Time Capsule Letter

We can’t believe it has already been so long since our Costa Rica trip ended! You’re probably back in school but we wanted you to know that here in Costa Rica and elsewhere, we are still thinking of you and the impact we made this summer together.

Our time spent together here truly did make an impact. You should all know you left the school a better place than when you came. The walls and murals you painted will continue to be a place of shelter and community for the children you met during our days here.

Then animals you cared for continue to thrive under the care and attention paid to them by the volunteers at the rescue center, and new animals are receiving the care they need each day. And more importantly, the knowledge YOU gained on this trip we hope will serve you and the communities you go on to be in for the rest of your life!

Another thing I can’t forget is how much fun we had together here! You guys were a huge part of making this trip so wonderful. We worked really hard and also had a blast together. And remember the Jack and Jill riddle? anyone figure out that those two were goldfish the whole time?! Wears your paddle!

Remember the OMG – “One Meaningful Goal” – that you created at the end of the session? Whatever goal you created for yourself, we would love to know how that is going! Have there been any changes in your home or even community?

We are thinking of you! We hope from time to time you will remember to Be the Change!

From Chris, Jen and the rest of the team!

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This blog includes both community service tracks – Children & Community Development and Wildlife Conservation.

Click here to jump down to the most recent posts!

Sunday July 28, 2019

Things are off to a wonderful beginning here in Costa Rica! Weather was beautiful this morning for a few fun Icebreaker activities, Get-to-Know-You games, and an informative Program Orientation.

-GLA Staff

Monday July 29, 2019

Hi Parents!

Today was an exciting day as we got off to a great starts on our two service projects.

Some of us went to the school called La Pradera. A few of us helped teach English classes while the rest of us sanded the walls and began painting.

We also met the students and played some games during break, including a new game they taught us called elástico.

Those of us on the wildlife track went to the Costa Rica Animal Rescue Center. We took a tour around and saw some animals including different types of monkeys, sloths, and birds.

We then helped clean some of the cages and feed the animals. Overall a really rewarding morning!

After lunch we had free time and got to enjoy some pool time.

We also got a long and competitive game of four square going.

After free time, we met up to plan for a debate we had tonight. The different groups took on roles to represent different stances on whether or not a hypothetical ‘SeaPlanet’ tourist attraction should be built on an island in Costa Rica. After dinner, we discussed SeaPlanet and learned more about the pros and cons of ecotourism.

¡Pura vida!

Wednesday July 31, 2019

After a delicious breakfast filled with pankcakes and Gallo Pinto (a typical Costa Rican dish) we pilled onto our buses and headed to service.

At La Pradera school, our students continue to build upon the English lessons creating strong bonds with the children, whilst the rest of the the group made great achievements painting the walls and starting a mural to leave their mark behind.

Whilst in the Animal Rescue Center armed with buckets, rakes and fresh fruit students tackled the nocturnal cages. Cleaning the cages and feeding the Porcupine, Kinkajous, racoons and Petuna the Coati. We even tried our hand at building some laders and toys for Beans the racoon.

after a rejuvenating lunch we headed over to the permaculture tour and Ceramics class. Where we learned all about the different herbs, flowers, fruit and vegetables that grow in Costa Rica, even getting a close up look into composting and the amazing benifits Worms have. We then got the chance to get our hands dirty and make a clay mask of our buddy.

on the way back to HomeBase we were treated to a delicious scoop of ‘Pops’ icecream before dinner.

After an action packed day we gathered together to watch a TED talk on lollypop moments and the importance of sharing our thanks with the people who have positively impated out lives.

Thursday August 1, 2019

Pumpkin is taken for his morning walk everyday so that he can grow up and learn to one day become a grown sloth and be released back in to the wild!

Learning from the sloths, just hanging out between service projects!

Barbaro training to become a wild sloth!

Be the Change mural coming along nicely at the school.

Practicing our Zumba dance moves in a very fast paced and dynamic class!

We try to have fun when we can! ; )

Picking coffee beans. Pura Vida!

