Miss last week’s adventures? No worries. Check them out here.
Read on to see what our students have been up to this week! (Hint: some really awesome stuff.)
Summer Courses 14-18
Service, Hike & Homestay (Session #3)
Our five SHH guys headed into the dense reserve behind our base on Sunday morning for their first taste of the rainforest and their first service project! They worked hard in a “huerta”; a small garden/farm area, where they weeded, added fresh soil, and more. The group hit the hay early to rest up for the trail Monday morning, knowing that the immersive experience of a lifetime awaited them. The past few days, the guys have been learning about Costa Rica’s biodiversity and culture while camping in the jungle and staying with local families. This weekend they’ll be rappelling down a waterfall, learning how to make sugar using the traditional “trapiche” method, and more!
Caribbean Scuba & Service (Session #3)
The CSS kids have been enjoying the island life on Isla Solarte in Panama this week, balancing work and play like pros! They’ve spent time chilling on the beach, exploring coral reefs, sunken catamarans and shipwrecks, all while working on earning their scuba certifications. The group has done scuba theory lessons, confined water sessions, and more, led by our executive director and scuba instructor, Jim Rowe. The students will take their written exams for their NAUI certifications today before celebrating with a bioluminescent night dive! This weekend, they’ll begin their sea kayaking expedition, exploring the islands of Bocas del Toro and volunteering on different service projects.
Surf, Service & CPR (Session #2)
Our SSCPR girls left base early on Sunday and set up camp right on the beach on the Pacific Coast. They’ve been falling asleep under the stars, listening to the waves, and rolling out of their tents and onto their boards for surf lessons from their instructor, Bailey. When the group isn’t out on the water, they’re doing First Aid & CPR/AED training and volunteering on service projects. They’re having a blast bonding with each other and learning to save lives — we’re so proud of them!
Girl Scout Destinations
Scuba and Sea Turtle Adventure (Session #3)
It’s been another busy week for the SSTA group! They really know how to get the most out of Costa Rica and Panama. Here are just a few things they’ve been up to lately:
- Learned how to prepare “hojaldre,” a typical caribbean breakfast in Panamá, from their host family
- Hit the streets for a city tour
- Celebrated birthdays with cake, karaoke, and a dance party
- Zipped through the canopies
- Played “finding the treasure” whilst snorkeling to clean trash out of the ocean
- Tried kneeboarding and wakeboarding
The past few days, they’ve been staying in Isla Solarte, earning their scuba certifications, and today they’re on their way back to base for their final dinner!
Service Challenge (Session #3)
Last week, the SC group left their mark on Katsi and headed out to make an impact in San San Pond Sak! They’ve spent time at the sea turtle conservatory, learning from specialists, patrolling the beach at night, and collecting eggs from the hatchery. The girls have earned a new appreciation for the endangered Leatherback and Hawksbill sea turtle populations and have done an amazing job working to protect them. On Wednesday, we got to greet them back on base before they hit the river for whitewater rafting on Thursday. Today is a fun-filled Friday for the group — they’re taking a tour of San Jose, visiting an artisan market, and closing out their trip with a celebratory dinner.
Want more time in Central America?
We don’t blame you. We currently have a $500 discount on our fall Coast to Coast Expedition. Envision yourself spending 85 days in Costa Rica, Panama, and Nicaragua! Enroll and submit a deposit before July 31st for $500 off.
Submit an inquiry or contact our Enrollment Manager at 800-676-2018 or by emailing [email protected].
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