2020 Meadow School Puerto Rico Service Adventure

Accommodations

Conturce Hotel

The hotel is designed for travelers from different places and cultures to share in common spaces, in an atmosphere of fellowship and camaraderie. Located in the heart of urban San Juan, hostel guests have easy access to many cultural places of interest. Free Wi-Fi keeps guests feeling connected at all times. Students will be grouped in their rooms according to gender.

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Parador y Area Recreativa Adrian Heriberto Acevedo Cruz

This location boasts a beautiful and relaxing stay among nature in Las Marias community.  This recreational center counts with several cabins with two rooms equipped with several beds and bunk beds perfects for hosting groups. Each cabin is also equipped with a kitchen and  showers.  The cabins do NOT include beddings or pillows so student must bring their own.  The center is surrounded by nature and has several outdoor spaces, a river and rest areas. Students will be grouped in their rooms according to gender and availability.

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Hotel Iberia

Hotel Iberia is a business 3-star property, which is 1 km from the city centre of San Juan. The venue was opened in 2000. Each room opens onto the city. A private bathroom also comes with a bathtub, showers and a dryer. It counts with a sun terrace, garden area and a patio. Brightly colored guest rooms include free Wi-Fi and a flat-screen cable TV.

Group Flight

Once your flight schedule has been confirmed, the itinerary will appear here.

Walking Tree will secure a seat on the group flight for each participant unless otherwise instructed.

Travelers are responsible for checked baggage fees. Please visit the airline’s baggage webpage to learn if you should expect to pay anything.

We will provide a group manifest – complete with reservation codes and ticket numbers – to the Group Organizer/s before departure, and travelers will need to check in at the airport in order to receive their boarding pass and have documents verified. We recommend arriving no later than three hours prior to the scheduled departure, but contact your Group Organizer for specific details on exactly where and when to meet on the day of departure.

FLIGHT INTERRUPTION, DELAY OR CANCELLATION 
Air travel can be unpredictable.  Regardless of proper planning, there may still be instances when a flight is delayed or cancelled due to staffing shortages, weather, mechanical problems, etc.  Please note that in such an event, Walking Tree Travel (WTT) is not financially responsible for unanticipated costs incurred by travelers en route.  Our programs officially begin and end in the destination country, and because our staff doesn’t fly with the group, Group Organizers (the traveling faculty member/s) become the front-line advocate for the group in the event of a delay. In most cases of cancellations or delays, the airline will be the one who re-books travel or possibly arranges a hotel and food the night.  Our primary role will be to  keep families updated and provide support to the Group Organizer to reach a  quick and effective resolution.

Host Community and Project Details

Bucarabones is a small neighborhood located in Las Marías City in the west mountains of Puerto Rico Island. It’s far from the cities with the larger population and is one of the neighborhoods with families of scarce resources. Additional, it is in a mountain town, where people with older age have lived for many years. For this reason, most of the houses are very old and are built with the most economical materials that existed; the wood and the zinc. The most abundant population is elderly couples. On the other hand, it is identified by its friendly and helpful people. The main occupation in Bucarabones and in Las Marías City is the agriculture.  The main crop is coffee and oranges.  There are also other farms around the town that grow a variety of crops.  Farmers grow crops such as coriander, banana, plantain, cilantro, lime etc. and will sell their crops at local groceries and places. There you will be able to find most of the food and other basic things. There are a few bakeries and small tienditas where you can grab snacks and other kind of local food.  Finally, there are many cafeterias to eat arroz con pollo (a good common plate from the Island). About entertainment, the neighborhood Bucarabones have a basketball and volleyball court for the community, where easily you can play a game with the community people. The neighborhood is very small and is a very united community that is always open to receive Walking Tree groups.

