Tanzania

Tanzania Flight from LaGuardia is cancelled. We are currently researching our options.

Galapagos

They are safe in Miami, the next flight AA3516 will arrive in Norfolk at 11:55PM. Please check the flight status on American Airlines website.

Tanzania Flight Cancelled

Tanzania Flight has been cancelled.
Students will be coming from LaGuardia on Delta Flight # 6277 leaving at 5:15 PM.
Please go to Delta.com for Flight updates.

STRI update

The last of the STRI group (with Mr. Willis taking the picture) poses with Derrick from Delta who helped us out a great deal.

Galapagos

We spent the morning touring the central historic area of Quito.  We saw the five main churches and the differences in their architecture.  After a nice lunch in the main plaza we headed to the the highlands to visit one of Quito's 17 active volcanoes.  We ended the day with a trip to the equator line.  Students practiced walking the line with eyes closed (can't be done), experimented with the Coriolis Effect, and tried to balance an egg on a nail (it works!). Tonight is our last dinner in South America!  We are anxious to get home

STRI Update flight Delta 1004 departing at 7:36

Please bare with me. We have no control over which names Delta assigns to these stand by flights.

Students on this flight:

Land
Olafsdittir
Roesen
Siviter
Skeen
Smith, Colin
Wallace, Jessie
Land
Spear
Napolitano
Scanlon
Praver

Scheduled to arrive at 9:25 and is presently on time.

STRI crew chillin' in ATL

Those of us still waiting to get on a flight have had dinner and are in good spirits. We have been looking at photos from the trip and reminiscing about the good times we had together in Panama. See "all y'all" soon!

STRI Baggage

Delta says that most of the bags will be on this flight so please check with the Delta Baggage claim while you wait for the bags. Might save you some time.

STRI Flights

Kucy got on the #1012 4:47 departure at the last minute.

STRI Flight #1012 departing at 4:47 Student passenger list

Delta is going alphabetically:
Here is the list of the students that made this flight arriving at 6:41 into Norfolk.

Castleberry
Chase
Chubb
Crawley
Cunningham
Davis
Dibona
Ghenea
Greeson
Jennings, Hollis.
Jennings, Meredith

Presently, the plane is on time. Thanks for your patience and understanding.
My cell is 715-1010 if you need to speak to me.

If the bags do not arrive for some reason, please check with the Delta Baggage Claim desk in the Baggage claim area.

STRI details

Needless to say, we are a group of 30 and the options are not good.
We will have to split the group up tonight
DL 1012 has 4 seats departing at 4:47 to Norfolk 6:34 arriving
DL1004 has 11 seats departing at 7:36 to Norfolk 9:25 arriving
DL2095 departing 10:06 to Norfolk 11:48 arriving

Kim Johnson will email me and post on the blog exactly which kids are going where. We are sending some groups directly to Norfolk without a chaperone assuming parents will be there to pick up and we would rather have a student take a seat than an adult. If this is a problem, please call me asap. Our faculty are at the gates making sure the kids board safely and we assume a parent will be ready and waiting to pick up their child in Norfolk.

STRI update

They missed the flight and we are working on details.

Tanzania flights

The group will arrive from JFK on Delta flight 6155 at 4:31 Monday June 24. . The flight from Tanzania to Amsterdam is on time. Please keep checking this blog for updates.

STRI Flights

Delta Flight #2206

Arriving from Atlanta at 4:34PM

ON time as of 12:05

Galapagos

From Dr. Duffy, yesterday evening.
Great and very rigorous!  We went to the Central market this afternoon and shopped for an hour or so to find those unique gifts for family and friends.
We are meeting our guide at 7 and walking to dinner.  Tomorrow we tour historic Quito and will stand on the equator!

Flights are all confirmed for tomorrow. 

American Airlines

3516

MIAMI INTERNTNL MON 24JUN 9:35 PM

NORFOLK VA BEACH MON 24JUN 11:55 PM

STRI Panama - June 22; UPDATE: Flying home

Clockwise from top left: Kevin Cunningham '14 became a minor celebrity because he shares a last name with a family in the novel To Kill a Mockingbird that students had recently read; students pass through an open air courtyard at Brader school; the school motto, "Do good to all" in Latin; a banner seen at the school on Spirit Day

Cape Henry students have continued to have a great time during their Panamanian homestay experiences.  Friday was a Spirit Day at Colegio Brader as they prepared to support their school's American football team in the championship game on Saturday.  While fútbol (aka soccer) remains the most popular sport in Panama, American football has become a very popular sport at Colegio Brader. Many Cape Henry students and their hosts will be in attendance for this highly anticipated championship event.

