Greetings to the students of our fourth Costa Rica Beachside Service Adventure session of
2018!

Your proud team of directors and mentors – Callie, Daya, Carlitos, Bridget, Sam, Sophie, Chanel,
Bethany, Kasia, and Ila- had the most amazing and memorable time with each and every one of
you. We hope that the following moments during the ten days we spent together felt as
meaningful for you as they did for us.

We had six service projects during the session, each one enlightening, challenging, and
enjoyable in their own way. Those of us at Escuela Paraíso spent our first day building a table
with Orlando. We even used our creativity to build a playground made of tires and paint a
minion planter. We spent Venticinco de Julio participating in the celebrations at the school and
enjoying precious moments with the students. We’ll forever be bonded by our anthem “Mi
Paraíso es tu paraíso.”

With Playa Marbella, we painted gorgeous signs for the community and hammered tons of nails
while cheering each other on. We planted over 150 trees in 1 day, watered trees, and
interacted with our local leader Lori. Lori also prepared limonada for the whole group, wasn’t it
delicious? We also learned Arroyito, a very upbeat song. ¡Chuls!

Escuela Marbella also sang Arroyito and enjoyed one another’s company while eating tons of
snacks during mentor group and having thought provoking debates on the bus. We painted
parts of the school the beautiful colors of sea-foam green and mint. We also learned what it
means to be the “Guardianes Pura vida.”

With Huerta Vida y Salud, we celebrated Venticinco de Julio at Escuela Delicias with Josh, Aron,
and David. We enjoyed watching a horse race, eating corn, playing soccer, painting tires,
digging holes, and breaking up soil in la Huerta. We’ll never forget “Bucket Boy” and the phrase
“love to see it.”

All of us working with Restoring Our Watershed (ROW) had a host of adventures and surprises,
including, eating moringa seeds, and getting to know our motorcycle-riding community leader,
Alberto. We also spent time with Doggie and Dave while working with different plants, worms,
and seeds. We learned how to plant “mata” in different locations, met “machete-man” and
spent time in the Venado community picking up trash and painting garbage cans.

Finally, VerdiAzul shone – with sweat, but also with pride and glory – as we carried heavy logs,
dug deep holes, and worked on the turtle hatchery (Calypso and Lalo provided the emotional
support). Towards the end, our service paid off because we got to witness the release of baby
turtles with Pan and Valerie. On our last service day, along with all of us at ROW, we played
soccer and put on relay races with the local kids of the Venado community, face painted,
collected garbage and played tiburón y peces.

From the meaningful: sharing stories of self, reflecting on what it means to be a responsible
tourist and effective leader, participating in our final appreciation circle; to the thrilling:
Snorkeling! Canopy ziplining! Trying gallo pinto and trying new things in general; to the
downright fun: nightly games of UNO, bus ride dance parties, star gazing, Yoga at 6 am…No
question about it, we will remember our ten days with you for years to come. We hope that
wherever you are (perhaps someplace just a little bit colder?), you are able to look back on your
experience with GLA and use what you learned to be the change you want to see in the world.
¡Pura Vida, Mae!

-The GLA CR Beachside team

 

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Greetings students of Costa Rica Beachside Service Adventures 2018!

Your dedicated team of directors and mentors – Callie, Daya, Michael, Carlitos, Bridget, Sam,
Sophie, Chanel, Bethany, Ila, and Kasia – would like to reach out and reflect on some of the
unforgettable moments we shared living together in Junquillal. We hope the ten days we spent
as a group were as meaningful for you as they were for us. Each service site had a unique story
and presented enlightening challenges, and each one of you adopted that story as your own
and grew because of those challenges.

Those of us at Escuela Paraíso tackled a handful of projects in the local schools with Chanel
and Sam. We painted la huerta (the orchard), built a playground from scratch (including a
makeshift tractor made of painted car tires), and painted a mural for the kindergarten. We didn’t
forget to have fun along the way – in the morning we sang the Paraiso song we wrote ourselves,
and got to spot howler monkeys at the service site.

