A dozen Valwood Upper School students recently returned home from an international trip to Costa Rica. Organized by Valwood’s middle school spanish teacher Mrs. Katelan Davis through Rustic Pathways, an international travel program, the students worked on a service project in the area near La Fortuna, Costa Rica, experienced the beautiful sights and sounds of the country, and participated in several fun activites unique to Coast Rica.
Part of the trip was spent creating a path through the rainforest so that locals and tourists could access a waterfall and park area in order to boost the local economy. While the work was challenging, the students stated that they felt good about helping the locals for such a beneficial cause.
When not clearing the rainforest, the group, led by Rustic Pathway guides Eva and Josue, was able to zip line through the jungle, white water raft down the local rivers, and hike the many beautiful waterfalls that dot the landscape. At nights, the group stayed at a base camp coabin the rainforest with their guides and the Valwood chaperones, Ms. Sally Kurrie and Dr. Maria Castellano.
