Montgomery Bell Academy

MBA Service Trips

Each year groups of MBA gentlemen and their chaperones head across the globe on community-centered adventures. The Dominican Republic trip has long been a favorite of MBA and Harpeth Hall students, mostly from the 9th and 10th grade classes. South Africa was added to the itinerary for 11th and 12th grade boys several years ago and has quickly grown into another popular and meaningful alternative. Last year we added Cuba into the mix as an every-other-year alternative to South Africa, offering juniors and seniors a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to visit this intriguing country.

Thie year, we are happy to add an exciting summer service trip for rising 8th and 9th graders! June 22-29, 2019, boys from the rising 8th and 9th grade classes will travel to Guanacaste, Costa Rica, where we will offer our skills, talent and spirit to young school children in the area. Like the high school trips, this adventure will also include daily cultural excursions and lots of fun.

South Africa

- The Place
  
  Aquila Game Reserve
- The Place
  
  Table Mountain
- The Place
  
  Cape Point
- The Place
  
  Boulder Penguin Beach
- The Place
  
  The Team House

Cuba

- The Culture
  
  Mural de la Prehistoria
- The Culture
  
  Lunch and Salsa Lessons
- The Culture
  
  Cigar Rolling
- The Culture
  
  Hemingway's Home and Boat
- The Culture
  
  Vintage Cars
- The Culture
  
  BOXING!

- MBA in Cuba
  
  Cuba 2018

Trip Options 2019

See below for information about Dominican Republic, South Africa and Costa Rica.

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

MBA and HH join up for another year of service and fun in the Dominican Republic. Together we will head to a poor area at the foothills of the Haitian and Dominican Republic border outside Santo Domingo, where we will work on community improvement projects and interact with our friends in the community. Sports, construction, home visits, and community events will make up our experience. The trip is scheduled for March 15-20, 2019 (Friday - Wednesday of Spring Break), and is primarily open to 9th and 10th graders, with leadership positions available for upper classmen. The cost of the trip is $2300, including meals in the DR, lodging and transportation. Deposit due by Fall Break, unless otherwise agreed upon with Mr. Norton.

Contact Mr. Will Norton with questions.

SOUTH AFRICA

Calling all Juniors and Seniors to a trip of a lifetime ... the South Africa experience is back! MBA 11th and 12th graders will travel to Cape Town, South Africa to spend a week of unforgettable service, culture and beauty, from March 14-23, 2019. The group will spend rewarding days working on projects for Living Hope, an organization that serves the poor and sick in Cape Town, and interacting with local residents. Our past experiences in this community have made a huge impact not only on the people of Cape Town but on each boy and chaperone who has had the opportunity to volunteer. Robben Island, South African townships, a safari, a penguin colony, Table Mountain and more round out the journey, making it truly a trip to remember. The cost of the trip is $3800, including meals once in SA, lodging, activities and transportation. Deposit due by Fall Break, unless otherwise agreed upon with Ms. Williams.

TO VIEW THE SLIDES from the informational meeting, click here.

Contact Ms. Annie B. Williams with questions.

SUMMER 2019 - COSTA RICA - RISING 8TH/9TH GRADERS

For the first time, MBA is proud to offer an international service trip for Junior School boys. From June 22-29, 2019, a group of MBA volunteers will travel to the rural town of Santa Cruz, in the Guanacaste Province, an area where children are predominantly supported by single mothers working long hours to provide basic needs for their family. As such, daycares are a centerpiece of a child’s life, providing nutrition, education, and developmental care. Unfortunately, these centers are often small, understaffed, in poor repair and lack basic resources. We will work both to improve the facilities and directly with the young people to improve their skills and readiness for primary school. We will also engage in daily cultural outings and adventures such as surf lessons and ziplining! The cost of the trip is $2290, including meals in CR, lodging, activities, flights, travel medical insurance and ground transportation.

If you were unable to make it to the informational meeting, click here for the slide show that was presented. $350 nonrefundable deposit is due by November 30. To pay that following the instructions found on the informational brochure found here. Contact annie.b.williams@montgomerybell.edu or 615-369-5333 with questions for for more information.