The Centro de Apoyo Mutuo Bucarabones Unido (CAMBU) was born after the disaster caused by Hurricane Maria on September 20, 2017 in Puerto Rico. It is located in Bucarabones neighborhood of the town of Las Marias, PR. CAMBU arises to meet the needs of different sectors in this town. The Bucarabones neighborhood builds solidarity from within and from below. The center is an integral and self-managed space for the development of educational, recreational and cultural experiences that promote the individual and collective wellbeing of the community in general. Their vision, as a reference for community unity, seeks to build and develop a space to heal and collectively create opportunities to support the present and future generations in the face of eventual challenges. In addition, it organizes its future from work based on values of social, economic, cultural and environmental justice. After the natural disaster, CAMBU has received different groups from different parts of the United States, including groups of volunteers from Walking Tree Travel, and have managed to do a lot for the community. But there is still a lot to do. Among the tasks that do not stop are to continue installing rainwater collection systems in different homes in the neighborhood, continue to enable the structure (the center) that includes painting, organize areas such as the community kitchen space, among other tasks of habilitation, work in planting areas for agriculture, and many other tasks that arise over time helping people directly with. We may also help people from the community by painting or rebuilding their houses. Groups not only have the opportunity to serve CAMBU, but they have the opportunity to share with the community and the duty to smile to make everyone happy there. For the community, CAMBU is not a center, it is a family!

Packing List

Packing List

What follows is a sample packing list, which will be updated for each program. We recommend you bring a larger piece of luggage like a roller, duffel bag, or backpack, as well as a smaller backpack that you can bring on hikes, weekend excursions and shorter activities.

Most importantly, be sure to remember your PASSPORT and STUDENT ID.

CLOTHES:

Underwear
Socks
T-shirts, tank tops or work shirts
Long sleeve shirts
Shorts
Jeans/pants
Swimsuit
Rain jacket
Sturdy shoes (appropriate for lots of walking/athletic activity)
Sports sandals ie Chacos/Tevas etc. (optional)
Flip flops (optional)
Hat

TOILETRIES: BRING THE BASIC TOILETRIES YOU NEED PLUS:

Sunscreen (you will use a lot)
Mosquito repellent
Band Aids and Neosporin, anti-diarrhea meds, basic first aid
Hand Sanitizer
Medication in properly marked original container (better to pack this in your carry on luggage)

MISCELLANEOUS:

Small pillow for your stay in the cabins. Pillows may not be provided.

Sunglasses
Journal and pen
Book/s
Small lightweight blanket for the cabins in the community
Camera (digital, disposable, waterproof)
Alarm clock and watch
Debit card/US Dollars (we recommend about $100-$200, depending on amount of desired souvenirs, extra items etc.)
Durable water bottle with a personal water filtration system (optional- Walking Tree will always provide drinking water)
1 quick-dry towel
Flashlight/headlamp
Batteries
Deck of cards or other portable games
Student ID
Spanish/English Dictionary

Support Team

At a minimum, one experienced Program Leader will travel on every trip. In addition to this full time leadership presence, Walking Tree has additional staff in all destinations and 24/7 support from our headquarters in Denver, Colorado. Below you’ll find the the team members involved in the preparation, planning and execution of your program.

Antonio Moreno Ortiz

Puerto Rico Country Director

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Universidad de Puerto Rico – Bachelor’s in Animal Science

Antonio was born and raised in the west side of Puerto Rico. During his bachelor degree in Animal Science, he got community experiences that opened his mind in different ways. One of his hobbies is taking care of small ruminants, like sheep, and growing his own plants in addition to his love for video games. He made a personal promise of travel a minimum of one time a year to appreciate different places around the world, and he is doing so. He is also passionate for helping youth achieve their goals, both short and long term ones, by giving them advice and helping them along the way whenever he can. He really loves his island and also loves to show people around his beautiful Puerto Rico, including Walking Tree Travel groups! 

Gabriel Duncan

Co-Founder of Walking Tree Travel and Business Lead - Denver, CO

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Colby College – B.A. International Relations and Government

While at Colby, Gabriel spent a semester in Spain at the University of Salamanca studying contemporary Spanish politics and Spanish language. He also lettered for four-years on Colby’s lacrosse team and earned All-American honors. After graduating, Gabriel hit the road. He fished commercially in Alaska, taught in Chile and China, led programs for students in Spain and Costa Rica, and traveled to over 50 countries and all 50 states in the USA. Regardless of where Gabriel is located, he is constantly haunted by his naive faith and unconditional love for Denver sports teams.