Coffee is Costa Rica’s #1 export, and it routinely ranks as the best coffee in the world!

We were very happy to visit the coffee factory! But even more excited to sample the product! Best coffee in the world!

Saturday August 3, 2019

In Costa Rica, we celebrate important events like a 14th birthday party with a Pinata!

Happy 14th Birthday Jackson!

During our time at the incredible Baldi Hot Springs, the impressive Arenal Volcano came out from behind the clouds!

But it’s still so bitter until you add the sugar!

Then you have to mash the dried and roasted beans into a fine powder.

First step after removing the seed is to use human saliva to create a bacteria concoction to start a fermentation as the seed dries. Open up!

We loved our guide, El Chapo Guapo. He was absolutely hysterical, and made learning about the history of chocolate so amusing!

We made our fist stop at the most delicious tour yet, chocolate tour!

We started the morning with a long busride to Arenal National Park in Fortuna. We always have fun on the bus!

Break time before bedtime = Bananagrams!

Time Capsule Letter

Hi everyone!

We hope you’re doing well and have adjusted into the school year and life back in the U.S. We often think back fondly on our days in Alajuela and all of the fun memories we shared. From the meaningful time we spent at service to the endless games of foursquare, we will not forget the special time spent together!

Our different service projects clearly made an impact on both the school community and the animals at the wildlife rescue center. The connections made with students at Escuela La Pradera are unforgettable and the freshly painted walls made a huge difference in the now fully painted school. The director of the school and English teacher were very grateful for the help we gave and we will not forget how much we learned from them as well.

The wildlife rescue center was also a really amazing learning experience. We were able to help out the staff and other volunteers there by cleaning and building the cages and feeding the animals. We all fell in love with Pumpkin, the sloth baby! It was an unforgettable experience being able to learn about the animals in Costa Rica while also helping out. As we learned, service is about both giving back to others while also learning and growing individually and I think we definitely accomplished that goal.

We also experienced so many and varied adventures in Costa Rica; hiking to waterfalls, bathing in volcanic hot springs, ziplining through the rain forest canopy, and milking cows. We swam in the Pacific and spent time on the beautiful beaches taking in the amazing views.

Carlos, Marbella’s husband taught us how to make ceramic pieces in the manner of the ancient Central American people and we learned about sustainable organic farming practices. We also can’t forget how we danced our hearts out in a Zumba class!

It was an exciting and exhausting week that we will always remember and hope you will too!

¡Pura vida!

Cathy, Joseph, Jen, and Chris

 

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This blog includes both community service tracks – Children & Community Development and Wildlife Conservation.

Click here to jump down to the most recent posts!

Thursday June 20, 2019

Hello families of Intrepid Middle School Travelers!

Things are off to a fun and promising start here in Costa Rica! While we are still eagerly awaiting our students traveling from Newark to arrive later this evening, those students who have already arrived have lost no time enjoying themselves in the company of their new friends at the beautiful Hotel El Robledal.

Although tired, they are energetically immersing themselves in the wonderful work of making friends, learning about their new surroundings, and even testing their volleyball skills in our beautiful pool! Orientation will begin with earnest tomorrow morning, and we’ll be visiting our service sites tomorrow afternoon, so now is the time for fun, rest, and relaxation!

I’m deeply inspired by these young members of the GLA family, All-Stars each one of them. On behalf of our team here in Costa Rica, we are so excited to share our passion for travel, adventure, service, and experiential education with these amazing kiddos!

Look for more to come soon! It’s going to be one great trip!

Pura Vida Mae!
International Director, Chris Schuhmann

Friday June 21, 2019

Hola padres. We started the day by waking up at 7, well, most of us at least. After waking up we gathered in The Yard and learned how to make a perfect circle with the chicken wing rule. After that we ate some delish breakfast including eggs, beans, and rice. Then we did the orientation. There we learned how to respect one another within the rules and expectations. For lunch we ate spaghetti, salad, and flan.

