Plans are well underway for the Catholic District School Board of Eastern Ontario’s Service Trip to Costa Rica, taking place from February 10–17, 2027. The trip will provide students with an opportunity to deepen their faith, explore a new culture, learn about Costa Rican traditions and way of life, and participate in meaningful community-based service projects. 

Throughout the eight-day experience, students will travel across Costa Rica, visiting communities in San José, Arenal, Monteverde, and Coastal Puntarenas. Along the way, they will participate in volunteer projects that support local communities, attend daily reflections and group discussions, and immerse themselves in Costa Rican culture through activities such as visiting a coffee plantation, exploring the craft village of Sarchí, kayaking on Arenal Lake, and attending Mass at a local parish. The trip is designed to help students grow as leaders while learning about Catholic social responsibility through service and cultural exchange. 

As preparations continue, students have already begun building connections with one another. In April, chaplaincy leaders from St. Joseph Catholic Secondary School, Holy Trinity Catholic Secondary School, and St. Matthew Catholic Secondary School hosted a Service Trip Planning Retreat at St. Peter’s Parish for students who will be representing Cornwall schools on the trip. 

The retreat began with morning Mass celebrated by Fr. Theo. Students then participated in icebreakers and discussions focused on Catholic Social Teachings, spiritual gifts, service, and fundraising opportunities. They also worked together to design a logo for a fundraising t-shirt. Fr. John and Fr. Jonathan of St. Columban and St. Francis de Sales Parishes stopped by to meet the students and share lunch with the group.

Other CDSBEO secondary schools are also encouraged to bring their groups together, and the Religion and Family Life Department is planning a board-wide gathering of all participants before the end of the school year once trip chaperones have been selected. 

To help offset the cost of the trip, students have begun organizing a variety of fundraising initiatives. Planned activities include raffles, silent auctions, bake sales, pancake lunches, ticket sales from school arts and athletic events, sales of handmade goods, and donations. These efforts will help make the service experience accessible to participating students while also engaging school communities in supporting the initiative. 

The 2027 Service Trip is being organized in partnership with Explorica. The organization works closely with educators to create educational travel experiences that introduce students to new people, places, and cultures while supporting learning beyond the classroom. Explorica assists schools with planning, fundraising, enrolment, and logistics to help ensure a safe and meaningful travel experience.  

The CDSBEO looks forward to following the students’ preparations over the coming months and witnessing the impact this service experience will have on both participants and the communities they will serve.