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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 26
Welcome to Paradise: Student Arrival Day in Costa Rica! 🏄‍♀️⚽🌱
There’s something magical about the warm breeze, the sound of waves crashing on the Pacific Coast, and the buzz of excitement in the air—it’s Arrival Day for our Surf, Sports & Sustainability Program in Costa Rica!
Today marks the beginning of an unforgettable journey for a group of curious, courageous, and globally-minded students ready to dive into a one-of-a-kind adventure. From airports across the world to the tropical haven of Costa Rica, students arrived with backpacks full of gear and hearts full of anticipation.
Upon arrival at our eco-lodge, the group was introduced to our program staff, local partners, and each other. The lodge, built with sustainable materials and powered in part by solar energy, is a hub of inspiration. Rooms were assigned, hammocks tested, and the communal area quickly filled with laughter, card games, and curiosity.
BLOG POST FOR JUNE 27
Day 2 in Costa Rica was amazing. We spent the morning hanging out, playing games, and getting to know each other better. Some of us relaxed in hammocks, others tossed a frisbee or kicked around a soccer ball. It was super laid-back, and everyone was just enjoying the warm weather and each other’s company.
Our surfing session was at 1, and we split into small groups to hit the waves. The beach was beautiful, and the water felt amazing. After surfing, the bus ride back was full of energy—loud music, fun games, and nonstop laughs. We’re only two days in, but it already feels like this group has known each other forever.
BLOG POST FOR JUNE 28
It was only our third day in Costa Rica, but it was our first day getting a taste of some of the service work we’ll be completing throughout this trip! We started our day with a delicious egg fried rice for breakfast, and began with an early morning hitting the beach right away for a morning surf session. It was a great way to wake ourself up and start the day off with a tropical bang. We continued getting to know our surf instructors and even though it’s only our second day hitting the waves everyone has already improved so much.
We followed that by a few fun relaxing hours by the pool, filled with volleyball, smoothies and lots of laughs! A tasty pasta for lunch and we were back off into the Costa Rican community. We headed into the oldest hotel in the local community and had the opportunity to learn all about the surrounding ecosystems. Filled with a termite taste test, a tarantula sighting, and lots of crabs, we learned so much about the wildlife around us. Walking our way to the coast, we walked across a long wooden bridge exploring the mangroves as we went. Learning about the biodiverse community when we will be spending a few days aiding in the combat of modern colonization and reduction of biodiversity in the ecosystem.
We learned a lot about the importance of keeping our beaches public and the reality’s of tourism’s effects on the local community. We also made the connection of leadership to mangroves, by discussing how the mangroves sacrifice their own leaves for the betterment of its ecosystem. Overall through the first three days, this group has really started to become a family and embracing this new environment!
Signed – your leaders of the day,
Ava + Henry
BLOG POST FOR JUNE 29
Day 4 was full of new experiences and new friends. We started our day with delicious French toast for breakfast. After breakfast we explored our second service location at the only Blue Flag certified goat farm in Costa Rica. This family business was rewarded for being sustainability oriented and has amazing goat products like cheese, yogurt, and milk. It was inspirational to see their two children step up for leadership at such a young age. We also planted trees at their local farm. After our hard work in the sun planting new trees we worded up and appetite got some snacks and drinks from the local market.
After our trip to the local market we had fried rice and herbal salad for lunch. Before our leadership activity we took a dip in the pool and some of us got in a quick lift. Our leaderships activity focused on the different aspects of leadership and areas we can improve.
We finished our day with a picturesque walk on the beach with plenty of photos and games. After a long day everyone enjoyed our final meal. Dinner was delicious and full of chicken wings, rice, and soup. Finally we had a conversation as a group about the effects of ecotourism and the role we play as sustainable travelers.
Today was a great day full of learning and exploring, we loved being LOD’s.
