LEAD Summer Camp 2014

Visit Indigenous Communities

Leadership: Our summer L.E.A.D. programs main focus is leadership. You will learn leadership skills everyday from meeting with local leaders (US Embassy, United Nation University of Peace), participating in adventures (whitewater rafting), and organizing and running a summer camp for local Costa Rican kids. You will return home with leadership skills and strategies you can directly apply to your life.

Experience: Every experience offers a lessons and this trip is full of experiences. You will experience first hand the natural beauty and diversity of Costa Rica- from the tropical forests to the beautiful beaches. During the trip you will also be fully immersed in the culture experiencing the local food, people and traditions. Everyday offers a new adventure and a lesson to be learned.

Awareness: Part of being a good leader is being aware. A secondary goal of our L.E.A.D program is to create awareness. Throughout the many activities you will develop a keen sense of environmental, cultural, social and self-awareness.  With such awareness the L.E.A.D. program creates a truly transformative learning environment.

Development: The ultimate goal of the L.E.A.D. program is to offer students leadership skills, experiences, and awareness that will help develop them into a better leader. Creating a better world for tomorrow.

July 22 -- Arrive (La Condesa)

The Famous Pacuare River

Today we will meet each LEAD camper outside the San Jose Airport (SJO) where they will be transported to the first hotel. We will be staying at La Condesa Hotel just outside of the Central Valley where we will have an ice-breaker and orientation of everything to expect during the next amazing 10 day adventure. (Meals: Dinner)

Leadership Skills Applied - Public speaking, conversation, organization, planning, decision-making

Transformative Learning Experiences - International travel, cultural experience

Become Aware of - Compare/Contrast Costa Rica vs US, interaction with other LEAD members

Relfection in order to Develop - Experiences of first day (travel, first impressions), expectations

Journal Topics - One page on first impressions of people & place and how it feels to be away from home.

July 23 -- Visit University of Peace and Travel to Sitio de Mata Homestay Project (Homestay)

We will first travel to the University of Peace which is run by the United Nations and the kids will get a tour and take a short class on the University's role in leading youths to be future Leaders of a more peaceful world. 

We will then travel to our homestay project in Sitio de Mata. This is a project we have had operating for the last 10 years and hundreds of students have stayed in the village. All of the families are in a very short walking distance and we will have two students to a home. The village is one of the most picturesque spots in all of Costa Rica. The views of the smoking Turrialba Volcano are amazing along with the surrounding mountains.

Visiting University of Peace

The families are the life changers in this community. Having worked with a number of our student groups they offer the students a unique experience of being immersed in the family and culture. Some of the kids of each family speak broken English making communicating a challenge but alway feasible. We will have a number of activities planned from community service to many different cultural activiites. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Leadership Skills Applied - Conflict Resolution.

Transformative Learning Experiences - World renowned United Nations University of Peace, Understanding of an Ecolodge

Become Aware of - World Issues, Cause and affect of Peace/Conflict, Conflict Resolutions, Environmental issues

Relfection in order to Develop - Leadership, Peace, Responsibility

Journal Topics - How you feel about the world issues we learned today. Do they make you sad, motivated, discouraged? How leaders can help?

Our Sitio de Mata Homestay Project

July 24 -- Community Service (Homestay)

Today is our chance to give back to the community and rack up some community service hours. We will have a project planned that keeps the kids working all morning. In the afternoon it will be cultural activities with the locals from the community including different things from learning how to cook traditional Costa Rican dishes to learning how to salsa dance! (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Leadership Skills Applied - Service, Public Speaking, Teamwork, Organization, Self-confidence

Transformative Learning Experiences - Serving the community, communicating with locals? appreciation nature(views of Volcano).

Become Aware of - Importance of composting, local school environment, fun in the outdoors.

Relfection in order to Develop - Service, living sustainably, compare/contrast CR schools to US

Journal Topics - Free writing about homestays. Ways you can use the community service project to help back home?

July 25 -- Community Service (Homestay)

Homestay Friends

Today we will continue to work on our community service project in the morning and then plan a summer camp for the local kids in the afternoon. Our goal is to come up with a half day camp for kids that we will run on the soccer field the following morning. The LEAD campers are going to run this camp from the ground up using their different skills and working as a team.

In the evening we will have a traditional party put on for us by the local families. This will be filled with fun, food and dance from start to finish. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Leadership Skills Applied - Motivation, teamwork, self-confidence, fortitude, commitment, and diligence

Transformative Learning Experiences - Planning the camp

Become Aware of - Your strength of mind, character and resilience; permaculture

Relfection in order to Develop - Teamwork, fears, strengths and weakness

Visiting Locals

Journal Topics - Free Writing...