After that we when to our respective service sites. The people who went to the children’s school played fun games with the first graders and sanded some of the walls of the classrooms. We sanded the walls to be able to paint them on the other service days. The teachers and staff at the school were generous and welcoming. After sanding the walls, we played with the 1st graders outside.

We learned a game called elastico which is kind of similar to jump rope. There was a small playground and many kids running around and playing with us. Then we made our return on the bus back to the home base. For those of us that went to the Wildlife service, we did a tour. There were lots of birds, monkeys, sloths, and even a porcupine!

There were lots of stories behind all the animals and how they got there, but the best part is that they are all safe in the sanctuary. After dinner we started an activity where we broke into groups to brainstorm for a debate about possibly building a tourist site called SeaPlanet in Costa Rica.

Goodnight padres!

Saturday June 22, 2019

Each morning at our HomeBase, we begin with an energizing team activity that gets students working together. It’s a great way to start the day!

Our first activity of the day was a tour of a Coca plantation. Students picked their own ripe cacoa fruit and then we got to prepare it!

But you can’t thow it in your mouth! There’s a lot of preparation to do before it’s ready, as Luca demonstrates. A raw and unprepared cacao seed is horribly bitter, and turns purple in your mouth!

First you have to dry it for seven days, and then roast it. Then you have to mash it to pieces.

Which takes more three hours! You gotta mash it into little bits! Easier if you can do it in shifts with your new friends : )

Then you have to grind it into dust. Not so easy to do, but even harder if you have to grind it using rocks the way indigenous tribes prepared cacao for countless generations.

Finally it’s ready to add sugar and all kinds of wonderful flavors according to your preference. Try the coffee, sea salt, and chili spices!

Then we we went to Baldi Hot Springs, where we enjoyed a delicious lunch buffet and spent two hour exploring the beauty and unique adventure that only the world’s largest hot springs resort can provide!

Sunday June 23, 2019

We had an amazing time playing four square on the beach! One of our first activities of the day was taking a hike to Los Chorros waterfalls. It was a little hot, but so rewarding when we were able to go swimmin!

Even though it was a rainy day at the beach, we weren’t going to let that stop us from swimming in the farm Costa Rican waters at La Herradura beach. We spent a bunch of time body surfing, catching waves, and having a great time. This waterfall was absolutely incredible. 10/10 would recommend!

Hiking through the jungle to get to the waterfalls was great. Even though the hike was a little challenging, it was so rewarding to see the final product! Seriously still can’t believe how beautiful this country is!

Monday June 24, 2019

We started our day bright and early at our service sites. We began to paint the exterior walls of the Escuela La Pradera and also had some fun teaching students English and joining them for recess. They practice their English with us and we practice our Spanish with them!

At the wildlife refuge and rehabilitation center we fed the parrots and helped clean the sloth enclosures. We enjoyed being so close to these beautiful animals!

Our afternoon activity was a tour of the Sr. Y Sra. Ese factory where beautiful wooden bowls, jewelry and artisan work are created from Costa Rican native wood for sale around the world. We had the added treat of learning how to make “cajeta”, a Costa Rican fudge-like treat. Yum! We also got to feed the pet bull, Fred!

It’s Brogan’s birthday today and we are celebrating with a cake. Feliz Cumpleaños! Pura Vida!

-by Cathy Kellstrom – GLA Mentor

Tuesday June 25, 2019

Hi Parents! We had another wonderful day here in Alajuela and had the chance to meet new people and explore the city. During service we switched between small groups teaching in the English class while the rest of us painted. We followed Don Bernardino’s instructions to continue to repaint the school two different shades of blue. In the English class we played hot potato and taught the students common questions and answers focusing on pronunciation. When the students had recess and breaks between classes we played hand games and ran around playing tag and cops and robbers (Policía y Ladrones).

At the animal rescue center, we cleaned up around the cages and worked on expanding the cages for the raccoons. Our sloth friend hanging around at the rescue center! We brought an elastic back to our home base and taught elástico to the group who goes to the animal rescue center for service. In the afternoon we went to a market in the town center to shop and see more of this city. Even though there was a storm we still had a great time and made some awesome memories.

