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 When the YMCA uses the words “life-changing” it can mean a variety of experiences. A trip to Costa Rica can change your teen’s perspective on her world, on his life or raise questions and broaden experiences. A trip to Costa Rica can change perspective for the children the Y travels to serve; a new language, a new game, or perhaps a new friend. A trip to Costa Rica can shift thinking for a college-aged student, perhaps a new major or a new calling or purpose.
The YMCA of the Triangle is offering its third annual spring break service program. Mark your calendars; the one-week trip runs March 13 – 20 for collegiate YMCA members and participants, and March 27 – April 3 for high school YMCA members and participants. Approximately 15 participants per trip will be able to attend.
Both trips will focus on extending the mission of the YMCA beyond our national borders and give students the opportunity for self discovery and international travel.
Participants on both trips will spend a few days at a local YMCA day camp leading games, participating in assemblies and engaging with the children. Service projects are also planned for the camp. Last year teens planted trees on the mountain side and built steps up a mountain to lengthen trail access around camp. Mid week, participants will complete service projects for the YMCA community center in San Jose. Projects could include painting, landscaping and facility clean up. And the final days are spent enjoying the beautiful eco-tourism that Costa Rica is known for. Excursions include a trip to an active volcano, zip lining through the tree tops of a rainforest, and spending an afternoon hiking, relaxing in natural hot springs, and swimming in gorgeous waterfalls.
Costa Rica has become one of the hottest destination spots in recent years and the reason is simple. The country offers incredible biological diversity, varied landscapes, and endless outdoor activities. Costa Rica is only two hours south of Miami by plane; it has avoided political strife (Costa Rica abolished its army in 1949 and has a reputation for being a peaceful and stable country); and 30 percent of its land is protected as a natural resource/ national treasure due to the emphasis of eco-tourism.
The YMCA in Costa Rica does a great deal of work with their indigenous children, and the children of local workers that live near or at the poverty level and serves a strongly felt community need to provide a safe and caring place for children. The Costa Rican government sought out YMCA help and almost completely funds the YMCA community center. The government’s goal is to serve the children and families of this very impoverished area of San Jose who have no other option for childcare and safety for their children.
Due to the nature of the work while in Costa Rica, it is imperative that the YMCA of the Triangle knows the strengths and weaknesses of the team prior to arrival in San Jose. Students selected to attend these trips will be responsible for attending all pre-trip meetings, as well as participating in a group fundraiser. These dates will be provided at time of acceptance to the program. It is also the expectation of the YMCA that the students raise a significant portion of their program fee. Trip leaders will work individually with the students to give them the tools of which they can use for a successful personal fundraising process.
The trip leaders for this mission trip are currently being selected; however all will be YMCA professional staff. All excursions during our mission trip will be led by trained and contracted guides. The program fee will include airfare, activities, bus transportation, meals, accommodations, service project supplies and rental equipment.
If you have any questions, please contact Forrest Perry forrest.perry@ymcatriangle.org or Leigh Longino leigh.longino@ymcatriangle.org.
Thank you for your interest in this powerful program.
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