- Programs
- Turtle Conservation Project, Costa Rica; Surf and Service, Costa Rica
- Traveled
- Summer 2025
- Hometown
- Sundbyberg, Sweden
In this first-person account, Michelle Sienkiewicz of Sundbyberg, Sweden, looks back on two Rustic Pathways programs in Costa Rica in summer 2025, Turtle Conservation Project and Surf and Service, with photos from the trip.
Michelle describes early surfing lessons, late-night walks searching for turtles, and friends who quickly became like family.
Michelle’s Summer on Two Programs in Costa Rica
Hi, my name is Michelle and this summer I spent with Rustic Pathways in Costa Rica on the Turtles Conservation and the Surf & Service camps. Both of them were truly like a teenage dream.
Early Surf Lessons and Late-Night Turtle Walks in Costa Rica
Every day full of laughter, sunshine and adventures. I got to explore beautiful places, try new food, and make unforgettable memories. I’m so happy to have experienced this. The early surfing lesson, late night walks searching after turtles and helping the community.
Friends Who Became Like Family in Costa Rica
My favorite part? Definitely the people I met there.
I met so many amazing friends who quickly became like family. We shared late-night talks, inside jokes, and moments I’ll never forget. So many memories were made, at the line up, in the busses and with every meal came laughter.
What Michelle Took Home From Costa Rica
Thank you Rustic Pathways for making this my dream summer and for giving me the opportunity to see the world and step out of my comfort zone.
Can’t wait to travel with you again!!
Michelle describes friends who became like family and a summer of stepping out of a comfort zone. The memories concern the summer 2025 sessions, and Michelle first shared them on the Rustic Pathways Instagram account on November 7, 2025.
The program still runs as Costa Rica: Turtle Conservation Project. It runs 8 days for students ages 14–18, with five nights at a field station in Camaronal Wildlife Refuge on the Nicoya Peninsula and about 26 hours of turtle patrols, hatchery and beach work alongside park rangers. Surf and Service still runs as Costa Rica: Surf and Service, 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 pages for the current itinerary, dates and activities.
Explore Costa Rica: Turtle Conservation Project Explore Costa Rica: Surf and Service
