Project Passport Costa Rica- 2026

Details re: Project Passport Costa Rica 2026 (Updated 5-08-2026)

• Application process for Project Passport Costa Rica.

  The application for Project Passport June 2026 is now closed. 

  This program is open to 7th and 8th graders.   The next application process for 2027 will begin in September 2026.

• What are the flight details for Project Passport Costa Rica?

  The dates for this trip are Sunday, June 7 to Sunday June 14 (arriving early morning on June 15)

  Departure:

  We will leave the Lower Academy on Sunday June 7 at 3:15 am.  We will take Bussie to O’Hare Airport.  Please make sure you are on time (we cannot wait) and please make sure that your scholar has an early breakfast.  We will not be stopping for breakfast.  We will not be paying for breakfast at the airport.  We will bring a few breakfast snacks and drinks.

  We will be flying American Airlines flight 1380 from Chicago O’Hare (ORD) at 6:1oam.  We will have a layover in Miami, FL  and then board American Airlines flight 597, leaving at 12:12pm. 

  We will arrive in San José, Costa Rica at 1:08pm (there is a two hour time change).  Once we clear customs, we will go to our hotel and have our first meal in Costa Rica!

  Return to Rockford

  We will be flying American Airlines flight 2788, departing from San José, Costa Rica at 2:00pm.  We will clear passport control and will have a layover in Charlotte, NC.  At 10:43pm we will board American Airlines flight 3014 arriving at Chicago O’Hare (terminal 3) at 11:58pm.  We expect to return to Rockford and the Lower Academy a little before 2am (officially on June 15, 2026.)

• Hotel Information

  Since we will be traveling around the country, we will stay in a variety of hotels.

  June 7– Hotel La Rosa de America

  June 8– Estacion las Tortugas (a turtle conservation station)

  June 9 and June 10 – Atlantida Lodge

  June 11 and June 12– Veragua Rainforest

  June 13– Hotel La Rosa de America

  June 14– Fly home

• What should I pack for the trip?

  Please also be aware that we will be walking a lot.  We will average 5 miles a day and maybe more.   Please make sure scholars have a comfortable pair of shoes.  We will at times be hiking either in the rainforest or along the coastline.

  The temperature will average 75+ degrees but will be cooler at night so a light jacket is recommended.

  What a scholar should bring:

  1. Basic toiletries (toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo etc.)*
  2. Sun block 30+ SPF (lotion not spray)
     
  3. Non-DEET insect repellent (lotion not spray)
     
  4. Clothes for seven days- a few extra shirts and socks are recommended as we do anticipate getting wet. 

   -All clothes should be appropriate and respectful of the culture. (No revealing clothing no prints with inappropriate slogans etc.)

               -2 pants

               -3-4 shorts

               -socks and underwear with at least one extra pair

               -hat (sun protection)

  1. One piece bathing suit and towel
  2. A rain jacket or poncho  (not required but a cheap poncho may help if we get caught in the rain)
  3. Two pairs of athletic shoes- in case one pair gets wet or pair of hiking boots
  4. Sandals (optional- only for the beach)
  5. Camera device as long as non-internet 
  6. Book to read – the plane ride is long
  7. Journal and pen (Provided by GRCS)
  8. You can bring some healthy snacks for the plane but no drinks (even in closed bottles) are allowed through airport security. 
  9. Water bottle (Provided by GRCS)- we will not buy plastic, disposable water bottles.

  Notes-

  • Whatever the scholar brings they will be responsible for carrying it at all times.

  • Only one checked bag in addition to a small carry-on can be brought on this trip.

  1. 1. *If a scholar brings a carry-on bag only, the toiletries must be no bigger than 3 ounces and must be stored in a see through plastic bag.

  • GRCS staff will hold onto all scholar passports during the trip.  We will also make copies.

  Money to bring-

  There will be times a scholar may want to buy a drink or food at the airport or when we are traveling.  Additionally, a scholar may want to buy some souvenirs.

  Basic Prices

  • T-shirts $15-$20
  • Bags of Costa-Rican Coffee $8
  • Signs or posters $10
  • Other items $5-20
  • Water/gatorade $1-$3

  We recommend no more than $100.  Scholars will be responsible for maintaining their own money.  We will convert to Costa Rican Colones in Costa Rica.

• Can my scholar bring a phone or electronics?

  As discussed in our orientation meeting, we want scholars to be in the moment and fully immerse themselves in this educational adventure.   Therefore, phone and electronics are not permitted.  Please review the policy here: Communication and Electronics -Project Passport 2023.

  Scholars may bring cameras as long as they do not have internet connectivity.

  The chaperones will send out a daily WhatsApp text and photos to all parents.  This will provide parents with and update while still ensuring that scholars are focused.

  You can download the WhatsApp application here. 

• Who is chaperoning on Project Passport- Costa Rica?