Love,
Zoe & Matthew
BLOG POST FOR JUNE 30
Greetings and salutations parents,
today was our fifth day in Costa Rica. We started off our day by going to Rancho Avellanos, a sustainable goat farm that sells goat byproducts. We had taken a tour of the farm the previous day so we were already familiarized with the property and the processes of the farm. Today our group of 17 students helped sustain soil in the ecosystem, and plant an uncountable amount of trees. Along with scooping goat droppings and transporting them to the compost to act as fertilizer. We all alternated stations so we all got to experience each job. We did this for three hours and a half from 8-11:30. We followed this with a nutritious lunch and some limited resting time. After this, we made our way to the beach for our third surfing lesson. The students improved exponentially and even a select few were able to surf by themselves without instructors. We continued this for around an hour and a half and followed it up with smoothies from the restaurant on the beach. After this we returned to home base and had a little down time. Then we had a collective conversation about social aspects of this trip. After this we dove straight into dinner and ate delicious chicken with rice topped with a creamy mushroom sauce. Shortly after we all collaborated on designing posters for sports day tomorrow. We wrote encouraging messages in Spanish for the local kids to enjoy. Then we played a quick game of charades and then settled out for the night wrapping up a magnificent action packed day. This was one for the books. Pura vida!
Sincerely,
Your leaders of the day, Maxwell and Marcela
BLOG POST FOR JULY 1
Today in Costa Rica was full of energy and connection. We spent the morning playing sports with the local kids from the community. We played soccer, basketball, and some fun relay games. It was awesome to see everyone having a great time together. Even with the heat, we were all laughing and giving it our all, teaching the kids new games and bringing the community together.
Later in the afternoon, we had a challenging workout and yoga session led by our mentor, Noel. Noel pushed us physically and mentally, but the feeling afterward was worth it! That was followed by a thirty minute meditation. We did breathing exercises to help us take control of our bodies and minds. Everyone felt calm, strong, and focused. To wrap up the day, we headed to the beach where we played volleyball as the sun began to set. Watching the sky change colors while playing with friends felt like the perfect ending to a powerful and fun day.
BLOG POST FOR JULY 2
Today marks the half way point of our adventure in Costa Rica! We really have been immersed into their incredible culture and been learning so much along the way! We started off the day with eggs, beans, and rice for breakfast. Getting us all pumped up for the day ahead! We had our fourth out of five surfing lessons and even though it was a bit choppy out there we were shredding waves left and right!
After that we got fresh fruit smoothies at a local beachside restaurant, then headed home for a scrumptious lunch of casado a traditional Costa Rican meal. Right after lunch we got the delight surprise of a tropical rainstorm equipped with lots of thunder and lightning! Later in the afternoon, a Costa Rican local welcomed us into her home to teach us how to make empanadas. Which are fried turnover with the outer shell made of mainly corn.Then filled with whatever your heart desires, but we filled ours with beans and potatoes. We were very successful and now all professional empanada makers!
Following our cooking class, we went to the soccer field across the road. We had time to kick around a soccer ball, play volleyball, or just relax and chat. Our time at the field ended when yet another tropical rainstorm came upon us. We hopped on the buses and headed back to home base. Once we arrived we were greeted with a mouthwatering meal of pasta with read sauce and meat. We ended the day with mentor groups where we discussed the ethics of sports in the Olympics.
We had so much fun being leaders of the day and can’t wait for another action packed day ahead!
With love,
Maddie and Julia
BLOG POST FOR JULY 3
Good morning everyone!!! Today’s leaders of the days were Sophia and Max, and we are now bringing you a full recap of the amazing day we had today. We started the day off with some student lead yoga and pilates class at 6:00am. After an early protein filled breakfast consisting of avacado toast we headed out to the ocean where our catamaran awaited.
