High School Service Adventure Program in Costa Rica

As a group leader with Walking Tree Travel and the Smithsonian Student Adventure, I can see the immense reward the students get from participating in our Service Adventure trips. The challenges build character and leadership skills, the beautiful landscapes instill gratitude and stewardship and the friendships create joy and confidence. Vacation is one thing and a student travel program with Smithsonian Student Adventure is a completely different type of nourishment.

I recently returned from leading a group of 25 students on a 10 day conservation service adventure in Costa Rica. The program itself was immaculately organized and had an adventure twist to almost every day's activities. The students enjoyed engaging with our natural surroundings, learning about Costa Rican culture and being involved in local enrichments. As a leader, I may sound bias, but Walking Tree Travel is one of the most authentic travel companies I have ever experienced.

I went to Costa Rica with Walking Tree and its founder Paul after my Sophomore summer. I met so many amazing people on the trip and learned so much. To this day (3 years later) I reminisce about the great times I had in Costa Rica. It was an awesome experience and I learned so much about myself and the world. I still stay in touch with my host family and hope to visit them again.

In all, best experience of my life. It sparked my desire to travel. Nowadays, traveling and learning about culture is my passion and it would have never happened if it weren't for Walking Tree.