Women's Impact Trip
Puerto Rico | November 12–19, 2022
Puerto Rico
A joy-filled week of nature-based service, exploration, and relaxation in beautiful Luquillo, Puerto Rico!
Our Women’s Impact Trip is an invitation to step into a week in paradise to focus on service to others, service to self, and quality time with other amazing women.
In partnership with the Puerto Rican non-profit Love in Motion, we will do amazing work in the beautiful El Yunque National Forest.
The El Yunque National Forest is the only tropical rainforest in the national forest system. At nearly 29,000 acres, it is one of the smallest in size yet one of the most biologically diverse national forests hosting hundreds of animal and plant species, some of which are found only here.
Trip participants will stay in a beautiful beachfront vacation rental home in Luquillo, Puerto Rico. Please see the home’s webpage for details and photos.
The capacity for this trip is 11 women, ages 18+. Accommodations include four full bathrooms and an outdoor shower, two kitchens, six shared bedrooms with individual beds, all linens, common gathering areas, a patio overlooking the beach, gorgeous space for yoga and meditation, and recreational equipment.
Schedule
Saturday, November 12 – Arrive
Please arrange your travel to arrive in San Juan during daylight hours on November 12th. Your trip guides will transport you from the San Juan airport to Luquillo (approximately a 45-minute drive.)
Sunday, November 13 – Settle In
Settle in and explore Luquillo! An afternoon excursion will be planned as an option for the group.
November 14–18 – Impact
Our four days of service within El Yunque National Forest. Projects might include working on uneven and muddy terrains, hiking trails, picking up trash, brushing debris, maintenance of recreation sites, and using manual or machine tools. Our approximate workday will be 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. We will have one free day during the week (we will have an organized boat and snorkel excursion that day!) Afternoons and evenings allow us to explore the island and relax in the beautiful Caribbean waters!
November 19 – Depart
please arrange your travel to depart from San Juan airport mid-day or afternoon, to account for shuttle time to the airport.
Fee
Cost per Participant
- $1,250 – Adults (18+)
Price Includes*
- Accommodations at Minneazul home (includes linens)
- Transportation- participant vans will get you from place to place for the week
- Breakfast and lunch/snacks each day (pack-out lunches on service days); four home-cooked dinners are included.
- Three dinners at local restaurants are not included in the registration fee.
Yoga, meditation, and other wellness offerings - Two group excursions – details to come soon
Program t-shirt and journal
*Price does not include airfare, alcohol, additional excursions, and tipping.
What to Bring
- Appropriate clothing and gear for performing fieldwork. This includes sturdy closed-toed shoes, long pants, lightweight long-sleeve shirts, work gloves, and sun protection.
- Casual clothes for dinners at local restaurants
- Swimming and beach attire/gear (swimsuits, lightweight beach towel, hat, reusable beverage cup, sandals, sunglasses)
- Toiletries (eco-friendly)
- Lightweight lounging clothes. Bring something that covers your skin a little more for bugs at dusk
- Camera/phone and chargers
- Bug-spray and reef-safe sunscreen
- Flashlight/Headlamp with extra batteries
- Books/magazines/reading materials
- Yoga mat
- Water bottle
- Spending money
Meet your Adventure Directors
Niki Geisler
Niki Geisler is currently the Parks Director for Dakota County Parks, the previous Vice President of Camping for Y of the North, and the former Executive Director for both Camp Northern Lights and Camp du Nord. Niki has been leading nature-based experiences since 1996. She co-founded Impact Trips in 2017 and has led four Women’s Impact Trips to St. John, USVI in 2018, 2019, and 2020, and Puerto Rico in 2021.
Michel Tigan
Michel Tigan is currently the Vice President of Camping for Y of the North and former executive director at Camp St. Croix, Camp Icaghowan, and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Western Wisconsin. Michel has an extensive background in leading women’s wellness trips around the globe. She is also a 200-Hour Yoga Alliance Certified Yoga Instructor with additional certifications in Pre-Post Natal, Sculpt, Hot Power Fusion, Hot Yoga, Restorative/Nidra, and Barre. Michel co-founded Impact Trips in 2017 and has co-led five Women’s Impact Trips to St. John, USVI in 2018, 2019, and 2020, Puerto Rico in 2021, and Costa Rica in 2022.
Making Adventure Accessible
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