The group set sail and after a beautiful ride we arrived at El Agujero. Diving into the beautiful crystal clear water we embarked on a snorkeling journey led by our captain. We saw stingyrays, starfish, pufferfish, and even an eagle. Ater applying copious amounts of sunscreen we headed on back to home base and relaxed by the pool. Following that lovely break Noel lead us on a spiritual meditation exercise. Feeling refreshed and cleansened, we drove down to the local ice cream shop ran by local leaders in the community. The ice cream was amazing and we had a good quick snack before heading back to home base for some delicious Pork Stew. Finally, for mentor Noel had us reflect on our experiences with water and what we can do to save the water on our planet.
More pics coming soon!
BLOG POST FOR JULY 4
Yesterday was one for the books.
We kicked off the morning with a mission, cleaning up the mangroves. Honestly, waking up early didn’t even feel that bad once we got there. It was calm, peaceful, and really eye-opening. We filled bags with so much plastic, and it felt accomplishing.
After that, it was surf time, and the waves were quite big. The adrenaline was real, and even though most of us probably swallowed a gallon of saltwater, it was so worth it.
Since it was the 4th of July, lunch went all-out American: burgers and mac & cheese.
Later in the day we headed to La Esquina, a market. There were food stalls that smelled insane, a thrift shop, and a bracelet stand where almost everyone ended up getting something.
We wrapped up the night around a bonfire, which might have been the best part of the day. There was music, laughter, games, and that cozy vibe where no one wants the night to end.
BLOG POST FOR JULY 5
Dear parents,
Today was a meaningful day for all of us, filled with opportunities to grow as leaders. We started the day with a beach cleanup focused on micro plastics. This experience taught us that being a leader means attending to the smaller issues as well. Everyone contributed, and the teamwork was strong. Later, we played basketball. It was a fun way to connect, stay active, and practice communication and support. This activity reminded us how leadership shows up in every day moments.
One of the best parts of the day was doing yoga with Kevin, the leader of the retreat. Before the stretching, Kevin talked about integrity, and how being a leader means doing the right thing, even when no one’s watching. This message inspired us and helped us reflect on our daily life choices. At the end of the night, we got to debate on how pineapple affects Costa Rica. This activity was a conclusion of all the great things that we learned through the day, incorporating respect and patience.
Your daily leaders, Elliot and Luce
BLOG POST FOR JULY 6
Today was an incredible day filled with purpose, fun, and plenty of sunshine! We started bright and early with a 7:00 AM breakfast to fuel up for a meaningful morning of service. By 7:30, we were on our way to volunteer, where from 8:00 to 11:00, we poured their creativity and care into painting signs that promote environmental awareness—encouraging others to help keep public spaces clean. It was inspiring to see the group working together so passionately. Afterward, we enjoyed a well-deserved lunch at noon, recharging for an active afternoon.
We had a blast during our basketball session, showing off our skills and great teamwork. Afterward, we made a quick trip to the store to stock up on snacks for tomorrow’s long bus ride—always a favorite activity! Then it was time to cool off and relax at the pool from 3:30 to 5:00, which brought lots of laughter and bonding. A delicious dinner at 6:30 led into mentor groups at 7:15, where students reflected on the day and shared personal growth moments. We ended on a high note with a fun and energetic party—celebrating the friendships being formed and the impact they’re making. It’s been a full, rewarding day, and your teens are thriving!
-Your leaders Lucy and Henry
BLOG POST FOR JULY 8
Today marked the end of an incredible 14-day adventure, packed with unforgettable experiences and deeper connections. We kicked off the day soaring through the rainforest canopy on a thrilling zip-lining course, followed by a refreshing swim in the cool waters beneath a stunning waterfall. To top it off, we indulged in a rejuvenating volcanic mud bath, letting the earth’s natural minerals work their magic.
As the sun began to set, we gathered for a heartfelt goodbye session filled with appreciation games. Sharing our favorite memories and expressing gratitude for one another created a wave of emotions, solidifying the bonds we’ve formed over the past two weeks. It was the perfect way to close out a journey that has undoubtedly left a lasting impact on all of us.
-Max Dalton, Max Bruno, Timmy