After dinner we watched a TED Talk called ‘The Power of a Single Story’ and journaled about how it connects to our experiences here. We’re looking forward to another day at our service sites tomorrow and a fun afternoon activity. ¡Buenas noches!

Wednesday June 26, 2019

Today at the school we worked alongside the 6th graders to paint the building. As a reward for all of our hard work, we played fun fames with the kids from the school. We also continued to work with the English teacher in the second grade, helping them learn their numbers. In the fourth grade we helped them practice words for family members, such as mother, son, cousin, etc. The students in the school are participating in a regional English spelling bee, so we also helped them begin to prepare for that! It was another busy and productive day!

At the wildlife center we made our morning rounds cleaning cages and distributing food. Getting the monkeys to cooperate was quite a challenge, the monkeys are so naughty! There are three species of monkeys at the center. Howler monkeys are the loudest but gentlest, capuchin monkeys are the cutest but most devious, and spider monkeys are largest and most strange. They only have four fingers on their hands and use their tails as a thumb!

Then we mixed concrete and spread mortar to help enlarge a new enclosure the Rescue Center is building for their two resident raccoons, Rice and Beans. It was hard work making concrete, but we are so happy to know eventually they will have more room to play and explore!

Then we went to a dairy farm hight in the mountains above San Jose. It was so beautiful there, and cold! We were able to milk cows, pick strawberries, feed chickens, and even chase rabbits. It was such a wonderful way to finish our third official day of service!

Thursday June 27, 2019

Today at service, the two different groups were able to visit each others service site. While there, they were able to learn more about what each group has been working on, as well as what impact they have been having so far. In addition to working directly with the animals, students got to assist in the construction project of a brand new raccoon enclosure for their good pals Rice and Beans (The raccoons).

Students continued with their painting projects around Escuela La Pradera. We had the chance to visit one of Costa Rica’s many organic farms, and learn about the permaculture in the area. Students learned from a local artisan about ceramic artwork, and traditional weaving methods. This picture shows off Jen (Mentor) teaching the students her technique for rolling clay.

Finally, we got to end the night with a local Zumba class!

Time Capsule Letter

We can’t believe that it’s been so long since our Costa Rica trip ended! I can still remember the sound of the ocean lulling us to sleep each night and the sound of the howling monkeys (and the falling mangoes) waking us up each morning. Often times, it seems just like yesterday that we were hiking up to the lookout in Toledo, stumbling through the forest and making clay masterpieces in Matambu. You’re probably starting school soon but we wanted you to know here in Costa Rica are still thinking of you and the impact we made this summer together.

Our time spent together here truly did make an impact. Restoring Our Watershed (ROW) and all the schools and communities that we served are so grateful for your time and dedication. Henry and his family will continue to support reforestation efforts and continue producing local honey thanks to your commitment and encouragement. I know that each time the students and teachers look at the word walls fluttering/ falling off the walls they will remember your energy and passion for their learning.

And most importantly, I know that our time together has had an amazing impact on each one of you. The knowledge YOU gained on this trip about yourself and the global community we hope will go on to serve you and the communities that you become apart of as you go forward lead and inspire change in the world! We know how integral each person is to a community and the incredible difference each person can make in cultivating meaningful change and we strive to continue to seek out opportunities to make new connections and learn from eachother.

Another thing, I can’t forget is how much fun we had together here! You guys were a huge part of making this trip so fun by being such a passionate and close- knit group. We experienced the Pura Vida culture by learning to dance and make casado with Dalia. We visited Tamarindo and shopped for souvenirs that would bring smiles to our families’ faces. We also got to explore the farmer’s market and the beautiful landscapes of Monte Alto.

We worked really hard and also had a blast together! Whether it was deep conversations over piles of dirt, games of mafia or exploring new activities together- it was so much fun because we got to share it with you- the 2019 GLA Costa Rica group!

Remember to continue to seek out new experiences and make new connections with others. Stay in touch with each other and hopefully keep some of that mindful pura vida lifestyle in your hearts. We would love to hear how you are doing! Have you continued to build friendships and inspire deep conversations?