Top: CHC students watch as Brader students practice traditional Panamanian dance; Middle: Hayley Greason '14 and Hlif Olafsdottir '14 don Panamanian pollera skirts to dance in; Brader students smile as Maddy Spear '14 learns from the instructor.

In addition, some of our CHC students had the opportunity to observe a class in traditional Panamanian dance offered after school at Colegio Brader. It was not long before they were asked to join in.  They had a great time learning the dances.

Clockwise from top left: Meredith Jennings '15; Collin Smith '14; Ethan Crawley '14; Lucy Willis '15 and Greer Lowenstein '15

More fun at dance class

Our group has had a fantastic two weeks in Panama. Students have been able to see tropical research and conservation efforts up close.  Many in our group have been inspired to consider future research and volunteer opportunities.  We have also gained a better understanding of Panamanian history and culture and made great new friends.  While it is tough to say goodbye to the wonderful people here, we are looking forward to getting home to our loved ones tomorrow (Sunday) afternoon!

Señor Willis was pulled onstage to join in a traditional Panamanian dance.

Clockwise from top left: The Panama City skyline at night; a sloth seen by our group; one of the inspirational messages written on the walls at Colegio Brader; Curtis Kirby '14 and Mr. Willis in Portobelo; Ms. Frasher and Mrs. Johnson enjoy a cup of coffee at Colegio Brader

SUNDAY MORNING UPDATE: We are all through security at the Panama City airport and should soon be boarding the flight to Atlanta!  Our final flight, Delta 2206, is scheduled to get in to Norfolk at 4:30 PM today.

Galapagos

Today we said good-bye to our guide Wilson who has been with us since our first day in the Galapagos.  Jose will help us get back to the mainlandtomorrow morning where we have two nights in the Capitol city of Quito.  We visited another lava tunnel today and saw tortoises in the wild. Students got a chance to try on a tortoise shell too!  Our afternoon shopping in Santa Cruz gave us a BIG surprise as we ran into the famous Mr. Anderson from Montana with his students.  Mr. Anderson is famous for his bio videos on You Tube that many of the students use to study biology.  Our students met his students and exchanged adventures.  They were coming from the mainland and just starting their tour of the islands so CHC students gave them some previews of the critters they will encounter.  We are all excited to get pizza tonight since we are a bit tired of fish and chicken.

STRI Panama - June 21

Clockwise from top left: The nun in charge of the farm welcomes our group; Some of the flowers on the farm, Jack Scanlon '14 entertains the group at night with his poi skills; a horse on the farm.

Tuesday night after the orphanage visit, our group made the trek to the countryside to stay at the Malambo Farm. This simple but beautiful location serves as a retreat center for the children of the orphanage, to give them a chance to be out of the city and experience some of the natural beauty of their country.

Cape Henry students help out on the farm.  Clockwise from top left: Raúl from Brader School and Tyler Chub '14; Greer Lowenstein '15; Meredith Jennings '15; John Napolitano '14

As part of our group's goal to serve the Malambo organization, we worked on Wednesday doing landscaping and gardening work on the farm. During the rest of the day and evening, students were able to relax and enjoy nature while reflecting on the many unforgettable experiences they have had so far on the trip.

More yardwork on the farm.  Clockwise from top left: Collin Smith '14; Hayley Greason '14; Kevin Cunningham '14; Jessie Wallace '14

Thursday, we traveled from the farm back into Panama City, arriving mid-morning at Colegio Brader, our partner school. Cape Henry students had been matched up with Brader School host families, and each one finally had the chance to meet the Panamanian student with whom they would be staying.

Cape Henry students arrive at at our partner school, Colegio Brader. Clockwise from top left: Jordan Davis '14 and Ethan Crawley '14 talk to their student hosts; Jack Scanlon '14 gets a hug from his surrogate mother Mrs. Johnson before heading off to his homestay; Raúl Arenas (Brader '13) shakes hands with John Napolitano '14; Collin "The Legend of Conky" Smith '14 enjoys conversing with Panamanian students.

The Cape Henry and Brader students seemed to bond instantly and had a great first day together.  CHC students visited Brader classes and spent the afternoon and evening engaged in various activities with their host students and families.

CHC students meet their Brader hosts.  Clockwise from top left: Hlif Olafsdottir '14; Madi Praver '15 and Brooke Castleberry '15; Madison Land '15; Alex Ghenea '14 and John Napolitano '14; Isabel González (Brader '13) and Teacher Ileana work together to make sure all the details are perfect for the homestays.

Click photos to view full size!

Look for a final update tomorrow (Saturday) before we fly out Sunday morning and arrive home to Norfolk late Sunday afternoon.  ¡Hasta pronto!

