Coalition Service Trip

Photo by Grace Goldman

Coalition is planning a service trip to Costa Rica, which will take place over winter break of 2017. The service trip idea was presented to Coalition sponsor, David Muhammad, in a board meeting by board member and junior Kelly Romer. Romer explained that she had been looking into different service trips, and has always enjoyed traveling.  

“Coalition is really involved in fundraising and raising awareness about different humanitarian causes,” Romer said.  “Coalition just seemed liked the perfect group of people to go with.”  

After further researching the trip, Romer found two possible projects Coalition could partake in: eco-agriculture or construction. The eco-agriculture project involves working on a local coffee plantation in a Costa Rican community, and the construction project involves helping build houses, schools and whatever else is needed of the community.  At the last club meeting, they voted to volunteer for the eco-agriculture project during their service trip in Costa Rica.

As of now, only next year’s juniors and seniors will be allowed to go on the trip.  There is no limit on the number of people allowed to go on the trip; however, there will be some formal application process for those interested in going.  

“To be able to come on the trip, there will probably be an essay or interview to show [the volunteer’s] dedication,” Romer said.  

The total cost of the trip will be about $1,300.  In order to get this service trip going, the club will have to perform multiple fundraisers, and will need chaperons.  According to Muhammad, he is wanting to do entertainment-type fundraisers, such as concerts.     

The one issue that members may have with going on the trip though, is that they would be flying to Costa Rica on Christmas. However, in Romer’s opinion, the trip will be worthwhile and they would all be together to celebrate Christmas in Costa Rica.