Remember to share your personal goals with GLA too, they would love to see how you are BEING the CHANGE back home!

Thanks for helping to make these special memories in an amazing place and good luck with all your personal goals and endeavors!

Pura vida,

Emily and the Costa Rica Team

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Thursday July 11, 2019

The students are here! We picked up the first group of students and headed to the tree nursery for our first lunch together. The howler monkeys came out to greet us and welcome us with their unique barking sounds. After a delicious meal of rice and chicken, we headed to the home base. We arrived at home base just in time to watch a magical sunset and unpack. The group is awaiting the other 9 students who are in route from the airport! We are so excited for all of the adventures and to be a whole group!

-GLA Program Staff

Friday July 12, 2019

We had an amazing breakfast prepared by own local host Rita, she made everything fresh and tasty!
We are just in front of the beach and the nature here is flourishing with many plants, flowers, birds and wild animals. To start we had an overview of the program, of the the community service in the schools, and a good orientation on rules and useful recommendations—Plus some basic Spanish to start refreshing for the schools. We watched the sunset and start to know each other better. A long but fulfilling day! 🙂

Lorenzo

Saturday July 13, 2019

Hola! This morning we started off our day with a breakfast of eggs, toast, fruit, cereal, and coffee. The food here is so good and I don’t think any of us were expecting it to be this good. The area we’re staying at is also super pretty and we are right on the beach – its insane! Right after we had breakfast we left home base to go paddle boarding which was really fun and we stayed there for about an hour.

We then came back to home base to get dressed and get ready for lunch and we ate pasta with veggies and garlic bread. There was also this really good fruit juice and we found fresh mangos and made juice out of that. After lunch we prepared the materials that we’re going to need for service (we wrote Spanish words on paper as flashcards for the students).

After that, we came back to home base and finished our orientation then we went to eat a dinner of rice, chicken and vegetables, potatoes, a cucumber and tomato salad and limeade. It’s been a good three days so far and I’m sure the rest of this trip is only going to get more fun!

Sunday July 14, 2019

The quote for today was about the pleasures of giving vs getting. Today was surely the best example of both worlds. We started the day with another amazing breakfast from our hosts to spending the majority of the day at the Vivero planting trees and working on projects for the school. We made our own casado and juice for lunch. The day ended with a watching of the sunset on the beach, another amazing dinner, and a song guessing game with our guests from GLA’s Costa Rica office.

Monday July 15, 2019

¡Día cinco, 15 de julio! Today was our first day of service which took place at Rio Seco. It was amazing to teach them a bunch of ecology words, play bingo, and play soccer. Then came lunch at El Vivero which was amazing as always. Unfortunately, we didn’t get to dance class but hopefully it will come so we got a little time to rest up before Cafecito. Wow, Cafecito was filled with culture and love. From soccer to face paintings to food, it definitely was the highlight of the day for most of us. What a great day to end the day before coming back to homebase for dinner and prepping for service tomorrow.

-by Diane

Wednesday July 17, 2019

Today was our 7th day in Costa Rica. We had a later desayuno and we did our laundry and cleaned our rooms. Later, we left to swim at the beach and eat at Playa Negra! We then ate almuerzo at Vivero and then headed back to home base for a siesta! After our siesta, we headed to Henry’s farm for a cafecito and a beautiful hike! The coffee was amazing as well as the honey that Henry makes! The hike we went on was so beautiful and everyone was so nice. We came back to homebase for dinner and worked on materials for another day at the school! Another awesome day!

-by Amanda

Thursday July 18, 2019

Today was day eight, in the morning we went to service at a new school. Next we went to the vivero for lunch, and to learn about the snakes in costa rica. After the vivero we went back to the home base for an hour siesta (nap)! After we went to playa avallones for smoothies. Finally we did our mentor groups, and went to bed.

