The following is a news release from Texas Tech University:
Texas Tech University staff and students will travel with the Center for Active Learning and Undergraduate Engagement (CALUE) to Costa Rica as part of CALUE’s Service Breaks program, which offers service projects and trips throughout the year.
“This is CALUE’s second international summer Service Break to Costa Rica,” said Jacy Proctor, unit coordinator for CALUE. “While service work is obviously a major component of the trip, I’m looking forward to the connections our students will make with fellow Red Raiders and Costa Rica partners, as well as seeing them gain a love for travel, service learning and adventure.”
Eight students and two staff members will travel to Costa Rica May 21-30. CALUE will work with Asociación Vida Verdiazul, a nonprofit organization that promotes the conservation and re-population of sea turtles. Students will help with night patrols, reforestation and the hatchery.
“The night patrols will be one of our primary volunteer activities,” Proctor said. “These patrols are important because sea turtles lay their eggs at night. Finding a nest as soon as possible and moving them to a safe location is critical to the conservation project.”
Students also will clean and create nesting areas in the hatchery. Due to the lack of vegetation around beaches, the group will plant shrubs and trees to create a natural habitat for sea turtle nests. Aside from these activities, students will be allowed free time to explore Junquillal and play games with native Costa Ricans.
Several students are embarking on their first journey abroad, as well as their first time flying. Preparations for the trip are already underway. CALUE will share the experience through its blog, Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
The CALUE Service Breaks program began in 2014, offering trips in the winter, spring and summer terms. The program allows students to understand and appreciate the importance of being active citizens through hands-on, experiential service.
During the Winter Service Break, CALUE traveled to New Orleans and focused on five service issues, including environmental sustainability, education, housing and homelessness, neighborhood revitalization and arts and culture. During spring break, several students traveled to the Grand Canyon to learn about national park conservation and management.
Outside of weeklong service trips, CALUE traveled to Caprock Canyon State Park in April for a Weekend Service Break, working with the trail maintenance program. Students and staff also helped the South Plains Food Bank on May 5 as a Local Service Break.
Applications for the 2017-18 school year are closed. Applications for the 2018-19 Service Breaks, including the winter, spring break, summer, weekend and local trips, will open over the summer. For more information about CALUE and Service Breaks, visit the CALUE website.
(News release from Texas Tech University)