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To describe Roy Vargas as one of our campus “guards” doesn’t begin to tell the story of how Roy contributes to New Summit Academy. Roy joined the NSA family eight years ago, and his organization, intelligence, and people skills have helped Roy develop into one of our “indispensable” members of the school.
Not only does Roy spend his days ensuring that each of our students is safely where he needs to be, he manages all of NSA’s transportation logistics, checks in returning students, coordinates logistics for Bridge students arriving to campus, and much more. Roy is even one of our go-to staff for technical issues, troubleshooting internet and printer problems with ease.
Roy says that his favorite part about working at NSA is knowing that he is being of service in a job that helps young people, adding humbly, “even if the support is minimum, it is satisfying to be able to help in some way.” He needs to take more credit. Roy spends his free time with his family and doing small projects around the house.
Thanks, Roy, for your invaluable service!
Not only does Roy spend his days ensuring that each of our students is safely where he needs to be, he manages all of NSA’s transportation logistics, checks in returning students, coordinates logistics for Bridge students arriving to campus, and much more. Roy is even one of our go-to staff for technical issues, troubleshooting internet and printer problems with ease.
Roy says that his favorite part about working at NSA is knowing that he is being of service in a job that helps young people, adding humbly, “even if the support is minimum, it is satisfying to be able to help in some way.” He needs to take more credit. Roy spends his free time with his family and doing small projects around the house.
Thanks, Roy, for your invaluable service!
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This past week, our students have been engaged alongside out staff in working toward earning their Wilderness Advanced First Aid (WAFA) certifications.
New Summit Academy has been pairing with the Wilderness Medicine Institute for years in facilitating this professional-level certification for students and staff as an opportunity to truly challenge themselves in an experiential, hands-on curriculum, as well as to help with our risk management during Integrated, Recreational, and International Aventuras.
Throughout the week-long course, our dedicated WAFA instructors teach students how to recognize and respond to a variety of situations that include:
- Risk management and assessment
- Patient assessment techniques
- Injury management
- Common wilderness medical problems
Each time students learned classroom content, everyone sprang into action, with half of our students and staff simulating medical emergencies on campus, and the other half acting as the first-aid responders, with the support of our teachers and instructors throughout the process. This is true (and very valuable) experiential education!
New Summit Academy has been pairing with the Wilderness Medicine Institute for years in facilitating this professional-level certification for students and staff as an opportunity to truly challenge themselves in an experiential, hands-on curriculum, as well as to help with our risk management during Integrated, Recreational, and International Aventuras.
Throughout the week-long course, our dedicated WAFA instructors teach students how to recognize and respond to a variety of situations that include:
- Risk management and assessment
- Patient assessment techniques
- Injury management
- Common wilderness medical problems
Each time students learned classroom content, everyone sprang into action, with half of our students and staff simulating medical emergencies on campus, and the other half acting as the first-aid responders, with the support of our teachers and instructors throughout the process. This is true (and very valuable) experiential education!
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Last month, students and staff participated in one of the most awe-inspiring cultural experiences of the year: the annual pilgrimage to Cartago known as the "Romeria."
This pilgrimage began nearly 400 years ago when a young girl found a statue of a woman holding a child in her arms near a spring. After taking the statue home, the girl found the next day that it had mysteriously returned to the spring. The same happened when the girl took the figure to the local church.
Since then, the devout of Costa Rica (nearly 2 million of them!) walk to the site, now a basilica. Our students participate in 13 kilometers of the walk in order to help develop more cultural awareness and connect with the people of Costa Rica.
This year’s highlights include photo opportunities with the ex-president of Costa Rica and, perhaps even more exciting, the chicken mascots of a local department store!
This pilgrimage began nearly 400 years ago when a young girl found a statue of a woman holding a child in her arms near a spring. After taking the statue home, the girl found the next day that it had mysteriously returned to the spring. The same happened when the girl took the figure to the local church.
