Spring break is coming up, for those looking for a place to travel, or needing more volunteer hours, Global Leadership Adventures (GLA) might be the answer. GLA is a program that offers teens a hands-on learning experience, abroad. GLA has all types of different programs, including Wildlife Conservation, Children and Community Development, Children and Education, Country Discovery, Environment and Community Action, Language Immersion, Medicine and Public Health, Photography and Journalism, Social Entrepreneurship and Sports Leadership. Two programs are happening over spring break 2018, including a sea turtle initiative in Costa Rica and a service adventure in the Dominican Republic.

Sea turtles are slowly becoming extinct, and there are a few ways to put an end to this. In Costa Rica, it is illegal to take and sell turtle eggs, however, that doesn’t stop some people from doing it. That’s where GLA steps in with the teens in the program. They protect the nesting sea turtles, help the hatchlings survive and take shifts on night watches to ensure that no one is taking the eggs. Along with protecting the turtles, the students will raise awareness about the issue while on the trip in Costa Rica. It is spring break however, so the teens will get a break from the work. They have the chance to explore the coast of the beach they stay on, cruise through mangroves and spot wildlife, and above all, zipline through the rainforest trees. This trip is a once in a lifetime opportunity and one that will be unforgettable.  

The other spring break program takes place in the Dominican Republic. This one trip is split into two: Global Health and Community Impact. For Global Health, one is exposed to healthcare in developing countries. Students gain experience by setting up clinics and giving check-ups to kids and adults alike. With the Community Impact project, students gain experience in construction to provide safer homes for rural Dominican Republic areas. The construction ranges from family homes and schools to clinics and community buildings. Of course, along with the educational part, there’s an adventure part. On this trip students will explore the rural areas, away from other tourists. They will take a boat ride through the Caribbean and look at the exotic and colorful fish and coral while snorkeling. Students will also get the chance to swim in the clear blue water of natural caves and mystical blue cenotes. Along with the water activities, the teens will learn traditional dances from some Dominican idols. This trip is 8 days long and tuition is $1,999.
GLA is a great program to meet new friends, get out in the world and volunteer, and take a once in a lifetime trip. Both of these spring break trips count for 20 hours of community service. Going on a trip like these sets a good example to others, by stepping up alone, one inspires others to step up as well. When one steps up, they stand out as well. These trips, along with the other programs offered, are incredible experiences one wouldn’t want to miss out on. For more information, go to  https://www.experiencegla.com/ .  Have fun planning and don’t forget to step up and stand out.

Erin Tolles, Staff Writer

Sophomore Erin Tolles is a staff writer for the 2017-2018 Colonel. Erin, a.k.a. ‘CRAZY CAT LADY’ enjoys singing and playing her ukelele. She would much rather be in summer camp being a super cool counselor than in school. Erin is obsessed with popcorn and Harry Potter, like most normal people, and flees America and travels to Austria annually.