TIME CAPSULE LETTER
Written by Liz, Bernardo, Tiffany, and Shannon
Dear students,
We can’t believe it has already been so long since our Pura Vida Costa Rica trip ended! I can still remember the delicious Gallo Pinto that we shared. It seems like yesterday that we were working hard to plant trees with Marcia, stomping through the mud with Frank to plant our mangrove seeds, and repairing the children’s bikes in the La Florida community. You’re probably back in school (or applying for college!!) but we wanted you to know that here in Guanacaste, Costa Rica 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 Costa Rica a better place than when you came. Frank’s NGO will continue to reforest the red mangroves trees and keep the beach clean for everyone to enjoy. The mangroves seeds that we planted thrive during the rainy season, making the environment of those sites more comfortable for the biodiversity that live there.
And more importantly, the knowledge YOU gained on this trip we hope will serve you and the communities you go on to participate in for the rest of your life! Remember that you explored the topic of “knowledge is power” and that we all need to take action in order to foster sustainable lifestyles. We now know how harmful plastic is to the environment and all the organisms involved. We learned some ways to reduce and reuse the plastic in our lives in order to lessen our impact on the environment and help empower the local Costa Rican community to do the same. Also, we learned what a huge impact one individual can have by joining positive actions and welcoming attitudes towards organizations in the community. Remember, it’s all about Eco over the Ego.
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 a really close knit group. We experienced Pura Vida culture by learning some Tico words such as “Vamos a pescar olas”, “con mucho gusto” and “vamos a hablar sobre manglares”. Everyone got a chance to catch some waves and show off their skills by the 4th surf session. We also got to visit The Rancho Avellanas goat farm and discovered how an all holistic and nature-based farm works to get the most delicious goat cheese. We ended the trip at Hacienda Guachipelin to enjoy swimming in the waterfalls, relaxing in the natural hot springs, zip lining and river tubing. How lucky we were with the weather, memorable sunny days at the foot of El Rincon de la Vieja Volcano!
We worked really hard and also had a blast together. Whether it was playing games at night, discutions with our mentor groups, singing songs on the bus, playing soccer and volleyball during service or exploring new places together- it was that much fun because we got to share it with all you guys — the 2023 GLA Surf, Sports, and Sustainability Costa Rica group!
Remember our Group’s OMG – “One Meaningful Goal” – that we created at the end of the session? We pledged to use our new found knowledge of sustainability to share the importance of protecting our planet with our peers and teammates. Do you remember that one of the first behaviors that you wanted to stop doing was throwing things away the second they are broken? Instead, you’ll try to fix and mend the items you have or find another purpose for it. Some of you also set the intention of not giving into procrastination or letting the criticisms of others deter you from starting your goals. Also, you committed to stop making excuses and wasting your energy and resources on your phone 24/7? How about not consuming non-recyclable plastic? Remember we learned that one of the greatest things we can do to help the environment is to reduce our water consumption? We promised to be mindful of our water practices and remind others in our community to do the same. We would love to know how that is going! Have there been any changes in your home or even community?
Don’t forget to share your personal goals with GLA too, they’d love to see how we are BEING the CHANGE in our daily life!
Thanks for co-creating this learning experience in these picturesques places and all the best with all your OMG projects!!
Cheers,
The Surf, Sports, and Sustainability Team at Peace Retreat
Thanks for the checking out the blog for this Global Leadership Adventures program!
PROGRAM PHOTO ALBUM
Here are a few things you can expect:
- We typically receive 2-3 blog posts per week here at GLA Headquarters from our program staff and students, so please don’t be alarmed if you don’t see a blog post daily – that’s totally normal.
- Blog updates sent on weekends may not be posted until Monday.
- Due to many factors, including but not limited to internet accessibility, photos may not always be available to post onto the blog. Sometimes onsite program staff are only able to send text back to Headquarters, where our team updates the blog.
Thank you for your patience and understanding, and we hope you enjoy following along on these unforgettable adventures.
Cell Phone Policy: The GLA cell phone policy is currently in place this summer to help foster meaningful connections between students. This means your student’s phone will be collected every day and returned to them after activities are completed to have with them through the night. Actual tech times and regularity will vary greatly by program location and time zones. During designated ‘tech time’, your student may use their phones as they wish. Please note that your student may not always choose to use this time to get a hold of their parents. If you are not hearing directly from your student each day, you can assume that no news is good news! We strongly recommend you follow the blog to follow your students’ experience without talking to them every day. If you are a parent and would like to get in touch with your student directly, you can call us at +1-619-758-3031 and we can set up a formal time for you to connect with your student.