Since then, the devout of Costa Rica (nearly 2 million of them!) walk to the site, now a basilica. Our students participate in 13 kilometers of the walk in order to help develop more cultural awareness and connect with the people of Costa Rica.
This year’s highlights include photo opportunities with the ex-president of Costa Rica and, perhaps even more exciting, the chicken mascots of a local department store!
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This month brings exciting, hands-on experiential learning for our students and staff!
Below is a quick introduction to the once-in-a-lifetime opportunities that our community will be engaging in during the coming weeks:
Wilderness Advanced First Aid & CPR Certification
Students and staff will work together in this week-long, professional-level certification program, guided by the Wilderness Medicine Institute. Lessons on risk management and prevention, site surveys, CPR, and emergency treatment will be paired with hands-on simulated emergency scenarios where students will put their knowledge into action.
South Africa International Aventura
Some of our more senior students will travel to South Africa for what is sure to be a life-changing adventure. After getting to know Cape Town and introductions to local communities, students will participate in wildlife safaris, team-building exercises with local nonprofits, visits to museums and historical sites, and even a workshop with a local artist on using graffiti to bring positive change to communities!
Peru International Aventura
Many of our NSA students will travel to Peru to experience the Sacred Valley as few visitors ever get to do. The journey begins with an introduction to the ancient city of Cuzco and exploring the Incan site of Machu Picchu and Pisac. Students will then raft the Apurimac River before hiking the challenging but stunningly beautiful Ausangate Trek!
Costa Rica Orientation Aventura
Our newest NSA students will spend a week on two separate trips, with some relax time on campus in-between, getting to know the beauty and fun that Costa Rica has to offer. The first leg will introduce students to the Pacific Coast, where they will spend time on the beaches and sea kayaking. White water rafting on the world-famous Sarapiqui and zip-lining through the rainforests of Arenal make up the second trip. What a way to start at NSA!
SCUBA Certification in Bocas del Toro
To round out the August Experiential Session, a group of students and staff will travel to the archipelago of Bocas del Toro in Panama to earn their SCUBA Certifications. Bocas is world-renowned for its stunning beaches, coral reefs, and populations of marine mammals. This Aventura is sure to be remembered!
No other school on the planet engages its students in experiential learning like New Summit Academy!
Below is a quick introduction to the once-in-a-lifetime opportunities that our community will be engaging in during the coming weeks:
Wilderness Advanced First Aid & CPR Certification
Students and staff will work together in this week-long, professional-level certification program, guided by the Wilderness Medicine Institute. Lessons on risk management and prevention, site surveys, CPR, and emergency treatment will be paired with hands-on simulated emergency scenarios where students will put their knowledge into action.
South Africa International Aventura
Some of our more senior students will travel to South Africa for what is sure to be a life-changing adventure. After getting to know Cape Town and introductions to local communities, students will participate in wildlife safaris, team-building exercises with local nonprofits, visits to museums and historical sites, and even a workshop with a local artist on using graffiti to bring positive change to communities!
Peru International Aventura
Many of our NSA students will travel to Peru to experience the Sacred Valley as few visitors ever get to do. The journey begins with an introduction to the ancient city of Cuzco and exploring the Incan site of Machu Picchu and Pisac. Students will then raft the Apurimac River before hiking the challenging but stunningly beautiful Ausangate Trek!
Costa Rica Orientation Aventura
Our newest NSA students will spend a week on two separate trips, with some relax time on campus in-between, getting to know the beauty and fun that Costa Rica has to offer. The first leg will introduce students to the Pacific Coast, where they will spend time on the beaches and sea kayaking. White water rafting on the world-famous Sarapiqui and zip-lining through the rainforests of Arenal make up the second trip. What a way to start at NSA!
SCUBA Certification in Bocas del Toro
To round out the August Experiential Session, a group of students and staff will travel to the archipelago of Bocas del Toro in Panama to earn their SCUBA Certifications. Bocas is world-renowned for its stunning beaches, coral reefs, and populations of marine mammals. This Aventura is sure to be remembered!