Yellowstone

Mr. Gray just called from Old Faithful where they could actually get cell service. They've been hiking the last two days and their legs are pretty worn but everything is fine, its been a great trip and they look forward to coming home tomorrow night to a soft bed and warm shower.

Tanzania

Another short text from Mrs. Williams in the Ngorongoro Crater area. She said that although it was foggy, they saw very rare white rhino which means they've seen the big five! All is good and they are winding their way back to the lodge for their first hot shower in weeks.

Galapagos

To Santa Cruz after a thrilling 2 hour boat trip.  Visited the Charles Darwin center where Lonesome George lived and died recently.  After a nice lunch of fish, rice, and beans we visited the Reserva Pajaro Brujo to see their flora restoration efforts.  International surf day activities are going on across the street from our B&B and the shopping opportunities are plentiful.  All students are in good spirits despite their tiredness.

STRI Panama - June 20

Top: Kevin Cunningham '14 and Curtis Kirby '14 snorkeling at a coral reef near Portobelo; Middle: Brain coral; Bottom: Fish swim amidst the coral.

The STRI group has been without Internet access for the past few days, so we have a lot to catch you up on.  Monday morning, half of our group went snorkeling at a coral reef in Portobelo, seeing myriad colorful tropical fish, various types of coral, sea urchins, sea cucumbers, and other marine life.  Meanwhile, the other half went ziplining through the jungle canopy. In the afternoon the two groups switched activities. The afternoon zipline group had an especially adventurous experience as they traversed the rain forest during a torrential downpour and got just a little dirty in the process.

Clockwise from top left: Alex Ghenea '14 prepares to take off; Alex ziplines over the treeline; Bradley Skeen '15,  Hollis Jennings '15, Tommy DiBona '15, Alex Ghenea '14, and Mr. Willis proved their toughness ziplining in the pouring rain; Meredith Jennings '15 yells in excitement while zipping through the rain forest.

Videos by Curtis Kirby '14:

On Tuesday, the group had the privilege to visit the Malambo Orphanage in Panama City.

Clockwise from top left: Kevin Cunningham '14; Blair Chase '14 and Amanda Siviter '14; Tommy DiBona '15, and Raúl Arenas (Colegio Brader) enjoy spending time with children at the Malambo orphanage; a sign celebrates the over 120 years of service the orphanage has provided to Panama City's children.

Malambo provides a home and family environment to over a hundred kids ranging from birth to age 18, including special-needs and HIV positive children.  The CHC students really enjoyed getting to meet, play with, and show love to the children and teens at the orphanage.  Seeing the smiles on the faces of the Malambo kids and the Cape Henry students as they enjoyed each other's company was priceless. Many of our students were able to use their Spanish abilities to communicate with their new friends. This time made a huge impact on our group, and we were sad to leave and wished we could have stayed with them longer! 

The Cape Henry group enjoys interacting with the children of Malambo orphanage. Top: Mr. Willis and Ms. Frasher; Middle: John Napolitano '14, Bottom: Bradley Skeen '15 and Meredith Jennings '15

This is the third year that Cape Henry STRI students have been involved with the Malambo orphanage.  Past students were touched by the experience and were inspired to make a difference there. As a result, during the past school year, the CHC Upper, Middle and Lower Schools worked together to raise money and collect supplies (including school and art supplies, clothes, and personal hygiene items) for the orphanage. We were thrilled to be able to present four huge duffel bags of donations, as well as a check for $600, to support the great work that is done at Malambo.  Thanks so much to all the members of the CHC family that contributed to this great cause!

Top: Maddie Spear '14 and Hlif Olafsdottir '14 pose with some of the children they met at the orphanage; Middle and Bottom: Alex Ghenea '14 is all smiles as he and a new friend have fun on the playground.

Click the photos to view full size!  Another update is coming soon.

Clockwise from top left: Hollis Jennings '15 at the orphanage; Jack Scanlon '14, Ethan Crawley '14, and Kevin Cunningham '14 practice soccer drills with a new friend; Madi Praver  '15 shares a laugh with a child at Malambo; Carly Roesen '15 is happy to spend time with the girls of Malambo.

Galapagos

Had a fantastic day snorkeling along the rocky shoreline of volcanic lava flows.  We swam with sharks and turtles and lots of fish. We saw giant manta rays along the way.  We had lunch on the boat and walked on the rocks and saw a blue footed boobie's nest. There were two eggs.  In the afternoon we visited the mangroves, a freshwater spring draining into the sea, and the wall of tears; part of a prison camp in 40s and 50s. Students ended our last day on Isabella playing beach volleyball. Dinner is in one hour. On our way to Santa Cruz tomorrow!

