Crete Teen Finds Adventure on
Trip to Costa Rica
By Lynda J. Hemmerling,
Cretestar.com
Paige Humecki, a 16-year-old
Girl Scout from Crete, pushed
herself to new heights by
trekking through clouds and rain
forests, climbing trees and
rappelling along waterfalls.
While most of her peers
vacationed in comfort, Humecki
was in San Jose, Costa Rica,
where she camped in remote
Mestizo villages and rafted down
rapids.
From July 18 to 28, Humecki
participated in the Costa Rica
Rainforest Outward Bound School,
River and Reef course.
The junior at Crete-Monee High
School returned to Crete with
added survival instincts,
long-lasting friendships and a
lifetime of memories.
"It was a valuable experience
and helped me grow personally,"
Humecki said. "I liked the
people, the hiking and exploring
a new culture the best."
She observed a troop of six or
seven monkeys swinging from tree
to tree and enjoyed trying to
communicate in Spanish with the
local residents.
"It was fun trying to speak the
language," Humecki said. "I also
loved the greenery. When people
mention a rain forest, now I
know what they are talking about
firsthand. I would definitely do
something like this again."
Although she has not yet
selected a college, Humecki said
she plans to study environmental
sciences.
The trip to Costa Rica cost
about $1,000 plus airfare and
gear. Humecki received a $250
scholarship from the Crete
Woman's Club and worked to raise
the rest of the money.
Her father, Brent Humecki, said
he is proud of his adventurous
daughter. Brent said he is glad
she had the opportunity to see
how people in another part of
the world live and to do
community service while there. |
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