Today we awoke to rain on the roof of our bunkhouse here in the tropical rainforest. We spent the morning horseback riding and kayaking along the shores of the breathtakingly beautiful Lake Arenal. Afterward, our ranch guides treated us to a tour of the permaculture systems on the farm, where we had the opportunity to hold baby chicks and baby pigs! We learned that about 75% of the food we eat here at the eco-lodge is produced right here on the farm.

After a delicious farm to table lunch we conquered our fears of heights by ziplining through the tropical canopy. We saw a wild sloth and zipped across a 1,200-foot valley!

The tech fast has been awesome for students and leaders alike! Leaders note students interacting with each other in a more intentional way and really taking the time to enjoy our beautiful surroundings. Thirty-four students all together can be a lot of energy—a sure sign that we are all so happy to be reunited for a few days before we depart to Silencio and Playa Hermosa with our subgroups tomorrow.

— Chris, Abi, Sierra, Megan, Fernando, Mackenzie, & Natalie