PROGRAM PHOTO ALBUM
Thanks for the checking out the blog for this Global Leadership Adventures program!
This blog is for the Guatemala session starting June 17, 2026, which includes both the Children of the Maya track and the Global Health in the Land of the Maya track.
Here are a few things to know and expect:
- Blog posts are written by onsite program staff and/or students and sent to our Headquarters team who will post the blog on this page.
- We typically receive 2-3 blog updates per week from each program, so please don’t be alarmed if you don’t see a blog post every day – that’s totally normal.
- Blog updates received late in the evening or overnight will be posted the following day.
- Blog updates received on weekends may not be posted until Monday.
- Due to many factors such as internet accessibility, program staff aren’t always able to send photos, so some blog posts may contain text only.
Thank you for your patience and understanding, and we hope you enjoy following along on these unforgettable adventures.
For frequently asked questions about the blogs, please visit our Program Blog FAQ page.
-The Global Leadership Adventures HQ Team
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BLOG POST FOR JUNE 17
Hello Parents,
Today was our arrival day in Guatemala!
As students arrived throughout the day, they gathered at Casa Blanca, a hotel near the airport, where they had the opportunity to rest after their travels, enjoy lunch, and begin getting to know one another. It was exciting to see new friendships already starting to form as everyone settled into the adventure ahead.
Once the first group was together, they headed to La Quinta, our hotel for the evening in Antigua. The beautiful gardens and colorful surroundings immediately caught everyone’s attention and gave us a wonderful first impression of Guatemala.
After getting settled and freshening up, we walked through Antigua to Doña Luisa for dinner. Along the way, students got their first look at the city’s colorful streets and colonial architecture.
Dinner was a great opportunity for our first group of arrivals to spend time together, and the evening became even more special as we celebrated Zane’s birthday with a group rendition of “Happy Birthday.”
After a long day of travel, students returned to the hotel to rest and prepare for tomorrow’s journey to our Home Base in Xela. Some arrived a little later than others, but we are 37 strong, and tomorrow we will welcome one more student, bringing our group to 38.
We are excited for the adventures ahead and look forward to sharing more from Guatemala soon!
Until tomorrow, when we will head to our Home Base in Xela and we will be a whole group with Diego joining us for Orientation.
BLOG POST FOR JUNE 18
Dear Parents,
We started our morning with breakfast on the rooftop of our hotel in Antigua, accompanied by the incredible sight of a live volcano eruption in the distance.
After packing our bags, we began the three-hour journey to our Home Base in Xela. Along the way, we made a few stops, sang songs, shared stories, and even squeezed in a few naps before arriving at our home for the next 10 days.
Once settled, we enjoyed our first lunch together as a group, featuring delicious local food prepared by our amazing cooks. We then began our orientation, where students were divided into small groups to discuss and present key points from our Code of Conduct and community expectations.
Later in the afternoon, Diego joined the group, bringing our group to 38. We also took part in a cultural exchange and community norms session led by our Local Director, Nayo, helping everyone better understand and connect with one another.
We ended the day with our first Chow Circle, where students shared shout-outs, highlights, and takeaways from the day. The circle was led by Mentor Mireia, who also announced our first Leaders of the Day: Nia, Macy, Ethan, and Luke.
We are excited to see our first Leaders of the Day in action and to begin our service work at the schools tomorrow.
BLOG POST FOR JUNE 19
Dear parents,
Today was a day full of learning, connection, and reflection. We began the day by splitting into two service groups, each working with members of the local community in different ways.
One group visited the school in El Valle, where students led English-learning stations with children from 3rd through 6th grade. Through games, conversations, and interactive activities, we practiced English together while learning about one another’s lives. The experience became much more than a language lesson—it was an opportunity to build meaningful connections and discover that, despite coming from different countries, cultures, and backgrounds, we share many of the same interests, dreams, and experiences. The students were eager to participate, ask questions, and teach us about their own culture, creating a genuine exchange of learning and friendship.
Meanwhile, the Global Health group worked closely with local children by collecting health data and calculating BMI measurements. For many students, this experience was eye-opening. It was surprising to see the differences in nutrition and access to resources compared to what many of us are accustomed to at home. A big takeaway from the day was realizing that making an effort to connect matters more than speaking the same language perfectly. Through play, conversation, and simple acts of kindness, students were able to show the children that they were seen, valued, and appreciated. The joy on the children’s faces as they played games, shared stories, and collected signatures in their notebooks left a lasting impact on everyone involved.