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 posts!
BLOG POST FOR JULY 3 AND 4
Hey families!
All 22 students for our Surf, Sports and Sustainability program have arrived safely in Los Pargos, Costa Rica. Yesterday was arrival day, we brought the group back to home base to get to know where we will be staying for these two weeks. We listened to our local director Tiffany tell us about Costa Rican culture and typical phrases that are used like Pura Vida. We did a few icebreakers to match names to new faces and get to know each other a little more. It was an easy day because it was a long day of travel to get here!
Today we had our orientation day. We started with a great activity led by our mentor Bernardo that showed an object that represents us and placed it in the middle of the circle. We had a more logistical day to get through the information needed to have a safe trip. We also came up with a community agreement of the values we want to hold as leaders in this experience. The group has bonded quickly and loves to take free time for a card game, to hit a volleyball or get to know each other. We are so excited for the next weeks ahead!
Pura vida,
Liz Sohmer – International Director
BLOG POST FOR JULY 5
Written by Aubree S.:
This morning of July 5th we woke up at 7 am to get ready for breakfast and after we left for the goat farm! We got to the goat farm and started with a tour of the forest and we took in the nature with a breathing exercise. After that short walk we got to see the goats!!! We fed a group of teenage goats and they were a bit shy but super cute! After, we got to see some male goats before we headed over to the milking station and tried some goats milk which was warm and delicious! We got to see and feed the baby goats next and they were so fluffy and adorable. The guides of the goat farm taught us about compost and we split into groups to help take care of their composting piles. To wrap up our time at the farm we washed our hands and enjoyed fresh goat cheese, feta, and yogurt and tamarindo juice.
Written by Rider S.:
Today on July 5, we had our first surf lesson. When we had shown up, the instructors had a little mix up with their schedules, so we had time to use some of our energy and swim in the ocean. We swam until the head instructor showed up, told us to follow him and start sprinting down the beach. We found our boards and learned the basics of how to paddle out and pop up. We surfed along the waves for about two hours with a lot of wipeouts but we got the hang of it and caught some waves!
BLOG POST FOR JULY 6
Written by Olivia J. & Imran O.
Today we awake to chirping birds and howling monkeys with tropical sun already posted high in the blue sky. We set down another beautifully prepared breakfast, banana pancakes and fruit that tastes as if it had been grown in the backyard. We hopped on our bus with much appreciated AC, and cruised on the bleeding clay road to a sustainably run hotel . Today was our first full service day, with Frank as our humble but passionate teacher. We learned about mangrove significance and how their system can aid the world in global warming.
In the afternoon, we returned to the sandy beach with sun kissed faces. We collected fallen mangrove seeds, followed up with a long awaited ocean swim, spent body surfing the waves. After a weary but giggly bus ride back to home base, we all ran into the showers, followed by the dining room to replenish. To finish the night, our mentor groups participated in an environmental debate discussing the standpoints of whaling.
BLOG POST FOR JULY 7
Written by Blai S. – Leader of the day
Today was an early wake up and early breakfast for surfing and we got to the beach around 7. As we got there the tide was pretty high but lowered as we got in. The waves were great today and the ocean was pretty calm. After surfing we got to drink some super good smoothies at Lola’s.
Written by Ishani B – Leader of the Day:
As we concluded our morning with surfing, we went to the beach to plant mangrove trees and mangrove saplings. Before we planted the trees we learned about the different types of mangrove trees, that mangroves and humans share a common resource which are fish, we learned that they play a big role in environment by sequestering the carbon and converting it into nutrients that are transported to the ocean. To keep these mangroves from going extinct we collected mangrove seeds and planted many mangroves. By planting these trees, it will create a better life for ecosystem and a better life for future generations.
BLOG POST FOR JULY 8
Written by Josie R. – Leader of the Day:
Today we slept in and woke up at 7:30 AM for a 8 AM breakfast. We ate potatoes, fresh fruit, and eggs. After the meal, instead of service today we learned all about micro plastics and the study we’re going to perform tomorrow to collect data on the plastic in the beach. We watched some videos and listened to one of our service partners explain the significance of getting rid of the mass amounts of micro plastics all over the world. Following this information session, we had some downtime to hang out and play games while we waited for lunch.
