About each elective
A little information on each of our classes offered in the Old-school program. Electives will be classified in two groups: Kids 4-9 and Children 10 and up!
Weaving
Sit with our beautiful neighbour Michaela and make a scarf, shawl or table runner over your time in Guatemala. Choose your colours and learn how traditional fabrics and textiles have been made by hand, for centuries!
Two separate classes will be provided for both age groups.
Beading
Learn how to set up a beading loom and make as many bracelets as you can to take home to your friends and family! A relaxing creative outlet.
Class available for both separate age groups
Painting
For children 6 and under, we offer supervised painting and art classes in our arts and crafts room. Children 7 and up can participate in classes at local artist Alix Mendoza's gallery on the umbrella street.
Kayaking
Go on guided treasure hunt missions with your kayaking group! Each session students will be given a different place to paddle to and an list of tasks to be completed. Amazing scenery and beautiful weather make for a great time as a group activity.
Class available for kids 10 and up
Kayaking will be available for smaller children with their parents present during free time or on the weekends.
Swimming
Our swimming classes will also be offered to locals in our San Pedro neighbourhood. This is a great place to immerse your child in a setting where many kids will be speaking Spanish while learning a new skill. As this is a beginner class, participating teens that want to take part in some swim time are encouraged to practise taking on a leadership roll in teaching local children how to swim. (Swimming classes will occur in the lake, not a pool.)
Activity for all ages
Cooking
Learn to make authentic Guatemalan tortillas, pupusas and dobladas in our beautiful outdoor kitchen. Guided by Chayo, Carolina and Ceci, our local staff-- Amazing cooks!
Activity available for both age groups
Gym
San Juan boasts of a beautiful big new gym about a 12 minute walk from the hotel. This elective provides the option of scheduling regular gym time with accountability. Preferably for children 12 and up but thats negotiable!
(Photo of two brothers getting competitive!)
GYM SLOTS AVAILABLE FROM 6:00-7:30 am and do not take up the morning and afternoon elective slots.
(However, please let us know if you or your teen will be taking part)
Mayan History and Culture
Led by Ceci, a local historian and graduated tourism guide, in her new workshop space in San Pedro, this class promises to be inspiring, eye-opening and extremely informative. Ceci's passion for her culture's legends, myths and folklore are an asset to all travellers and guests that get to know her.
Suggested for children 10 and up
Extra Spanish Tutoring
For many coming, learning Spanish is high on the list. If academics and language are high on your priority list for your child, extra Spanish classes can be scheduled as one of your child's electives.
ALL AGES
Bracelet Weaving
Miniature traditional weaving! Sit in Abuela Concepcion's home kitchen with her where she has created an amazing space for this workshop. A beautiful soul that knows how to treat kids (and adults) as if they were her own grandkids.
ALL AGES
Shoe Making
Suggested for those staying longer than a month, the shoe making workshops will walk you through "every step" in making your own footwear.
ALL AGES
Carpentry
Learn to design, measure, make straight cuts and piece together shelving. Projects will focus on building shelving from start to finish to be gifted to local families that could use some extra space for helping declutter their living spaces. Sanding, staining and varnishing as well to bring each piece to perfect completion!
ALL AGES
Welding
Learn the basics of welding with our local blacksmiths Clemente and his son Pedro. Make metal frames, stands and coat racks.
Ages 10 and up
Organic Gardening
Classes for younger kids will involve sprouting seeds, planting in soil and starting some miniature garden boxes. (Perhaps our carpentry students could help out with making us some!)
For kids 10 and up, hikes to nearby fields on the mountain will be involved to check on crops and learn about the processes of local farming.
Business Classes
Go over the basics of business and develop an idea! Guided by Owen. Owen will walk your kids through idea development, critical thinking, marketing. A class intended to help your child's self-confidence and support them in pursuing entrepreneurship at a young age.
ALL AGES
Embroidery
Spend time with local women learning how to embroider shapes and figures into your clothing. An immersive experience, done in Spanish for growth in that area as well!
ALL AGES
Music
Make an instrument with a well known local Marimba band and develop your musical skills with their guidance. Gaspar, the lead musician speaks English and is a wonderfully patient teacher.
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Singing lessons will also be available with US volunteer, Raeanne.
ALL AGES
Cultural Immersion Retreats