Community in Costa Rica

By Troop 771

Troop 771 from Chesapeake traveled to Costa Rica this summer. Although the timing of the trip was exactly the same as the Council sponsored trip, it was not the same trip. But, our itinerary was almost exact, and we even ran into each other a few times.

We did have a couple of exceptions. We had the opportunity to interact with the Maleku indigenous tribe.  Their numbers are dwindling rapidly and they are expected to be extinct within 60 years. We were treated to their traditional drink and they danced for us. We also painted either a butterfly or toucan on balsa wood with their guidance.

We also met with local Scouts on the beach where we made guacamole together and then built a fire and roasted marshmallows. We took turns singing songs to each other.  Our girls got to practice their Spanish and the Scouts were able to practice their English. Then, two days later, we met the Scouts at their school where we donated more than 100 pounds of school supplies and about 15 soccer balls!!!!  They were so excited. We spent the morning painting shelters in the schoolyard with the Scouts. They use these shelters for their break time and sometimes eat their lunches there. We were able to see some classrooms and then we played some typical games with the Scouts. We then were given special coins from the Scouts as SWAPs.

We experienced so much it’s hard to say what was the most fun! We were able to see four kinds of monkeys, two kinds of sloths, four kinds of toucans, scarlet macaws, crocodiles, snakes, tarantulas and tree frogs! We visited coffee, chocolate and pineapple plantations! We ziplined, climbed a volcano, hiked down a waterfall, cruised on a crocodile river and went whitewater rafting!

If you ever get the chance to go to Costa Rica – you simply must go!