2025 Upper School Intersession Blog

FRIDAY, MARCH 21 (DAY 7)
WORD OF THE DAY: LEGACY

Do you know the way to San José? While lyricist Hal Holbrook may not have known the way when he and songwriter Burt Bacharach had Dionne Warwick sing their Grammy Award-winning hit back in 1968, our driver, Antonio certainly did. 

After breakfast, we began the last trek of our trip back towards San José. First stop, Dominical, a small, laid-back beach town, 30 minutes north of Uvita, that attracts a mix of people, from local Ticos and expats to digital nomads, surfers, and hippies. Dominical has a truly unique vibe and we felt fortunate to experience it for ourselves. From Dominical, we continued northward, just past Carara National Park. Costa Rica lays a proud claim to being the most bio-diverse country in the world, home to 5% of the world’s species. Along the way, we were as impressed as we were tickled to see green overhead Monkey Crossings strung strategically across segments of the Pacific Coastal Highway. That’s something you won’t find in Maryland! Undoubtedly, this intersession has afforded us special opportunities to see many wonderful creatures that make Costa Rica home, from a plethora of mammals, amphibians, and birds, to fish, insects, and reptiles. While it has been pretty neat to see reptiles in their natural habits, like the Spectacled Caiman, Green and Black Iguana, Common Basilisk, Yellow-Headed Gecko, freshwater turtles, and bunches of adorable little Anolis Lizards, it was exciting to make a stop, on our way back to San José, at Costa Rica’s famous Crocodile Bridge. The Tárcoles River, the most important in Costa Rica, because 50% of the population lives within its watershed, flows into the Gulf of Nicoya in the Pacific Ocean. The river is home to one the highest populations of American Crocodiles in the world, reaching lengths of up to 20 feet, and the Crocodile Bridge provides a safe birdseye view of these archosaurs (i.e., ruling reptiles).

Following a lunch stop with the bonus of souvenir shopping, our day’s last destination would be our trip’s fourth and final accommodation, Villas Aracari, in the suburbs of Alajuela, the fourth largest city in Costa Rica, with a population of about 190,000. Villas Aracari is another secluded compound, this one larger than the last, consisting of four guest houses with a central pool overlooking the cities of Alajuela and San José, located adjacent to our first accommodation of this intersession, Villa Jardín Escondido (Hidden Garden Villa).

In addition to being the country’s capital, San José is the largest city in Costa Rica, with a population of 1,415,000. Only 11 kilometers from the airport, Villas Aracari is a secluded sanctuary, surrounded by lush tropical gardens whose resident birds and insects serenade guests at no additional cost. Situated in the grounds’ center is a refreshing pool with entrancing underwater lights, encircled by an inviting sundeck with a partial canopy. The rooms, all well-appointed with their own bathrooms, are truly charming. Our luxurious environs do not go unnoticed or unappreciated, especially on our final night together!

On the eve of our return home, we enjoyed a really fun night and scrumptious catered supper together prepared for us at the compound. Afterward, we gathered for our last group reflection, and concluded with a presentation of Leslie’s Leading Lights & Laurels Awards, a fun evening tradition started at the onset of our trip in which each member was publicly recognized and celebrated in a fun, thoughtful, and spirited manner. As a turning of the page, we focused on the legacy we’ve established together during this shared experience, including how we hope to be remembered by those with whom we came into contact and a recognition of the new friendships we’ve fostered among ourselves as a team. With those themes in mind, our sights cannot help but begin to shift toward our imminent and eagerly anticipated reunion tomorrow with our loved ones.

We woke up went to church street (a market street in Burlington) to eat breakfast. Later we went to ECHO Leahy center for lake Champlain where we got to do an experiment with a zip line on how to safely and efficiently transport a animal (for our experiment it was a eastern spiny soft shell turtle). We learned about all the conservation efforts the science center was actually putting in to help endangered wildlife in Vermont. On top of that we got to explore the medium where there were a ton of fun things and science experiments we could play out.

After that we got in our vans and went to the Ben & Jerry’s. At Ben & Jerry’s we bought some souvenirs and took a tour where we saw the whole ice cream making progress and sampled some ice cream.

After that we went to syrup farm where we learned about the maple syrup making progress, its importance in Vermont, and we saw some goats. After we went to a mall and had lunch there. After we ended our day by checking into our hotel.

Thursday: The Cost of War II: Frederick 
Steve Kim
On Thursday we drove an hour to Frederick to head to the National Civil War Medicine Museum. On the way we learned that Frederick is not named after Frederick Douglass, but one of the last Lord Baltimore, Frederick Calvert. In the museum, we learned many exhibits relevant to the Civil War such as amputation and the lack of germ theories leading to casualties majorly caused by the infection. We also learned many things about drugs and diseases common back then and the development of the first ambulance system. We learned that Clara Barton founded the Red Cross and considerably helped people around the world by leading fundraisers for medical supplies and food.

Next, we headed to the cemetery where Francis Scott Key, a poet who wrote The Star-Spangled Banner. There, we also found that Supreme Court Chief Justice Roger Taney who made the Dredd Scott v Sanford decision is also buried in the cemetery. There was a bust of him and, next to it, a plaque explaining this key case that denied civil rights to African Americans seeking freedom. We had about 20 minutes to explore the historical cemetery and got a talk by Allison on gravestone typology across the centuries. Catherine Risen found her own ancestor’s grave here!

 

THURSDAY, MARCH 20 (DAY 6)
REFLECTIONS
Day 6 and surf’s up! Following breakfast, it was our opportunity to take surfing lessons and see who among us could catch a wave…or at least clumsily stand up on the board long enough and with the hope that someone captures photographic proof. Within walking distance of our accommodations, Colonia Beach forms part of Marino Ballena National Park, established in 1992 to serve as an oasis for sea species, including as a protected area for humpback whale migration (NOTE: ballena means whale in Spanish). This national park consists of its aquatic area (12,800 acres), visited by migrating humpback whales who come to breed in the warmer tropical waters off the Central American coast, as well as terrestrial area (420 acres) that spans the Pacific coastline to include Ballena Beach, Colonia Beach, Uvita Bay Beach and Piñuela Beach. Among the park’s treasures is the famous Tómbolo, an amazing natural phenomenon at Punta Uvita that at low tide showcases a large whale-tail formation in the sand.

On a picture perfect day, our access to the national park came by way of Colonia Beach, a stunningly pristine and exotic cove, nestled and protected within a widearching bay, dotted with picturesque rocky island outcrops on the horizon, far beyond the breakers. Like natural sentries, the beachfront is guarded by giant coconut palms. The beach, with its granular gray sands, is as wide and long as its waters are warm and inviting. It is a beach straight out of a Hollywood scout’s search for a movie location for Robinson Crusoe or Castaway. It is also idyllic for beginner surfers like us, as the entry grade is remarkably gradual, with modest and perpetually rolling waves, and not a single rock along the seafloor. 

Hailing from Costa Rica, USA, and Belgium, our four instructors were excellent and encouraging, beginning with a detailed onland tutorial, followed by dividing us up into groups of four and heading out with us, no deeper than chest height, in designated sections assigned to each group, and championing us all the way. In no time, most were finding success and all were having a blast! Those who preferred not to surf waded out with the group to cheer us on. By noon we were sunkissed and had worked up an appetite. Agreeing that we should avoid the intensity of the midday sun in this equatorial region, everyone welcomed the opportunity to decompress back at our accommodations after lunch where some jumped at the chance to practice a classic Hispanic siesta, others jumped into the refreshing pool, and still others enthusiastically raided the adjacent market of its local snack foods and ice cream. Afterward, but before dinner, we created two opportunities: 1) Leslie and Matt led a group back to the beach for one last frolic in the sand and 2) Eduardo stayed back at the hotel for those who just wanted to extend their downtime on the hotel’s premises.

