Blue Mountain Project Educational Opportunities
Blue Mountain Farming: Tour a sustainable terraced Jamaican farm featuring Blue Mountain coffee and learn about our indigenous fruits and vegetables.
Jamaica Cooking: Learn from local residents of Hagley Gap how to cook a typical Jamaican meal (and then enjoy it).
Jamaican History: Listen to the history of Jamaica from one of our community elders. Hear about the country's national heroes and historical leaders.
Introduction to Patois: Take a class with Professor Anderson in Jamaican patois and then go out and practice with your host family and new Jamaican friends.
Introduction to Rastafarianism: Learn from local Rastafarians about the Rastafari movement and spiritual ideology that arose in the 1930s in Jamaica. It is sometimes described as a religion but is considered by many adherents to be a "Way of Life."
Jamaica Cooking: Learn from local residents of Hagley Gap how to cook a typical Jamaican meal (and then enjoy it).
Jamaican History: Listen to the history of Jamaica from one of our community elders. Hear about the country's national heroes and historical leaders.
Introduction to Patois: Take a class with Professor Anderson in Jamaican patois and then go out and practice with your host family and new Jamaican friends.
Introduction to Rastafarianism: Learn from local Rastafarians about the Rastafari movement and spiritual ideology that arose in the 1930s in Jamaica. It is sometimes described as a religion but is considered by many adherents to be a "Way of Life."
Excursion included in the Service Learning Program Fees
Summit the Peak: Hike to the peak of the Blue Mountains at 7,402 feet above sea level, the highest point in the Caribbean. We typically begin the journey at night, while the air is cool and reach the peak in time for the morning sunrise. On a clear day you can see all the way to Cuba!
Excursions that can be added to you Service Learning Itinerary for Additional Fees
Lyssons Beach, St. Thomas
Soak up the sun and relax at our favorite St. Thomas resort located in a secluded neighborhood free from the hustle and bustle of Jamaica's more well-known beaches. Experience the real Jamaica in this pristine Jamaica beach surrounded by humble farming and fishing communities.
Soak up the sun and relax at our favorite St. Thomas resort located in a secluded neighborhood free from the hustle and bustle of Jamaica's more well-known beaches. Experience the real Jamaica in this pristine Jamaica beach surrounded by humble farming and fishing communities.
Euton, Vanessa, service learning participants and new friends at Lyssons Beach.
Lime Cay
Fifteen minutes by fishing boat from Port Royal is a small, low-lying island cay with one of the most beautiful beaches in Jamaica. The largest of the many small cays off the coast of Port Royal, Lime Cay is uninhabited and it is quite possible you are your volunteer team can enjoy your own private island in the Caribbean for an afternoon. Amazing swimming and some of the best snorkelling on the south-east coast of Jamaica can be done around Lime Cay and the other small islands nearby.
Fifteen minutes by fishing boat from Port Royal is a small, low-lying island cay with one of the most beautiful beaches in Jamaica. The largest of the many small cays off the coast of Port Royal, Lime Cay is uninhabited and it is quite possible you are your volunteer team can enjoy your own private island in the Caribbean for an afternoon. Amazing swimming and some of the best snorkelling on the south-east coast of Jamaica can be done around Lime Cay and the other small islands nearby.
Lime Cay your own private island in the Caribbean.
The Port Royal Experience
Once known as the “richest and wickedest” city on earth, Port Royal is now known as a small quiet fishing village. From pirates and wealth to earthquakes and peace, Port Royal has been transformed into perhaps the most peaceful city in Jamaica. No trip to Port Royal is complete without a visit to Fort Charles a memorable historical site built in the 1650's. Our favorite part of touring Fort Charles are the amazing private tour guides that share the fort's and the city's fascinating history.
Once known as the “richest and wickedest” city on earth, Port Royal is now known as a small quiet fishing village. From pirates and wealth to earthquakes and peace, Port Royal has been transformed into perhaps the most peaceful city in Jamaica. No trip to Port Royal is complete without a visit to Fort Charles a memorable historical site built in the 1650's. Our favorite part of touring Fort Charles are the amazing private tour guides that share the fort's and the city's fascinating history.