Nicaragua Leadership Program

We will have use of a private coach and driver to take us from Managua to our camp in the province of Leon. Our base for the next four nights will be at a camp in the province of Leon. Nicaragua is a country full of lakes and volcanoes and the fabulous views of these start almost before you have left the city of Managua. On a clear day, it is sometimes possible to see more than one volcanic peak venting smoke in the same view. The natural environment is full of color and noise. Nicaragua is one of the poorest countries in the Americas but its people have great dignity and a unique and peaceful view of life.

After breakfast, it's time to work up a sweat. The next few days are all about getting your hands dirty and making a real difference. Each one of the projects we work on is designed to improve the basic well-being, education or sustainability of the local community and the environment. The projects are identified through a partnership with the community and in all our projects we are working with the community authorities and alongside tradesmen from within that community. Project work could include helping to maintain or develop community infrastructure, creating organic gardens for families to tackle malnutrition, reforestation or constructing a local medical center. Your evenings are usually spent relaxing in camp and the local kitchen crew will rustle up a delicious dinner for you and your team. After dinner there are plenty of opportunities for group discussion, reflections on project work, keeping travel diaries up to date, as well as various team led games and activities. Local staff are always in camp and are on hand to chat to and help you with anything else that you need.

In the morning, we will finish off the projects and say our goodbyes the community.

We will have a private coach and driver for our transfer from camp to the city of Leon. Our base for the next evening will be a Leon hotel. While here, meals will be included. After the rural quiet of the camp it is always exciting to arrive in a city. Leon offers us the chance to catch up on Facebook, report back home on our adventures and post a few fabulous Instagram images. We will have free time to relax and do some exploring in Leon.

Leon is Nicaragua's second largest city. It was originally founded in the 16th century and the ruins of its first site are a UNESCO World Heritage site. The current Leon was established only around 100 years later, when the first site was abandoned following volcanic and earthquake activity. The "modern" city therefore has a heritage stretching back to 1610 and its streets, buildings and cathedrals tell its story eloquently. For many years it swapped being the nation's capital with its southern sister Granada. It has been home to some of the country's greatest writers, and in a country in which they say everyone is a poet being one of its greatest is no mean feat. The walls of its buildings show the marks of revolutions that took place right up to only a few decades ago. Exploring this city is a great way to finish the expedition and offers a completely different dynamic to the time in the camp.

Later in the day we will head back to Managua for a final supper together and a chance to reflect on shared experiences.

Depending on flight timings, there may be time to visit the Masaya Volcano crater and nearby artisan market.