Everyone deserves the chance to travel. Yet, all too often, seeing the world is a privilege reserved for the global elite. At Elevate Destinations, we bridge the divide, and our goal is to connect local youths to their own environments as travelers and stewards.
Through our innovative Buy a Trip, Give a Trip model, your trip purchase creates fun new travel opportunities for local kids. For the first time, they experience nearby natural and cultural wonders, see the sights, have fun, and make the kind of travel memories we take for granted. Here’s just one example of Buy a Trip, Give a Trip in action:
The Travelers:
In Horquetas de Sarapiquí, Costa Rica, 10 students from the 4th, 5th, and 6th grades of El Cruce School were chosen to take a field trip to Proyecto Asis Wildlife Centre to better understand the wildlife they see every day surrounding their homes. These students were selected for outstanding academic achievements and accompanied by 2 teachers and a Unique Adventures guide.
The Workshop:
The experience commenced with a small workshop hosted by Unique Adventures guide Liz the day before the excursion. The children, eager and curious, were introduced to the concept of a rescue center. Liz explained why certain animals shouldn’t be touched, the purpose of the center, and the crucial role these creatures play in maintaining the health of the forest.
The Details:
The following day, on November 23rd, the students were picked up from El Cruce School and brought to Proyecto Asís. This was not just a visit; it was an immersive experience designed to broaden their understanding of wildlife conservation.
Under the guidance of Carlos, the resident vet, the students learned about the nutritional needs of the animals while preparing the animals’ feed. They also had the opportunity to make enrichment toys. Monkeys, macaws, peccaries, and even sloths were recipients of the children’s creations. This hands-on experience helped the students understand the animals’ need for play and social interaction.
Living in a forested area, these children are accustomed to the presence of monkeys, sloths, and macaws. However, the day at Proyecto Asís aimed to break the notion of these animals being ‘common.’ The students learned about the threats these creatures face, including hunting and illegal trade. The importance of preserving their natural habitats became a focal point, emphasizing the interconnectedness of wildlife with the health of the forest.
As the day concluded with lunch and a return to their school, the El Cruce School students carried with them more than just memories. They left with a newfound appreciation for the intricate balance of nature, the significance of wildlife conservation, and the realization that animals are not merely objects for observation but creatures deserving of respect and protection.
For each of the students, this was the first time they had an opportunity to visit an animal sanctuary and rescue center, be taught how it’s different from a zoo, and what it involves behind the scenes.
Partner Organizations:
Proyecto Asis:
Proyecto Asis Wildlife Rescue Center is a non-profit organization dedicated to wildlife protection, environmental conservation, and fostering positive cultural exchanges through education and service. The Center strives to give the animals the care and respect that they deserve while rehabilitating them.
Unique Adventures:
This trip was made possible by the organization and facilitation by our friends and partners at Unique Adventures.
Read about other Buy A Trip, Give A Trip experiences.