Having soaked in plenty of fun in the sun today, our evening, gentler by design, consisted of dinner and an earlier group reflection, affording everyone a little extra time before turning in ahead of our penultimate day together and road trip back to San José.

Today we went on a tour of the voodoo museum and walked around NOLA with our tour guides. We learned a lot about the history of voodoo and how it is commonly known as something evil which it is in fact not. We then picked up a few SSFS alums that now go to Tulane and went out to lunch at a nice cafe. We learned a lot about their experiences in New Orleans and Tulane. After lunch, we went to Studio Be and had tour guides show us around. Studio Be is a showcase of black-community art displaying strength and empowerment. We then went back to the condo to clean up and ended our day with dinner in the French Quarter and a late-night ice cream run.

 

Gullah Geechee - Mar. 19
by Daniel, Jay, Ian, Phoebe, and Elana

On Wednesday, our group visited the International African American Museum in Charleston, SC, and it was one amazing experience. As soon as we entered, the museum's deep history and vibrant displays captured my attention. It was amazing to walk through the exhibits that showcased the journey and resilience of African Americans, from the horrors of slavery to the triumphs of the civil rights movement. But one exhibit that really stood out to me was the Mardi Gras exhibit. I didn't realize that the traditions of Mardi Gras in New Orleans have such deep African American and Native American roots. The exhibit displayed colorful costumes, masks, and artwork, which was so eye-catching and full of life. I was fascinated by how the beads, the parades, and the lively music were all influenced by African customs and rituals brought to America during the slave trade. It was incredible to learn that what we now associate with Mardi Gras, like the vibrant floats and street celebrations evolving like the people that lived on the land.

After the museum and lunch, we visited the McLeod Plantation, a historic cotton farm dating back to the 18th century. Spanish moss floats suspended from the stately oaks that flank the main house, giving the property a haunting beauty that’s hard to describe—a feeling made all the more impactful by the space’s weighty past. However, our guide pointed out, that’s not how it always looked. From Confederate headquarters to Freedman’s Bureau to sharecropping center, we learned about the plantation’s turbulent history and its eventual remodeling and whitewashing. We also learned about history of Sea Island Cotton and the lives of the enslaved people who cultivated it. Overall, it was one of the most memorable and impactful moments of the trip.

The visit helped me understand the hard lives of enslaved people. One of the most shocking things was seeing how small their houses were. These tiny homes, often just one room, were very cramped and uncomfortable. They had no privacy and the roofs would sometimes leak. The conditions were very harsh. Even after the Civil War ended slavery, life didn't get much better for many African Americans. Sharecropping became common, where the former enslaved worked on the same land as before, but now they worked for pay. Still, they had to give part or sometimes all of  their crops and profit to the landowner in exchange for supplies. This left many trapped in a cycle of debt and poverty. As I looked at the small houses, I realized how little had changed for these people, even after they were free. The visit helped me understand how hard it was to escape the past, and how the end of slavery didn't always mean freedom or better opportunities. The experience reminded me of how unfair things were for many African Americans after the war.

On Wednesday in the evening, we went to the Isle of Palms beach. The water was very cold so only a few people went in while others laid out on towels, went for walks, played baseball, or collected seashells. After the beach, we had a delicious dinner at Page’s Okra Grill. They had a fixed menu for us with the school name and logo on the menu. We got to have authentic Low Country food. My group particularly enjoyed the shrimp and grits.

Thursday, 3/20 - DC Central Kitchen
Shane
Today our group headed up to DC early in the morning to assist DC Central Kitchen in food prep. DC Central Kitchen is a nonprofit that aids in the fight against hunger through job creation and training. We put on our hair nets and aprons and began to cut vegetables and fruits to be delivered later to people in need. We then ate some delicious food at the DC Central Kitchen Cafe and headed back to Campus.

 

Dominican Republic - Mar. 20 
Nathan & Kennedy

Today, day 6 of the trip, was our last full day in the Dominican Republic. It was especially unique to the other days, although similar to Tuesday, because we spent the whole day having fun and getting to experience, for many of us, new things and enjoying the presence of each other. I think one of the things that is going to stick out to me the most in my memory of this day, but also the trip in its entirety, is swimming in the cave. Walking down the steps, I was a little nervous, but after I plunged in and got past the cold water, I really enjoyed getting to swim around and enjoy the calmness of the cave and the clarity of the water. It was particularly breathtaking to get to use Erin’s goggles to see under the surface of the water and look at just how far down it went. Swimming in the cave was definitely one of my favorite activities from the whole week.

After getting out of my comfort zones and swimming in the cave, the group gathered together and reflected on our experience. One of the main things I remember telling my friends was that I felt a strong sense of tranquility and being in such a calm and quite environment I was able to center my thoughts and reflect on how I want to change my mindset for the future. Our group then went into to the beautiful town of Bayahibe to eat food and explore the city. When we got there I couldn’t help but notice the hustle and bustle of the residents and their strong sense of pride for the place they live in. 

 We transitioned from enjoying the city and its delicious local food to snorkeling. As we walked to get the gear I was a little nervous, as I haven’t snorkeled in what seemed forever, but when I asked my friends (the ones that have done this a multitude of times) for advice they were quick to calm my nerves, which I am extremely thankful for. The first spot we visited was near a hotel on the left side of the bay and gearing up and exploring the beautiful underwater world that our tour guides so kindly brought us to filled me with nothing short than a strong sense of awe and gratitude. The crystal clear water and beautiful fishes coupled with the laughter and excitement of all my friends and leaders really tied that experience together. 

To end our day, we did a closing ceremony and at the beginning, Talia briefly spoke to us about the true meaning and impact of reflecting on this trip and the way that this experience is unique to only the people that were a part of this trip. When Talia was speaking, I was really moved thinking about the impact that this trip had for me. Not only did I experience a lot of new things, seeing new places and trying new foods, but I also learned a lot and I did it with people that I previously did not have many connections with. Knowing that only the people on this trip, both the students and the leaders, are capable of fully understanding, as Talia mentioned, the jokes and memories throughout the past couple of days really struck me and helped wrap up in my mind how important and enjoyable this trip really was for me. 

 

We are enjoying the Music City!!  Here are some pictures from the Vanderbilt Men’s baseball game (they won AND scored a grand slam); The Taylor Swift bench in Centennial Park; our visit to the National Museum of African American Music, which was amazing and one of the best museums ever; and our Project Cure service.  More to come! 

 

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 19 (DAY 5)

THOUGHT OF THE DAY: PERCEPTION VS. REALITY ARE TWO DIFFERENT THINGS

Having reached Day 5 of 8 of our Costa Rican adventure, and while we can certainly each appreciate Dorothy’s famous claim that “there’s no place like home,” it’s also hard to believe that we already find ourselves closer to the end of this special shared experience than the beginning. I think this sense of unexpected melancholy is a bittersweet testament to how fast time has flown, how close we’ve grown together, and how fortunate we continue to feel.

Day 5 would also mark a new chapter in our journey, as we said goodbye to one of Costa Rica’s northernmost provinces, Alajuela, in search of new adventures in its most southern, Puntarenas. To get there would be an adventure in and of itself. While only 159 miles, a combination of geography and infrastructure would make today’s trek to the Pacific Ocean beach town of Uvita nearly 7 hours to see for ourselves why Costa Rica was named the Rich Coast.