No other school on the planet engages its students in experiential learning like New Summit Academy!
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Diana is our beloved Family and Student Services Coordinator.
All of our families are familiar with Diana, as her dedication to helping them arrange travel, logistics, mail packages, prepare for workshops, and much more are one of the major reasons for their positive experiences at NSA.
Diana spent 10 years in California, so understands our families very well. She has been a part of the New Summit community for nearly nine years. She loves helping all of our families and students, and collaborating with her co-workers every day.
Outside of NSA, Diana enjoys spending time at her house, admiring the beautiful view with her dog Chispa and her cats, crocheting, and visiting her family on the beach in Puntarenas.
Diana has a vibrant spirit and enjoys life to the fullest, and we are very grateful to have her as part of the team at New Summit Academy!
All of our families are familiar with Diana, as her dedication to helping them arrange travel, logistics, mail packages, prepare for workshops, and much more are one of the major reasons for their positive experiences at NSA.
Diana spent 10 years in California, so understands our families very well. She has been a part of the New Summit community for nearly nine years. She loves helping all of our families and students, and collaborating with her co-workers every day.
Outside of NSA, Diana enjoys spending time at her house, admiring the beautiful view with her dog Chispa and her cats, crocheting, and visiting her family on the beach in Puntarenas.
Diana has a vibrant spirit and enjoys life to the fullest, and we are very grateful to have her as part of the team at New Summit Academy!
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This month, NSA will celebrate the graduation of four young men, ready to venture into the world and experience continued success.
After graduation, our students and staff will engage in a month of experiential learning, including the Wilderness Advanced First Aid (WAFA) certification course, international Aventuras to Peru and South Africa, and a SCUBA certification in Bocas del Toro, Panama.
Stay tuned for more updates on these once-in-a-lifetime opportunities!
After graduation, our students and staff will engage in a month of experiential learning, including the Wilderness Advanced First Aid (WAFA) certification course, international Aventuras to Peru and South Africa, and a SCUBA certification in Bocas del Toro, Panama.
Stay tuned for more updates on these once-in-a-lifetime opportunities!
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Earning Honor Status at New Summit Academy means so much more than making good grades (although, that’s part of it too!)
An Honor Student is recognized by his SCAFA Advising Team as consistently guiding his behaviors according to the NSA value system and excelling in the areas of scholarship, citizenship, character, community service, and leadership.
While earning Honor Status allows the students additional privileges, this flexibility comes with a higher level of trust earned over time, and Honor Students willingly accept the responsibility of helping out their peers as well as the community as a whole.
An Honor Student is recognized by his SCAFA Advising Team as consistently guiding his behaviors according to the NSA value system and excelling in the areas of scholarship, citizenship, character, community service, and leadership.
While earning Honor Status allows the students additional privileges, this flexibility comes with a higher level of trust earned over time, and Honor Students willingly accept the responsibility of helping out their peers as well as the community as a whole.
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Miguel Varela, or “Migue” as our students call him, has played an important role in the Experiential Education department since he joined NSA in 2009.
Born in Argentina, Miguel brings his passions for sports, cooking, travel, and community service to his position as an EE Mentor and student advisor.
In addition, Miguel coordinates our Homestay program as well as weekend cultural activities, and serves as a trip leader on Integrated Aventuras.
Miguel’s presence on our campus is so impactful to our students, who often refer to him in their graduation speeches as a father figure while they are away from their families.
Miguel gets plenty of practice at home, raising five (5!) children of his own, but returns to NSA each day full of energy and positivity, and models engagement, common sense, and the ability to balance fulfilling his responsibilities with a sense of humor that our students truly appreciate.
Thank you, Miguel, for your dedication and contributions to our family at NSA!
Born in Argentina, Miguel brings his passions for sports, cooking, travel, and community service to his position as an EE Mentor and student advisor.
In addition, Miguel coordinates our Homestay program as well as weekend cultural activities, and serves as a trip leader on Integrated Aventuras.
