Costa Rica Trip 2025

Journey of Service and Connection

A Costa Rica Class Trip Journal with the 11th Grade

Stories by Mr. Johnson
Photos by Mr. Johnson and Ms. Hector

Introduction: The Transformative Power of Service Learning in Waldorf Education

At the Waldorf School of San Diego, we believe that education is more than the acquisition of knowledge—it is the cultivation of compassion, awareness, and a lifelong connection to the world around us. One of the most meaningful expressions of this philosophy is our Grade 11 Service Learning Trip, which offers students the opportunity to travel beyond their familiar environment, contribute meaningfully to communities abroad, and immerse themselves in diverse cultures and ecosystems.

This year’s journey to Costa Rica was especially rich. From the bustling capital of San José to the remote Pacuare River, our students encountered a landscape alive with biodiversity, human resilience, and cultural depth. As part of our school’s growing commitment to acknowledging Indigenous communities, the trip included purposeful learning around the lives, contributions, and challenges of Costa Rica’s Indigenous peoples—reinforcing the importance of equity, respect, and global citizenship.

What follows is a chronicle of this remarkable journey, filled with personal growth, acts of service, and lasting memories.

A Warm Arrival

After a long day of travel that included two flights and a smooth customs experience, our students arrived in San José full of excitement and good spirits. Their flexibility, patience, and positivity during transit set the tone for the journey ahead. We met our guide and driver for the next two weeks and settled in for a welcome meal and well-deserved rest. The adventure had officially begun

Immersion in Sitio de Mata: Language, Labor, and Love

The following morning, we visited the breathtaking Irazú Volcano and Basílica before heading to the village of Sitio de Mata near Turrialba. For the next four nights, students lived with local families, immersing themselves in Costa Rican daily life, language, and traditions.

The depth of connection formed during this homestay was truly touching. Students gained confidence in their Spanish, forged meaningful relationships, and contributed to the community by building and painting benches for the local church. These materials were purchased through the generosity of our school’s fundraising efforts, supporting a local carpenter and leaving behind a colorful, functional gift for future gatherings. The project culminated in a lively evening of bingo with host families—a joyful celebration of community.

In a powerful extension of our school’s values, students also visited a shelter for Indigenous women. With donations from home and locally sourced supplies, we offered support while learning about the complex history and present-day experiences of Costa Rica’s Indigenous peoples. This heartfelt exchange fostered a sense of responsibility and respect that will linger with our students far beyond this trip.

The farewell to Sitio de Mata was deeply emotional. As students prepared a performance of the Electric Slide and joined in traditional Costa Rican dances at a community fiesta, it was clear that strong, meaningful connections had been formed. There were tears on both sides—evidence of just how significant this stay had become.

Exploration on the Caribbean Coast

From Sitio de Mata, we traveled to the vibrant town of Puerto Viejo on the Caribbean coast, where nature greeted us at every turn—howler monkeys in the morning, sloths and iguanas in the afternoon.

Students learned about herbal medicine at a local farm, where they prepared natural mosquito repellent and even made chocolate from harvested cacao. We supported leatherback turtle conservation efforts, cleaning beaches and learning from volunteers working to protect these endangered creatures. On a paddleboard river tour, we spotted toucans, monkeys, turtles, and even a basilisk lizard known as the “Jesus Christ lizard.”

A visit to an animal sanctuary offered insight into Costa Rica’s strong environmental values. Here, injured wildlife—often harmed by human development—are rehabilitated and, when possible, released. Students gained a deeper understanding of the delicate balance between modern life and natural ecosystems.

Between excursions, students rested and reflected with river meditations, beach walks, and shared meals. The pace slowed, and the word tranquilo—peaceful—became our mantra.

Into the Wild: Adventure and Awareness at Pacuare River Lodge

Our final adventure took us deep into the rainforest, off the grid at Pacuare River Lodge. Here, students engaged in whitewater rafting, ziplining, and a challenging hike to visit a remote Indigenous village. They brought school supplies and donations, and were met with gratitude and warmth. These exchanges offered important lessons in humility, perseverance, and mutual respect.

Without electricity or cell service, we returned to life’s essentials: conversation, reflection, and community. Students played cards, shared stories, and expressed gratitude in nightly check-ins. Many spoke about the resilience of the people they met—like the man who walked two hours each way to exchange an LP gas tank—and began to see the world, and their own lives, through a new lens.

A Grateful Return

We’ve now returned to San José to prepare for the journey home. A final visit to a local Waldorf school will close out our time in Costa Rica with one last cultural exchange. Throughout this journey, our students have shown empathy, courage, and curiosity. They have grown as individuals and as a class—widening their perspectives while deepening their sense of purpose.

As Waldorf educators and parents, we know that experiences like this are invaluable. They nurture the head, heart, and hands, encouraging students to be conscious, caring citizens of the world. We thank our host communities in Costa Rica, our dedicated faculty chaperones, and you—the families—for making this trip possible.