PROGRAM PHOTO ALBUM
Thanks for the checking out the blog for this Global Leadership Adventures program!
Here are a few things to know and expect:
- Blog posts are written by onsite program staff and/or students and sent to our Headquarters team who will post the blog on this page.
- We typically receive 2-3 blog updates per week from each program, so please don’t be alarmed if you don’t see a blog post every day – that’s totally normal.
- Blog updates received late in the evening or overnight will be posted the following day.
- Blog updates received on weekends may not be posted until Monday.
- Due to many factors such as internet accessibility, program staff aren’t always able to send photos, so some blog posts may contain text only.
Thank you for your patience and understanding, and we hope you enjoy following along on these unforgettable adventures.
For frequently asked questions about the blogs, please visit our Program Blog FAQ page.
-The Global Leadership Adventures HQ Team
Click here to jump down to the most recent post!
BLOG POST FOR JUNE 8
Greetings from Costa Rica!
Our Beachside Service Adventure is officially underway, and we’re off to a great start. By 5 p.m., we had welcomed all of our participants safely to our home for the next 10 days. It’s been a joy to see students from different parts of the world come together, full of curiosity and excitement for the journey ahead.
After settling in, we spent time playing name games and icebreakers to help everyone feel comfortable and start building connections. As the day wound down, we took a walk to the beach and watched a beautiful sunset together—an early highlight that gave us a chance to reflect on the importance of being present. We encouraged everyone to begin “disconnecting to reconnect”—putting phones aside so they can fully engage with the people and experiences around them.
While it was a long day of travel for many, the group is in great spirits and already showing a positive attitude, openness, and excitement for what’s to come. We’re confident this is going to be a meaningful and memorable experience for everyone.
Thank you for trusting us with your amazing young people—we’re so excited to spend the next 10 days learning, serving, and growing together.
With gratitude,
The Beachside Team
BLOG POST FOR JUNE 9
Pura Vida!
Hey blog! We’re back with the very first student led blog of the GLA Costa Rica trip! Today we did some orientational activities and a met our newest member, Isabella. We learned that she came from Colorado and she plays soccer. We also finished up our health checks and swim tests, which were surprisingly difficult. We created code of conduct skits, talked about their importance, and were put into mentor groups!
Then we went to the Playa Negra, which actually translates to black sand beach! We played volleyball, football and had fun with the waves. It was another great day for the members of the GLA Costa Rica Club! Tsssss! 🐍
By Stella M., Cameron H., Riley L., Eli E.
BLOG POST FOR JUNE 10
Hello blog! Today’s main activities were zip-lining and tubing adventure. We had an early morning, traveled far (2 hours.) We ziplined through the trees and a canyon with stunning mountain views, after that we cooled off tubing down a beautiful river, after the hour adventure we regrouped and ate at a delicious buffet where we all talked and bonded.
When we got back at homebase, it rained hard. We had a yummy dinner, and got separated into two tribes— Koyomo and Nimbu, with Nimbu winning the first challenge which was a team-poster decorating project. Today was a great way to kick off camp before service with exhilarating views and group bonding!
By Peyton, Seraphina, and Taymur
BLOG POST FOR JUNE 11
Today started off very strong with everybody working together in their service groups. Some of us were helping to pick up trash off the side of the road and ended up gathering over 52 kilograms (115 pounds) of littered garbage! Others were helping to protect baby sea turtle eggs from beach erosion by digging up wood and dirt. After our service groups we had a cooking class where we made empanadas – which everybody agreed were delicious. During this time we also played soccer which was fun as well.
After the long day, we were heading home and got a great surprise – sea turtles!! We watched and were able to set free baby sea turtles which was an incredible experience for all! To end the night we when back to home base and did a GLA debate about the environment and different factors with protecting the local community.