Janelisse Vicente Concepción

Program Leader

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Centro Estudios Multidisciplinarios de Puerto Rico – Veterinary Technician Degree

Janelisse was born in Mayagüez, Puerto Rico. While earning her Veterinary Technician degree, she started volunteering at the zoo in her town. She learned about alimentary consciousness, self sustainability, and the basics of agriculture. She also learned how to make compost and “worm hummus” to keep plants healthy. Some of her hobbies are doing trash cleanups at the beach, helping homeless animals, and looking for new places and take care of her urban garden. Her passion is to help youth understand the importance of knowing their different natural resources and to using that knowledge to take care of each other. She wants youth to know that they are the key to the future of our only home, Earth! She loves to share her Puerto Rican culture to the world.

Mauricio Hidalgo Chaves

Program Leader

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Universidad Latina, Heredia, Costa Rica – Architecture

Mauricio, or “Mau” as his friends call him, grew up in a small Costa Rican town called Pejibaye surrounded by beautiful mountains and rivers. Mauricio attended Costa Rica’s first environmental high school which instilled in him a mentality to help the environment. Ever since he was a kid Mauricio always found himself fixing up and remodeling spaces, which led him to study architecture in the University. His hunger for knowledge and desire to learn about different cultures guided him on various trips to countries such as Colombia, Nicaragua, Belize, Spain, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia and the United States. Mauricio currently lives in Denver, Colorado and has worked in various volunteer organizations in Costa Rica to help the environment and to help combat human trafficking and sexual exploitation of minors. Mauricio is multifaceted person who sings, designs, decorates, constructs and dances, all while traveling down life’s path with a smile on his face in search of learning something new.

Rachel Ozer-Bearson

Program Leader

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Macalester College – B.A. International Studies, Minors in Latin American Studies and Hispanic Studies

Originally from the San Francisco Bay Area, Rachel grew up whitewater rafting, hiking, and traveling internationally with her family. Having developed a love for adventure and learning about other cultures, she went on to study International Studies, Latin American Studies, and Hispanic Studies at Macalester College. While at Macalester, she spent a semester studying in Buenos Aires, where she researched contemporary immigration to Argentina. Upon graduating, Rachel received a Princeton in Latin America fellowship to work in Guatemala. She lived there for two years, teaching middle school social studies at Antigua International School. Rachel is now based in Mexico City, and in 2019, co-founded Mosaico Mentors, a non-profit organization that supports Mexican students pursuing higher education outside of Mexico. In her free time, she loves to explore new cities, try new restaurants, rock climb, read, and journal.

Group Roster

Below is a list of the travelers enrolled on the program.

• 1 AdalbertoRonquillo
• 2 Alena Pasha
• 3 Alexanna Mouskondis
• 4 Alexis Coffee
• 5 Amanda Ashman
• 6 Anna Barnes
• 7 Araf Kamboj
• 8 Benjamin Garber
• 9 Brooke Fitzpatrick
• 10 Carson McCue
• 11 Claire Shearer
• 12 Cole Canteenwalla
• 13 Colleen Slater
• 14 D Alex Burkhead
• 15 Danielle Matheson
• 16 David Santo Pietro
• 17 David Yu
• 18 E'Dawn Severance
• 19 Elena Sands
• 20 Elizabeth Becker
• 21 Emma Thalgott
• 22 Hailey Shin
• 23 Jenna Ortiz
• 24 Joseph Naylor
• 25 Justin Handler
• 26 Kristine Ndubisi
• 27 Lauren Epstein
• 28 Lauren Zimmerman
• 29 Luke Yeager
• 30 Madelyn Katz
• 31 Madelyn Wold
• 32 Marcus Lee
• 33 Maria Shockey Puentes
• 34 MATHEW STEPHEN
• 35 Matthew Zimmerman
• 36 Maxwell Seiff
• 37 McKenzie Gross
• 38 Michael Andrew Rosenblum Rosenblum
• 39 Michael Buchmiller
• 40 Mingyi Liu
• 41 Ngan Vo
• 42 Nishelle Phansalkar-Michalik
• 43 Patrick Kodweis
• 44 RAHUL MUKHOPADHYAY
• 45 Roman Chaudry
• 46 Shivahi Prakash
• 47 Sofia Pelaez
• 48 Sophia Lopez
• 49 Thomas Bartling
• 50 TIANHAO ZHANG
• 51 Timothy Burris
• 52 Veena Kittusamy

