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
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BLOG POST FOR JUNE 11
Our Costa Rican adventure has begun as most of our students have arrived for the Sea Turtle Initiative! We met joyfully at the airport and are now eagerly awaiting the arrival of two more students, who will be picked up from the airport later tonight. Today, we got some pool time and students met one one-on-one with their mentors. We engaged in the “We’re Not Really Strangers” activity, which helped us laugh, deepened our connections, and helped build a strong sense of community. We learned a lot about each other and enjoyed delicious Costa Rican meals of Casado and fajitas. We concluded the day with a sunset circle, discussing tonight’s and tomorrow’s early schedule, preparing everyone for an exciting ziplining adventure in the morning. Stay tuned for more updates!
Our students headed to their room after Sunset Circle after a long day of travel. Also, there are several students who will be arriving at home base after lights out. A group picture will be captured and sent with all students at 6:30AM.
Pura Vida!
BLOG POST FOR JUNE 13
In the morning of group of students went to the beach for the first time during the trip later, Jason gave the students an inspiring talk about the history of Parismeng and the house he built. The students then enjoyed free time playing cards and connecting, playing games at the beach.
After lunch, the group held a group debate where they role-played as different groups in the community and discussed the topic of sea turtle conservation. We learned how different perspectives heavily affected various parts of the community and how the government has to put all considerations into perspective when making decisions. The leaders of the day role-played the government and led the discussions.
Later a guest speaker joined us and talked about the purpose and history of conservation efforts. He also told us about the night patrol we would be doing. Finally, we ended the day with a four-hour beach patrol to protect the sea turtles. Pura Vida!!
Written by Tullah and Elle
BLOG POST FOR JUNE 14
Hello from Costa Rica!
Day 4 of our 10 day Sea Turtle Initiative program and we have been having a ton of fun!
Early this morning, a group of students went to the beach to enjoy the ocean. They were able to play with boogie boards and go swimming.
After breakfast we went in a tour of the farm on the property. We saw lots of different fruits and some of the braver students got to try some tasty bugs! Everyone got to pick lemons which we later had as lemonade with dinner.
Lastly, after a short break, we headed to pick up some trash and help keep the beach clean. Everyone found interesting pieces of trash. We rallied to help the sea turtles!
Shout-out to everyone for helping keep the beach clean and the turtles safe!
BLOG POST FOR JUNE 15
Hello from Costa Rica!! Sea Turtle Initiative, day 5, June 15th!
This morning we went on a boat tour through the rivers around homebase! There were lots of cute baby crocodiles as well as a baby river turtle! Many different species of birds were spotted, for example tiger herons and king fishers. Howler monkeys and spider monkeys were also seen swinging through the trees. Our local director showed us many cool critters like the red dart frogs, hanging bays and a baby iguana. The breeze from the boat ride was extremely welcoming in addition to the blue crabs seen below the bats.
Later on in the day we went in a vanilla bean tour at an organic farm. We first learned the different aspects of vanilla bean farming, as well as the impact agriculture has on the environment. They taught us about the impacts that big banana and pineapple plantations have in Costa Rica and also in the world.
Afterwards we enjoyed some free time and then had a fun dance class where we learned a lot of cool new dances!
Dinner was delicious and filled us with energy in preparation for the turtle patrol tonight.
See you on the flip side!
BLOG POST FOR JUNE 17
Hola, we had a long day ahead of us so we had free time to connect after breakfast. Initially we only had a few of our peers but ended up with the entire group participating and engaging on the beach. After lunch we went into our reforestation service project in which students split by collecting and planting at Home base. Following that, we started our beach clean up with our mentor groups while talking about how we can make a difference in our own communities. We discussed goals for when we return home such as spreading awareness, leading by example, and disconnecting from our phone to build meaningful relationship After dinner, we’ll go on our last patrol of the trip.
Pura Vida!
Written by Wyatt and Cassidy
BLOG POST FOR JUNE 18
Hola from Costa Rica!
Today, we woke up early for our final day in Parismina. After breakfast, we caught a boat then a bus to go river rafting. Once we arrived, we split into 4 different boats. On the river, we conquered up to class 4 rapids! About halfway, we stopped for lunch, with the guides cooking up a feast on the top of the upside-down rafts! We continued on our adventure after lunch with a few floating/swim breaks. We were able to wave to some locals playing in the water.
After driving home, we relaxed before dinner and snacked on some complimentary chocolate covered bananas. We had delicious spaghetti alfredo and garlic bread for our final dinner in Parismina.
We finished our night with a candlelit appreciation circle followed by a dance party!
BLOG POST FOR JUNE 19
Our GLA group starter off the day with breakfast of fried bread, sausage, eggs, and fruit. We then all got packed and ready to leave for San Jose. As we left, we had our last boat ride if Parismina, and said goodbye to the baby crocodiles. After the boat ride we started driving and make a quick pit stop at a local banana plantation to see how it works. Shortly after, we ate lunch at a local pitstop, where we were also able to purchase some delicious local goodies. Finally, after out long ride back to San Jose, everyone got settled into our rooms and got ready for our final dinner and closing ceremony, including our last sunset circle with everyone as well.