By Logan, Cameron, Assia
BLOG POST FOR JUNE 12
This morning, we started the day with a delicious breakfast before splitting into our different service groups. Those working with the sea turtles helped protect their habitat by collecting sand in buckets, reinforcing nesting areas to combat erosion, shielding nests from high tides, and even creating new turtle nests. Meanwhile, the local community service group focused on environmental awareness by painting wooden signs with messages encouraging people to keep the beach clean and protect the natural surroundings.
After our service work, we enjoyed some well earned free time, playing sports, hanging out at the pool, and having fun together. Later, we played group games before getting dressed up in our silliest outfits for a fun and lively chow circle followed by dinner. We then ended the night with mentor time.
By Reid M., Nedjma A., Malina A.
BLOG POST FOR JUNE 13
Today was another meaningful and rewarding service day as we continued giving back to the community and helping out at the beach. We were especially excited because we had the dance lesson and the GLA Got Talent show to look forward to later in the day.
We kicked off the morning with Pura Vida, which helped set a positive tone. For breakfast, we had French toast, rice and beans, and fresh fruit—definitely a solid start to the day. At the Verdiazul service site, we worked hard again on building the sand barrier to help protect sea turtle nests. It was tough but satisfying seeing the progress we’re making. Meanwhile, the GEA group learned about the causes of climate change and helped clean up trash from the beach. One of our biggest takeaways today was realizing how even small actions can create a big impact.
After a well-deserved swim during pool time, we had lunch—chicken rice and fries—which gave us energy for the rest of the day. We played our daily tribe game (which always gets us laughing) and then began getting ready for the talent show. Later in the afternoon, we had a dance lesson where we learned different traditional dances from the Guanacaste region. It was not only super fun but also brought us closer together as a group.
In the evening, we gathered for our chow circle, shared some reflections, and had a comforting dinner of mashed potatoes and meat. Then it was finally time for GLA Got Talent. The show was full of amazing performances, and everyone’s energy was so supportive. Our favorite moment was definitely Cameron’s singing—it was incredible! We ended the night with a dance party, which was the perfect way to wrap up the day. It feels like time is flying by, and each day just keeps getting better. Looking back, we’re so grateful for the experiences we’re having and the memories we’re creating.
By: Zara, Tiago, Luna
BLOG POST FOR JUNE 14
Today we began our 7th day of our GLA Costa Rica trip with an optional morning run on the beach. We spent our time doing challenging service work. The Verdiazul and GEA groups split up to pick up trash on the beach, learn about microplastics, and how non sustainable materials affect the environment. Verdiazul finished their erosion control project and the GEA finished their beach and forest cleanup.
Then we traveled to a local sustainable farm, which used whey, goats, and geese to insinuate a sustainable circle of life. We learned about the ways of Costa Rican farmers, which included milking, feeding, petting and even learned about the environmental effects of the Tica plants to the crops.
Finally, we ended this great day with an amazing chow circle, and the best mentor groups yet. See you tomorrow!
By Riley L., Mansour A., Taylor C
BLOG POST FOR JUNE 15
Today, we traveled to Tamarindo Beach for an exciting catamaran adventure with hopes of snorkeling. Although the weather didn’t cooperate—bringing rain, storms, and murky waters that canceled our snorkeling plans—we still had an incredible time swimming and jumping in the waves.
The boat ride back was rough, with rain pouring down, but we embraced the adventure and made the most of it. Once we returned to home base, we were warmly welcomed by locals who shared their stories and offered us their homemade goods—everything from ice cream and bracelets to bathing suits and more.
We wrapped up the evening with our usual “chow circle,” followed by a delicious dinner and a lively round of Jeopardy between our tribes. Despite the weather, it was a day full of fun, connection, and unforgettable memories.
BLOG POST FOR JUNE 16
Hi blog! Today was another great day and also the last day of service! The verdiazul group finished their project while the GEA group picked up trash on the beach. While it is sad to say goodbye to Costa Rica and this experience we can’t wait to see our families and homes!
By Stella, Eli, Jade, and Caleb
