Costa Rica Calling for Cornish Adventurers
If you go down to the Costa Rican coffee fields in April next year you are sure for a big surprise! Emerging from the dark green forests of coffee will be challengers from all corners of Cornwall seeking to be crowned champions in the latest Cornwall Hospice Care overseas charity challenge!
The Costa Rica Team Challenge is the ultimate adventure providing a chance to support this truly Cornish charity and offering a unique approach to exploring one of the more remote corners of the world.
The challenge route cuts a path from the Pacific to the Caribbean across stunning landscapes as participants trek into the cool central mountains; bike off-road past coffee and sugarcane plantations; raft through pristine rainforest and kayak along the Pacuare River finishing at the Caribbean Sea.
The trip itinerary is sure to get the pulse racing; white-water rafting past virgin rainforest, cascading waterfalls and river carved canyons then kayaking into the Caribbean lowlands where banana plantations gradually swallow the receding rainforest.
“This is one of our most exhilarating challenges yet! It is tougher than some of our other charity treks and does require a good level of prior training, but problem solving tasks along the way will ensure there’s something for everyone!” said Karen Holman, Charity Challenge Events Officer.
The event does have a competitive element, with timed sections and tasks along the route, but there are also ‘off challenge’ sections every day to give people some time out – a chance to relax and get to know each other.
Each night the teams will have a well earned rest in the jungle camps. Nestled between the sounds of the rainforest and the hum of the river, there is time to explore the lush environment first hand, looking out for toucans overhead or simply relax in a hammock to the hypnotic sounds of the river.
So, it’s a case of brains and brawn needed – people are invited to sign up either as individuals or teams. This could be an ideal team building exercise for a business or club, or a fantastic way to reward or motivate employees.
This kind of challenge is fun, interactive and engaging for the participants. Previous participants have noticed that it boosts confidence levels and improves communication and team work skills. As a fundraising event it also benefits Cornwall Hospice Care, which offers excellent PR and promotional benefits to any participating company.
Cornwall Hospice Care has touched the lives of many people across the county and beyond. The charity provides care for people from the age of 18 who are living with a life-threatening illness, along with support for their families and carers, not only in it’s two hospices – St Julia’s in Hayle and Mt Edgcumbe in St Austell – but also in hospitals, clinics and within patient’s own homes.
Last year, nearly 500 people benefited from over 7,400 bed days receiving treatment to alleviate pain and control symptoms. The care given to patients and their families is provided free of charge but costs over £5 million annually, or just over £10 a minute. Only 13% of this is funded by the government which means that the charity relies heavily on the continued support of the general public, through donations, fundraising events and challenges such as this.
The Costa Rica Team Challenge will take place from 25th April to 4th May 2009, but entries are needed well in advance. Interested in finding out more? Call Karen Holman on 01726 874514 or email karen.holman@hospice.cornwall.nhs.uk