Miguel’s presence on our campus is so impactful to our students, who often refer to him in their graduation speeches as a father figure while they are away from their families.
Miguel gets plenty of practice at home, raising five (5!) children of his own, but returns to NSA each day full of energy and positivity, and models engagement, common sense, and the ability to balance fulfilling his responsibilities with a sense of humor that our students truly appreciate.
Thank you, Miguel, for your dedication and contributions to our family at NSA!
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The past weeks have been packed with engaging, interesting, and fun opportunities for our students at New Summit Academy.
Integrated Aventuras
At the start of the month, students and staff participated in our Integrated Aventuras, which combine experiential, hands-on learning with personal growth in some of the most beautiful places in Costa Rica.
Newer students spent the week learning about conservation while volunteering in reforestation projects in the Osa Peninsula.
A second cohort of students paddled around the Golfo Dulce, studying tidal fluctuations, watersheds, and coral reefs, along with fishing with hand lines and competing in the famous “Tent Partner Olympics.”
A third group of students hiked through Corcovado National Park, learning about forest succession and spotting exotic wildlife including tapir, anteaters and spider monkeys!
Weekend Activities
Last week, when NSA welcomed a new student into our community, a senior student pointed to our scheduling calendar and said “Just look at what we get to do this weekend!”
In just two days, our students had the opportunity to:
- Show off their moves at the Roller Disco
- Fish in the estuaries along the Pacific coast
- Spend the day immersed in Costa Rica’s culture with Homestay Families
- Visit the National Theater
- Expend some energy at the Trampoline Park
- Participate in Film Club
Integrated Aventuras
At the start of the month, students and staff participated in our Integrated Aventuras, which combine experiential, hands-on learning with personal growth in some of the most beautiful places in Costa Rica.
Newer students spent the week learning about conservation while volunteering in reforestation projects in the Osa Peninsula.
A second cohort of students paddled around the Golfo Dulce, studying tidal fluctuations, watersheds, and coral reefs, along with fishing with hand lines and competing in the famous “Tent Partner Olympics.”
A third group of students hiked through Corcovado National Park, learning about forest succession and spotting exotic wildlife including tapir, anteaters and spider monkeys!
Weekend Activities
Last week, when NSA welcomed a new student into our community, a senior student pointed to our scheduling calendar and said “Just look at what we get to do this weekend!”
In just two days, our students had the opportunity to:
- Show off their moves at the Roller Disco
- Fish in the estuaries along the Pacific coast
- Spend the day immersed in Costa Rica’s culture with Homestay Families
- Visit the National Theater
- Expend some energy at the Trampoline Park
- Participate in Film Club
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Catalina Rojas Alvarado has been part of the New Summit Academy family since 2005, when she moved to Atenas to be near her family, and says that joining NSA has been the best decision she has ever made.
Catalina began at NSA putting her degree in teaching Spanish as a second language to work, giving beginning Spanish lessons to some of our first students.
In 2012, Catalina completed her Master’s degree in Educational Administration, and became the Director of Administration, using her outstanding organizational skills to support our faculty, students, and families.
Catalina is the first person everyone goes to when they need something, since she can get anything done, and does it with warmth, care and a smile. Cata is in charge of our maintenance crew, cleaning staff, security, the kitchen staff, and runs everything to do with the legal and administrative aspects of the program.
Without Catalina, there would be no NSA, and we appreciate her immense dedication and thoughtfulness every day!
Catalina began at NSA putting her degree in teaching Spanish as a second language to work, giving beginning Spanish lessons to some of our first students.
In 2012, Catalina completed her Master’s degree in Educational Administration, and became the Director of Administration, using her outstanding organizational skills to support our faculty, students, and families.
Catalina is the first person everyone goes to when they need something, since she can get anything done, and does it with warmth, care and a smile. Cata is in charge of our maintenance crew, cleaning staff, security, the kitchen staff, and runs everything to do with the legal and administrative aspects of the program.
Without Catalina, there would be no NSA, and we appreciate her immense dedication and thoughtfulness every day!
