Firsties Camp: Building Community, Leadership, and a Shared Future

2/3/2025

UWC Costa Rica

Last week, UWC Costa Rica’s First Year students embarked on an unforgettable journey at Firsties Camp, a special experience designed to build community, foster leadership, and cultivate the values that define our College.

Organized by the Residential Life & Wellness Team, the camp gave students an immersive opportunity to bond, reflect on their role in an inclusive and diverse community, and develop essential soft skills such as teamwork, assertive communication, empathy, and leadership.

Learning Beyond the Classroom

At UWC Costa Rica, education extends far beyond academics. Our mission is to cultivate in young people the passion and ability to serve humanity and our planet—learning from nature and from each other for a lifetime. Firsties Camp was a perfect example of this philosophy, allowing students to step outside the campus environment and engage deeply with their peers and surroundings.

Community living is central to the UWC Costa Rica experience. Our students come from diverse backgrounds and cultures, bringing unique perspectives to enrich our learning journey. Through the Residential Life Program’s experiential learning approach, students don’t just coexist—they collaborate, challenge, and inspire each other, preparing to become agents of change.

A Rally of Values in Action

One of the highlights of Firsties Camp was the rally—an engaging and dynamic activity designed to put UWC Costa Rica’s core values into practice:

Empathy, Inclusion, and Respect – Understanding different perspectives and fostering a sense of belonging.
Reciprocity – Practicing fair play, justice, and teamwork.
Accountability and Social Responsibility – Recognizing the impact of one’s actions on the community and taking responsibility for building a better world.

Students enthusiastically embraced the challenge, working together to navigate tasks requiring strategy, cooperation, and mutual support. These experiences reinforced their commitment to inclusion, leadership, and personal growth—foundational elements of the UWC experience.

A Transformational Start to the UWC Journey

Firsties Camp was more than just a few days of activities; it was a launching point for lifelong friendships, self-discovery, and a deeper understanding of what it means to live and learn together. As students reflected on their experiences, many shared that the camp strengthened their sense of belonging and motivation to contribute meaningfully to the UWC Costa Rica community.

With the foundation set, our First Years are ready to continue their journey—learning from one another, embracing challenges, and striving to make a difference. For those who dream of being part of this transformative experience, UWC Costa Rica welcomes applications year-round. Visit uwccostarica.org/apply to learn about joining a global community dedicated to education, peace, and sustainability.

Firsties Camp: Building Community, Leadership, and a Shared Future

Learning Beyond the Classroom

A Rally of Values in Action

A Transformational Start to the UWC Journey

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