.  Transportation to/from Panama is not included in the Program Fee.

FAQ Sheet; Common Asked Qs?

Q:  What is the purpose of this trip?Wellness, Culture, Tribal Interchange and Academic Enrichment. 

Q:  What Registration, arriving arrangements, Leads, Chaperones?ITY Program Coordinators and follow up: Debra Avila and Joanie Hanson 760-301-0992.  Program Leaders in Panama: Joanie Hanson and Marc Chavez will maintain logistics and lead exchange experience along with Cultural Specialists. We provide pick-up/drop off at Panama (PTY) Tocumen International Airport.

Q:  How much is the trip going to cost? The participant is responsible for raising $1100, with 2 payments due in total by July 15, and August 4th, 2009, respectively.  There will be no additional costs to the student while in Panama. All food, lodging, in-country transport (including domestic flights), tours, and park reservation fees are included. Spending money will only be needed for gifts, mementos, sharing, etc. International flight to/from Panama is not included in Program fee. Trips are TAX-DEDUCTABLE and can be written off as a gifted educational donation. Fed Tax ID: 33-0845610. There are currently no sponsors for this program. With the amount of personal attention and experience each participant receives compared to commercial tours, cost is very reasonable.

Questions regarding payment call Debra Avila or Joanie Hanson, via email: registration@intertribalyouth.org or 760-301-0992 Messages are Returned often in the afternoon/evening.

Checks/Money Orders are made payable to:
The BRIDGE - ITY
874 Seacoast Drive
Imperial Beach, CA 91932
Check Memo: Tribal Surf, Student Name.
Accounting: Barbara 619-429-6621

Q:  Keeping in touch with participant?We will supply direct cell phone numbers to reach ITY staff for emergency, with the exception when in areas of limited cell access. Participants will be allowed to make phone calls on two separate nights to call family at the decision of the participant.

Q: Where do participants sleep and what are the arrangements?Accommodations will always be clean, comfortable and be moderately upscale to rustic. Male and female participants, unless traveling as a family, will be separated and chaperoned. There are 2 staff members to every 5 participants.  Tentative ITINERARY available at www.InterTribalYouth.org