After the trip was canceled twice because of the pandemic, students from Cocalico, Pequea Valley and Twin Valley high schools recently took part in a nine-day excursion to Costa Rica, where they enjoyed ziplining, traveling by boat to a national park, viewing wildlife up close and visiting a local elementary school. The students were accompanied by teacher chaperones Erin Kregar from Cocalico High School, Jennifer Bilby from Pequea Valley High School and Elizabeth Techman from Twin Valley High School.
Every other year, local students have the opportunity to travel to Costa Rica in a travel cohort made up of local school students. The trip is presented by WorldStrides, a student travel company. "We have been doing these trips every other year since 2014," explained Techman. "We haven't gone since 2018. This trip was canceled twice. It had to happen (this year), and it was wonderful."
Highlights of the trip included staying near the Tortuguero National Park, which is only accessible by boat through the canals; ziplining in Monteverde; hiking in the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Preserve; visiting the Toucan Rescue Ranch; taking a night hike to witness animal life after dark; taking part in a cooking lesson at Santuario Ecológico Monteverde; spending the day in Manuel Antonio National Park; and viewing exotic animals in their natural habitats, including monkeys, lizards, sloths and birds such as tiger herons, anhingas, ibis and motmots.
In Tortuguero, the students spent the morning at an elementary school, where they visited the local students and learned about their day. They also donated supplies to the school, which they brought from home.
"(Most of the students) enjoyed the school visit. When kids get together with kids, it's magical," said Techman. "A lot of kids enjoyed the cooking lesson. For other kids it was the flora and fauna and the nature. Manuel Antonio National Park is one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, which is how we ended our trip."
"Every day there was a surprise," Techman continued. "We had the most amazing healthy food every single day. And the people are so nice. They are warm and friendly. It leaves a lasting impression."
"It was a really good experience. I had lots of fun," added Pequea Valley student Sarah Arment. "The culture was very interesting to learn about, (including the) language, food and dance, and the people were really great all around and the activities were super fun."
In addition to offering opportunities to learn about the culture, nature and history of the area, the travel cohort allows students from local schools to meet one another and form friendships.
"Our kids are similar. They are rural/suburban kids, so we make a group together and travel together and they make lifelong friends," said Techman. "It was wonderful and the kids were wonderful. I would travel anywhere with this group."
She added that the cohort of traveling teachers will soon be planning for the 2024 trip.
Leave a Review