Tanzania

Sarah Williams just sent a text which said "The game viewing is incredible. We just saw a male leopard 3 feet from the truck!" Add that to the pride of 40 lions they saw the other day and it's safe to assume they will have some incredible pictures. They are heading to the Ngorongoro Crater today for more game viewing as they make their way back to civilization.

Day 10: Dolphin Tour, Sea Kayaking, and Snorkeling

From the start today has been a busy day. We woke up around 6:30 am, headed to breakfast at 7, and then left for our dolphin tour. When we arrived, we got on a smaller boat that carried us to a bigger boat where we would departure for the tour. It was very hot and we were bouncing on humongous pacific waves. Although the rough ride left some feeling sea sick, it was an experience we will not forget. I sat on the upper deck with Mrs.Hayes, Gregory Lloyd, and Jake Levinson. The view was spectacular. We saw turtles mating, a manta ray, and dolphins jumping. After the tour ended, we had an amazing meal on the beach provided by the hotel. 

Once we all finished, we began our kayak ride to Chora, a little island off of the beach. It was about 15 minutes to kayak to the island. When we arrived, we got our snorkel gear on and headed into the water. Although the water was not very clear, you could see tons of fish. The most interesting thing I saw was a large Gold Faced puffer fish the guide found for us. I held the fish, and it was like one of those squishy balls you find in stores. It was awesome. Once we finished snorkeling, we ate some pineapple and headed back. We now are packing our suitcases to head home tomorrow. I'm sad to leave but the memories made here are ones I'll never forget. Thank you mom and dad for giving me the opportunity to come here. See you tomorrow evening. Pura Vida!

-Anna Longacher

Tanzania

The group is deep into the Seregenti right now but I did receive a text via satellite phone. They saw a pride of 40 lions today which is incredibly rare! I expect when they return, we'll see some phenomenal pictures. Otherwise, all is well in Tanzania.

Day 9: School Visit and Turtle Watch in Samara

On our second to last day in Costa Rica we had a busy day. We started the morning with a jog or walk on the beach. Afterwards we got ready for a full day with the kids. We first went to the school and participated in an activity learning about values. During the activity the kids wrote us letters and we should be receiving them in the next 5 weeks which we are all really excited about. After the activity was over we headed to the beach to have a picnic. When we were finished with our delicious sandwiches we headed back to the community center to play with the kids again. We played many games and had a great time, but then it was the hard part we had to say goodbye. Next, we headed in to town to do a little shopping and we finished the day with a relaxing walk on the beach back to the hotel. The last thing on our agenda was dinner and then a turtle observation. Although we did not get to see that many turtles we did see one turtle returning to the ocean and got to touch it. We returned that night late and tired. We all took fast showers and went to bed excited to see what our last day in Costa Rica would bring. 

- Carleigh Saunders

Nexus

As you can see from our many fantastic blogs from around the world, Cape Henry students really do make the world our classroom. We are transformed by meaningful service in Tanzania providing LifeStraws to purify water for the Masai. We learn about neotropical science with the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute in Panama and we experience the science of Darwin in the Galapagos by swimming with sea lions and learning about endemic and invasive species. In Costa Rica, we immerse ourselves in Tican culture, making friends with local students and learning about the agricultural economic engine of coffee and fruits. In Cambodia we study Pol Pot and the genocide of the Khmer Rouge while in Borneo, we live with the Iban immersing ourselves in their tribal culture which focuses on family and community.

Many of our programs include a cultural immersion component where our students are immersed in a culture through a home stay. This is so important for a deeper understanding of the diversity of people on the planet and helps accomplish one of our stated Nexus goals: understanding and awareness of global cultures. But, in order to have a sustainable exchange component, we have to reciprocate the kindness shown to our students and open our homes to the many students from around the world that come to visit Cape Henry. Without the kindness of our Cape Henry families opening their homes as hosts, our students would not have the opportunity to become more aware and understand cultures from the intimate setting of a home while abroad. Please consider hosting one of our upcoming exchange students who stay for a mere 10-14 days. Email me at willyfluharty@capehenry.org if you are interested.

Yellowstone

The kids had a great horseback ride and were off to raft yesterday.

Galapagos

A nice day on Isabella.  We canned the hike to top of volcano due to early morning rain.  Instead we went to the tortoise reproduction center where students witnessed tortoise mating in action!  Commentary was quite comical.  Students learned the tortoise gestational cycle from mating to hatching of eggs is nine months just like humans.  We then traveled to a lava tunnel and walked through it with our flashlights seeing mineral crystals of pyrite (fools gold).  We had a fantastic lunch at an Eco-ranch in the highlands.  On the way back we drove by a large lava flow and noted pahoehoe and aa flows as well as ecological succession of plant communities on the recent (10 years) flows.  We now have the afternoon at the beach to relax.