After our service work, we continued our cultural learning through a visit from a local chocolate workshop. There, we explored the rich history of chocolate in Guatemala and learned about its deep connection to the country’s Mayan roots. The experience offered a fascinating glimpse into traditions that continue to shape Guatemalan culture today.
Later, we spent time strengthening our own community through group activities. Some of the day’s favorites included the service projects, the chocolate workshop, and an energetic game of hacky sack that brought plenty of laughter and friendly competition. These moments allowed us to continue building relationships while having fun together.
To close out the day, we gathered for our first mentor group meetings. During these small-group discussions, students reflected on what they had observed and learned throughout the day. We talked about our core values, and how these values can guide us as we continue engaging with the local community. It was a meaningful opportunity to process our experiences and learn from one another’s perspectives.
Today reminded us that some of the most powerful learning happens through connection—whether with a new friend, a different culture, or a deeper understanding of ourselves. We are excited to continue growing together and to see what tomorrow brings.
Nia, Macy, Luke & Ethan
BLOG POST FOR JUNE 20
Dear Parents,
Today, we started our morning with breakfast before departing Home Base for the towns surrounding beautiful Lake Atitlán. After a pleasant and scenic three-hour drive through the Guatemalan highlands, we boarded a boat to cross the lake, taking in the stunning views of the surrounding mountains and volcanoes along the way.
Upon arriving in San Juan, we explored the colorful local markets and visited a traditional weaving community , where we learned about the process of handcrafting cotton yarn and creating traditional Mayan textiles. It was fascinating to see the skill, patience, and cultural significance behind each piece of clothing. After our visit, we continued through the vibrant streets before enjoying lunch at a local café.
Following our boat ride back across the lake, we took time to reflect on the day’s experiences and everything we had learned about the local culture and traditions. Later, we visited another market, where students had the opportunity to purchase handmade jewelry, clothing, artwork, and other cultural treasures crafted by local artisans.
Back at Home Base, we enjoyed a delicious dinner prepared by our wonderful local cooks. The evening ended with a special celebration for the birthdays of Zane, Briggs, and Lidia, complete with a piñata, cake, and plenty of laughter. As always, we wrapped up the night with our daily game of hacky sack and other group bonding activities.
It was a day full of cultural immersion, learning, and memorable experiences, and we are excited for tomorrow’s adventures.
Thank you,
Cole, Avery, Scarlet, and Emma
BLOG POST FOR JUNE 21
Dear Parents,
Today began with a delicious breakfast of beans, eggs, fresh fruit, and toast with jam before we set off on our adventure for the day.
We boarded the bus for a one-hour drive to Chichicastenango, home to the largest market in Central America. Students spent the morning exploring the vibrant market, taking in the colorful crafts, textiles, and handmade goods created by local artisans. Along the way, they experienced the rich culture of the region and even learned some bargaining skills while interacting with vendors.
For lunch, we enjoyed a buffet at a local hotel, where students were especially excited to find French fries on the menu! The hotel also featured parrots and parakeets that could talk, adding a fun and memorable touch to our visit.
After lunch, we began the three-hour journey back to our home base in Xela. Once we arrived, students participated in a traditional tortilla-making class led by our local cooks. They learned about the cultural significance of tortillas and the customs surrounding their preparation while making them from scratch by hand.
We ended the day with a group circle to reflect on our experiences and share highlights from the day before enjoying a delicious spaghetti dinner together.
It was another wonderful day of cultural immersion, learning, and connection as we continue our journey in Guatemala.
– Ruby, Nora, Oliver & Max
BLOG POST FOR JUNE 22
We woke up at Home Base and enjoyed a delicious breakfast to start our day. The Children of the Maya group headed off to a private school, while the Global Health group shadowed a doctor and participated in a CPR and First Aid course.
The Children of the Maya group had the opportunity to support students while learning about Guatemala’s education system. They also worked alongside students to paint educational designs around the school. Meanwhile, the Global Health group learned about the challenges many Guatemalan families face, including malnutrition and limited access to resources, as well as the policies and initiatives that can help improve these conditions. They also received in-depth training in CPR, first aid, and emergency safety procedures.
Later in the day, the Children of the Maya group attended a presentation by a guest speaker, the director of a public school, who shared valuable insights about school funding and the Guatemalan education system.
After service, the entire group participated in GLA activities and fun games before heading to a delicious dinner. We ended the evening with a Pulse Check, where everyone had the opportunity to reflect on their experiences and share feedback with the GLA staff.
Overall, it was an influential and educational day. We gained a deeper understanding of Guatemala’s education and healthcare systems while broadening our perspectives on the resources, challenges, and support systems that shape communities in different cultures.
