Dolphin Bay Hideaway
Project
The local community school of Bocatorito is located on Isla San Cristobal within the archipelago of Bocas del Toro, Panama. This island is totally off the grid, with no electric power and has no roads nor vehicles. Our mission is to provide school and light medical supplies and eventually solar panels to power ceiling fans. The project benefits 28 local school children ages 6 through 12 years old and the entire community of Bocatorito.
Needs
General School Supplies:
Book Bags, Chalk, Colored Pencils, Compasses, Crayons, Handheld Pencil Sharpeners, Markers, Pencils, Pens, Solar Calculators, and Solar Lantern Lights
Reference Materials:
(Spanish) Dictionaries
Flash Cards:
(Spanish and English) Alphabet, Math, Word, and English
Wall Charts:
(Spanish) Human Body, Language, Math, Science, and World Maps
Text/Reading Books:
(Spanish) Age-Appropriate Story Books, Biology, General Science, Health, Language/Grammar, and Math
Computer Hardware/Software:
Solar-Powered Working Laptops
Educational Games/Toys:
Bananagrams, Chess Sets, Connect Four, Puzzles, and Scrabble
Music Instruments:
Cymbals, Harmonicas/Kazoos, Tambourines, and Triangles
Sports/Outdoor Activity:
Jump Ropes, Netball/Basketballs, and Soccer Balls
Clothing/Shoes:
New or Gently Used Children’s Shoes
First Aid/Health:
Antibiotic Ointment and Band-Aids
Initiatives Supported
Listed on this page are the specific needs requested by the community project(s) so you can choose exactly what to pack for a purpose and express your gratitude to the local community with the supplies you take them. If you prefer, you may reach out directly to them to inquire about items which may be available for purchase locally. Arranging visits to community projects is beyond the scope of our mission. If you wish to visit a project, contact the participant and they can let you know what is possible.
Candy and balloons are not on the needs list as they are harmful for the children and the environment for the following reasons:
• Few of the children benefiting from these projects have access to toothpaste, toothbrushes, or a dentist. The candy promotes cavities.
• The balloons once they become deflated are a choking hazard for local wildlife.
Instead of taking candy or balloons, use that space for additional requested supplies, as they are priceless.