Getting to Uvita from Crisley Farm requires crossing the country’s Central Mountains east to west. Beginning with our final views of Arenal Volcano, this entails countless switchbacks up and down the range, and includes passing through different biomes, from the tropical rainforest up into the cloud forest, and then back down the other side of the range to the deciduous forest until reaching the Pacific coastline, eventually reaching Uvita approaching sunset. On route, we saw scarlet macaws perched, a two-toed sloth lounging upside down, and Capuchin monkeys swinging around in their natural habitats!

With a desire to see the sun set at 5:45pm, we quickly dropped off our things in our rooms and made our way down to the beach. Playa Colonia, nestled within Marino Ballena National Park is a pristine stretch of Pacific coastline that feels like a hidden paradise. This secluded beach is known for its wide, golden sands, framed by lush tropical jungle and rolling green hills that seem to embrace the shoreline. Unlike the more crowded beaches in Costa Rica, Playa Colonia remains wonderfully tranquil, offering a serene escape into nature. 

As the sun dipped toward the horizon, the sky ignited with a breathtaking palette of gold, crimson, and soft lavender. The vast Pacific stretched endlessly before us, its rhythmic waves lapping gently against the shore, reflecting the sun’s final, fiery embrace. Silhouettes of palm trees and the distant, misty outline of jungle-clad hills framed the scene, adding a quiet grandeur to the moment. A warm, salty breeze drifted through the air and our initial happiness and laughter slowly surrendered to awe, mesmerized by nature’s grand performance. The sand, still warm from the day's sun, felt soft beneath our feet, and as we stood in quiet reverence, the world seemed to slow. The vibrant colors faded into deep indigos and silvery moonlight, leaving behind a sense of peace—serene, profound, and unforgettable.
The sun dipping below the horizon, not unlike the curtain closing on a show, served as our cue to head back to our hotel for dinner. During dinner, the staff hosted a trivia night. This SSFS Quiz Bowl Coach is quite proud to share that we emerged victorious, and by a landslide. We learned that it is customary for the winners of trivia night – overwhelmingly adults – to be treated to a round of drinks on the house. Recognizing and impressed by our youth, the staff very thoughtfully created a colorful non-alcoholic concoction of orange juice and grenadine for each member of our team to celebrate a victory toast together.

Afterward, we gathered in the courtyard for our fifth group reflection ahead of what Day 6 has in store for us.

Our fourth day in New Orleans began with a lovely breakfast at Café du Monde where we enjoyed beignets and chicory coffee. After we finished our food, we walked through the sculpture garden on our way to the New Orleans Museum of Art. Once there, we were split up into groups and enjoyed a guided tour from a docent who gave us a deeper understanding of the art on display. Then for lunch, we ate in the museum restaurant.

With a slight mishap in our plans to ride bikes and boats around the park, we ended up going back to our condo to regroup. After composing ourselves a bit, we drove to the French Quarter and explored all of the shops and other experiences. Our night ended with takeout Thai food for dinner and a lovely talk from Tracy Lucas, who is an author who wrote a book about the New Orleans area. We were able to hear a passage from the book and ask any questions we might have specifically about the book or anything surrounding being an author. All in all, the day was wonderful and we’re looking forward to the next day and what is to come ahead of us.

Wednesday: The Cost of War I: Antietam Battlefield & Transcribing
Henry Navikas

We arrived at the Antietam National Battlefield around 10am and started the tour at the Dunker church. Allison taught us about the Dunkers, and how there were civilians at the battlefield. The Dunkers, also known as the German Baptist Brethren or Brethren, are similar to Quakers because they are pacifists and believe in simplicity.

Next we went over to some artillery pieces where Mark taught us how cannons were fired in the Civil War. Then we went through several stops following the positions and movements of the Union and Confederate troops at the battle, such as the cornfield where Union troops marched through towards the Dunker church. Mark even had some examples of the bullets used during the battle.

Next we went to the center of the battle, where the Mumma farm is. We learned about how the farmhouse was burned by the Confederates to stop the Union from putting snipers in it. Fortunately, the Mummas already knew the battle was coming and hid in a church away from the battlefield, so they all survived even though their property was completely destroyed.

We ate lunch during the tour at the Sunken Road. The old wagon road made a perfect natural trench for the Confederates, who used it to cut down Union troops as they charged across the field. The Union managed to get around the defenses and cut down the Confederates who were now trapped in their trench. The Confederates retreated, but McClellan didn’t press the advantage.

We then went to the beautiful stone Burnside Bridge where the Union forces stormed across, being shot at relentlessly while running only a few men across, and deflected Confederate forces. Ultimately, we had a lot of opinions when we learned the significance of Antietam was threefold: Firstly, General McClellan could have decisively won both the battle and the war in one day, but hesitated so long that the Confederates retreated, leading to three more bloody years of war. Secondly, this was one of the bloodiest days in American history: almost 23,000 dead in one day, for what? Lastly, since the North successfully prevented the South from bringing the war into Union states, Lincoln felt confident enough to issue the Emancipation Proclamation, turning the war into an ideological one about abolition.

New England Intersession - Mar. 19 
Cecilia and Evie
After driving from Gloucester Massachusetts to Burlington Vermont, we were able to explore and enjoy some lunch from the various restaurants and stores on church street! We were then welcomed by the Burlington Friends Meeting who took us to Mercy Connections, an organization that specializes in the education of refugees and asylum seekers. Before heading back to the Burlington Friends house, we had the opportunity to see the beautiful water! We then went back to the meeting and observed and learned from the Climate Activists Collective, a group of college climate activists who shared with us their approach to change. We were also pleased with the presence of SSFS alum Timo Evans '24! Our day concluded with a meeting for worship before closing out for the night. 

 

Dominican Republic - Day 5
 -Juliette and Jacob
On day 5, we had an early breakfast, allowing us to complete all of the great activities we had planned. It was our final of the three work-days, so we set out for the batey and got straight to work. Both work groups put the finishing touches on their projects, but things really came down to the wire. The final house we worked on needed a new porch, and so both groups combined to form a massive assembly line, accompanied by cement shovelers and mixers. Many students commented that this was the dirtiest work day of the three, with most of us coming back from the batey completely covered with the cement mix. It was a bittersweet goodbye to La Plaza; it was refreshing to see all of our hard work come to life in the matter of a few days, but giving our final hugs to the people of the community was difficult. 

After another delicious lunch, we made a short trip down the road to ImpACTA, a children’s sports and education foundation ran by former MLB player Manny Acta. When Acta was the general manager for the Washington Nationals, news reporters from the Washington Times and Washington Post asked about his hometown, and so they all made the voyage down to Consuelo. Acta was distraught to discover the poor conditions of the baseball fields in his hometown, so he started ImpACTA, which helps blend the field with the classroom for young Dominicans. Students took batting practice on one of the main fields at the complex, and interacted with the hundreds of players ranging from ages 6 through 18. Our time at ImpACTA was filled with baseball and interacting with the kids while teaching them some new words and sentences in English from the posters we worked on the night prior. Working with the kids helped us build a deeper connection to the local community along with improving our Spanish speaking and writing skills. The children were engaged and ready to learn which made the experience more enjoyable and fun for everyone after our time at the worksite.

After our time at ImpACTA we headed back to Ascala for a fun Salsa and Bachata dance lesson. Most of us not knowing how to Salsa dance were a bit rusty at first but began to warm up as the lesson started. We lined up as we got the hang of it and continued to dance with multiple partners. We ended the lesson with a dance circle and took turns rotating partners to go in the middle as a perfect ending to our day at work. 

