This June, we had the pleasure of meeting two incredible groups of teenagers through the inspiring organization Shoulder to Shoulder—a nonprofit based in Colorado that brings students into global service learning experiences. With 14 students in each group, these visits brought a vibrant mix of energy, curiosity, and heartfelt engagement to the rainforest at Las Casas de la Selva.
On June 12th, the first group arrived, eager to dive into learning about sustainable forestry, conservation, and life in a tropical rainforest. These young people from all over the US—many of them visiting Puerto Rico for the first time—spent the day exploring the land, asking deep questions about our work, and reflecting on how our mission resonates with their own values and sense of purpose.
Then, on June 15th, a second group joined us—this time from Thayer Academy from Boston. They were guided on an immersive walk through the forest by Erid Román Rosario, who brought the ecosystem to life through stories about its flora, fauna, and the regenerative practices we’ve developed over the decades. Eric is part of a new wave of passionate young people stepping into leadership roles here.
We’re especially excited to be encouraging Erid, who is beginning to explore our forests in depth and share that knowledge through guided walks. After many years of 3t leading tours, it’s deeply rewarding to see the next generation stepping up. This not only supports our work at Las Casas de la Selva, but it also ensures that the knowledge, care, and spirit of the project continue to grow beyond a single person’s efforts.
These visits are exactly why we do what we do—because when young people step into this forest, when they stand on this land and breathe in the humid air of resilience, they begin to understand something vital about the relationship between humans and nature.
Huge thanks to the Shoulder to Shoulder team, group leaders Brian Sweeney and Adelina Valle Martinez, the teachers and leaders who accompany these students, and to the young people themselves—who showed up with open minds and generous hearts.
We hope they carry a piece of this forest with them wherever they go.
Shoulder to Shoulder’s mission is to nurture “ethical leadership” by placing students shoulder‑to‑shoulder with grassroots nonprofit leaders tackling real-world issues—like climate change, gender equality, food security, healthcare, and Spanish-language immersion. If you know a motivated middle or high schooler eager to grow through service, Shoulder‑to‑Shoulder might just be the transformative journey they need.
