Panama Service and Action Trip a Resounding Success!
Thirty-two M1 – M5 students, six parents and four chaperones set off to Panama on March 19 for a service and cultural experience to Panama, returning on March 28. Our chaperone team had to pivot quickly from the originally planned trip to Ecuador after a state of emergency was declared in the country. It was a huge effort on Da-Von Wade’s behalf (Trip leader) to organise an alternative option at short notice, at one of the busiest times of the year in Central America.
The newly planned activities and events were an absolute hit, keeping everyone busy over the ten days. We helped paint the exterior of a local school, assisted students with special needs around an obstacle course, pitched in to buy a much-needed television for their special class and played football against both the special school and the local football team. Cycling, hiking, horse-trekking, and zip-lining challenged us physically and emotionally, although the flight out of Bermuda was the scariest event of them all! A visit to the old Panama City, the canal and the largest mall in Central America rounded out the trip.
A huge thank you goes to Mr. Pinto, Mrs. Tucker, Mr. & Mrs. Hedlam, Mrs. Napee and Mr. Bascome our parent and grandparent helpers, who complimented our chaperones to ensure everyone was safe. Of course, none of this could happen without the leadership of Da-Von Wade, and the support of our chaperone team – Ankeysha Place (trip co-ordinator), Ashley Phipps (chaperone and First Aid) and Riki Teteina (Health & Safety). Our students were all excellent ambassadors of Somersfield Academy and worked together as a team throughout the trip!
We look forward to more community service trips in the future.