Wednesday, 3/19 - Common Root Farm
By Hurston
We spent the day outside on a farm where we helped out in various ways while getting lots of vitamin D and playing fetch with a very friendly dog. My group started off with moving sandbags and folding tarps so that the farmer could start getting the ground ready for planting. We also cultivated soil in greenhouses which was satisfying; however, we did have to be mindful about the heat. Due to a mixture of humidity and a lack of wind, it increased substantially while inside. In the afternoon my group spent the time weeding plots of spinach in a greenhouse. It was a great choice of activity for the afternoon since the work we did in the morning left us quite tired. 

 

We are at the halfway point - 2 days down and 2 days to go!

It has been a really full schedule and busy trip! Here are some fun facts and pictures that the 9th grade team wanted to share:

The students and faculty have walked approximately 48,000 steps or more in the past two days. We have walked the city of Philadelphia!

• In our travels we have visited
  • Reading Market - everyday for lunch - The students have navigated the space and experienced some great food
  • The Franklin Institute - https://fi.edu/en
  • Magic Gardens - https://www.phillymagicgardens.org/
  • Independence Hall & Liberty Bell Tours 
  • Arch Street Meeting House - Tour, Meeting for Worship and Community Service
  • Ghost Tour - It was really cold the 1st evening - we ended the tours a few minutes early
  • We had a walking Mural Tour - the tour guide attached below and here is the map - 9th Grade Intersession Mural Map 2025
  • Bowling at Lucky Strike -  bowling, ping pong & pool tables, games, good food and the special treat - "Insomnia Cookies" 

We have been busy and the students have been amazing with the fluctuating weather and the busy schedule. Today is another busy day but tomorrow is the best: we will be visiting the Friends Center for a Tour and information about the work done there. We will finish the trip with a Meeting for Worship with Friends Select, a local friends high school in the city of Philadelphia.

 

TUESDAY, MARCH 18
“COMING TOGETHER IS A BEGINNING, KEEPING TOGETHER IS PROGRESS, AND WORKING TOGETHER IS SUCCESS”

Waking up in the Costa Rican countryside is a treat for the senses, with its lush, vibrant landscape teeming with life. The first hints of dawn emerge as the sky shifts from deep indigo to soft shades of pink, orange, and gold that slowly give way to a cerulean blue sky, punctuated by pillowy white clouds. Dewdrops on the leaves glisten like tiny diamonds, and the crisp morning air carries the faint scent of damp soil and fresh greenery. The sounds of animals, domestic, farm, and wild, mix with the call and response of countless chirping birds. As guests at Crisley Farm, it has been special to be able to experience this unique rhythm of rural life.

Following breakfast on Day 4, it was time to finish what we started, returning to the nearby neighborhood of El Barrio Invu, to put the finishing touches on what we had started the day prior and determined to get the job done today. Essentially, from 8:30 am to 3:45 pm, under the unforgiving Alajuela sun, our determined, and lathered and covered up group finished painting the Catechism School and tackled the demanding task of mixing and pouring concrete with nothing but sheer willpower, teamwork, and a traditional mechanical mixer. The air was thick with dust and humidity, the sweat soaking through our clothes within minutes, and the relentless heat radiating off the ground, making every movement feel heavier. The process itself is a cycle of manual endurance:

• Shoveling sand and gravel into buckets or wheelbarrows, then hoisting them up to dump into the mixer.
• Hauling bags of cement, ripping them open, and dumping the fine, powdery contents in—coating skin, hair, and clothes in a thin layer of gray dust.
• Adding water, watching the drum churn as the mix thickens into a dense, heavy sludge.
• Pouring the wet concrete into wheelbarrows and pushing the loaded, backbreaking weight across uneven ground.
• Dumping and spreading the mix with shovels and trowels, smoothing it out before it begins to harden.

And then—again, and again, and again.

Breaks are brief but necessary respites—just long enough to guzzle water, wipe the grit from our faces, and catch our breath before diving back in. The midday lunch break offers a welcome and delectable moment of relief, but stepping back into the afternoon sun feels even more brutal. Muscles burn from repetition, backs ache from bending, and hands grow raw from gripping shovels and wheelbarrows.

Yet, through the exhaustion, something powerful happens: laughter between tasks, the silent nods of encouragement, the gritty determination to push through. By the final pour, our bodies are spent, but our spirits are lifted—the physical proof of our labor now set in stone beneath our feet. It's tough work, but it's also transformative—a shared struggle that forges resilience, camaraderie, and a deep respect for the labor that builds communities. In the end, the previous record by any student group had been completing four 6-feet by 12-feet sections of poured concrete in a day and half shift. We completed 12 in the same timeframe. To say that the patriarchs and matriarchs of the community were stunned and filled with gratitude would be an understatement. They’d never seen anything like it and it says a lot about the quality of character of this group of ours with their admirable si se puede and uno más mindset. In fact, for the first time ever, they made a choice to have us place our hand prints in the wet concrete to commemorate our group. That is something that they’d never done with any another group before.

Exhausted but proud, we learned our transportation to take us back to Crisley Farm was running twenty minutes late due to traffic. To pass the time, we spotted a group of Costa Rican schoolchildren kicking around a worn soccer ball on a dusty field. With a few friendly gestures and excited smiles, we asked if they’d like to join us for a quick game, and within moments, teams were forming, laughter echoing under the warm afternoon sun. Shoes were kicked off, language barriers dissolved, and the game became a blur of passes, cheers, and playful competition. By the time our transportation arrived, we were all breathless and grinning, knowing we had shared something far more meaningful than just a game—a fleeting but unforgettable moment of connection.

After another delicious dinner, we were treated to a vibrant and lively celebration of the country's rich cultural heritage by way of a traditional Costa Rican folkloric dance performance by a local ensemble. A feast for our ears and eyes, the ladies wore long, ruffled skirts (polleras) with bright colors, lace, and embroidered details, paired with white blouses with puffed sleeves, and flowers in their hair, while the gentleman looked dashing in his crisp shirt, pants, sash, and wide-brimmed hat (sombrero). Inspired by Costa Rica’s traditions and indigenous, Spanish, and African influences, the dancers, in group formations, showcased graceful twirls, flirtatious and playful interactions, energetic footstomping and quick steps, smiling expressions, lively gestures, and dramatic flair, accompanied by a musical medley of accordians, guitars, marimbas, drums and other percussive instruments, like the quijongo, all of which made for an engaging and culturally enriching experience. After their performance, they invited our group to join and learn from them, including letting members of our party try on their elaborate flowing skirts and exercise the various spinning and waving techniques.

But that’s not all, as Crisley led us on a nocturnal tour of the farm where we got to see what we had come to know through a different lens. We even saw and learned about poison dart frogs, a specific species nicknamed Blue Jeans for their adorable blue legs that contrast their body’s red alert warning signal. To wind down, we took part in our fourth group reflection, focused on today’s fitting theme: “Coming together is a beginning, keeping together is progress, and working together is success.”

Undoubtedly, our stay at Crisley Farm and service in El Barrio Invu, both in the northern province of Alajuela, has been enriching, productive and memorable. Tomorrow, our caravan carries us onward, in search of new adventures. We’ll be heading southwest, to the southernmost province, Puntarenas, bound for the breathtaking beaches along Costa Rica’s Pacific coastline that form the Marino Ballena National Park.

For photos, please visit the Costa Rica Intersession SSFS Vidigami Page (users will need to login to their portal page for single sign-on access to Vidigami)

DAY 3: Tuesday, 3/18/25 
Mars - Aden - Maxine
We started the day with a relaxing breakfast in our cabins, enjoying the morning calm before heading to Habitat for Humanity. There, we spent the day putting siding on houses, working together to help build homes for families in need. After the hard work, we took a break and headed to a nearby river beach, where we played cards in the sun and soaked in the beautiful weather. We even spotted one of the only wild populations of Venus flytraps.

