A Farewell for Now

Bocas is a special place, and Program Director Caroline Rath is no doubt a very special person! Over the past year, Caroline has spearheaded the development of a brand new LtN site. This is no simple task - each day Caroline consciously worked to build relationships by getting involved in the community, spreading the word about our programs and thinking critically about community needs... all the while living in a new country with a new language. This was nothing short of a daunting set of tasks when Caroline first arrived last July! However, looking back on her time in Bocas, it is an experience that Caroline explains has been so valuable, rewarding and absolutely life-changing for her. 

My name is Maria and I am the newest Program Director of LtN’s Panama site. Through my studies and my short time here in Bocas, I have observed that it takes a particular skill set to spearhead international development work. Every day Caroline wears a smile and brings her ambitious, can-do attitude to any and all situations. Whether tackling a new programmatic obstacle or accomplishing a goal, a part of the job is learning and adapting almost every minute of each day. As Caroline wraps up her volunteer year with LtN, I have been lucky enough to have this opportunity to learn from her hard work, say goodbye, and most importantly say thank you to the young woman who has filled every day in Bocas with laughter and lessons. 

Having only arrived in Bocas 4 weeks ago as Caroline’s future replacement, I was admittedly just as nervous as I was excited for all that was to come. Since then, I have realized that I could not have asked for a better, more fun and responsible person to help me transition into the role of Program Director for LtN in Bocas. The advice, reassurance and encouragement that she has instilled in me and LtN’s summer interns since our arrival are unparalleled. From patiently listening to me try to speak Spanish to the kids at practice to pushing me to meet as many locals as possible in order to expand our network, Caroline has opened my eyes to the ins and outs of living and working in Bocas. Its not surprising that the achievements she has made here for LtN’s programs over the past year are reflective of her calmness, constant laughter and impressive work ethic. 

While this entry cannot fully express the appreciation myself and our family in Bocas have for Caroline and her work, , I am hopeful that these words of gratitude are a strong start. Ironically, that is the mark that Caroline has left us here with: a strong start. There is a saying that goes, “nothing worth having ever comes easy.” Running successful programs, creating lasting relationships and influencing lives takes a lot of determined work. But, Caroline has put in that work and shown me just how worthwhile the effort is. 

Indeed, Bocas may run on “island time” and the people have different ideas around the “necessities” in life, but Caroline and the Bocas community have all experienced the fruits of her labor, and our team has thrived over this past month because of her guidance. From her I have already learned so much. Ultimately, nothing beats the feeling of seeing a young laxer gain a new skill or earn their very own stick; watching children finally work together to score a goal or to understand that mistakes are simply part of learning; or even discovering the beauty of a life defined by simplicity.I could not be more grateful to Caroline for what she has taught me and without her hard work, willing personality and ability to dive head on into challenges, LtN in Bocas would not have developed to where it is now. So, once more, thank you, Caroline. Your Bocas Family and I cannot wait for you to come back and visit! 

— Maria M.

Pingry's Luke and Olivia pass on the LtN Tradition

Liv and I were the co-leaders of the Lacrosse the Nations Club at Pingry. We both recently graduated and were the captains of our respective lacrosse teams and have been involved with LtN since our freshman/ sophomore years at Pingry. We have greatly enjoyed leading the club over this past year. Our LtN activities occur locally during the fall and with fundraising in the spring.

This past fall, Liv and I designed and ran 2 half-day events with the Elizabethport Presbyterian Center. The first event involved 25 middle school children coming to Pingry for a lacrosse clinic designed and run by us with assistance from a bunch of our lacrosse teammates. The subsequent event was held at Eport’s Preschool where the Pingry LtN Club ran arts and crafts activities in four classrooms with 40-45 young kids.

To support the international arm of the LtN organization, we ran two fundraisers: one in late Jan/Feb selling LtN t-shirts and the second in late Apr/May selling Pingry bleacher seat cushions. We raised just over $3000 to support Lacrosse the Nations.

We will miss the Pingry LtN club but have left it in good hands.

— Luke

Pingry High School’s 2019 LtN Club Members.

Our First LtN Experiences: Summer Interns Talk

Only a short two weeks ago, we landed in Bocas del Toro ready to learn, experience and assist in all aspects of LtN programs. So far, it’s been awesome. From how to organize practice plans to understanding the value of community engagement and trust, our interns have seen so much. We spend our mornings going on runs along the water, our days with kids at practice and the local school, and our nights binging Netflix together and learning how to cook for a house of 6. By the time we reach the weekend, we are grateful for the time to explore the islands, bike around town, and catch up on some Z’s. Being able to bounce new program ideas off of each other has brought us many laughs and much learning. Here are our initial reactions of LtN in Bocas and what we are excited for over the next couple months...

Gunnar: “I’m excited to see the day-to-day of living and working here. From how to effectively get in touch with the community and help serve their needs to how a nonprofit operates, all elements are important to me - no matter how little.”

Will: “As the primary intern in charge of fundraising, I am working on growing our LtN network this summer. Learning more about how LtN connects various teams and programs to grow the game has been a really cool experience. I am blown away by how invested our supporters are in our mission and by the interest I have seen from those wanting to get involved.”

Jordan: “In my first two weeks I have seen how lacrosse extends beyond the field and brings joy, structure, and learning to kids. For example, one of our players was awarded his very own lacrosse stick due to showing respect, teamwork, and consistent effort at practice. His face lit up! Knowing the influence this sport can have on so many lives makes me really pumped for this summer.”

Rob: “The positive attitudes of kids and their desire to learn each and every day has really been inspiring. Not only do they exemplify the impact that LtN’s programs can have on a community, but the positivity and engagement of the kids open the door for further growth. As the lead intern for our Community Outreach element, I am excited to work with the community and continue mutually beneficial work here in Panama.” 

Rachel: “Seeing the passion that our young players have for the sport makes me even more excited to share my love of the game with them and continue to grow the sport through LtN.

Program Director, Maria: “The kids at practice are so helpful and patient with me as I begin to develop my Spanish skills that it makes every day that much more fun! I am truly learning virtually every minute of every day.”