From the very beginning, Sentinel High School's EPI Costa Rica trip has been student-driven. Originally initiated by three students, the group has grown to a full 17 students and two chaperones, all thanks to the efforts made by the students to recruit others at our school. And with the help of EPI, we also have the privilege to include two incredible students from Polson, MT. Since last fall our group has also been meeting twice a month to plan group fundraisers which included soliciting businesses for donations, organizing a hike-a-thon, and running a raffle drawing using donated items from businesses in Missoula and surrounding areas. We have not determined the grand total amount of funds raised thus far, but the students have more than earned this trip. And their efforts will be well worth it.
The excitement in the group is impossible to put into words. There is constant talk of what Costa Rica will be like. What is the food like? How hot will it be? Are the sea turtles really as big as we have read? In surveying the students, it was clear that most were excited for the overall "adventure" aspect of the trip. There will no doubt be more than enough adventure to fulfill the desires of our inquistive, vivacious young travelers on their first trip to Costa Rica.
Data collected by Ecology Project International students are utilized by scientists to improve conservation efforts for Leatherback sea turtles. Every night of the Leatherback nesting season, Ecology Project International students walk the beach in search of sea turtles and their nests, to study population trends and protect the nests from tides, poachers, and other threats.
We at the EPI world headquarters wish the Sentinel group a great trip. Buen Viaje!