To cap off the afternoon, we had a cookout with burgers, hot dogs, and some delicious homemade apple cobbler As the evening rolled in, we made our way to the arcade for some fun. We raced go-karts, laser tag, and collected a handful of prizes along the way, making it the perfect end to an exciting and rewarding day.

 

Tuesday, 3/18 - Blueberry Gardens and Tanglewood Flower Farm
By Mattis
During today's day we visited two farms. The first was Blueberry Gardens in Ashton and the second was Tanglewood Flower Farm. In the morning, we did some work that consisted of digging to uproot blueberry bushes and transplant them in other beds that are healthier. We also used broadforms to prepare beds for sowing.

 

Gullah Geechee Intersession - Mar. 16 & 17
By Omri, Jituu, DeeDee, Monica, and Eden with pics by Bruce

We started our Monday at 6:30 am in BWI Terminal 2. We all met up in our group and headed over to TSA. After about 10 of us getting our bags checked by security, we finally made it out of TSA and went to our gate. We had more than enough time when we arrived at our gate so we split up into little groups and got our breakfast. Eventually, our gate line started to fill up and we boarded the plane. We got on our plane easily; however, the turbulence was not an easy feeling. Some students questioned whether they were on a plane or a roller coaster. After two hours, we arrived at the Charleston airport, which looked like Florida. We stepped out got a fresh breeze of the Charleston air and started our journey to the hotel.

We left the airport and headed for Fort Sumter. We took a boat to the Fort. On the way we saw some interesting sights and learned information such as how the first shots of the Civil War were fired there and the first two casualties of the war were an accident. When we landed on the Fort there was a tour guide who took us around the island. We learned that Fort Sumter started off occupied by Union soldiers but then later got taken over by the confederacy. When we got back to the dock, we went to the gift shop and saw some pretty cool and expensive items. Overall the experience was very educational but also very fun.

On Tuesday, we had an early start to our day, departing the from the hotel at around 7:30. After an hour long drive, we arrived at the first Fields to Families farm ready to start our service. We were surprised to find the field completely empty. After communicating with our fields to families partners, we divided into two groups at different locations for our morning service. Our group drove to an elementary school nearby to plant seeds in a community garden. We learned about the farmers almanac, which is a guide for the best times to plant different seeds, as well as the difference of fibrous and tap roots. We then traveled to a delicious seafood lunch at Gilligan's and after made our way to another farm. There we harvested collard greens as well as weeding unwanted invasive species until 5 where we ended our day and drove home.

MONDAY, MARCH 17
WORD OF THE DAY: TEAMWORK

Our first two days in Costa Rica were designed to allow us some time to acclimate and coalesce as a team. Fittingly, Day 3 would mark the beginning of our service work together, and this is often where the proverbial curds get separated from the whey – what seems a fitting idiom considering this is being written from a cheese farm.

Following a wonderful buffet breakfast that included a deliciously refreshing and creamy strawberry yogurt drink made on the farm, we headed over to tour and help out at Proyecto Asis, a wildlife sanctuary for all kinds of native animals that have been rescued, and are being rehabilitated and prepared to be released into their natural habitats. While it is illegal in Costa Rica to have any native species as pets, the sad and frustrating reality remains that some carelessly disregard the law and ultimately find themselves in over their heads at some point down the line. In other cases, wild animals are harmed by predators, like jaguars, pumas and ocelots, and/or in the name of human progress, be it from coming into contact with moving vehicles, live electrical wires, etc. The noble work of those at Proyecto Asis is truly selfless and admirable! We saw some stunning species of birds in their distinct phases of rehabilitation, from Green and Red Macaws and Yellow Throated Toucans to Boat-billed Herons, an Owl, Parrots and Parakeets. We were also introduced to some unique mammals, from a Pecari, Coati, and Margay, a truly gorgeous yet near-threatened arboreal feline, to White-faced Capuchins and Spider Monkeys. But the best part of our time at Proyecto Asis was the opportunity afforded our group to learn of each unique patients’ diet and then prepare the animals’ afternoon meals, including selecting, cutting, weighing and stuffing their dinner menu into stimulating enrichment accessories, and then going about the park with the ranger to watch our furry and feathered friends enjoy the fruits (and vegetables) of our labor.

Afterwards, we drove to the town’s community center, directly across from the primary school (Kindergarten-6th Grade), where we were greeted upon arrival to celebratory fanfare and served a generous lunch prepared with love and care by our gracious and grateful hosts, the neighborhhod’s patriarchs – Don Mario, Don Rolando, and Don Ricardo – and matriarchs – Doña Mayela, Doña Ana Isabel, Doña Elizabeth, Doña Damaris, Doña Cecilia (1) y Doña Cecilia (2), Doña Rosi, Doña Luisa, Doña Ana, Doña Rocio and Doña Andrea. In Spanish, the titles “Don” and “Doña” are reserved for special community elders recognized for their wisdom, experience, and dedication to the wellbeing of those that surround them.

For geographical context, and from largest to smallest, we are currently staying in the province of Alajuela, one of Costa Rica’s seven provinces. Within the province of Alajuela, we are in El Cantón de San Ramón (one of Costa Rica’s 81 territories). Within this cantón there are many districts, including ours – El Distrito de Peñas Blancas, whose largest city, La Fortuna, is 20 minutes away. But our service was performed in the neighborhood of El Barrio Invú. The aforementioned patriarchs and matriarchs of this quaint neighborhood are the overseers of the town’s community hall. As is customary, these small towns are built around a soccer field, with the local school on one side and the church and recreation center on the other, all of which are surrounded by modest single family homes. “I approve of their priorities,” says this Argentine fútbol aficionado.

With our day’s theme appropriately focused on teamwork, today’s task was to twofold: 1) paint the exterior of the community center’s Catechism School an inviting yellow and 2) build a lengthy concrete sidewalk from scratch. Working in two teams of 8 students and 1 teacher our groups either painted diligently or mixed, transported, and poured concrete, stopping only for the occasional well-earned hydration break. It was very special to be approached privately by one of the patriarchs who went out of his way to share with me that, while they host and work alongside many student groups, few work as hard as we did. As I shared with the group later, I firmly believe that the measure of a life is a treasure of love and respect. To have earned the love and respect of the community elders was very gratifying. Another of our other biggest fans is our guide, Matt, who has been struck by our group’s courtesy, promptness, engagement and adherence. While not surprising, it makes us very proud to know what a positive and indelible impression our Sandy Spring Friends School student-ambassadors are making on this intersession. In the end, and between Proyecto Asis and El Barrio Invú, we put in a full day’s work and the results were rather impressive and gratifying, completing notably more than our hosts anticipated. It was also fun, as we passed the time chit-chatting among ourselves and getting to know one another increasingly better. That said, between the significant labor and the hot and humid weather, we were definitively spent by the end of the work day!

As a special treat, Matt drove us to a market where everyone was given the opportunity to explore and select a local snack and refreshing beverage of their choice at Global Works’ generous expense. From there, back to Crisley Farm where most chose to soothe their weary bones in the pool ahead of a much-appreciated spaghetti dinner, followed by some fun games, and our third group reflection. Pura vida!

For photos, please visit the Costa Rica Intersession SSFS Vidigami Page (users will need to login to their portal page for single sign-on access to Vidigami) - https://app.vidigami.com/ssfs/c3BhY2V8MzAx/albums/ZXZlbnR8NzUwMjk0
 

March 16, 2025
-Aria, Audrey, Noel

Hello from Puerto Rico day 2!! We woke up bright and early this morning at 6:30 to get ready for our walking tour of old San Juan! We had an array of breakfast foods including assorted fruits, French toast sticks, avocado toast, and egg bites. We drove to old San Juan and met our tour guide Alvin (he was human, not chipmunk affiliated). While on the tour we learned about many significant historical events and visited the relevant landmarks like the wall and the governors mansion, and were visited by many stray kitties. Our tour guide Alvin was a bit of a jokester and kept us entertained for our whole five hour trek (lunch included).

