- Program
- Surf and Service, Costa Rica
- Traveled
- July 2025
- Hometown
- Orlando, Florida
- Program Leaders
- Josh, Isa and Lauren
In this first-person account, Lily Shea of Orlando, Florida, looks back on Rustic Pathways’ Surf and Service program in Costa Rica in July 2025, with photos from the trip.
Lily describes evening songs with a guitar, a birthday celebrated with new friends, close friendships, and advice to just go for it.
Lily’s Surf and Service Trip to Costa Rica
Hi, my name is Lily, I am 17 years old, and I went on the Surf and Service trip. I had an amazing time on this trip meeting new people, learning to surf, soaking in the sun, and etc.
Songs After Dinner and a Birthday in a Bungalow
One great memory from this trip is every night after dinner a small group of us would sit together and sing songs while our good friend Campbell would play the guitar. Also the first day we were in our bungalow, It was my birthday. I spent my birthday with strangers, but I didn’t feel sad at all because we still celebrated and everyone was so kind and sang happy birthday to me.
Friends From All Over, Costa Rican Fruit and Warm Locals
I met people from all over but some girls I instantly clicked with which led to my experience being amazing. One girl’s name was Alice and she is from Portugal which is so cool (I definitely plan on visiting). The other girls I got very close too is Sophie and Juliette (Cousins), They were so sweet and welcoming and they remind me a lot about myself and some of my close friends from back at home.
We would laugh and make so many jokes together and they kept me happy and outgoing. Some food I tried was the fruit in Costa Rica. Let me say-Wow it is just so much better there.
One thing about Costa Rica is how sweet and welcoming the locals and people are there. They make you feel right at home by showing you the best hospitality.
Leaders Josh, Isa and Lauren, and Lily’s Advice
My program leaders also made this trip one of kind. Shout out to Josh, Isa, and Lauren for being so fun and down to earth. They were very real, funny, and outgoing people.
My advice to others would be just go for it. Everyone has different experiences but make yours the best as possible. Be kind to everyone, take the risk, and have fun! The experience you can gain from these trips is special so I suggest to just get out there be yourself!
Lily describes a birthday with new friends and advice to take the risk. The memories concern the July 2025 session, and Lily first shared them on the Rustic Pathways Instagram account on August 1, 2025.
The program still runs as Costa Rica: Surf and Service. It runs 8 days for students ages 14–18, with five days of surf lessons on the Pacific coast and about 12 hours of beach and community service. See the program page for the current itinerary, dates and activities.
