Passage to Panama
August 2-13 and August 14-25
Travel Education and Tribal Exchange
(Open to Youth and Adults)

FAQ

Step One: Decide on your attendance
Our YNS delegation must RSVP as soon as possible.  Call for more information, we are available to assist you with any questions or concerns you may have.  Registration will be received up until October 21, 2008 for the November Trips and up until November 21, 2008 trips in December. Inquire about late registration or any additional questions: 760-301-0992.  Any Native or non-Native individuals including students, family, siblings, teachers, or community members with a desire to learn and an enthusiasm for adventure may attend.

Step Two: Get your correct documentation together
To re-enter the U.S. you will need, a valid U.S. Passport.  If you are considering attending, we recommend applying for a passport as soon as possible. Application to acquire a passport varies from 2 weeks (expedited) or 6-8 weeks (normal processing). You will need to have an official “certified copy” of Birth Certificate, and a government issued Photo I.D. plus two current photos.  Local Post Offices can process your application as well as some tribal organizations, call for further information.  Proof that you either have a current passport or have applied for a passport is required with the registration.
If you are under the age of 18, traveling without a parent, you will need a, Notary Stamped, letter from both Parents or Guardian consenting that you will be able to travel out of the country.  The Notary can supply you with this letter.

Step Three: Submit your Registration
Registrations, along with passport information, and $100 non-refundable deposit are due with your registration.  Deposit will be applied to the remaining balance of the trip. The deposit will be returned in the event the individual is not accepted into the program. Upon confirmation, we will send you the trip itinerary, list of what to bring, and additional facts about our trip.

Step Four: Raise the funds for the trip
Formal or informal requests to family members, community members, organizations, tribal programs and Tribal Councils are a good place to start.  This trip is also tax-deductible.  If after making a sincere effort you are struggling with this, please contact us ASAP.  Unfortunately, we do not offer scholarships, however we may be able to help in some way. You have a came a long way already; with faith – you can do anything. We want to help.

Step Five: Submit first payment
The first payment of $1000 is due by October 21st. This amount will be applied to the remaining balance for the trip.  If for some reason, you choose not to attend after making the deposit; you will be given travel credit with YNS to Panama to be used within one year (excluding the original $100 non-refundable deposit and any non-refundable airfare already booked). There will be another delegation. The remaining balance will be due one day prior to departure. Receipts and records will be available on request.

Checks/Money Orders are made to:
“The BRIDGE YNS- NorCal” (non-profit 501c3)
8 Elm Ave
Imperial Beach, CA 91932 
Accounting Contact: Barbara 619-429-6621

Passports Resources for Expedited Passport:
http://www.us-passport-service-guide.com/
http://www.passportsandvisas.com/

Certified Birth Certificates:
Visit/call your County office of Birth. Born in California: go online to order your official certified birth certificate
http://www.dhs.ca.gov/hisp/chs/ovr/ordercert.htm
http://www.usbirthcertificate.net/

Members of Native American Tribes may apply through the YNS Cultural Exchange Coordinator, Joanie Hanson, please call for more information. 760-301-0992

Passage to Panama FAQ Sheet

Q:  Who is eligible to participate? Any Native or non-Native individual including students, family, siblings, teachers, or community members with a desire to learn and enthusiasm for adventure.

Q:  Is a passport required? Yes, all persons re-entering the United States need to have an official current passport.

Q:  What other documentation is required to travel? In addition to a Passport, if you are under the age of 18, you will need a, Notary Stamped, letter of consent from either both Parents or Guardian stating that you will be able to travel out of the country without your parent/guardian present. The Notary can supply you with this letter. 

Q:  How much will this trip cost?  Program cost of $1700 plus spending money for souvenirs and incidentals.  All lodging, meals, and in-country transportation is included in the program cost. Airfare to Panama not included.

Q:  What is the purpose of this trip? Higher Education, Exposure to Tribal Interchange, Enlightenment, Culture, Wellness, Ecology, Economics, Indigenous Politics, and Traditional Values. 

Q:  What should I bring? You will be provided with a checklist once you confirm your attendance.

Q:  How will we be able to keep in touch? We will supply family and delegates with direct cell phone numbers to reach YNS staff and delegates in Panama. YNS will also provide the delegation with access to phones for direct calls to the U.S. (included in cost). The U.S. shared much infrastructure with Panama in the past years. Panama boasts access to modern needs.

Q:  Will I need any shots/vaccinations? These are not required to travel, however, you should consult with your family doctor.  There have been limited reports of Malaria or Dengue; like any place in the world, always use your best judgment. Most information websites on travel to Panama show that immunizations are not used by tourists.

Q:  What would happen in case of an emergency? Travel insurance should be purchased with the international airline ticket which will provide specific coverage.  As always we will travel with caution and have emergency phone numbers. Panama health care is one of the best in Latin America and all medical services are easily accessible to visitors as Free Public Healthcare. In the past four years going to Panama, we have had no incidences.

Q:  What kinds of safety precautions are being taken? During delegate orientation, staff and students will be provided with and abide by ethical rules of behavior as in any public school. Panamanian Professionals who know the country and safety risks will host us. Hiking and ecological observation will be a large part of our schedule. An affinity to the outdoors and nature is a must.

Q:  What are the risks of traveling to this region? By fact, Panama is the safest and also the most modern country in Latin America. There is no civil unrest or war.  A strong recent trend has shown Panama the number one retirement location for North Americans and those abroad. In addition, Panama is quickly earning the reputation as the premier “unspoiled” tourist and ecological educational destination. English-Spanish- Native Translators will be provided.

Q:  Where do we sleep and what are the arrangements? Accommodations will always be clean, comfortable and range from simple and modest to moderately upscale when in the City. Jungle lodges and beach bungalows used by tourists and Native Folks will be used. Panama boasts some of the most lush rainforests, bio-diversity, wildlife and pristine beaches in the Americas. Panama will be an adventure and journey to last a life time.

Q:  What kind of food will be provided? We will be eating local traditional foods when visiting the indigenous groups.  Typical fare will be rice, beans, plantains, soup, chicken or fish.  Healthier food choices including vegetarian, organic, and local favorites will also be explored.  Please be sure to list any allergies on the application.