  Seprela Ellis, Dean of Instruction- LA, will chaperone  Project Passport Costa Rica.  Ms. Ellis has previously chaperoned Project Passport Africa,

  Mr. Andrew Schmitt, GRCS Finance Manager, will also chaperone.  Mr. Schmitt has previously chapeoned schoalrs to Project Passport Utah.  Mr. Schmitt is fluent in Spanish.

  GRCS will obtain travel insurance for all scholars and chaperones for this trip.

  TBA will be our US based contact and all questions should be directed to them at TBA.

• What will scholars do to prepare for Project Passport Costa Rica?

  Scholars are required to attend classes to prepare for the trip.  The classes will take place after dismissal on Wednesdays from 12:30pm  to 2:00pm. 

  Geography– Scholars will be expected to be able to identify the countries of North and Central America.  Scholars can practice doing this at:

  Map of N.A. and C.A.

  Provinces of Costa Rica

  You can do other areas of the world here:

  Seterra Geography Games 

  Journalling– Scholars will be expected to journal every day on the trip.  In order to get ready for this, scholars will also journal each Wednesday.  Scholars will be provided a small journal.

  Spanish Language Acquisition- Depending upon a scholar’s Spanish ability, scholars will either receive basic Spanish instructi0n every other Wednesday or be assigned to an advanced book club.   The book club will read El Arquero by Pablo Cuehlo.  All scholars, regardless of Spanish ability, will also be expected to do ten language lessons a week on Duolingo.   GRCS has set up a school account on Duolingo which can be accessed at home.

   

• What is the agenda for Project Passport Costa Rica?

  This is a tentative 2026 agenda.   

  (Day 1- June 7)- Depart Chicago (see flight info above) and arrive in San Jose.  Stay at La Rosa de America Hotel.

  (Day 2- June 8) – Leave San Jose for the Caribbean coast. Arrive to Turtle Project by bus and boat.  Orientation on turtle conservation.  Night turtle patrol of beach

  (Day 3- June 9)- Travel to Cahuita and the Cahuita National Park.  Spend time at the beach and swim in the Caribbean Sea.

  Have dinner in Puerto Viejo (time to go souvenir shopping)

  (Day 4- June 10) – Visit an indigenous Bri-Bri village.  Learn about local customs and traditions. 

  (Day 5- June 11) – Travel to Veragua Rain Forest. 

  – Visit local school – Rio Peje School

  – Exhibits and butterfly monitoring activity

  – Day hike and gondoala ride into the rain forest

  – Insects and amphibians night nature walk

  (Day 6- June 12) – Veragua Rain Forest.  Activities

  -Amphibian project with biologists (pond restoration)

  – Tram and swimming in Victoria River

  –  Zipline

  – Night hike

  (Day 7-June 13) –

  Visit El Guaycan farm and tree planting

  White water rafting in Sarapiqui River

  (Day 8- June 14) – Fly back from Costa Rica.

• Are there vaccination requirements?

  There are not currently vaccinations required to enter Costa Rica.  However, scholars must be fully up-to-date on all vaccinations required in the USA.  

• When and how can I get a passport for my scholar?

  Please apply for your child’s passport by December 22, 2025.  There are a variety of place to go but the US Post Office is one of the main locations to get your passport.  We will need either a copy of your scholar’s passport or receipt of application by December 22, 2025.   They should be sent to: enrichment@galapagoscharter.org  .  Failure to do so, will jeopordize your scholar’s chance to attend this trip. 

  The process of applying for a passport requires you to submit a filled-out application form, proof of citizenship and identity, a passport-sized photograph (get at Walgreens or CVS), and the required fees at the Anniston Post Office. It is important to note that you should not sign the DS-11 application form until the post office worker handling your application tells you to do so.

  The process to get a passport has several steps, but the employees at the ROCKFORD POST OFFICE are there to guide you from start to finish. Make sure you have all the required documents and details ready before you visit to ensure a smooth application process.

  Note: For Appointment Call (815) 229-4807

  Please see the following forms for more assistance.

  Passport form DS11

  8 Steps for a Child’s Passport

• How much does the trip cost?

  The cost of the trip is well over $2,000 but GRCS fund-raises the majority of this cost.  The cost to families is $220.

  The first payment of $55 is due on December 20, 2025.

  The second payment of $55 is due on January 30, 2026.

  The third payment of $55 is due on February 28, 2026.

  The final payment of $55 is due on March 20, 2026.

  Make a Costa Rica payment here.

• Are there ways scholars and families can fundraise for the trip?

  Yes, you can fund-raise for this trip. Galapagos offers three different types of coffee that can be sold to friend, family and co-workers.

  Each bag of coffee costs $13.99.  For each sales of coffee, the scholar raises $6.00 to go towards the cost of the trip.  So, if you sell 20 bags of coffee, you earn $120 towards the trip.

  Fundraising is not required.

  The types of coffee we have are:

  Balanced

  

  Aromatic

  

  Chocolaty

  

  Buy coffee here!