City High Costa Rica Service & Adventure Trip 2026

Dates: Monday, March 23 – Monday, March 30, 2026

This week-long service and adventure trip will give students the opportunity to volunteer with local organizations, explore the natural beauty of Costa Rica, and strengthen their teamwork skills through shared experiences.

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Pre-Trip Team Experiences

Before they head abroad, students will work together through local service and outdoor learning opportunities right here in Pittsburgh. These experiences help build community and prepare for our international adventure.

Local Service & Team Building Dates

• Thursday, October 16 – Volunteer at Greater Pittsburgh Food Bank

• Tuesday, October 28 – Ecostewards Orientation & Hike at Frick Park

• Friday, November 14 – Volunteer with Ecostewards & Hike at Frick Park

• Friday, January 23 – Food Bank  

• Friday, February 6 – Ecostewards & Hike at Frick Park

• Friday, May 1 – Ecostewards & Hike at Frick Park

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Payments & Questions

For questions about payments or the payment schedule, please contact Ms. Q (Quintero@cityhigh.org).

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Passport & Medical Requirements

Important Dates

• September 16, 2025: Copy of Passport Application (receipt) due to Ms. Garman

• October 13, 2025 – 5:30 PM: Mandatory Parent Meeting #1  

• November 4, 2025: Medical Form with Vaccination History (signed by physician) due to Ms. Garman

• January 13, 2026: Photocopy of Passport due to Ms. Garman

• February 16, 2026: Mandatory Parent Meeting #2

March 23–30, 2026: Costa Rica Trip!   

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ABOUT OUR TRIP

The Latin American Studies International Service Learning Program is an inter-cultural and international self-development experience that involves a true commitment to activities ranging from community service to intense hiking trips and cultural events.  It includes a 13-week elective course to study the politics, culture, language, and natural environment of Latin America and concludes with a 7 day journey to Costa Rica. 

Nick Durkin Scholarship Fund

The Nick Durkin Scholarship Fund awards scholarships to City Charter High School students participating in the school's annual Costa Rica service trip. Nick participated in this trip in 2012 when he was a senior at City High. It was one of the most positive and affirming experiences he ever had. Nick passed away in December of 2017. Although the circumstances around his death are incredibly sad, this fund is a way to share Nick's spirit with those who knew him and those who never had the chance to meet him.

THIS YEAR'S WINNERS

Full award - $1250

Tytiana Hauser
Rosemary Wang 

Special partial award - $250
Zara Aqra