Service Leadership is a 32-day adventure and community service exploration of what it takes to be a leader in the field of international service learning as we make our classroom the jungles of Costa Rica and Panama. Collaborating with and volunteering in a local community, we learn the skills and tools needed to develop and see a community service project to fruition. Along the way, we explore the beaches of Bocas del Toro, whitewater raft down the Pacuare River, hike the highest peak in Panama and try our skills on a surfboard. Click on Read More to learn about one of RLT's summer service leadership travel programs for youth!

Service learning initiatives are one of the most effective means of contributing to and addressing environmental and social needs around the world. As universities, corporations and not for profit organizations worldwide seek out individuals with experience in service learning and an understanding of inter-cultural relationships, Liderazgo para Proyectos provides you with the foundation, skills and certification necessary to effectively deliver service to communities throughout the world safely with thought and conscience.

We begin in San José and travel to the rainforest of Costa Rica to establish our base camp classroom. We settle in the verdant, nature-rich camp under a canopy of dark green vegetation surrounded by banana trees and fallen leaves the size of dinner plates. In this idyllic setting, we embark on our first challenge, which is a fast paced, hands-on Wilderness First Responder (WFR) course. Much of our time is spent completing practical skills, case studies and scenarios to challenge our decision-making abilities. With a nationally recognized 72-hour curriculum, the course is designed to provide us with the tools necessary to make critical medical and evacuation decisions in remote locations, but we will find that the knowledge we gain will be useful in our everyday lives as well. A Heartsaver BLS Adult CPR certification is also included in this course. Having committed our thought and energy into the curriculum of this eight-day course, our study culminates in a final practical scenario and a formal assessment for certification.

Equipped with our WFR knowledge fresh in our minds, we head down the Pacuare River on a rafting adventure traveling through pristine rainforest and steep canyons. In between navigating Class III and IV rapids, we slip into the clear waters for a swim and enjoy a fabulous riverside feast. Revitalized from cool river waters, we head back to San José for a night before winding our way south across the Panamanian border.

Safe, close and extraordinarily beautiful, Panama is a country with an excellent infrastructure, a modern, sophisticated capital city and some of the friendliest people on earth. The ease of travel and wide array of experiences make Panama one of the most attractive emerging destinations in the world. Unfettered by tourist crowds, Panama’s natural gifts shine. It’s hard to shake the feeling in Panama that we are in on a secret the rest of the traveling world has yet to discover. With two oceans, mountains, rainforest, native cultures and a vibrant urban life, this tiny isthmus is pure and simple - heaven. Known as the "Crossroads of the Americas" connecting two massive continents, Panama's many indigenous tribes are still thriving, living in the same ancient manner as their ancestors, making its cultural fabric exceptionally rich.

For the next 14 days, we partner with a small community near the town of Changuinola in the province of Bocas del Toro. Our focus will be on the design and construction of a mutually agreed upon project that will be developed with the community. We begin by getting to know the people and their needs. We live in the village, learning about their language, history and culture. Identifying needs and possible solutions, we develop a plan, including a budget and opportunities for relationship-building with the community. We forge inter-cultural relationships as we learn skills for life, such as communication, leadership, decision-making and critical thinking. We understand what constitutes an effective service project model, including delegation and cultural sensitivity. As we live and collaborate within the community for two weeks, we turn ideas and dreams into a sustainable community development project.

Once our project is complete, we take time to explore this diverse land. We head for the clouds as we hike the highest mountain in Panama, Volcán Barú, towering above the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea at over 11,000 feet. Next is the fantastic surf of Bocas Del Toro. The Bocas del Toro Archipelago, close to the border of Costa Rica offers rainforests with an abundance of fauna and flora, sunny islands, sugary sand beaches, coral reefs in crystal clear water, mangrove islets, Guaymi Indian villages and a national marine park that protects the natural resources coexisting within the Archipelago boundaries. Our central location of Bocas del Toro allows us to explore the area’s 68 tropical islands, beach-combing, discovering the many reefs and lagoons, snorkeling the crystal blue waters and after lessons in riding the waves, surfing Bluff Beach, preferred by surfers from all over the world. Upon navigating back to Costa Rica, we gather for one final celebration, and reflect on what it takes to create a service learning initiative.  

Settling In

Arrival in San José, Costa Rica; program orientation; transfer to Finca Pacuarito.

Our Work

Nine day wilderness first responder medical certification course; transfer to Changuinola, Panama; service project prep work; ten day service project; service leadership curriculum.

Our Play

Whitewater raft the Pacuare River; surf in Bocas Del Toro; hike Volcán Barú; explore Bocas del Toro; rainforest hikes.

El Fin

Transfer to San José, Costa Rica; final banquet; transfer to airport; homeward bound.