Hope, Reagan G, Nathan & Diego
BLOG POST FOR JUNE 23
Today began with breakfast at Home Base before both groups set off for another meaningful day of service and cultural immersion. The Global Health group traveled to local daycare centers, where we helped take the BMIs of children and spent time playing with them outdoors. Their energy and excitement made the morning incredibly rewarding. During our visits, we also learned about the important role these daycare centers play in the community, providing children with a safe, supportive environment that promotes healthy development and emotional well-being.
Meanwhile, the Children of the Maya group returned to the school for their final day of conversation circles with the older students. Before classes resumed, everyone enjoyed a fun and competitive volleyball match during recess. The GLA students came away with the win, but it was a close game that kept everyone on their toes. Afterward, conversation circles continued with students in grades 6 through 11, where we switched between English and Spanish to help each other practice both languages while building meaningful connections.
In the afternoon, the Global Health group visited a local textile center to learn more about traditional Mayan culture and customs. One of the highlights of the visit was participating in a reenactment of a traditional Mayan wedding ceremony, offering a unique glimpse into the customs, values, and history of the Maya people.
After both groups completed their activities, everyone returned to Home Base, making a quick stop at a local grocery store to pick up a few snacks and drinks along the way. We ended the day by sharing a delicious dinner together, participating in group activities, and reflecting on the many lessons, friendships, and experiences that made today another unforgettable day in Guatemala.
Kate, Abi, Faith & Sabi
BLOG POST FOR JUNE 24
Today was a busy and exciting day in Guatemala. We started the day by splitting into two service groups: Health and Children of the Maya. Both groups had the chance to help the local community and learn more about Guatemalan culture.
The Health group visited underprivileged families in their homes. We had cultural exchanges with the families, listened to their stories, and learned about their daily lives. We also took basic health measurements, including height, weight, and BMI. We brought cakes to share, and the families gave us tours of their homes, making the experience very meaningful.
The Children of the Maya group worked with a local school. They created posters for the students and spent time playing with them during recess. It was a fun way to connect with the children and support their learning environment.
After our service activities, everyone returned to home base for lunch. We enjoyed a traditional meal of carne, beans, and rice while talking about our experiences from the morning. Later, we traveled to the hot springs, where we relaxed, enjoyed the warm water, and took in the beautiful scenery around us.
In the evening, we returned to home base and had noodle soup for dinner. We ended the day with a mentor-and-mentee quiz game that was both fun and competitive. It was a great way to finish a day filled with service, learning, and memorable experiences in Guatemala.
Briggs, Brayden, Peyton & Reagan M.
BLOG POST FOR JUNE 25
Today we woke up and enjoyed a breakfast prepared by the amazing staff at our home base and then set off for the last day of service. Per usual, we split off into our service groups of global health and children of the Maya.
The health group had an amazing time hanging out with the kids and helped out with eye exams while the children of the Maya group went to host houses to talk with families of the children we met earlier on in the week.
After service we all returned to home base for another yummy lunch. It was time to go to the mall so we split ourselves into two groups, one with 18 and the other with 19. The first group went to the mall while the others stayed back and participated in a scavenger hunt of facts able to be found around home base.
Once both groups had a chance to go to the mall and do the scavenger hunt, we all came together for a more familiar meal of hot dogs, watermelon, and French fries. We ended the night with a talent show where many of us students displayed our secret skills. It was a very hype and supportive environment which brought us all together, leaving room for even more fun to come tomorrow.
Mati, Poppy, Kayla & Laila
BLOG POST FOR JUNE 27
Today was the perfect way to end our time in Guatemala. We woke up at 4:30 a.m. and started the day with a long bus ride to go zip lining. Even though we had to wake up early, zip lining was such a fun experience to share with our friends.
After zip lining, we headed to a coffee farm for lunch. We enjoyed great food, listened to live music, and even spent some time on the playground. Then we took a guided tour of the farm and learned how coffee is made, from growing the beans to roasting them. It was really interesting to see how much work goes into every cup of coffee.
Finally we arrived at our Antigua home base. Before dinner we went to a local street market where we had the chance to shop for souvenirs and experience more of the local culture. We then walked together to a local restaurant for our closing dinner. We ended the night with one last group activity where we reflected on all the memories, friendships, and experiences we shared throughout the trip. It was a great ending to an unforgettable experience, and we will all leave Guatemala with memories that will last a lifetime.
-Carson, Violet, Lidia, Thea, Mariella
