View photos from Panama

13 students and Director of Service-Learning Brian MacHarg traveled to Panama this spring break to do volunteer work at two locations. The group spent the first two days of service at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute where they assisted with educational displays and beach clean-up at the Culebra station. Students painted an educational "submarine" display, worked on outside maintenance projects and cleared debris from the beaches where the scientists do their work on marine life. The group also got a tour of the marine research facilities by Smithsonian research scientist Dr. Mark Torchkin.

The group then spent four days at the Hogar Divino Nino, a Catholic-run orphanage for very young children. The group changed diapers on the infants, helped feed toddlers and planned activities for the children. The group enjoyed getting to know the children and seeing the attention that the orphanage workers showed those in their care.

During the non-volunteer hours, the group enjoyed seeing the sights of Panama including the Miraflores Locks, Parque Natural Metropolitano, Manolo's, the ruins at Portobello, Casco Viejo and other sites.

View photos from Panama