July 26 -- Enter Pacuare (Pacuare Ecolodge)

Today during the morning we will be running the camp we planned. We will have up to 50 kids being part of the camp and the LEAD campers will be running the show. Its going to be a memorable morning offering an unforgettable experience for the local kids and the LEAD students.

In the afternoon we will say good-bye to our homestay families and make our way to Costa Rican Resource's Pacuare Ecolodge. Located on the river banks of one of the most beautiful rivers on the planet (Number 3 according toNational Geographic).

This Pacuare Ecolodge will be home for the LEAD campers for the next four nights giving them a chance to be immersed in the jungle, learning about the environment, and mixing it with plenty of fun such as hiking, rafting, ziplines, rappels, and Costa Rica's most exciting Tarzan Swing! (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Leadership Skills Applied - Organization, communication, time management, team work, execution of a plan, interpersonal skills, and enthusiasm.

Pacuare Ecolodge

Transformative Learning Experiences - Connecting with children from Costa Rica

Become Aware of - Lives of the locals

Relfection in order to Develop - Thoughts, feelings of the day and the process

Journal Topics - Highlight of the day, how did local kids benefit, what could have been done more efficiently next time?

27 -- Visit Indigenous Community (Pacuare Ecolodge)

Today we will be taking a hike into the ancient indigenous culture of the Cabecar Indigenous Tribe. Here the students are going to get a look into the tribe who are living a truly sustainable life. They are the masters of sustainable living and no better person to learn from than the ancient cultures. Here we will meet the families and be invited into their thatch roof homes. This is a very unique experience for the LEAD campers with memories they will take with them forever.

In the afternoon it is back to the lodge and some time to swim in the river and enjoy some games at the lodge with a bonfire and marshmallows at night! (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Pacuare Ecolodge

Leadership Skills Applied - Organization, communication, time management, team work, execution of a plan, interpersonal skills, and enthusiasm.

Transformative Learning Experiences - Connecting with indigenous of Costa Rica

Become Aware of - Living sustainably

Relfection in order to Develop - Thoughts, feelings of the indigenous culture

Journal Topics - Highlight of the day?

28 -- Raft Pacuare (Pacuare Ecolodge)

Rafting Pacuare River

Today its time for some fun, splashing water and adventure. We will be spending the entire day rafting down the Pacuare River. This is one of the most scenic rivers on the planet and it's filled with rapids to keep us wet from start to finish along with many different waterfall hikes through the rainforest. This is a full day for fun on the river and then back to the Ecolodge at night for more marshmallows.

We will have plenty of time to work on teamwork today as we have six campers to a raft with a guide and we'll be discussing and experiencing different topics that make it a fun day of learning.  (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Leadership Skills Applied - Teamwork, communication, motivation

Transformative Learning Experiences - The River

Become Aware of - What nature has to offer

Relfection in order to Develop - Teamwork

Journal Topics - What does it mean to be a team member on a raft? How can this relate to the world working as a team to help with some basic problems of today?

Zipline Adventure

29 -- Tarzan Swing, Zipline, Rappel, & Tubing (Pacuare Ecolodge)

Another full day of fun at the Ecolodge but today you will be experiencing our infamous Tarzan Swing! The swing will have you swinging hundreds of feet over the river while staying attached. We have a lower platform for those interested in a less adventurous swing. We'll also be riding on our zipline and rappeling two different trees in the rainforest that measure over 100ft. The last rappel has us splashing into the river where tubes will be waiting for us to take us down a few rapids in tubes. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Bonfires at the Ecolodge

Leadership Skills Applied - Teamwork, communication, motivation

Transformative Learning Experiences - The Tarzan Swing

Become Aware of - What nature has to offer

Relfection in order to Develop - Motivating each other

Journal Topics - Feelings before Tarzan Swing and after Swing...

30 -- Drive to San Jose (La Condesa)

Today we will make the drive back to the Central Valley to have you close to the airport for your departure. We will arrive to the hotel at a reasonable time for an unforgettable farewell party for our new LEAD graduates and all the new friends everyone made during the trip. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

31 -- Fly Home!

Today we will make the transfer to the San Jose Airport (SJO). (Meals: Breakfast)

Ridgefield 2014 Pura Vida!!!!!

Lake Forest High School Sample Itinerary Brea and Mary Beth!!!

