Institute for Tropical Ecology and Conservation (ITEC) + Starfish Beach
Today was our first full day at the Institute for Tropical Ecology and Conservation (ITEC)! After a delicious pancake breakfast, we departed for Bird Island, the only place in the Southwestern Sector where the Red-Billed Tropic Bird can be found. Next, we traveled to Starfish Beach, which is one site where students will be able to conduct their research projects. While snorkeling, we viewed hundreds of starfish, alongside numerous species of fish, sting rays, coral, and more! We spent the afternoon hiking through the rainforest on Bocas del Toro. Pete, the founder of ITEC, introduced us to the local plant and animal life. We were particularly fascinated by the island’s unique species of poison dart frog, which Pete has studied extensively. We spent the rest of the day catching up on homework. After dinner, we were visited by a special guest (check slide 10). To wind down, we watched The Princess Bride and played card games. We are so excited to explore more of Bocas del Toro in the coming days!
- Abe ‘26
Back
- Abe ‘26
CSW—a gender-inclusive day and boarding school for grades 9-12—is a national leader in progressive education. We live out our values of inquiry-based learning, student agency, and embracing diverse perspectives in every aspect of our student experience. Young people come to CSW to learn how to learn and then put what they learn into action—essential skills they carry into their futures as doers, makers, innovators, leaders, and exceptional humans who do meaningful work in the world.