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Those making the trip are Katie Penick, Madison Signs, Justin Marker, Pepper Murphy, Jacob Robb, Jared Chappel, Rowdy Murphy, Micaela Shaw, Megan Wick, Alycia Cok, Hailey Owen and Mycala Read.
They will be accompanied by sponsors and chaperones Marci Hodges, Ray Owen, Mandy Healy, Erin Chlarson, Jim and Anna Garcia and Mrs. Hodges.
This is the sixth year in a row that CHS Spanish teacher, Vicki Hodges has organized these trips, some of which included trips to Ecuador and Peru.
The purpose, explained Mrs. Hodges, is for the students to use the language they are learning in a real life situation, and to learn about a culture different than their own. Mrs. Hodges explained that these trips offer opportunities to help shrink the continents and develop more globally-minded citizens, and that the longer the students are in-country, they begin to speak Spanish with more confidence.
The trips are open to all students in the CHS Spanish classes, and even though the destinations vary, they are always to a Spanish speaking country. All CHS Spanish students are eligible, but the ones who do go make up the year's Spanish Club.
It's not a free ride. Each student is required to raise the money needed for them to make the trip (approximately $1,500). They have been working throughout the school year to raise those funds. Mrs. Hodges said the students have "all worked hard to raise funds for this trip, and we greatly appreciate the support of our community and families. All the hard work will definitely be worth it."
Mrs. Hodges added that donations to help the students are always welcome.
Last year their off-the-map adventures included rafting the Pacuare River, camping in the jungle, rappelling down four waterfalls, "zip lining" down four canopy cables, descending two tall trees, getting "up close and personal" with an active volcano and walking across a 132-foot hanging bridge.
But this year is different, explained Mrs. Hodges, in that the students chose a later date to go and a different itinerary to have 10 full days of service projects, fun and not to be forgotten adventures in a foreign land.
The itinerary for this year's "Costa Rican/Panama Adventure" begins on May 29 and runs through June 7, and includes:
• Day 1 – Group leaves the United States to arrive and then drive to the small village of Sitio de Mata to meet host families, rest and be ready for the adventures of the next days.
• Day 2 – Community service projects and rappelling down a 100' waterfall, then back to the village of Sitio de Mata.
• Day 3 – Shopping in Turrialba, scavenger hunt and community activities at Sitio de Mata. In the afternoon a Tico Farewell Party.
• Day 4 – Leave Sitio de Mata and start down the Pacuare River. According to National Geographic the Pacuare River is one of the top five rivers for rafting. This first day on the river is an exciting journey that takes just over an hour and a half. Then camp in the jungle by the river, surrounded by huge trees and dense green vegetation.
• Day 5 – Leave Pacuare River and drive to Finca Educativa, a remote area located in the Bribri Indian Reservation (Panama) where they will spend another night in the jungle.
• Day 6 – Enter onto the BriBri reserve to learn about the lives and culture of the Indians living on the reservation before paddling out on canoes to camp by the river.
• Day 7 – Paddle out and drive to Boc del Toro, Panama to relax and enjoy the shining waters of one of Panama's top tourist spots.
• Day 8 – Spend the day snorkeling in the Caribbean before returning to the hotel for a last fun-night party on the island.
• Day 9 – Drive back to Central Valley to stay closer to the airport to take our early flight the following day.
• Day 10 – Drive to the airport and fly home.
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