Apart from an abundance of oxygen, what do the redwood forests of California and the rainforests of Costa Rica have in common? This week, a group of five 8th graders from The Canyon School in California and their principal, Chris Kerrigan will have the opportunity to find out for themselves as they compare the rich and unique ecosystems of Costa Rica with that of their home town in Northern California.

Canyon is an exemplary school that takes a unique approach to education, providing an intimate learning environment for kindergartners to 8th graders and fostering a diverse classroom environment. Students are divided into three classrooms, one for K-2, one for 3-5 and one for 6-8, allowing them to help and learn from one another.

During their time in Costa Rica this group of students will be led by Costa Rican Instructor Santiago Lopez and Foreign National Instructor Rob Wyrwicki on an 8-day multi-element expedition, including trekking, homestays, surfing, rafting and zip-lining. They will return home with a broader understanding of the world and a greater appreciation for the environment.