While half of Coast 2 Coast was in Peru, the other was in Costa Rica with our local partners, Bodhi Surf School and international partners, Global Leadership Adventures. We facilitated three months of summer programs for high school students from across the world to come collaborate with a small community along Costa Rica's lush Pacific Coast in a Marine Protected Area.
Students participated in beach cleanups paired with surf lessons, coaching local kids from the community. It was an eye-opening experience for many and above all, redefined the idea of volunteering: away from a vertical "charity" approach but to a horizontal "solidarity" collaboration with respect. Our workshops were about connections at the personal level to a place, to your actions, and to the planet. Students learned about the sustainable development of tourism through hands on experiences.