Blog and Communication

During travel we work hard to keep families updated as frequently as possible with blog posts and photos, giving you peace of mind that your traveler is safe and thriving on their program.  Students regularly contribute to these posts, providing families back home a great way to vicariously track the progress of the trip. You will be notified when the first update is posted, after which we recommend checking in regularly via the black “Program Blog” button at the top of this webpage.

Assuming your school allows the use of cell phones, most destinations are wired enough to allow participants access WiFi at different moments in the program, allowing them to communicate directly with home. Ask your Walking Tree representative about the degree of connectivity on your program.

GLC Curriculum

Standards of Behavior

In order to run a safe and successful program, it is vital that travelers are prepared to be on their best behavior and bring enthusiasm and interest to each and every day. A communal atmosphere of trust and mutual respect is the foundational.  As such, all individuals participating on a Walking Tree program are required to take responsibility for their actions and adhere to a high standard of personal conduct.

IMMEDIATE DISMISSAL

1. Possessing, consuming or distributing alcohol or illegal drugs.
2. Associating with participants while they are in possession of alcohol or illegal drugs.
3. Behaving in a way that consistently damages the group dynamic or jeopardizes personal or group safety. This includes consistently displaying a negative attitude, intimidating or excluding other participants, sneaking out, disobeying group leaders, and any other behavior that is not conducive to an atmosphere of trust and mutual respect.

GROUNDS FOR DISMISSAL OR IN-COUNTRY CONSEQUENCE

1. Getting a piercing or tattoo.
2. Stealing, or deliberately damaging or defacing any personal property, buildings or materials.
3. Threatening physical or emotional harm, or brandishing a weapon.
4. Possessing, consuming, or distributing tobacco or nicotine, including vape pens.
5. Riding mopeds, motorcycles, or any other type of unauthorized vehicle.
6. Being out of designated area or accommodations after curfew.
7. Breaking group rules.

These standards of behavior are essential for the successful completion of your program. Please take the time to review these as a family and make sure everyone understands and agrees to them.

Health and Safety

We strongly recommend visiting the CDC Puerto Rico website to get the most updated information on health and vaccination considerations in your destination country. In addition, we encourage you to consult your personal family physician so you can be as informed as possible when making important decisions about vaccinations and other necessary health-related preparations before traveling.

Our in-country staff meticulously prepare for all programs. Walking Tree receives regular updates from the U.S. Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to proactively stay ahead of any potential security concerns. Our in-country staff also verify the safety records of our partner organizations, vendors, and transportation providers, thoroughly vet homestay families through in-depth interviews and visits, and stay informed about important current events in the region.

Program Leaders are seasoned travelers who are CPR and First Aid certified, undergo thorough training in crisis management, and participate in comprehensive leadership training. We do our best to prepare for any eventuality and have detailed emergency protocols for our leaders, in-country staff, and U.S.-based staff.

We collect medical disclosures from all participants to ensure we can meet every student’s needs during the program. Please inform us immediately of any additional health issues not listed during your initial registration process. Leaders and in-country staff are prepared to respond promptly to any mental, physical, or emotional health concerns and follow comprehensive emergency protocols.

Insurance

While we work hard to ensure the safest experience possible for our travelers on program, experience teaches that travel can be unpredictable. For this reason, we recommend that all travelers consider a travel insurance policy with a Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) provision. Detailed explanations of plan options can be found via the link below.

To provide travelers and families with a quality option, Walking Tree has partnered with Travel Insured International, one of the most respected providers in the industry.  Begin by getting a quote here.

IMPORTANT NOTE: in order to secure coverage that includes CFAR, you must purchase the plan within 14-21 days of your first payment to Walking Tree. Be careful when you read the tenets of the policy to ensure you understand the required timeframe for purchase. You must also insure 100% of your trip cost, so program tuition + flight. Please reach out to us with questions.