After a Puerto Rican lunch of tostones and chicken, we had the opportunity to explore the different shops in old San Juan and some of us had virgin piña coladas!! Alvin the jokester had earnestly mentioned he had only been working for four days, and we later came to realize he had been working for 18+ years. While at the fortress of El Morro we had the opportunity to witness possibly one of the greatest bathroom views in the western hemisphere (IN THE largest fortress in the western hemisphere). During our walking tour, we got to cheer on the participants of half an ironman competition! But then, later on the same ironman caused a tremendous amount of traffic in the scalding hot van. On the bright side, that extremely warm van took us to pick up our pal Kenji, so we now have one more addition to our adventure.

Later on, we went to the beach and played water volleyball (we have greatly improved on since day 1, and were able to make it to 16 touches as a group). We supported a local ice cream vendor who had great coconut, passion fruit, and rainbow flavors. Then we came home and had an intense match of 4 on 5 volleyball, and some dunking practice on the low hoop. After this, we had a lively conversation about cryptocurrency over a very yummy dinner. Lastly we watched a documentary about food culture and politics in Puerto Rico by Anthony Bourdain. This short film sparked an insightful conversation about our role in improving the future of Puerto Rico (while eating cupcakes). Stay tuned for day three!!

DAY 1: Sunday, 3/16/25 
Emily - Annelise - Aidan
On the first day of the trip we went to school, said goodbye to our families, and loaded into the vans to embark on our trip to Wilmington. The drive was six hours, and we stopped at a gas station called Sheetz halfway through. When we arrived, we settled into our cabins, went to dinner at Boathouse Restaurant, and bought groceries at Publix. By the time the was done, it was pretty late, so we went back to the campsite and went to bed. 

DAY 2: Monday, 3/17/25 
Elijah - Joshua - Cullen
Today, we went to the Friends School of Wilmington (FSW) in Wilmington, NC (where our former SFSS Head of Enrollment Management, Tony McCudden now works as the FSW Head of School. While at FSW, we met with staff from the Plastic Ocean Project for a lesson in plastic pollution and its effect on marine life. We also completed an art project using recycled plastic materials.  From there, we went to a local park with the staff from the Trees for Trash program to clean up. The Trees for Trash program uses trash collection of local parks to raise money used to plant new trees.  For every 20 pounds of trash, funds are given to plant one new tree. Fun Fact: During park clean up, we found a nearly brand new football that’s now our group toss game.

We visited Pops Diner in Carolina Beach for lunch – enjoyed big portions of burgers, hotdogs, tacos, chicken fingers, hush puppies, onion rings and tons of tasty milkshakes. After filling our bellies, we went to the Aquarium in Fort Fisher where we saw otters and other sea life – jellyfish, seahorses, mini sharks, two alligators including one that is albino and tons of fish. We ended our day by having Smithfield’s BBQ and Kale Me Crazy for a pretty tasty dinner of ribs, potato salad, chicken wings, pulled pork, mac & cheese (that most of us were not loving - Lol) along with quinoa salad, Caesar salad and washing it down with water and sodas before hanging out before 11 pm lights out.

 

Day 2: Sandy Spring Museum and  the Josiah Henson Museum
By Christopher S.

Today we began our day with a brief lesson on the reality and risk of escaping slavery especially after the fugitive slave act of 1850. After the lesson we hopped on the bus and headed over to the Sandy Spring Museum. There we met our tour guide who talked to us about museum archival and what artifacts the museum has. We then worked on transcribing old documents. People worked on documents that contained mourning poems, military documents, recorded last words, school papers, and even prayers. I personally worked on a document that was a woman's school essay on the history of the area from 1917-1921. We all learned a lot of vocabulary and how to read difficult 1800s cursive - at the end, 10th grader Catherine exclaimed to the group, “I can understand most of these words!” It was an amazing experience and I will personally spend my free time transcribing documents.

After our time at the Museum we went to historic Sisters, Sandwiches & Such. This restaurant is a sandwich place in Olney that, in the nineteenth century, was run by two women, but because of social norms was owned under their husbands’ names. The sandwiches were delicious.

We then hopped back on the bus and made our way over to the Josiah Henson Museum in nearby Rockville. Josiah Henson was the inspiration behind Harriet Beecher Stowe's revolutionary book Uncle Tom's Cabin. Josiah Henson was an abolitionist, minister and former enslaved person who was enslaved in Rockville. In 1830 Henson freed himself and his family by escaping on the underground railroad to Canada. Harriet Beecher Stowe later met Henson, interviewed him about slavery and then published in the influential book Uncle Tom's Cabin partly based on his experiences. Touring the museum was a moving experience; our group learned just how difficult Henson's early life was on the plantation. Something that personally stuck with me was the kitchen and learning that the chef and his family lived there despite how dangerous it was for not just them…but for any human being. The lack of just basic human decency the family showed was eye opening and reminded me of the privileges I have today that I take for granted. Overall this day was a good day and we learned a lot.

Day 1 was an awesome and exciting experience. We started off by arriving at the airport at 6:00 AM, and ended up in New Orleans by 11 AM. Soon after we landed, we met with SSFS Alum Jacob Pleasure (‘11)to go to the Super Sunday parade where we got to experience some New Orleans culture. After that, we went to Parkway, the original Po Boy spot, and had some delicious sandwiches. We finished our day off as a group in our condo just resting and eating after an eventful first day. It was a pleasure to meet Jacob Pleasure.

 

Monday: Fiber Painting at the Sandy Spring Friends School Museum of Art

We arrived at the Sandy Spring Friends School Museum of Art at the start of the day, filled with excitement for the activities ahead. Students readily participated in a fiber arts workshop led by Milana Borovskaia. During this engaging session, participants of all skill levels had the opportunity to explore a variety of material techniques. Under Milana's guidance, students experimented with different materials and styles, allowing their creativity to flow as they crafted stunning pieces intended for the upcoming auction. The atmosphere was one of inspiration and collaboration, with everyone fully immersed and engaged in the art-making process.

 

March 17

Noah and Zach

On Day 3, we continued our work on mixing cement. Like yesterday, the sun was brutal and we had to drink a lot of water, but the hard work felt good in the end. We were becoming more familiar with the batey we were helping and the people who lived there, especially enjoying time with the kids there. Now that we had watched The Price of Sugar last night, we saw the batey in a new light, now understanding the dark reality that these people are not only extremely poor, but are also being exploited by the sugar plantation companies. We now really saw the importance of our work of helping these people.

On a lighter note, we saw some chickens walking on top of the roofs while we were working, and there was a baby goat running around bleating when we got there, so that was amusing to watch.

Lunch was amazing! All of the group was super appreciative of the work that the chefs put in to make our food everyday. The food was very helpful to rejuvenate and energize the group. It was eye opening to see how the people in the batey live everyday. It was fun speaking to the children that live in the batey; they are super energetic and exited to help the group with their work. Some of the group members were even offered to ride bikes with the kids around the batey. It was a fun break in a long day of work!

Dinner was just as good as lunch. We had empanadas, which were super delicious. There was a bit of a dispute about taking seconds, but it was all in good nature. After all the empanadas were eaten the chefs served another dish, with fruit, eggs, and rice.

