Huntington Teenagers Explore Costa Rica
Several dozen Huntington High School students and faculty members used the recent mid-winter vacation to explore Costa Rica and its rich history and heritage.
The excursion was a completely private journey booked through EF Tours and not approved or subsidized by the Huntington School District in any way. The traveling party included 43 students spread across grades 10-12.
“Costa Rica is considered an eco-adventure tour,” said Camille Tedeschi, a Huntington High School social studies teacher who served as group leader and who has worked with EF Tours for many years. “The trip included a great mix of excursions that were adventurous, fun and educational.”
Ms. Tedeschi was joined on the trip by chaperones Georgia McCarthy, John Hlavaty, Peter Crugnale and Anne Gambino. The adults had just as much fun as the teenagers.
“We visited Braulio Carillo National Park, traveled by boat to Tortuguero and spent time in the village and visited Tortuguero National Park, which is the most important Caribbean breeding ground for green sea turtles,” Ms. Tedeschi said. “We took a boat excursion on the canals and saw areas of exceptional biodiversity and spotted howler monkeys, toucans and even caiman.”
The group then headed to Sarapiqui and proceeded to go zip-lining and white water rafting. “This tour was filled with adventure,” Ms. Tedeschi said. “We went to the Arenal region and did a kayaking excursion on Lake Arenal after hiking on the volcano followed by a visit to the hot springs. Then we went to Guanacaste and hiked to La Fortuna waterfall. We also visited Rincon de la Vieja National Park. We spent our last day on a boat tour in the morning and our final activity was snorkeling at Palo Verde.”
The trip to Costa Rica was Ms. Tedeschi’s 15th excursion with EF Tours “and it was absolutely amazing,” she said. “I love to travel and especially love to travel with my students. No two trips are alike. Each one is unique and special in its own way. This tour was no different. We had an exceptional group of students and a wonderful team of adults.”
The trip’s tour director in Costa Rica was Alvaro Alvarado. “He was fantastic and loved by all,” Ms. Tedeschi said. He helped to make our time in Costa Rica memorable and unforgettable. He was so personable and his knowledge was remarkable.”
The tour wasn’t even over yet when Ms. Tedeschi’s thoughts turned to when she could return in the future with another group. “Travel is an amazing way to learn more about yourself and the world around you,” she said. “I feel that you have to check your expectations at the door and enjoy the destination you are in. Relax, have fun and the more you travel the more you will learn. We had an opportunity to learn about ourselves, Costa Rican people and the environment.”
Ms. Tedeschi has traveled throughout the world with EF Tours and on her own private journeys. “My favorite part about traveling is to experience other cultures,” she said. “Learning about culture is not an activity listed on a tour itinerary, but it is a guarantee if you are open to new experiences.”
Mrs. McCarthy said she enjoyed “spending time on this great adventure with the awesome students of Huntington along with Ms. Tedeschi, Mr. Hlavaty, Mr. Crugnale and Anne Gambino. My favorite activity was the white water rafting. It was challenging, exciting and we worked as a team in between the laughter and screaming.”
The teenagers on the excursion enjoyed experiences that will remain with them forever. “My favorite part was snorkeling,” Olivia Arciprete said. “Everything was fantastic. White water rafting and zip-lining came close, but snorkeling was the best!”
“The trip as a whole was an amazing experience, but the white water rafting was definitely a highlight for me,” Lexi Mills said. “Not only was the surrounding area beautiful, but the guides really made our experiences ones to remember.”
The traveling party had open minds while exploring Costa Rica’s rich culture. “Every event that we participated in exceeded my expectations,” Annie Trousdell said. “It was an amazing experience shared with my peers and teachers.”
The nearly 50-member strong group agreed that the trip and the experiences were unique and they returned home with plenty of stories to share with family and friends. “Definitely the zip-lining and white water rafting,” said Rachel Roday about her favorite experiences. “You just can’t replicate that kind of thrill and excitement.”
The trip’s chaperones were impressed with the students that participated in the trek. “The trip was beautiful and the students were beautiful as well,” Mr. Crugnale said. “As teachers, we are always thinking that there is a lesson to learn in everything. The travel experiences I have gone on with students over the years have provided me with so many teachable moments. When you see students starting to loosen up a little, explore native foods and appreciate native customs and traditions, you realize that they are learning something they could never learn in a classroom. They are learning appreciation and respect for others, no matter how different their environment, home, or lifestyle may be.”
Mr. Crugnale is clearly a fan of travel for folks of all ages. “There is something to be appreciated and respected in everyone and everyplace,” he said. “This is the ninth trip I have taken over the years and the students never cease to amaze me. Huntington High School can be proud that such a great group of student ambassadors represented us in Costa Rica.”