Kasia and Ila led team Marbella Escuella, where the students worked ceaselessly to paint the
schools murals and signs raising awareness about the environment and beach cleanup. We had
a satisfying and rewarding last day of service, when we got to meet the kids we’d been working
so hard to support. Other highlights from our service days include playing with the dogs on the
site, perfecting our “Marbella Estrella” cheer, and drinking Lori’s Lemonade.

Carlitos led team Marbella Reforestation, during which we planted and watered trees for the
local community (the community has a system where for every tree you cut down, to build a
house for example, you have to plant two!). Like Marbella Escuela, they got to enjoy iced
lemonade made by Lori, a wonderful Italian woman who’s been living for many years in Costa
Rica with her family. And one of the best memories of the session – students dancing to the
Brazilian song choreography!

We also had the chance to start a new service project with Bridget at the Vida y Salud Organic
Farm. Here, we learned about sustainable farming practices that benefit the environment and
make use of local resources, made fertilizer from leaves, and weeded. It was all worth it
knowing that it supported Rodolfo and his family, particularly his child Saul, who quickly became
a celebrity among our group.

All working with Beth at Restoring Our Watershed (ROW) had the opportunity to look at and
understand more deeply some of the most prominent environmental challenges that Costa Rica
faces today. For example, we learned about the importance of Vetiver grass to the prevention of
soil erosion and water retention. We painted signs and bins at schools to encouraging recycling
among students, learned alongside local high schoolers, and even teamed up with Verdiazul to
facilitate a day of learning for local students at Rio Seco.

Finally, at Verdiazul, an organization dedicated to sea turtles and beachside
reforestation,Sophie led her tireless team to dig holes and put posts to build a fence along the
shoreline. Building the fence was an important achievement, as it will help prevent the public
from parking on the beach and destroying the plant life that’s so essential for protecting against
erosion. When we weren’t laboring under the hot sun, Verdiazul group got to know our local
leaders, Pan, Valerie, Bryan, and Dani, and with their help planned fun activities with kids from
the local community.

When we weren’t laboring away, we got to drink coconut water straight
from the coconuts, practice our Spanish, pand have great bonding sessions by the pool.
From the meaningful moments: sharing stories of self, reflecting on what it means to be a
responsible tourist and effective leader, participating in our final appreciation circle…to the
thrilling: Sea kayaking! Canopy ziplining! Trying gallo pinto and dragon fruit!…to the downright
fun: fire twirling, playing soccer against a local women’s team, bus ride dance parties, beach
yoga…Sin duda, we will remember our ten days with you for years to come. We hope that
wherever you are (perhaps someplace just a little bit colder?), you are able to look back on your
experience with GLA and use what you learned to be the change you want to see in the world.

Now if you would all put your hands over your heart, and repeat after us: “Voy a reír, voy a
bailar, vivir mi vida, GLA la la la la…”
And dude… Where’s chicken?

Pura Vida!
-The GLA team

 

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Greetings students of Costa Rica Beachside Service Adventures!

Although our session has come to a close, all of us still here at Junquillal – Callie, Daya,
Michael, Carlos, Bridget, Sam, Sophie, Chanel, Bethany, Ila, and Kasia – would like to reach out
to you one last time to reflect back on some of the unforgettable moments we shared. We hope
that the ten days we spent together as a group were as meaningful for you as they were for us.
It was incredible to watch you grow among the five available service sites. Each had a story of
its own and presented unique challenges that were enlightening and enjoyable in their own way.
Those of us at Escuela Paraíso divided and conquered in the local schools with Chanel, Sam,
and Ila.

On our first day, we caught a glimpse of a school-wide celebration before students went
away for 15 days of vacation. Some painted a large marine themed mural that featured The
Little Mermaid, while others worked in the orchard or “la huerta” constructing gardening boxes
from scratch. At the kindergarten CenCinai, Ila’s team really shone – with sweat all over their
backs. They were responsible for weeding, adding soil, tilling, and planting Martita’s garden,
who encouraged them each day with a friendly smile and delicious fruit during their breaks.