Right before dinner we were assigned groups and answered given questions about our personal experience in the trip, which was something that helped us bond. A nun named Ines came to speak to us before the group questions. She spoke about what she does for the community and how we as young people can help further befit the community. It was amazing to hear about her experiences and how long she has been helping out the bateys for. It sounds like she is really doing a great job helping immigrants start a new life in the Dominican Republic. At the end of the day everyone was exhausted and happy, the group ended the day by playing cards as a group.

 

Monday, 3/17 - Shepherd’s Table 

Sienna and Rayna
We helped serve drinks and food at Shepherd’s table. It was a great experience and getting to interact with people was nice. We also helped collect food from the pantry and did some meal prep. It was a fun job, and we enjoyed it very much. In addition, we helped prepare food for today and the next, and we helped serve food and handed out silverware to people. In all, this experience was fun and made us feel grateful for all we have. 

Natalia
I worked in the back before the service, rolling silverware and washing dishes.  Then I went to the front during the service and marked how many men, women, and children were being fed. After the service, I mopped the floors and put up the chairs. It was rewarding to be thanked by the people we were helping.

 

Monday: Underground RR Trail & Odd Fellows Lodge
By Ella C. '27

To start out our day, Mark did a presentation on slavery and freedom in Maryland across centuries, and talked about how Quakers were connected to both. We learned that Sandy Spring has a unique history of having some of the earliest and largest free Black American populations. After getting water, we took the van over to the Underground Railroad Trail, starting at Woodlawn Manor, which belonged to a slave owner named Dr. Palmer (he was Quaker but was expelled due to refusing to give up slavery on his plantation). Next, Mark led us through the trail and explained what people might have had to take into consideration when fleeing from enslavement. We don’t have 100% proof of where Underground Railroad trails were, but Sandy Spring is mentioned and considered as a highly likely location. On the trail, we saw many interesting sights, including a hollow tree people may have hid in, the actual Sandy Spring, and another huge tree–this one Catherine tried to and succeeded in climbing. It was windy but not too cold. After this, we finished our walk by arriving at the Sandy Spring Friends Meetinghouse. There, we did a five minute worship share on thoughts and feelings we had after taking a mere two-mile hike “toward freedom.” 

Afterward, Allison led us through the SSMM graveyard, explaining how Quakers didn’t used to have gravestones, later moved to “pillow” headstones that were more modest, and now use a mixture of styles. We did a scavenger hunt and found the graves of Dr. Palmer’s, Secretary of Interior Henry Ickes, and many families that share names with Sandy Spring buildings, schools, and roads. After looking at all the different tombstones, we went to lunch. 

After lunch, we went to the Odd Fellows Lodge and listened to Brother Albert Gyan give an introduction to the history of his community-based historic group. Dr. Thomas, a playwright, talked about his experience during the Civil Rights Movement, and explained how he uses theatre to teach life skills and engage the community in rights issues. 

Finally, we went back to school, where we transcribed historical documents online from the Sandy Spring Museum’s digital archive. And that was the end of our day!

 

SUNDAY, MARCH 16

“LIFE BEGINS AT THE END OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE”

What a difference a good night’s sleep makes! As taxing as the day prior had been in getting to Costa Rica, we all benefited this morning, as our internal clocks had us feeling well rested by breakfast at 8:00 am Costa Rica time which felt like 10:00 am Maryland time. It didn’t hurt to be awakened to wildlife chirping outside our windows and a soothing morning breeze at our 4,000-foot elevation. Add a breakfast buffet accompanied by fresh fruit, juice, and award-winning Costa Rican coffee, and it’s hard to imagine a nicer way to start Day 2. 

As a group, we’ve committed ourselves to trying to leave things better than we found them, and we’re proud to know that we did just that upon room inspections before our 9:00 am departure. What lay ahead was a stunning drive up and over the Central Corridor. This impressive mountain range essentially divides the country east from west, protruding on a topographical map like Costa Rica’s vertebrae. It’s a mystical-looking land of lush, dense, and fertile vegetation, with leaves named La Sombrilla del Pobre (i.e., The Poor Man’s Umbrella) the size of elephant ears and cascades plummeting from impressive heights, like the picturesque La Paz Waterfall that borders Braulio Carrillo National Park. Traversing these mountains is majestic, but we are also grateful for our driver Carlos whose expertise in navigating each switchback brings comfort and awe. Our faithful Rocinante this trip is a minibus that accommodates our party of 18, plus our Global Works guide Matt, with our bags neatly stacked in the back. Loaded up, today’s destination was Crisley Farm.

The Crisley Family is simply salt-of-the-Earth people! They are also the beneficiaries of a government program dating back to the mid-1900s when a decision was made to purchase unproductive farmland from a disproportionately small handful of massively wealthy landowners to be partitioned and turned into many more productive micro-farming communities. Incentivized during their first two years by government subsidies allowed modest farmers opportunities that otherwise would never have been available to them. Three generations of Crisley’s have turned their once modest plot into a model working farm, rich with natural resources that we had the good fortune of being able to enjoy right out of the earth or tree, from juicy sugarcane to sweet and juicy starfruit. We also admired a plethora of flora and fauna, from wild cilantro, oregano, coconut, mangoes, squash, mint, papaya, guanábana, limes, avocados, pineapples, soursop, bananas, and plantains, along with aloe and other medicinal plants, plus multiple varieties of rice fields, to chickens, chicks, dairy and beef cows, calves, including a newborn born while we were on the premises, piglets, and even two miniscule Pomeranian puppies born this week and still with their eyes closed. Did I mention the flock of yellow-beaked toucans and red macaws that flew in formation as if on parade? 

 

Impressively, the Crisley’s produce over 80% of what they consume and are consummate caretakers of their earth and our Earth, but their farm’s piece de resistance is in their artisanal Mozzarella cheese production which we literally had a hand in making…and a grateful mouthful to taste. Their journey from neophyte hobbyists to fully fledged branded cheese producers is a lesson in stick-to-it-iveness. 

All in all, from a delicious lunch, educational lecture, and Q&A to a cheese-making lesson, dip in the pool, tour of the grounds, delectable dinner, a joyously spirited series of Salsa and Bachata dance lessons led by our enthusiastic dance instructor/tour guide, Matt, and culminating with our second reflection and group share, our first day at Crisley Farm left an indelible (and cheesy) impression on us all. Pura vida!

For photos, please visit the Costa Rica Intersession SSFS Vidigami Page (users will need to login to their portal page for single sign-on access to Vidigami)

STUDENT BLOG POST for MARCH 16

Something that really stood out to me today was the value of selflessness shared with us by Crisley, the farmer whose property we are staying on. While detailing the history of how his small cheese-making endeavor transformed into a well-known business, Crisley described to us the many challenges he faced to reach this point, among those the pandemic during which everything had shut down, fear spread, and people grew isolated. Strikingly, while Crisley was certainly deeply concerned for his family and the implications of his business shutting down, what was even more troubling to him was the impact this would have on the dozen-plus dairy farmers that counted on his business. Despite being on the verge of losing his family’s primary income source, Crisley was especially concerned for those hurt by his lack of business. This story showed a truly admirable down-to-earth realness. I was also happily impressed by the level of passion with which Crisley spoke to us. Even though it was probably his hundredth time giving the tour, it felt like he was telling it to us for the first time. Grateful for the experience we had today, I’m excited for what the future has in store.

By Rosario

March 16

On day 2, we started off the day with a great breakfast to start us off with our first service day! We then headed over and stopped by the store where everything is crazy inexpensive. Definitely gonna miss that. Jackson also taught us a few words in Spanish at breakfast which was nice and helpful. We then got to working with the wheelbarrows and shovels and sand which was tiring but went by pretty fast with us all working together. And while we worked we got to meet some super nice kids in the neighborhood and one of them, Galleria, let Grace hold her baby sister which was adorable. It was super funny to learn the cement making process because we kept making mistakes but nonetheless got it done.

