- Program
- Pura Vida Service, Costa Rica
- Traveled
- 2021
- Hometown
- Jackson, New Jersey
In this first-person account, Christian Robert of Jackson, New Jersey, looks back on Rustic Pathways’ Pura Vida Service program in Costa Rica in July 2021.
Christian describes volunteering at a local school, where he wheeled children around in a wheelbarrow, played tag and showed them phone filters, and how the trip showed him his passion for helping his community.
Hello, my name is Christian Robert and I volunteered for the Pura Vida Costa Rica trip in July of 2021.
My experience on this trip was so amazing it cannot be put into words. The people I’ve met, the culture I experienced, and the work I did will always be remembered.
Christian’s Favorite Moment: Volunteering at a School in Costa Rica
One amazing moment that truly stuck out to me was when we volunteered at the school.
These local kids were running around while their parents and family were working with us and I could tell they wanted to meet us. So I went over and introduced myself.
Soon afterwards, I wheeled them around in the wheelbarrow and played tag with them.
I also showed them filters on my phone. The joy they displayed was something I will always take with me in life.
This trip taught me to be more selfless and showed my true passion in helping out my community. I will definitely be doing another one!
Christian describes returning home more selfless and more interested in community service. His memories concern the July 2021 session.
The program still runs as Costa Rica: Pura Vida Service. It runs 8 days for students ages 14–18 in La Fortuna and includes 16 service hours.
See the program page for the current itinerary, dates and service projects.