Day 1 -- Arrive & Travel to Arenal (Arenal Hotel)

Today you will be met by your CRR staff and transported to your first hotel in area of San Carlos on the fertile northern plains of Costa Rica. Here you will be staying at the base of the active Arenal Volcano. This is a travel day but will consist of an orientation to get teachers and students acquainted with staff members and an idea of what to expect during the week. If possible an early arrival flight would be the best. (Meals: Dinner)

Day 2 -- Arenal (Don Juan, Ziplining, National Park) (Arenal Hotel)

Arenal Volcano National Park

Today we will start with a little adventure and head to the ziplines that hang 700ft above the rainforest floor. This will be the students’ introduction to the primary rainforest. The students will also get to use their Spanish in an adrenaline-pumping situation. We'll give them a list of words to use such as TUANIS! PURA VIDA! BUENAZO! and many more local favorite phrases. The zipline guides will surely be impressed with their bi-lingual guests.

Having fun at Finca Don Juan

After the zipline we will go to the Arenal Volcano National Park, starting with a presentation by your guide about the geology, history and biodiversity that is related to Arenal. Then we will hike up to the old lava flows enjoying the landscapes and nature that surrounds the area. 

After lunch it’s a hands-on experience at the Finca of Don Juan. Here the kids will taste, see, smell, and feel the different stages of organic farming from one of Costa Rica's most respected farmers. We will gain an even deeper appreciation of the organic production that Don Juan teaches by feasting on a delicious dinner prepared from all the things grown on the farm.   

Then it's back to the hotel where we will have our first official reflection, getting the kids together and talking about the experience so far. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner) 

Day 3 -- Drive to Central Pacific Coast (La Cusinga Lodge)

Sunset at Marino Ballena National Park

Today we will start with a visit from Costa Rican university student  sharing his experiences working with the biodiversity in the country (to be arranged).

After this we will be on our way to the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica. Along the way we will learn and see the many different microclimates of Costa Rica and the ecosystems that they host.

Also, we’ll stop by Tarcoles River to see the largest population of American Crocodiles in the country.

Along the way we will also be able see African Palm plantations, and learn about the effects of monoculture and the impact of big transnational companies, such as United Fruit Company.

Our final destination today is La Cusinga Ecolodge which is one of the pioneer lodges of conservation. The Institute of Biomimicry uses La Cusinga for their training courses. Here, surrounded by protected rainforest, and among the genius of the natural world, we'll take an in depth look into just how much we can learn from nature to get us to a more sustainable future. The lodge is placed right next to Marino Ballena National Park (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).

Day 4 -- Travel to Drake Bay, Corcovado National Park (Drake Bay Lodge)

Stone Spheres

We will be driving south to Sierpe, along the way we will see banana plantations and also one of the biggest mysteries of the Pre-Columbian times. The Stone Spheres, are unique structures in the world . The archaeological sites where most of them have been found are on our route down to Drake Bay.

Once in Sierpe we will go by boat down the Sierpe River. On the way we will see and visit the Terraba-Sierpe Mangrove Forest, which happens to be the biggest remainder of mangrove in Central American Pacific Coast.

Once on the ocean we will sail by the shore of Drake Bay until we reach our lodge.

Terraba-Sierpe Mangrove

The lodge will have basic accommodation, using generators and solar power to provide electricity.

When we get to the lodge, we’ll rest and talk about the logistics of the next few days. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).

 

 

  

Day 5 -- Corcovado National Park (Drake Bay Lodge)

Corcovado National Park

"The most biologically intense place on earth" - according to National Geographic - Corcovado National Park is the place to be when talking about flora and fauna in the tropics. Lots of birds, reptiles, amphibians, insects, mammals, plants, trees--it is just a paradise totally worth visiting.

After breakfast we will take the boat down to the National Park, where we will be taking a hike looking for monkeys, sloths, tapirs, birds, crocodiles and much more.

Coati

This full outdoor experience will be great to comprehend the dynamics of the ecosystems present in this lush tropical rainforest.

We will have a picnic lunch at Corcovado and return to the lodge later in the afternoon. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).

Day 6 - Caño Island Biological Reserve (Drake Bay Lodge)

Snorkeling at Caño Island

Today after breakfast we will be taking our next adventure into the ocean. Drake Bay is well known for being the place where many species of cetaceans including Humpback Whales come to spend the winter, while mating and giving birth to their cubs. There is always a chance to see big groups of dolphins, jumping and spinning around the boat. Sea turtles, many species of birds, stingrays, reef sharks and more are among the many things that could be seen today while snorkeling.

The island is also an archeological site for the ancient native tribes that use to live inland and would use the island as a sacred burial place.