Kasia and Carlitos led team Avellanas, where we contributed not only to the beautification of
Playa Avellanas, but also the health of the local ecosystem that has been damaged from human
development. We also left our mark on the beach with the signs made of wooden boards that
we sanded ourselves. And don’t forget our signature hand clap and work song (“Limpieza de
playa, en Avellanas, con mis hermanas, vamos a hacer”)!

We also had the chance to start a new service project with Bridget at the Vida y Salud Organic
Farm. Here, we learned about sustainable farming practices that benefit the environment and
make use of local resources, made fertilizer from leaves, and weeded. It was all worth it
knowing that it supported Rodolfo and his family, particularly his child Saul, who quickly became
a celebrity among our group.

All working with Beth at Restoring Our Watershed (ROW) had the opportunity to look at and
understand more deeply some of the most prominent environmental challenges that Costa Rica
faces today. For example, we learned about the importance of Vetiver grass to the prevention of
soil erosion and water retention. We painted signs and bins at schools to encouraging recycling
among students, learned alongside local high schoolers, and even teamed up with Verdi Azul to
to facilitate a day of learning for local students at Rio Seco.

Finally at Verdi Azul, an organization dedicated to sea turtles and beachside reforestation, we
helped clear out an area for future turtle eggs. Sophie and Michael lead students as they
passed buckets of sand down to a pile and dumped them out to let the ocean take the sand
back. It was hard work under the sun and in such heat and humidity, and we were rewarded for
our labor when we all got the rare change to witness baby sea turtles being released into the
ocean.

From the meaningful moments: sharing stories of self, reflecting on what it means to be a
responsible tourist and effective leader, participating in our final appreciation circle; to the
thrilling: Jellyfish stings! Canopy ziplining! Trying gallo pinto and dragon fruit!; to the downright
fun: fire twirling, nightly games of UNO, bus ride dance parties, Zumba/T25 at 6 am…Sin duda,
we will remember our ten days with you for years to come. We hope that wherever you are
(perhaps someplace just a little bit colder?), you are able to look back on your experience with
GLA and use what you learned to be the change you want to see in the world.

Now if you would all put your hands over your heart, and repeat after us: “Voy a reír, voy a
bailar, vivir mi vida, GLA la la la la…”

And dude… Where’s chicken?”

Pura Vida!
-The GLA team

 

Feeling nostalgic? You can experience that same sense of friendship and adventure abroad again! Check out all our 2019 programs, or enroll now.

Greetings to the students of our first Costa Rica Beachside Service Adventure session of 2018!
Your proud team of directors and mentors – Callie, Daya, Michael, Carlos, Bridget, Sam, Sophie,
Chanel, Bethany, and Kasia – had the most amazing and memorable time with each and every
one of you. We hope that the following moments during the ten days we spent together felt as
meaningful for you as they did for us.

We had four service projects during the session, each one enlightening, challenging, and
enjoyable in their own way. Those of us at Escuela Paraíso chose an aspect of nature (such as
trees, farmers, sloths, monkeys, etc.) to paint in a school mural. We were lucky enough to see
the Paraíso students’ artwork and performances as part of the school contest, play soccer and
dance bachata, even witness a circular rainbow! With Avellanas, we sprinted after our intrepid
and sometimes zany community leader, Frank, as we picked up trash on the beach and painted
signs for the community. As a reward for our hard work, Frank and “Pollo” gave us surf lessons
and hosted a little fiesta at a neighborhood restaurant. And don’t ever forget our signature hand
clap and work song (“Limpieza de playa, en Avellanas, con mis hermanas, vamos a hacer”)!

All of us working with Restoring Our Watershed (ROW) had a host of adventures and surprises,
including milking a cow (some of us for the first time!), eating moringa seeds, and getting to
know our motorcycle-riding community leader, Alberto. Finally, Verdi Azul shone – with sweat,
but also with pride and glory – as we carried heavy logs, dug deep holes, and painted signs
(Calypso, Floppy, and Lalo provided the emotional support). On our last service day, along with
all of us at ROW, we put on relay races, did educational crafts, and (“Pato, pato, VACAS”) had a
stampede of cows interrupt our game of Duck, Duck, Goose. “Verdi Azul is very cool!”

