Opportunities for International Baccalaureate Students
Are you (or your son/daughter) an International Baccalaureate student? Did you know that Al Campo has a special trip designed around the IB curriculum? This June, IB students from across the nation can join us for a 13-day Nicaragua adventure of language immersion and cultural experiences. Hosted by Centaurus High School of Colorado, the IB trip includes 40+ hours of community service, sustainable development projects, local village home stays, language immersion, zip-lining in the Mombacho Cloud Forest, swimming and kayaking in an ancient crate lake Laguna Apoyo, surfing lessons in San...
Read MoreIngredients for Life: Soil and Water
The agricultural sector in Nicaragua carries a lot of weight- not only is agricultural products one of Nicaragua’s major sources of income, but it’s also a vital source of nutrition for members of rural communities. The success of a crop year can make –or break- a community that has no other source of income and no other way to eat. In 2005, despite having such a small landmass, Nicaragua was the 16th largest coffee producer in the world. In a single year the country produced 85,130 tons of coffee, a quantity that would sell for $69,599,000 (in international currency) in international...
Read MoreTJ von Oehsen: the Mendozas family and constellations
The most striking thing for me, throughout my entire extraordinary and life-changing trip to Nicaragua was how close I became to the people of Las Palmas in only 5 days.To be honest, before getting to the village, I was absolutely terrified. I worried if my Spanish was good enough, I worried if the family would like me, and I worried about the work we were going to be doing. Yet, even after a day, I thought of the Mendozas as family. Through working together and sharing the laughs of living together, we had become close. I even became close to the families that lived around us and, on the...
Read MoreFinal St. Andrew’s School Update
The last week and a half has been a fun-packed adventure. From building over 12 latrines, swimming in Somoto Canyon, and learning to surf, this spring break was action-packed! Today, the St. Andrew’s School trip is coming to a close. The Al Campo team had a great time getting to know each of you. We want to send a big “Thanks!” out to all of the parents, teachers, staff, and friends that helped make this trip what it was. Here are a few photos from the last half of our trip: This trip was a great start to the season! We look forward to getting back out...
Read MoreNotes from McKenna [Part Two: Helping from Home]
![Notes from McKenna [Part Two: Helping from Home]](http://alcampointernational.org/wp-content/uploads/et_temp/Spero-19197_186x186.jpg)
In June of 2010, McKenna Asakawa traveled to Nicaragua with Al Campo International. The trip has had a huge impact on her. Here, she relates how her exposure to poverty in Nicaragua has motivated her to take action back home through the Spero Foundation. Even from her local high school, McKenna continues to help out Nicaraguan communities. My co-president (who also attended the 2010 trip to Nicaragua) and I were resoundingly impacted by the severe poverty we saw during our day spent at La Chureca (the unsanitary landfill and home to many local trash-pickers and their families) and Colegio...
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