We then started to move the cement, which was arguably the hardest part. But again we got it done!! It felt like the best and most natural workout you ever could’ve gotten. We got to make jokes with the neighborhood kids and got to know a bit about our helpers, Mickey and Orlandito. We listened to great music (playlist made by us :) and although the work was labor intensive and the heat was low-key insane, you started not to notice how hard it felt and just enjoyed how rewarding it felt to do something tiring but important. And even better, the lunch after our first shift was so good.

Once we got back to the batey, we finished putting down cement for the floors and prepared sand for the next day as well. We then took a much needed break with Roberto over some of the best coffee we have ever had. He told us about how he got into working at bateys and helping people in his community. But our favorite part about our conversation was talking about everyone's favorite animals going from dogs all the way to whales. Then we gathered our things and went back for dinner.

After dinner we watched The Price of Sugar about Father Christopher Hatley and his activism for Haitians in bateys. We learned about the harsh conditions Haitians went through for work and how they were treated by the Vicini (Sugarcane Industry Megapower) receiving low wages. Some of the most inspirational moments in the movie was when he built better houses for Haitians and stranded strong against many threats including death threats. The movie taught us a lot about the countries history and a new perspective of the community we worked at. Finally, we had a discussion about the movie and gave shout outs to each other about all of the great work we completed and are looking forward to finishing more work tomorrow!

 

SATURDAY, MARCH 15

Day 1 of our Costa Rica Intersession Adventure began pre-dawn, with a report time of 5:56 am at Washington Dulles International Airport and temperatures in the 40s. Following a brief delay and our 5-hour uneventful flight, by the time we reached Costa Rica, the darkness and chill back home were replaced with sunny skies and 82 degrees in San José. Our desire to dive into the Ticos pura vida lifestyle was briefly stunted by 46 minutes in the airport clearing immigration and customs, as we were not the only clever ones to identify Costa Rica as an idyllic locale this time of year.

Despite the delayed gratification, we couldn’t have been greeted with wider arms and a warmer smile by our experienced and earnest Global Works in-country guide, Matt, who, sensitive to our long journey, took us straight away to refuel at a charming open-aired restaurant in neighboring Alajuela for a delectable lunch where we had pick of the menu of some of the most traditional Tico cuisine, from Gallo Pinto and fried plantains to tortillas, Casado and Picadillo.

Once satiated, the fatigue began to catch up with us following a taxing day of travel. So we were craving the opportunity to go to our accommodations – Villa Jardín Escondido (Hidden Garden Villa) – a secluded compound of two guest houses with a central pool overlooking the cities of Alajuela and San José, not unlike the views of Los Angeles from the Hollywood Hills. Doing so afforded us some precious downtime before dinner under a canopy of stars where everyone decompressed, recouped some energy, and, awed by the sunset and panoramic views, gathered about the pool and surrounding deck filled with laughter and gratitude.

Before dinner, our Guide, Matt, hosted a formal introductory meeting where, among other things, we developed a Community Contract to hold ourselves accountable as a group. Some of the highlights included… 

• Engage enthusiastically with locals—embrace every chance to use your Spanish!
• Be welcoming, encouraging, and inclusive while respecting personal boundaries.
• Stay mindful—read the room and act accordingly.
• Stay open, engaged, and ready for new experiences.
• Bring your best self to uplift those around you.
• Leave places better than we found them.

After a deliciously catered dinner, we gathered for our first reflection and group share, an important educational facet of our shared experience. Having awakened so early this morning, everyone is looking forward to a proper night’s sleep and excited for the special opportunities Day 2 has in store for us.

For photos, please visit the Costa Rica Intersession SSFS Vidigami Page (users will need to login to their portal page for single sign-on access to Vidigami)

March 15, 2025

First, we had to wake up early in the morning to make it to the airport at 5 am. The plane ride was good – we had tons of fun. Many of us took a rest on the plane, and then some of us enjoyed movies as well. The view flying into Puerto Rico was beautiful, and we watched as the JetBlue prediction skipped ahead very quickly, and then boom we were there.

After getting off the plane, there was not a cloud in the sky. The heat was beaming down on us. The humidity and thickness of the air hit us like a wave. We met Fernando, our van driver, and Lauren, our Global Works leader. The pizza we had for lunch was delicious whether it was the cheese, chicken, or pepperoni. The bathrooms in the restaurant, Pirlio, were distinguished by a rooster and a chicken, so that was hard to navigate, until we saw someone coming out.

After lunch, we finally arrived at the Big Yellow House. It was big and yellow, and that was fantastic to see. There were a lot of animals on the property, including a big iguana. We dropped our things, found our rooms, and got ready for the beach. We walked to the beach, which was right up the street. There, we played water volleyball, and some people took a nice walk down the beach. They found a small brown tributary that flows in and out of the ocean. The beach was very beautiful, and the music was bumping. Then, when we walked back, some people went to shower.

Noel obtained three coconuts, with the support of Julia, and proceeded to open the coconuts by force, throwing them on the ground, and we poured the coconut water into cups. It was really fresh!

 

 

Then we had an hour break before dinner, so some folks played Spades, and others did a group ab workout, with leg lifts and planks. We then had dinner which was grilled chicken, salad and potatoes. The potatoes were superb, and the honey mustard added a different dimension of flavor. We went over to the beach volleyball area, where the sand is really hard packed. We played a few rounds of organic beach volleyball, where we followed the rules for sure. Then we had a team meeting about guidelines and how we want to represent ourselves at the Big Yellow House and in Puerto Rico. We talked about what our plan is for the next day, which will be seen in the next blog tomorrow. To be continued…

Peace Out! Peace, love care. Live, laugh, love.

By CJF (aka Charlotte M., Jalynn S., and Finn B.)

March 15, 2025

Our first day of our trip to the Dominican Republic started at 4AM in at the airport. After 2 flights and a 2 hours layover, we landed in the DR. We started off by having pizza on the bus on the way to where we are staying, and started to get a feel for the country.

After we got settled into our rooms, we were brought back downstairs to get to know each other as a group. We started off by introducing ourselves and explaining our reasoning behind why we chose this trip in the first place. We also started to get to know each others comfort zones in a game where the further you are out from the center of a circle of people, the less comfortable you are with the stated activity. This was very insightful and helped us get to know each other on a more personal level, even though we already go to school together.

After completing the ice breaking activities we discussed some house rules, and how we wanted to treat and look after people during the trip. We then all wrote one rule on a sticky note and then shared to the whole group, which eventually resulted in the group coming to a consensus on our rules. We also split up into leader groups that would lead activities during certain times throughout the day. In those leader groups we came up with team names along with handshakes to represent us.

Finally we enjoyed a delicious homemade meal containing mashed potatoes, plantains, salami, eggs, and fruit punch. We enjoyed the dinner as a whole group, just by having simple conversations with no technology during dinner. After dinner we learned about the activities that we will complete tomorrow, which is making cement floors for local communities in need in the DR. Finally, we all shared on thing that we are looking forward to tomorrow, which mostly consisted of people saying helping the community, working with cement, and even using a pick axe.

⁠By ⁠Charlie & Darrion

 

GlobalWorks, our partner for travel to Costa Rica, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic, has confirmed that all three groups have arrived safely to their destinations, and with luggage. Let the adventures begin!

After months of planning and anticipation, our Upper School Intersession Week has arrived! From groups that are traveling internationally to ones that will immerse themselves in service, art, or experiential learning locally, we know that this will be a wonderful week of community, adventure, and education.