Where Curiosity Meets Adventure: UFS Middle Schoolers Explore Costa Rica

What happens when you take a group of curious, open-hearted middle schoolers and place them in one of the most biodiverse places on Earth? At United Friends School, we believe learning should extend far beyond the classroom—and this spring, that belief came to life during an unforgettable weeklong trip in Costa Rica.

From the moment they touched down, the group dove headfirst into an immersive experience that blended natural wonder, cultural connection, and personal growth. This wasn’t just a vacation. It was an opportunity to explore new perspectives, challenge themselves physically and mentally, and strengthen the bonds that hold their learning community together.

Learning Beyond the Classroom

From the very start, students were immersed in a rich, hands-on experience that brought their Spanish and science studies to life. Whether conversing with local Costa Ricans in Spanish or identifying native wildlife in dramatically different ecosystems, they engaged with their surroundings not through textbooks, but through real-world interaction. Every moment—guided by observation, curiosity, and connection—helped deepen their understanding in ways that no classroom alone could provide.

Learning by Doing—and Getting a Little Muddy

Each day brought a new adventure. In Rincón de la Vieja National Park, students hiked through tropical forests to see bubbling volcanic mud pools, evidence of the powerful geothermal forces that shape the region.

At La Fortuna Waterfall, they trekked down a steep trail to feel the mist rising from the cascading water. Whether kayaking by a volcano or soaring through the rainforest canopy on a zipline, students leaned into challenge—with plenty of laughter and encouragement along the way.

Seeing the World Through a New Lens

One of the most powerful lessons of the trip came from observing the natural world. On a boat tour through Palo Verde National Park, the group spotted monkeys swinging through trees, crocodiles sunning on muddy banks, and brilliantly colored birds swooping overhead. Snorkeling in a quiet bay near the Pacific, students encountered a completely different ecosystem, rich with marine life.

At each stop, they weren’t just sightseeing—they were learning. They asked questions, made connections, and saw with their own eyes what it means to live in harmony with a richly diverse environment.

Moments That Stay With You

Amid the excitement, there were also moments that stretched students’ compassion and empathy. On their first full day in Guanacaste, the group encountered a skinny, injured dog. Moved by his condition, they gathered to offer water and comfort. The uncertainty of the dog's well-being weighed on them, but so did their instinct to care for a creature in distress. It was a powerful reminder that learning isn’t always lighthearted—and that compassion can take many forms.

This experience, like so many throughout the week, sparked growth in unexpected ways. Students practiced not just language skills or science concepts, but self-awareness, bravery, and mutual respect. They advocated for themselves when they felt ready to try something new—and when they knew to sit something out. They showed up for each other, and for the communities they visited, in ways that reflected the best of who they’re becoming.

Culture, Chocolate, and Community

The trip also gave students the chance to experience Costa Rican culture up close. At a local cacao plantation, they followed the full journey of chocolate—from bean to bar—and got to taste the results of their efforts. Shared meals of authentic Costa Rican cuisine brought the group together around the table, where they sampled everything from savory regional dishes to tropical fruits. (The pineapple, they all agreed, was unmatched.)

At every turn, the students practiced the values that guide their UFS experience: mindfulness, mutual respect, and shared discovery. Whether soaking in volcanic hot springs, paddling across calm waters, or quietly observing a wild animal in its natural habitat, they stayed present—with each other and with the world around them.

A Journey That Stays With You

As the week came to a close, something subtle had shifted. The group had grown—not just in knowledge, but in confidence, connection, and perspective. The Costa Rica trip wasn’t just about what the students saw. It was about how they saw it: with wonder, with care, and with a deepening awareness of their place in the world.

Back home in Pennsylvania, the rainforest may feel far away—but the lessons from this journey continue to echo in their classrooms, their conversations, and the way they show up for one another. Experiences like this reflect what we strive for at UFS: learning that’s adventurous, grounded, and full of heart.