March 25-28: Villas de Palermo in San Juan del Sur
While in San Juan del Sur we’ll surf at Playa Hermosa (Survivor filmed here), visit the Los Pipitos school for the special needs, visit other local elementary schools, and work on a cleaning/painting project for 4 x elementary schools in the rural area south of town. We’ll also do a 16-station canopy tour zip-line and play a match in San Juan del Sur’s city center (it will be packed; we’re the only game in town). Some of the kids will also potentially travel with the mobile library to a rural town to deliver books and/or help give English lessons to local area restaurant workers.

March 28-30: Hotel Casa San Francisco in Granada
We’ll take a boat to the islets and learn about the volcanic history of this region. We’ll visit monkey island and drink coco water direct from local coconuts. We’ll get some history lessons and a tour of the Colonial Center (capital of Central America back in the day). We’ll also play a match in Granada, and visit both Catarina (volcanic lake lookout) and likely the Masaya Volcano (still active).

March 30 to April 1: Hotel Barcelo Managua in ManaguaWe are likely taking a day trip to Matagalpa to visit a coffee farm and meet local workers. We’ll play a match there, and then spend our final day in Managua learning about the history of this impoverished country and playing a final match in the National Stadium in Managua. We’ll have at least one meal with the Nicaraguan JNT as well. We may do a feeding at a local orphanage in Managua (they have a volleyball court in their courtyard as well; so bring a few old balls to donate and a little hand pump!)

Local Press should check this out: https://bringitusa.com/news&articles/nica/media.php

To Bring List: Basics: Bring older clothes that can get dirty and be left (donated) when you leave. Matches are on “outdoor” or “dirty” floors, so bring old kneepads (lots!) and shoes; again, to leave. 1-2 nice little sundresses for nice dinners would be fine. 1 pair of jeans and a long sleeve t-shirt just in case, but otherwise we’re looking at ~85 most days. Bathing suits, including something that won’t come off when surfing. Everyone should have a few power bards, just in case. Bring a water bottle, sun screen and bug spray (just in case) as well as a beach towel, sunglasses, and a hat. Don’t wear or bring flashy jewelry or a nice watch. Dress down. School and office supplies make great donations, as well as ANY used sports equipment, toys, puzzles, baby items, or sewing items.

Cash: Bring ~$50/person in $5’s and $1’s, just to have change for souvenirs and ice cream, internet, etc. hopefully we don’t have everyone bringing their computer and iPhone/iPad, but all hotels will have internet (usually free).

Canopy Tour is $20/person in cash. No other money needed for activities; just snacks, etc.