El Valle de Antón – Summer 2024

Every adventure brings new experiences, new directions, and new friends, and this one was no exception.

From the start, we landed late in Panama City and spent our first night in a hostel nestled in a quiet part of the bustling city. It was here that we began to learn about each other and created our first shared memories. The next day, we took a long bus ride down to the quaint beach town of Santa Clara, a place that tests your spirit and challenges your determination. It was here that we experienced the raw nature and character Panama had to offer. From bed bugs to rats, power outages, and the blazing heat and humidity, we weathered it all, growing closer and stronger together. This, along with the many teambuilding activities we did, fostered friendships and strengthened bonds. Although I am writing this two days before we leave, I can already imagine the tears that will be shed for people who will be greatly missed.

In Santa Clara, we also began preparing to meet the schools where we would spend the following week. We created elaborate posters and practiced interactive songs to help the kids learn about us and where we are from.

When the time came, we took the winding bus ride up to the former volcanoes surrounding El Valle de Antón. From the towering mountains that encompass the town to the lush green vegetation and unique biodiversity found throughout, it was truly an unforgettable stay—not only for its sights but also for the facilities, as we enjoyed beautiful rooms and plenty of much-needed fans.

Returning to the purpose of our trip, we split into two groups: one that would go to a school in the small town of El Águila and another in the town of Sofre. El Águila had a smaller school that went up to sixth grade, while Sofre had a full kindergarten through ninth-grade school. It was here that we learned the true spirit of AMIGOS. Ask anyone who went on this trip, and they will most certainly say that playing with the kids and leading them in activities brought us the most fulfillment and made all the previous toil worthwhile.

Since I was in the El Águila group, I cannot speak to the experiences of those who went to Sofre, but I know that in El Águila, we made substantial improvements to the school: new textbooks, freshly painted walls, and a complete overhaul of their library. These improvements, along with the exchange of cultures and languages, will enhance the school’s ability to educate its students and leave the students with lasting memories and a positive impression of AMIGOS and the United States as a whole.

After the school week ended, we went on a small excursion to deepen our understanding of the biodiversity that had captivated us throughout the trip. Seeing the cherished Panamanian Golden Frog, along with other fascinating creatures like a sloth, was an unforgettable experience. We then hiked up one of the local mountains, only to be drenched as we clambered down as fast as possible in the pouring monsoon rain. This marked the end of our time in the mountains, as the next day we headed back down to Panama City. There, we explored the charming, historic, and artistically rich part of town: Casco Viejo, with its beautiful and colorful buildings adorned with hanging green plants and flowers, and the old ruins of universities and churches from a bygone era.

All in all, no matter how many negative experiences we had on this trip, or the headaches we gave the patient staff, we can all look back and laugh at our mishaps, remembering that we came out of it with new friends and a positive impact on the earth.

-Will R.

We may return again and again to different AMIGOS projects, but each one will be a unique experience, which is why we must live each to the fullest.

Our lives are like a river, never passing through the same place twice: the bends are always unexpected, and the landscapes are always new. Throughout the project, we did our best to face these new experiences with joy and courage, and we encourage all of you to do the same. Though our time with AMIGOS has come to an end, a river never stops running; there will always be new twists and new landscapes. We hope your time with AMIGOS has prepared you to confront them with open minds and hands ready to help.

Our “river” through AMIGOS was incredible. As a member of the project staff, I can say that this experience was incredibly challenging and, in the end, wholly worth it. Every day, every place, and every moment invested in this project will leave a lasting mark on us, reflected in our growth as individuals as we overcame countless obstacles together in pursuit of each day’s success.

For more Amigos like these.