History
Lacrosse the Nations’ Panama programs launched in August of 2018 in Bocas del Toro: an archipelago off the Atlantic Coast. Our programs are still evolving. We currently run our pilot programs on Isla Colon and Bastimentos (two of the islands that make up Bocas del Toro).
LtN programming began in Panama with the help of nonprofit Give and Surf at two of their youth community centers. Since the launch of our programs - facilitated by volunteers from Christopher Newport Men’s Lacrosse, Washington & Lee Women’s and Men’s Lacrosse, and Palos Verdes High School Boy’s Lacrosse programs - interest in the sport has taken off.
With two successful seasons of volunteer groups under our belt, we are constantly looking to expand our programming within the region and establish local roots. Interested in helping us grow in Panama? Visit our volunteer page to get involved!
About Bocas del Toro
9.7%
of students must repeat primary school
38%
of children are not enrolled in secondary school
12.5%
of enrolled students drop out of secondary school
In addition to academic support, LtN programs aim to offer children in Bocas exposure to a wider scope of skills and careers outside of tourism. Through our life skills curriculum and after-school practices, we introduce children to new skill sets, concepts, lessons, & mentors. Rather than being passersby in a tourist-heavy community, we aim to create genuine exchanges, meaningful connections, and lasting relationships that are mutually beneficial - uniting people nations apart through lacrosse.
Bocas Isla Colon Practices
Bocas has one public upper school and one public lower school. While school is easily accessible for those living on this island, high schoolers from the surrounding islands must travel by boat taxi every day to attend classes. Taking place on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays, LtN’s programs in Bocas provide a safe and accessible space for all kids to play in conjunction with their school schedules.
Bocas school Physical Education
Starting in May of 2019, Bocas Town primary and secondary school requested LtN staff to work as featured instructors in Physical Education classes for all grade levels. LtN volunteers and staff continue to assist in local school programs in a variety of ways, leading PE classes, exposing more kids to the sport of lacrosse, and teaching elements of proper exercise.
Isla Bastimentos Practices
Isla Bastimentos is a short 7-minute water taxi ride from the main island of Isla Colon. Though the island doesn't have any roads or cars, it is full of energy and rich with cultural influence, making the Basti community very vibrant and quite different than the tourism-centered Bocas Town.
Here, LtN runs morning practices on the community basketball court next to the hotel where our team volunteers stay during their trip. Due to changes in our LtN commitments, field status, and unfavorable weather, LtN’s Basti practices are seasonal. Lacrosse serves as a fun an unique space for children to play, learn, and stay safe after-school!
