Aqua Inspiration Quepos 2024 Golfito and Quepos, Costa Rica
May 27-31, 2024
Story by: Reese Bowles
Aqua Inspiration Three 2024 | Golfito and Quepos, Costa Rica
Golfito
A little over six weeks ago, Aqua Inspiration kicked off in Golfito, C.R., on Monday, May 27, 2024. Our second year in Golfito, the event was sponsored by the IGFTO, Junior Achievement-Costa Rica, Marina Bahia Golfito, and Marina Pez Vela Youth Career Days.
The event started with Junior Achievement-Costa Rica implementing careerbuilding activities such as team building, communication, self-presentation, and leadership at the Colegio Tecnico Professional de Guaycara. The IGFTO was introduced, and events shirts were given to every student participant. Twenty two team members and volunteers met at the hotel Casa Roland for planning andreview that evening during an IGFTO-hosted dinner.
Nearly 100 Students and School Administrators Participated
On Tuesday, May 28, 2024, IGFTO members along with Junior Achievement-Costa Rica, Marina Bahia Golfito Staff, and volunteers from Marina Pez Vela welcomed nearly 100 students and school administrators at Marina Bahia Golfito. All participants received a healthy breakfast followed by a group photo session.
Students were divided into smaller groups and met their station leaders. Eachgroup was assigned to 1 of 10 learning stations. The students rotated through all 10 stations spending 15-20 minutes at each station. Junior Achievement improved the event with several additions this year. Topics
included conservation of Billfish (FECOP), risks and safety (CISMA), hospitality, certification opportunities (Learning National Institute), restaurant services, fuel dock environmental and safety concerns, and formal program opportunities (Universidad de Costa Rica).
Students Toured Two Large Vessels
Students toured two large ships, the 120-foot shark research vessel Range Rover, and the 130-foot private yacht Contiki, a charter service from Ecuador. In addition, the crew of the Gladiator introduced students to proper rod and reel techniques for fighting sportfish (special thanks again to Bobby McGinnis).
All the groups met downstairs in the La Playa Restaurant for lunch. Afterward, all moved upstairs to the crew lounge to listen to motivational speakers, conduct a station review in question form, vie for raffle prizes, and receive certificates of completion.
On To Aqua Inspiration Quepos
Thursday, May 30, 2024 the IGFTO and Junior Achievement-Costa Rica kicked off year three in Quepos, Costa Rica. The Junior Achievement-Costa Rica staff introduced activities such as team building, communication, self-presentation, and leadership at the Liceo Academico de Londres. Three communities participated. The IGFTO was introduced and shirts were given to every student participant. On the evening of May 30, 2024, twenty team members and volunteers met at Kokey’s for an IGFTO-hosted dinner.
More than 100 Students and School Administrators Participated
Friday, May 31, 2024, the IGFTO, Junior Achievement-Costa Rica, and the staff of Marina Pez Vela, Quepos welcomed 110 students and administrative volunteers. The group was introduced to the day’s activities during breakfast. They gathered for a group photo and then broke into smaller groups and met their group leaders.
Students rotated through nine educational stations spending 20 minutes at each one. Every station was staffed by professional experts in their field. Topics included a presentation about Billfish conservation by Henry Marin (of FECOP), risk and safety (CISMA), reef-building (marine conservation), and labor skills. Students took a tour of the yacht yard and learned about boat service and repair.
Fishing Equipment and Techniques Were Presented
Down on the docks students learned how to cast a spinning rod. Captain Butch Carlson, owner of the vessel Gypsy Girl, talked about teasers and dredges. Captain Harold of the vessel Aly-Gator spoke about outriggers. We all moved to the pavilion to listen to motivational speakers, conduct a station review in question form, vie for raffle prizes, and receive certificates of completion.
Both Events Were a Huge Success!
Both events were a huge success and the participants all showed enthusiasm. Stations reported that students were attentive and asked many questions.
I would like to thank all the sponsors and volunteers at both events. I have been impressed with the staff at both Marinas. Randall and his staff at Junior Achievement-Costa Rica outdid themselves this year. My thanks especially go out to Maria Bakit Jimenez, her husband Neil, and their entire family! One never knows how much of an impact one can have in someone’s life with just one day of showing them the opportunities that await them. The Aqua Inspiration program is looking to expand to other marinas in Costa Rica in the future.
If you want to be a part of the Aqua Inspiration program, planning has already begun for 2025. Your generous tax-deductible donation is always welcome via check to: IGFTO, P.O. Box 30191, Pensacola, FL 32503 - annotate Aqua Inspiration on the memo line, or online via VENMO THANK YOU!!
Want more photos and stories, navigate to our partner pages: JACOSTARICAGOLFITO or JACOSTARICA-QUEPOS
Aqua Inspiration '24 Golfito | Photo Credit: Sebastian Harris
Aqua Inspiration '24 Marina Pez Vela, Quepos | Photo Credit: Sebastian Harris
