The community of Copa Buena, Costa Rica, welcome energetic student volunteers from Bellarmine Preparatory High School

After a seven hour layover and two flights, 24 upperclassmen landed in San Jose, Costa Rica. We pile into a bus and conquer the seven hour bus ride, consisting of greenery, waves crashing against rocks, and deserts that surround a new culture. Energy strikes our nerves as we arrive at our destination: Copa Buena, Costa Rica. Greeted with cheering, hugs, waves, and “buenas tardes!” our hearts were filled the second we stepped off of the bus and onto the gravel of our home for the next ten days. Us high school students were already fueled with food, culture, liveliness, and positivity, showing us only a preview of the week we had ahead.

We step onto the court eager to begin, knowing that the town of Copa Buena has waited two years for this project to arrive. From shoveling dirt or gravel, carrying buckets, loading the mixer, to rotating towards break time and using a kind local school's restroom, the experience was surreal. The locals arrived on the court with no hesitation, only dedication. Without the help of the community's commitment and fellowship, the court would not have been finished within the planned four days. As cement was being poured onto the court, seeds were being planted within us as well. Students were learning more Spanish than ever before with true smiles on their faces. Locals were describing their home lives to us with true authenticity and description. This was the true meaning of cultural exchange. There was growth on and off the court, showing us, teenagers, what it means to fully engage and be present.

In addition to working on the court, we also were able to immerse ourselves with other students and elders within the community. Despite language barriers, we connected on a very deep level. Whether it was through an Easter egg hunt, helping kids practice English, playing bingo, learning a cultural dance, playing sports, and so much more, we all grew as individuals and as a group.

The smiles on their faces and their authentic laughter said it all – the inauguration day was here – the most unforgettable moment on this trip. We finally got to see the community’s reaction to our hard work and dedication under the blazing Costa Rican sun. During the opening ceremony, we came together to appreciate what had been accomplished. Not only the accomplishments of the court but also the start of new opportunities for this community and the beginning of a symbol of unity for all of us. We got to play alongside many kids and educate them on sports they have never seen before, such as lacrosse. In those moments, the court came to life, transforming from a construction project to a space filled with joyous gatherings and laughter.

Togetherness, love, and connectivity, all words that describe the meaning of family to these locals. From being invited in to tour their homes or just having a meaningful conversation, every single student and volunteer felt the crucial definition of family. We all became one, all the students but also with the locals. We can tell we've made a great difference in their life but they've also done the same, and even more, in our own lives. Through this touching experience, we have grown in love, dedication, curiosity, communal awareness and compassion towards all.

The locals’ gratefulness to the court truly expressed the importance of dedication and hard work during our time spent here. Every smile, every hospitable action, and every expressed piece of excitement strengthened our sense of purpose and meaningfulness towards this project – not only to them, but to us as well.

We Love You, Copa Buena!

~Talia Dorzi, Addison Scheuffele, Mary Hendrickson - Bellarmine Preparatory High School

Volunteer Quotes:

This community has shown me that one of the most important things in life is having each other. Whether that’s building a court, cooking or dancing, the people of Copa Buena have taught me to cherish the moments and memories with one another. ~ Stella E.

Not only is this such a fun trip to go on and to be able to explore new things, it grows people in such amazing ways, and builds so much character and gratitude! ~ Lila S.

The high point of my trip was the phone free time. Being without phones with other people causes you to see new sides of each other as well as engage in different ways with them.~ Kai B.

Courts for Kids provides a great opportunity to branch out, strengthen bonds, build connections and create long-lasting memories. It facilitates cultural immersion and promotes self-discover. ~ Chloe S.

I would recommend a Courts for Kids trip to others because it is a great opportunity to step outside of your comfort zone in a safe way, experience a new culture, meet new people, strengthen connections and to give to another community. ~ Aeris M.

I learned that life is never too busy to stop and have a conversation. The community members not only gave us the gifts of their talents and treasures, they also gave us the most valuable thing: their time.~ Mary R.

I feel like this trip has changed me by the way I view purpose and what is truly meaningful in life. What matters is loving God and loving others.~ Hailey M.

Community Quotes:

As a community we got to know a group of people who gave their all to a project despite language barriers - proof that where there’s a will, there are no boundaries. ~ Karen

I am very grateful for such a wonderful project, and I hope that other communities will be just as fortunate to have a project of this quality and to welcome visitors who can get to know our beautiful country. ~ Gabriela

Sharing this experience and interacting with the group was very important, as it allowed us to learn about different ideas and many ways of doing community work. Thank you for your hard work and support for the community.~ Aracelly

I would recommend Courts for Kids because it inspires communities to take action and undertake projects that improve and beautify their neighborhoods.~ Gildebrando

This project is a great opportunity for cultural exchange in a way that’s very beneficial for our communities. ~ Jenny

This was a great experience sharing with young people who taught us the importance of working together. The four days of work were really enjoyable because the boys and girls were so nice. As we say here, it was all “pura vida”. ~ Yohanny