November 2013 Meeting

Costa Rica 2014 – November Meeting (Countdown: 26 weeks or 182 days)

1. Passports

1. If you don’t already have one, you need to begin the process! Please let me know if you and/or your child do not have a current, valid passport.
2. Make sure your name on passport is the same as name given to EF Tours.

2. Rooming

1. Students under the age of 12 must room with an adult.
2. Standard rooming accommodations:

1. 3-4 students/room
2. 2 adults/room
3. 1 adult, 2 students/room
4. 2 adults, 1 student/room

3. Surcharge for 1 adult/1 student only = $30/night or $270.00
4. Unaccompanied students: Jacob, Isabelle, Alexa

We discussed the need to pair these three kids with another parent/child.  We may need to have one of the moms stay with Isabelle & Alexa, and have their son room with another boy.  

5. What is your rooming preference?  Are you willing to take on an additional student in your room?

Let me know if you are NOT willing to be paired with another student, OR if there is a particular student you do not want to be paired with.  

3. Insurance

1. STRONGLY ENCOURAGED!!!
2. Check with your insurance provider; most do not have international coverage.

4. Packing List (see attached)

1. Holiday shopping/gift ideas:   

• Money belt (like this one at Amazon)
• Small folding, compact umbrella (it is a rain forest!)
• Light, compact, rain jacket / poncho
• Postcards / note cards and stamps
• Address book
• Camera - whatever kind you'd like
• Compact flashlight or headlamp
• Travel pillow and blanket
• Books, puzzle books, travel games
• Keens or equivalent (ebay – great deals)
• Quick-dry / Dry-fit clothing (Jacque Hale said not to bother with anything cotton.  Once it gets damp, it will not dry & will stink up your whole bag!)
• Long-sleeve rash guard
• large scarf/pashmina/sarong
• microfiber, quick-dry towel (hand towels size)
• Suitcase – carry-on size

2. Look for sales throughout the year

5. Fundraising

1. Discuss ideas for group fundraising event - Jacque Hale proposed Hot Cocoa sales in the morning before school, starting in January.  We welcome other ideas as well.  
2. Would anyone like to head this up? Jesse Dahl volunteered to coordinate Hot Cocoa sales.

6. Miscellaneous / Questions

1. Horseback Riding – 12 years old is the policy, we are checking into whether or not EF Tours will allow our 11 year olds to participate.  If will follow-up again when I get confirmation.
2. White water rafting – due to the size of our group, we will not be able to confirm this activity until we are much closer to our departure date.
3. Student Tours for Adults – Parents: set your expectations; this I not a 5-star vacation; consider it a step up from camping.  The kids love it and you will too, as long as you understand what you are getting into from the beginning:

1. walking 5-7 miles/day
2. climbing 6 flights of stairs/day
3. meals (smaller & less variety; lots of rice & beans!)
4. accommodations (rooms may not be air conditioned, no hair dryer, smaller, etc.)

7. Next Meeting

1. Week of Jan 27-31 (pm) – Please let me know your evening availability for that week.
2. student e-mail addresses – If your student has an e-mail address, please send it to me and I will include them on future planning e-mails.