Bridge Mexico

The Huasteca Region of Mexico is a hidden treasure: lush mountains, valleys and coastal plains blend with waterfalls, lakes, and breathtaking cloud forests. The setting is perfect for an active exploration of nature and ecology, and the several indigenous cultures that call this region their ancestral home: the Teenek, Nahuatl and Pame people. Living in this setting of astounding natural beauty, traditional communities dwell in isolated villages where they farm, hunt and practice age-old customs.

Bridge Mexico 2009 offers Windsor Mountain students a chance to have fun, perform vital community service work, and experience genuine cultural exchange. Our students will:

  • Work alongside Mexican student leaders to repair, paint and improve local school facilities.
  • Help organize an annual Brigada Humantaria by assisting visiting medical professionals to distribute food, water, and medicine to local residents.
  • Create a friendship camp for local children including sports, games, and arts & crafts.  
  • Spend time living with host families practicing Spanish and enjoying music, dance, cooking and family oriented fun.
  • Explore the cities of Zacatecas, Ciudad Valles, Tampico, Rascon, and Saltillo.


    Who Should Participate?

    This program is designed for students interested in traveling to an exciting destination to share in cross-cultural experiences, community service learning, and language opportunities. Students should join this program ready to immerse themselves in local culture as they connect with their Spanish-speaking peers on travel excursions and community service projects. Students should be prepared to meet new people, experience new cultures, try new foods, and show up with an open mind.

    2009 Proposed Itinerary:

    click here to view 2009 Proposed Calendar

    Days 1-3:  Arrive in the charming Spanish Colonial city of Zacatecas. Meet your group and your leaders, and set out goals for group living and learning. Explore La Bufa, El Mina, and ride the Gondola high over the city.

    Days 4-6: Travel to Rio Verde. Spend three nights camping, swimming, and enjoying the natural beauty of the Media Luna Regional Recreational Area. Prepare for the upcoming service project in Agua Puerca.

    Days 7-16: Travel to the Agua Puerca in the Las Palmas indigenous region of the Sierra Madre Mountains. Get to know your Mexican peers who complete your community service team. Start to teach and learn from one another and explore their home village. Help improve facilities at an orphanage or school building with your new group of friends. Maintain a garden that could feed families for generations to come!

    Day17: Travel to Ciudad Valles. Relax and recharge at Hotel Taninul, a 19th century hacienda-turned vacation spa!

    Days 18-20: Camp by the Tamul River. Swim, explore, and enjoy nature. Take an excursion upriver to see the amazing Cascada de Tamul—a 344 foot waterfall.

    Days 20-26: Family Stays in Rascon. Live with your host families in Rascon, run activities for local children and perform community service projects.

    Days 27-30: Travel to Monterrey. Spend the final days of the program sightseeing, exploring, and reflecting on the entire Bridge Mexico experience.

    ________________________________________________________________

    2009 details for this program are subject to change as new developments and opportunities arise. If you would like more information or have specific questions please contact Angus Whyte, Summer Travel Program Director, directly by email  or phone at   603-478-3166.

    • photo gallery

    Canoeing

    Village Service Project

    Taking a swim break

    Service Project

    Caving

    Volunteering in a local school

    * Tuition is due in full by April 1, 2009. Travel expenses to and from the starting and ending points are the responsibility of the participant and are not included in the tuition. Windsor Mountain's travel consultant can help you in securing the most reasonable plan for coordinating your travel itinerary.
    Program components are subject to change
    Send Me Information - 1 800 862 7760

    Dates: 7/3-8/1
    Tuition: $4895*
    Group Size: 16 students and 2 professional leaders
    Student Grade Level: Finishing Grades 9-12
    Starting/Ending Point: Monterrey (optional group flight out of JFK)
    Accommodations: Rustic community building, homestays, hostels and camping
    Major Equipment Needs:Sleeping bag, multi-sport outdoor shoes, meal kit and day pack.

    As with all of our programs, cell phones and personal listening devices (iPods, Discmans, etc.) are not welcome.  Students will be able to call home three times: once upon arrival to the starting point, once ten days into the program and once two days before the program’s end date.