Written by Jenna C. – Leader of the Day
Hey! Jenna here. So, today was kind of a chill, relaxation day. We had our usual lunch at 12 pm, letting our stomachs settle for a bit afterwards. Then at 1 pm, we went and did our first official yoga session! We did that for about two hours, followed by a guest speaker. We learned about Costa Rica: the culture, the people, the food, the education system, and much more! afterwards, we had some free time, then it was 6 pm, which meant it was dinner time! We had some delicious hotdogs and mac n’ cheese, then we moved on to our mentor groups! We also celebrated Jocob’s 15th birthday. And well, that’s pretty much it! Thanks for reading! 🙂
BLOG POST FOR JULY 9
Written by Chloe R. – Leader of the Day:
This morning we woke up to a bright and hot day! At 7 we had a delicious breakfast which was fruit and rice and beans! We then left to the beach for the micro plastic study at 7:30. We separated into groups and learned how to pick up micro plastics. We created a box with string and sticks and had a small cut out box where we used a spoon to dig out sand. We then placed the sand into a bucket of water and after a few scoops we stirred it up and then sifted it to get the micro plastics out and record the data. Before leaving the beach we dipped our feet in the water and played volleyball and soccer tennis! Also, we played a game where we would all line up and get asked a question about Costa Rica and if we knew the answer we had to run up and hit a bell that was on a small table! If the question was answered right we would receive a packet of cookies! We then headed back to the peace retreat after having a great morning of service and fun!
Written by Brandon L. – Leader of the Day:
After this morning’s microplastic activity, we arrived back at peace retreat at around 11. Today’s lunch was rice, beans, chicken tenders, mashed sweet potatoes, and a mix of onions, carrots, and chicken. This was followed by a rest period until 2 o’clock. Afterward we headed off to a cooking class where we made corn tortillas with potatoes and black bean dip alongside the best lemonade I’ve ever had. We also played volleyball and saw various animals such as horses and chickens. Next we went back to the peace retreat to eat dinner. This consisted of various different types of pizzas including chicken, pepperoni, and hotdog. Finally, we ended the day with a full group activity where we gave shoutouts to people and named our highs and lows of the trip. My personal high for the trip was our first day surfing, my low was the long bus ride here because I didn’t know anyone yet. I’m excited and prepared for the rest of the trip and whatever activities it holds.
BLOG POST FOR JULY 10
Written by Alexa B. – Leader of the Day:
Today we had an early start with a 6 am breakfast. After breakfast, we left for the catamaran snorkeling trip that was an hour and 30 minute drive from our home base. Once we arrived to the beach, we waited for the speed boat to pick us up and drop us off at the catamaran that was anchored in the middle of the ocean. We were greeted by the very friendly crew members who helped us board the boat and run through the safety procedures. The ride to the snorkel spot was calming and beautiful. We also listened to really fun summer music. Once at the snorkel spot we put on our gear and immediately spotted fish underneath our catamaran. After awhile of snorkeling, the group played in the water a little bit before it was time for lunch. After lunch, we headed back to where we first boarded the boat and headed back to home base for a snack of chips and guacamole.
Written by Nandini R. – Leader of the Day:
After the catamaran, we came home, ate a snack, and went to a local market. We learned a lot at the local market and we all supported,sustainable vendors. We also learned about the marimba and danced along. Each vendor was different. There were jewelry stores, popsicle stands, and natural skincare stands. It was also our last time seeing Frank, our mangrove and micro plastic service partner. We left him nice notes and students such as Olivia had a meaningful goodbye. Finally we ended the day with mentor groups and sunset watching on the beach Playa Negra.
BLOG POST FOR JULY 11
Written by Sahana G – Leader of the Day:
This morning we woke up and had a great start to our leisurely morning with breakfast and yoga. We focused on our heart with our instructor kevin and talked about how we can value ourselves and others in relationships. We expressed and understood these feelings through exercises and meaningful conversations. Then, we had an amazing lunch and practiced valuing our food with Bernardo.
Written by Mia C. – Leader of the Day:
After lunch, we headed to our service activity. We spent the afternoon planting trees with the guanacaste water center as part of their reforestation efforts. We added a special gel and fertilizer to the plants to help ensure their growth, especially during the six month dry season Costa Rica has. On our way home we took a stop at a store to stock up on snacks! Our pasta dinner was followed by mentor groups and a game of camouflage before bed!
