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Week Without Walls
Week Without Walls
CIS took a group of kids to San Jose and Turriabla, Costa Rica in February 2024 for a week-long service trip. Each day was filled with a new adventure with various activities and opportunities to engage with the culture in South America. Our itinerary was as follows:
Day 1: Turrialba Volcano Hiking tour
Day 2: Service Project at a Local School
Day 3: Sustainable farm and Turrialba Zip Line Adventure
Day 4: Pacuare River Rafting
Day 5: San Jose Tour and Cultural Activities
Turrialba Volcano
Turrialba Volcano
Despite hiking the entire 11,000-foot volcano, we traveled up a good portion of it, where we observed the beautiful wildlife of the area. Before and after the hike, we were offered traditional Costa Rican food, and it was such a unique experience to try all the food! I had to practice my Spanish speaking during this trip since many of the workers did not speak English. Although, this proved to me that it doesn't take much to communicate with others when effort is put in - I worked with the Spanish knowledge that I did have to converse.
The hike was an activity I thoroughly enjoyed and being able to spend time with my friends outdoors. However, when we started getting to higher altitudes, some of my peers had trouble catching their breaths and needed to take breaks. Everybody was always supportive and attentive to the needs of others, which is something I really valued while on the trails.
Service Trip
Service Trip
I decided to volunteer at a local elementary school where a group helped remodel the classrooms and touch up any furniture in need. I was with many of my friends, and we all enjoyed painting a classroom and cleaning up the floors. We spent the entire day ensuring these schoolchildren had a clean and aesthetic classroom in which they would enjoy learning!
Visiting this school was eye-opening, as I saw how others go to school and learn compared to my own experiences. I practiced signs of gratitude and understood the importance of giving my aid to contribute to these kids' academic success.
Ultimately, everyone was proud of our work, and we left the school knowing we made an impact.
Later on, we went to a nearby soccer field where we had the chance to play a big soccer game with the local school kids. They were all super excited to play with us. Despite the language barrier, everybody laughed and bonded. This was a moment I will never forget, as it demonstrated to me that genuine human interaction is accessible regardless of cultural differences.
Blanco y Negro Sostenible
Blanco y Negro Sostenible
We went to a sustainable, organic farm where we learned how to grow crops purely and the benefits of composting. I was particularly interested in this because I grew up always being told the benefits of eating organically. When we weren't listening to the locals sharing their stories and explaining their jobs, we helped in the gardens, cleaning weeds, recycling the soil, and helping put waste through the compost cycle.
Our grade worked together and used strengths from each person to touch up the farm. It was nice to know we were contributing to the sustainable food that would eventually be sent to many Costa Ricans throughout the country!
White Water Rafting and Cultural Tour
White Water Rafting and Cultural Tour
My favorite experience throughout the trip was the whitewater rafting tour on the Pacuare River. We spent four hours on the water learning how to operate the raft, sightseeing the beautiful mountains and wildlife, competing with classmates, and swimming. This was different from anything I have seen, and I am still very thankful for the opportunity. Our tour guide, Ethan, was friendly and reassuring. We taught him some English, and he taught us Spanish.
Despite the fun I had, I was a little nervous before embarking on the raft. So, I persevered and bravely got used to the activity. With the support of my friends and teachers, I learned to be a better risk-taker.
We also visited the Rescate Wildlife Rescue Center, where we took a zoo tour and listened to our guide tell us about the native and invasive species in Costa Rica and how they impact the environment. Likewise, she informed us of the dangers facing the habitats and the local conservation efforts being placed and enacted. Seeing the different types of animals in South America, especially the sloths and parrots, was amusing!
Learner profiles: inquirers, open-minded, risk-taker, and reflective
LO4: perseverance and commitment
LO5: collaboration
LO6: awareness of global issues
Being exposed to a country and culture different from my own led me to become a more open-minded individual who appreciated the customs and traditions of others. From this trip, I not only made impactful memories, but I also became an inquirer who grew from this experience and learned how to use my sense of curiosity in a way that works together with others.
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