Later we will come back to the lodge and at dusk we’ll do a night walk on one of the trails of the lodge to untangle some of the secrets of the rain forest at night. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).

Day 7 - The Highland of Costa Rica, San Gerardo de Dota Valley (San Gerardo de Dota Lodge)

Paramo 11.000 ft

After this amazing adventure at Corcovado area it is time to get back to Sierpe and be on our way to our next destination. We will take the boat and then get on our bus and drive to the highlands of Talamanca Mountain Range, the highest in Costa Rica.

The valley of San Gerardo is also the best place in Costa to spot the amazing Resplendent Quetzal, considered by many the most beautiful bird on the American Continent. June is part of its mating season.

Today is a driving day, we will stop on the way for lunch and if the weather conditions permit, we will visit the Paramo. This is a South American ecosystem present only in the highlands and that gets as far north as Costa Rica. At 11,000 ft. of elevation the Paramo is a variety of alpine tundra ecosystems. Some ecologists describe the Páramo broadly as “all high, tropical, mountain vegetation above the continuous timberline”.  The vegetal structure and biodiversity present in both ecosystems will allow us to learn about the different species that live there and the adaptations that they have developed to survive the extreme conditions.

(Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).

Day 8 - Birdwatching and drive to Homestay (Sitio de Mata)

Resplendent Quetzal

  

Early in the morning we will start our search for the Resplendant Quetzal. They are more active during the early morning before the sun starts to heat things up.  We will look for them as they feed on the wild avocado trees. To see the Quetzal is one of the most magical experiences one could dream of.  Later today we will drive back up to the Pan-American Highway to see a  very different and interesting ecosystem, the Highland Bogs, which is a wetland that accumulates peat, a deposit of dead plant material.

We will make the drive to Sitio de Mata where you will be saying "hola!" to your new families. This is the part of the trip where the kids will be immersed with some of the greatest families for homestays you will find anywhere. You will be taken in as family and have the chance to communicate in Spanish from start to finish. Every day will be filled with activities and things to keep us busy, building new friendships, learning about the culture, and understanding the importance of family values.

Sitio de Mata Homestay

When we arrive we will meet in a little ranchito where all the moms will be present and we will introduce all of you to your new families. Although not everyone will be in the same house, this is a small village and houses are close together. Everything is within a very short walking distance.

In the evening we will meet as a group in one of the ranchitos where the kids will have time to journal and reflect on the homestay arrival. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

  

Day 9 -  Homestay activities (Sitio de Mata)

Sitio de Mata Homestay

Today we have a fun activity to practice our Spanish. Families organized a farewell party for us tonight, but for this it is necessary to buy food and other necessary items. We travel on the public bus to Turrialba. We’ll organize in groups and each will be assigned a list of items to be acquired. All our Spanish skills will be needed while walking through the village market, and visiting the shops in search of these items. We’ll return to Sitio de Mata, lunch with our families, and then help out cooking and preparing the food for the party. Then there’ll be a little time for play—we’ll meet at the soccer field for that game Ticos, young and old all love—Costa Rican futbol. At night it is time to eat, party and dance at the beautiful fiesta prepared by the community (Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner).

 

Day 10 -  Enter Pacuare River and Stay at River Lodge (River Lodge)

Pacuare River

Today we will spend the morning saying "Hasta Pronto" to our Sitio de Mata famililes. Once we give our final hugs, good-byes or "until next time", we'll head to what National Geographic has listed as one of the top five most scenic rivers in the world. In the morning we'll raft some small class II & III rapids then have lunch right on the river followed by a little hiking to some waterfalls.

Then it's back in our rafts to get to our final river destination, our beautiful river lodge that has breath-taking views of the Pacuare Canyon and lush green mountains as far as the eye can see. In the evening we will have activities planned for everyone as we experience living in the jungle for a night. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Day 11 -  Class III & IV Rapids and travel to San José (San José Hotel)

Learning from Nature

Today we will get breakfast and begin our final raft. This is the most scenic part of the river with the most adventurous rapids. We will deftly make our way down the class III & IV sections passing beautiful canyon walls that rise 300ft high, primary rainforests from start to finish, and 100ft waterfalls that drop into the banks of the river.

Back on dry land and in the bus, we will make the two hour drive back to San Jose leaving us enough time to stop at some souvenir spots. At the hotel, we'll have our final evening reflection and farewell dinner. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Day 12 -  Fly home!!!

Today we’ll drive to the San Jose Airport where you will catch your flight home! (Meals: Breakfast)

Come back soon!!!