Since its inception, the Costa Rica Service Trip has been an exceptional endeavor crafted to broaden the horizons of Renaissance Academy students, offering them an immersive experience that transcends normative social, economic, and cultural norms.
This year's trip marks the 18th year of the Costa Rica Service trip and the first to take place since 2019. The 2023 trip allowed thirty-two students and four chaperones to travel to Sarapiqui, Arenal, and Punta Leona. Nine students on this trip planned to travel in 2021 and 2022—cancellations due to the COVID-19 Pandemic and residual airline issues made the travel impossible. Students and chaperones were thrilled to have them finally travel with the 2023 group and receive the experience they had worked and waited so long and hard for!
The bi-annual community service trip to Costa Rica started in 2005; it was created to allow the students of Renaissance Academy to experience life beyond their neighborhoods, families, and school. The trip focuses on building knowledge of the rich cultural nature of Costa Rica, both in the wildlife and in society.
Before leaving, students engage in two years of fundraising and educational projects. Students attend monthly informational meetings with parents/guardians and complete three projects: a research paper regarding the education system in Costa Rica, a biology project researching indigenous plants, animals, birds, insects, and a Spanish conversation project.
With high anticipation for the 2023 trip, some minor setbacks occurred. The group's departure was plagued with delays and canceled flights, but this gritty group rose to the challenge and returned home seasoned travelers with a well-versed skill set for navigating airport obstacles.
The memory of sleeping on the floor at JFK airport quickly evaporated once they met their guide and friend of Renaissance since 2005, Chris Alfaro. With Chris, students absorbed the wealth of knowledge he imparted about all things Costa Rica. While in Costa Rica, students had the opportunity to engage in meaningful service projects, including providing much-needed school supplies and building rehabilitation for various schools; providing an annual education scholarship and bringing supplies to Hogar Cristiano Orphanage while spending quality time with the children, and donating supplies to our friends of nearly 20 years at the Cruz Rojo (Red Cross), who are a fire/ambulance/rescue organization.
With work came plenty of play! There was time for students to enjoy the wonders of Costa Rica through ziplining, hiking lava flows and rainforests; visiting pineapple and chocolate plantations; frolicking on the beach; and relaxing in natural hot springs near Arenal's volcano.
The highlight of their trip was their day of service repairing and beautifying the Escuela Juan Rafael Chacon Castro school, and their time spent with the children at the orphanage. The students returned with a greater understanding of the world around them, unexpected friendships, and maybe a freeloading insect or two in their suitcase!
This bi-annual experience holds a special place in the heart of Renaissance Academy and carries great significance for our school and the values Renaissance stands on. We look forward to many more trips.
We would like to give special acknowledgment to the trip chaperones: Tracey Behrens-O'Brien, Andrew Genuardi, Jami Lynch, and Matthew Savini. Thank you for guiding our students during this one-of-a-kind experience.
The next trip will occur in July/August 2025 for the Class of 2026 and 2027.
Students apply for this trip in the spring of 2024. Eligibility Requirements:
- No excessive discipline history,
- No unsatisfactory teacher recommendations from teachers for SY 2022-2023 / SY 2023-2024No suspensions during the school year of travel,
- a 2.5 GPA at the time of application (completed grades for trimesters 1 + 2 + trimester exams will be calculated),
- An application submitted electronically by the due date.
If there are more eligible applicants than space on this trip, GPA, discipline record, individual interview with chaperones, and recommendations will be considered further.