From the meaningful: sharing stories of self, reflecting on what it means to be a responsible
tourist and effective leader, participating in our final appreciation circle; to the thrilling: Jellyfish
stings! Canopy ziplining! Trying gallo pinto and dragon fruit!; to the downright fun: fire twirling,
nightly games of UNO, bus ride dance parties, Zumba/T25 at 6 am…No question about it, we
will remember our ten days with you for years to come. We hope that wherever you are
(perhaps someplace just a little bit colder?), you are able to look back on your experience with
GLA and use what you learned to be the change you want to see in the world.

Now if you would all put your hands over your heart, and repeat after us: “Voy a reír, voy a
bailar, vivir mi vida, GLA la la la…”

Pura Vida!
-The GLA CR Beachside team

 

Feeling nostalgic? You can experience that same sense of friendship and adventure abroad again! Check out all our 2019 programs, or enroll now.

To our lovely GLA Animal Rescue Project Alumni,

We still can’t believe how much time has past since our trip in Costa Rica! It just seems like yesterday we all met at the airport on our very first day and played what seems like hundred of icebreakers to get to know one another. As you read this letter, perhaps you are back in school, on another adventure, or working on the next steps in your life but we want you all to know we here in Costa Rica are still reflecting on all the wonderful memories we made together. It is truly incredible what an impact you all made!

We are so proud of the hardworking young adults that you are and the bright future that you have at your fingertips. You each have such diverse and valuable attributes that allowed you to change the lives of the dogs at the shelter, Antonio’s family, the animals at the VIDA clinics, and the community as a whole. As our last group this summer, we look back fondly on all the memories we made and all your efforts here in Costa Rica. We are very excited to let you guys know that in December, a handful of GLA alumni from other animal rescue programs will be returning to Antonio’s shelter to adopt: Whippet, Camila, Corre Caminos, Caca (the four dogs in front), and Harry (the dog with the burned half of his face). Your names will forever be written on the walls as a memory of the hard work, love and dedication you ALL contributed to this cause. And thanks to your help, the dogs are starting to go to caring homes where they will receive all the love in the world. We hope that the knowledge that you have gained on this trip will serve you in the future communities you are a part of! We all met people from different backgrounds than our own and it is important to remember to give back when possible. I would like to commend you for your tolerance, perseverance, and strength. At times, we all faced difficult challenges but they were handled with grace and determination. You did it!

We thank you ALL for the fun memories we have made together! Our group was filled with all kinds of students from different backgrounds and places, with varying personalities and interests. No two were alike; and that is what made it so special! We experienced Costa Rican culture by learning to salsa, eating rice and beans at every meal, working on our bargaining skills at the markets, hiking through forests and by waterfalls, visiting Ruins and Basilicas, and living with our wonderful staff at the hotels. We frolicked on horses, visited a bird zoo, learned the coffee making process, went white water rafting, flew through the trees zip-lining, became pro surfers and paddle boarders, and you all assisted in spay and neuter surgeries! This trip has truly been one for the books and you ALL have accomplished so much. We are SO proud of you and will always remember this trip. Thank you all again for helping to make so many memories in this amazing place!

Some special moments from our trip:

-Working on the animal shelter by paint chipping, painting, walking and loving the dogs.

-Yelling “Pura Vida” as we white water rafted down the San Carlos river!

-Sipping on organic coffee at the coffee farm tour.

-Relaxing in the hot springs while overlooking the beautiful Orosi Valley (and munching on some very yummy yuca and plantain chips!)

-Visiting ZooAve and seeing all of the amazing birds, a Danta, monkeys, sloths, and so much more!

-Visiting local school children and teaching them about animal well being and playing games with them.

-And how could we ever forget Karaoke night?!

We have accomplished so much! Never forget how special you all are and how much of an impact you have made. We hope you never forget your Summer 2018 in Costa Rica!

Muchas Gracias,
Your staff

 

Feeling nostalgic? You can experience that same sense of friendship and adventure abroad again! Check out all our 2019 programs, or enroll now.