Oregon Flash basketball players and their families immerse themselves in the vibrant community of Pueblo Nuevo, Costa Rica

Our group consisted of a mix of a basketball coach, her players and their families. After a 7 hour drive south of San Jose, along the Pacific coast, we arrived just 4 km north of the Panamanian border to a community named Pueblo Nuevo. This community had a school, a church and a small local store.

Shortly before our arrival the rain started coming down and when we arrived the locals all greeted us with umbrellas in hand and smiles on their faces. Once we got our bags to our sleeping area, we met with the community and they performed traditional Costa Rican songs and dances for us. That evening is when we immediately saw just how excited they were to have us and how generous they were with their hosting. After the performances, bonds quickly started forming between the local children and students on our trip using both verbal and non-verbal communication.

We started construction the next day on a Sunday, and it seemed like the entire community had shown up to help start this project. We assumed once the work/school week started, that there wouldn’t be as many community members able to help, but day after day they continued to show up and we worked hand-in-hand with them from start to finish. From creating assembly lines to drive efficiency, to learning more about them while we shoveled rock and sand - it was clear the entire time that this was truly a joint effort between our group and theirs - making it feel like one large community.

Every day after construction finished, the kids always eagerly came to where we were staying and were excited to learn about things we liked to do. Henna quickly became a popular connection point on the second evening and by the end of the trip just about every kid and almost all adults had henna tattoos on their arms, allowing us to leave a reminder of us for the next couple of weeks to come. The guitar also became a connection point that transcended the language barrier. The community knew songs that were popular in English and our girls learned to play them on the guitar so that we could all sing together. Music became a staple in our afternoons and evenings - ranging from raps to serenades.

We also enjoyed taking daily walks to the one store in the community. The owner heard through the grapevine about some of our favorite snacks and the next day when we arrived she had the fridge stocked with some of our favorite beverages. While she had no car, this single act alone was a pure example of just how thoughtful and intentional this community is.

La ADI (the community’s development committee) planned incredible meals and activities for us each day that we were there. Each day we walked away learning something new about the things the community likes to do such as, dancing, playing Bingo, making Costa Rican Prestinos (their version of an elephant ear) as well as many games of volleyball and futbol that included all generations of the community. From music, to sport, to food, this trip showed us that these are all things that don’t require a common language to create connection. We felt connection through all of these activities we did each day with the community - even if we weren’t always speaking the same language. 

Once construction was finished we learned how to make cheese and coffee production. Then we visited a nearby town named San Vito. While there, we ate Italian food inspired by the Italian influence in the town and explored local museums. 

Each day, in pairs we also set out to learn unique things about the community, whether it was more about their day-to-day, how we can serve others, or ways to find joy, they were eager to share with us and we also shared some of our traditions in the US (such as teaching them how to photo bomb).

At the end of the day, we came together to reflect. This was a touchpoint that really made our group connect more with each other. We got to hear insights of what we had all learned about the community that day which allowed us to learn from each other and hear different perspectives. 

One of our biggest take-aways from the Pueblo Nuevo community was just how happy they are all of the time - even after a long day of work. This Pura Vida mindset is something we all want to bring back to the states. There is always time to serve others, make someone smile and create connections regardless of differences.

Our group feels forever bonded to this community and each other as even after only a week together. We are all looking forward to the time when we can do another Courts for Kids trip.
~ Kayla Arnot and Maya Rosenbaum, Oregon Flash Basketball, Portland, Oregon

Volunteer Quotes:

I learned from the community to not focus so much on the future because tomorrow is not promised so to live fully in the day and stay present with the people you are with. - Mike M.

A stereotype I had prior to this trip that changed was that “these people need saving.” That is not true at all - their lives are so full and loving that nothing in the world seems to bother them. If anything, this trip has been more about saving me - to realize that my life is so much more than materialistic things. - Jona L.

It was beautiful how quickly our kids connected with the local kids. Sport and play brought those of us with so many differences together, and created beautiful memories. I am always in awe of the power of sport to bring people together, and this trip magnified that power. - Lyra E.

I would recommend this trip to everyone - 100%. It’s amazing how one could deepen their bonds with family, themselves, and the community in such a short period of time, creating memories that last forever. - Melika K.

The most difficult part of going home will be that I now know that devices don’t make me happy - playing sports and being around people I like, do. - Eleanor M.

This experience would be valuable for anyone who has a heart to serve and eagerness to learn more about themselves and the world we live in. - Jon L.

Even with a language barrier, we still shared a love where words weren’t needed. - Mia L.

A Courts for Kids project is a very unique and impactful experience. Not only do you serve a community who can use help but you serve yourself by growing in ways you couldn’t have imagined. - Jack L.

I think a Courts for Kids project is a great way to connect with other communities and give back. It also develops character by learning different ways of life and broadening our horizons. - Emmett L.

I understand more clearly now that we are ALL human - no matter what. We have most of the same priorities like feeding your family, making parents proud, having fun and making friends. - Audrey E.

The act of service above self allows one to make a small contribution to improve relationships workwise and to improve a child’s circumstances, wherever that may be. - John T.

I believe that a Courts for Kids trip helps you to realize how to live in the moment, to work hard, and to put lots of smiles on faces. - Eideen A.

This community shows us that they have just enough for today - and that is enough. And even more amazing is their generosity. They give and share what they have and don’t seem to hold on tightly for themselves. We, as U.S. Americans, have so much to learn from this. - Abby H.

Community Quotes:

The community really enjoyed spending time working with the group of volunteers on the construction site. We gained new experiences from the volunteers, made friendships, and learned about other cultures. - Adrián

A wonderful experience of coming together and showing that language isn't a problem when we work together. The opportunity to share with the people who cheered us on and helped us with construction. - Lisseth

In addition to a project that benefits the town, we gained a wonderful experience filled with friendship and memories.
- Lorena and Ronald