-by Dylan

Friday July 19, 2019

Hi, this morning we woke up around 6:30 to get dressed and ready for breakfast. We had eggs gallo pinto and fresh fruit. After breakfast we got on the bus and headed to the Rio Seco school where we met with the kids and walked down to the river to pick up trash and plant some trees! After a few hours of hard work we got back on the bus and headed to the vivero for a lunch of quesadillas which were amazing!

Then we headed to the skate park for some smoothies and the best French fries I have ever had! We also had a few brave souls who decided to try and skateboard. By the time we finished it was time for dinner. We had rice chicken and broccoli. Like usual after dinner we met up with our mentor groups, had a good talk and went stargazing. We over all had an amazing day and I can’t wait for the next!

-by Samantha

Saturday July 20, 2019

Today we had breakfast at 8 o’clock next we took the bus to Tamarindo which is a bigger town. We went to a farmers market, ate lunch, and shopped around. We took a bus to the nature reserve, where we will be staying for the weekend. To conclude we went for a hike to see the sunset and we had dinner.

-by Alfonso

Monday July 22, 2019

Hola!

Today was an eventful day (and night). It is our last day in the toledo nature reserve. After making it through a night of lots of thunder and lightning we were pleasantly awoken to pancakes for breakfast.
The day was changed a bit—but we went with it!

We drove up most of the way to the mirador (the lookout) then hiked—mostly slipped—our way down the mountain and back to the reserve. After lunch we packed up and left monte alto.

Then, we finished our afternoon with a delicious coffee tour and visit to the grocery store. It was a fun weekend but we are happy to be back by the beach eating Rita’s yummy food and listening to the waves!

Pura vida!

Tuesday July 23, 2019

Today was day 13, we woke up and had eggs, rice and beans, and pineapple for breakfast then left home base at 7:30. We went to service at the school Paraiso, which we had not gone to yet. This school had a lot of students and our program broke into 3 stations of different learning activities for the kids. We left the school to go to the Vivero for lunch, which was rice, beans, plantains, meat, salad, and pineapple juice. After eating we stayed at the Vivero to prepare different materials.

Part of our group painted and worked on making trash bins while others tie-dyed shirts that are going to be made into reusable bags with the kids at one of the schools we’ve gone to. After that we left the Vivero around 3:00 and went Las Delicias, a school, to play soccer with the kids. We stayed for w few hours and then stopped by a beach on our way back to home base and got to see a baby turtle liberation!! The baby turtles are placed in front of us on the sand and we got to watch them crawl to the shore and go into the ocean, it was amazing. We then returned to home base and had rice, pork, potato, avocado, and salad for dinner. After dinner we had mentor groups and then some free time before bed.

Wednesday July 24, 2019

Hey yall,

Today we got to sleep in and have breakfast at 8:30! After breakfast a couple of us went on a short hike to an overlook. At around 10:30 we went to the Tempisque River for lunch and 2 hour boat ride where we saw so many crocodiles. On our way back to home base we stopped at Nicoya for ice cream and a street fair. It was a lot of driving around but a super fun day!

-by Maya

Friday July 26, 2019

Today was a very relaxed day. In the morning we helped plant trees at the Vivero. Then we had lunch and left for home base. At home base we had a siesta and swam at the beach. Around 3 pm we left the home base to go to a turtle reserve. There we learned about various turtle species and then we did an activity on the beach. After that we went back to home base, had dinner, told the story of our life in mentor groups, and went to sleep.

-by Alexis

Saturday July 27, 2019

Hola! Today was day 17! We had breakfast at 7:00 and we ate bread, eggs, mango, and watermelon. Then we went to the Vivero and worked on planting trees and germinating seeds. We had lunch at 12:00 which was spaghetti with vegetables and garlic bread. After lunch, we went to pick some ojoche seeds and we came back to plant them.

Then we headed back to home base to get ready for the beach. We got smoothies at Lola’s, which is a restaurant on the beach. When we got back to home base, we had dinner which consisted of rice, eggplant with tomato and onion, and pork. Today was a good service day and we all had a lot of fun! We’re looking forward our last few days here.

-by Franchesca