Silas' school trip to Panama!

Hello family and friends,

We started this fundraiser page for Silas' school trip of a lifetime to Panama! We are kindly asking for any support possible to fund this trip.

Background: Based on GPA, attendance, and classroom behavior, Silas was selected as one of the students in a small group in his Spanish class to experience a lifetime trip to Panama. This trip is a ten-day-long adventure and will happen next summer, right after 8th grade. Silas is very excited to be part of this opportunity to travel abroad, learn more about Spanish (in a Spanish-speaking country), and experience a life-changing adventure. As his parents, we are excited (and nervous!) by the opportunity for him to mature more independently, be immersed in a different culture, and learn and grow from this tremendous experience. After nearly two years of tumultuous times during a pandemic, including school closures, surgery, getting covid twice, and starting at a new school, it is terrific to see Silas thriving during his middle school years and new opportunities presenting themselves. This trip also offers Silas high school credit and a gateway to continuing AP Spanish throughout his educational career and hopefully opens many other doors into adulthood. While Silas doesn't really have any money of his own to contribute to this experience/trip, he has committed to continuing his dedication to maintaining his grades (consistently a 3.8-4.0 GPA), another full year of Spanish elective courses, and various new weekly chores at home for an entire year.

In Silas' words: "I am very excited about this trip because I want to go somewhere I have never been/somewhere not in America, meet native tribes, try new food, explore new places/nature, see monkeys, learn more Spanish, learn more about the world, make new friends and have fun with friends".

About the trip:

Silas will be joining a small group of other students from his school along with three teachers, facilitated through an educational travel agency, where they will make the 10-hour flight to Panama and spend eight days exploring and learning before flying home. During their time in Panama, Silas will visit and explore Panama City and Chitre. They will see the Panama Canal, tour the Casco Viejo, visit a tropical research institute, participate in a workshop with local scientists, and visit local museums. They will also be going to Chitre for two days. During this time, they will see a working farm and experience being in an indigenous village while learning about the customs of the people who live on the land there, including catching fish, preparing dinner, traditional song and dance, and a community feast. Other activities include hiking, a boat ride to monkey island, a canoe ride on the Rio Chagres, partaking in traditional craft making, a traditional painting workshop, and so much more.

Funds from this donation will be used for:

Round trip airfare to/from Panama.

Hotel room in Panama

Lunches/snacks in Panama

Transportation in Panama (tour buses, etc.).

Tips for drivers/tour guides/daily purchases

Obtaining a passport

Fees associated with this fundraiser page

We created this fundraiser because it is a relatively expensive endeavor that we did not have planned or budgeted for, and we are asking for any donations to help support the cost. We knew we would make it happen for Silas regardless, but we are incredibly grateful for any additional support!

Even if only a $10 donation, Silas (and his parents!) are profoundly thankful for the assistance in helping with this educational trip of a lifetime. Silas has also agreed to help with chores for donors if applicable/possible (lawn mowing? etc.?). Every dollar helps! Thanks so much for your love and support of Silas. He is an amazing young man and lucky to have so many people in his extended family.