For the past four years, Diamond Bar High School math teacher Shari DeCambra has taken students to various locations around the globe during the summer. This past summer, DeCambra led 32 DBHS students to destinations throughout Central America.

They first flew to Nicaragua, where the students spent two days before they ventured to Costa Rica.

Both locations are known tourist destinations in Central America and are filled with scenery, such as Lake Managua and Costa Rica’s vast forests. The group hiked along Masaya Volcano and kayaked on Lake Arenal.

They also went to Guanacastle, a long stretch of beaches next to the Pacific Ocean, where they visited Rincón de la Vieja National Park and went on a snorkeling excursion in the sea.

“My favorite part was kayaking in Lake Arenal,” senior Ameer Alameddin said. “We were in the middle of the lake and all we could see was the rain falling around us. It was the most soothing experience I ever had.”

The trip included a horse drawn carriage around the towns, visits to various hot springs, and many scenic attractions, such as volcanoes and waterfalls. Along with the sight-seeing aspects of the trip, the group also volunteered at local schools.

“It’s called an educational tour, but we had a good time,” DeCambra said. “I really liked visiting the schools and volunteering and donating a ton of school supplies. We were just so busy and the activities, like hiking and zip lining, were so much fun.”

Previously, DeCambra limited these trips to her close students and colleagues.

This past summer, she opened up the trip to the school, allowing students Of all ages to participate in this adventure. She said that the experience was too invaluable to limit the opportunity from other prospective participants.

DeCambra has visited Italy, Belize, Greece, and Costa Rica in past trips with students. Other DBHS staff, such as French teacher Anthony Tietz and history teacher Emily Clark, will take students on trips like those of DeCambra’s excursions next summer as well. Similarly, history teacher Ty Watkins will be taking a group of students to the 2017 Inauguration Ceremony at Washington D.C. from Jan. 19 to 22.

“I think everyone had a great time, we really liked our tour guide that was with us, the food was good, and everything was great. I plan on going to Spain next year with Mrs. Swetnam,” DeCambra said.