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“The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page.”

Saint Augustine 

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Our Love Letter to the Outdoors

No matter what age, belief, or background, feeling content with yourself and accepting yourself is, for some, one of life's greatest challenges. We throw lofty expectations in our minds based on the success of others and who we are "ought" to be. When these emotions cloud our minds, it's debilitating. Energy is spent suffocating on self loathing rather than self loving and masterfully making dreams to reality with a clear mind, confidence, and determination without hesitation. When our minds run cloudy, we step outside. Moments after we do, we step outside of ourselves. We see the leaves on the trees, the rushing waters, and our minds are completely taken over by an overwhelming degree of beauty. The challenges we face are completely unparalleled. We push ourselves beyond self-imposed limits up to 55 degree angle mountain slope, forcing our torsos up from a surfboard against the crashing waves, and maintain steady breaths through to regulator as we glide through the pitch black underbelly of a sunken catamaran. Our minds explode with adrenaline infused joy for what we never thought we could accomplish. Instantaneously, barriers put up by our own psyche are ripped down and we see our true selves. We love what we see. We feel encouraged and renewed by this, We step out of the wild and back into our comfortable bedrooms where our thoughts fight to retain the feeling. The feeling of escapism that restored us to our fullest potential and reminded us of our own power and why we should always love and believe in ourselves. Our outdoors serve as a reminder. It's the true challenge that awakens us and sets us free whenever we need it to help us fall back in love with life, ourselves, and our purpose. So, it's safe to say that our one true love is the outdoors. We think it may be yours too. Have a Happy Valentine's Day. -Outward Bound Costa Rica Written by: Brynna Rao Photo featuring:  Madison , 2015 Girl Scouts Rainforest, River & Reef Student

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GIRL SCOUTS DANCE & DISCOVER COSTA RICA IN THEIR FIRST WEEK

Last Saturday, eighteen Girl Scouts arrived at our rainforest base to embark on the adventure of a lifetime. See what each expedition group has been up to this week!

Service Challenge (Session #1)

Thirteen Girl Scouts broke in their work boots this past Sunday as they completed their first service project at the Outward Bound Costa Rica base. The girls came together as they cleaned walking routes and learned about the importance of trail maintenance from our instructors. Later that afternoon, they were treated to a traditional dance at our rainforest base. A few of our Girl Scouts even jumped in to learn the steps!

Early Monday morning, the girls traveled down near the Panama coast to Talamanca where they acquired Spanish language skills and learned about culture and lifestyle of the indigenous BriBri people. This week they will continue to dive deeper into local culture in learning about the rich history of the Talamanca tribes through lessons on the cloud forest and banana plantations. Check back next Thursday to see what amazing animals and adventures they discover in the rainforest!

Scuba & Sea Turtle Adventure (Session #1)

A group of five Girl Scouts set off to Panama this past Sunday to the island of San San Pond Sak to begin their quest to aid in the conservation of local sea turtles and discover other local marine life. The girls completed their first service project with local biologists and learned about the dangers facing the turtle population while also getting their hands in the sand and helping the animals themselves! They rounded out this week with a lesson on the diverse coral reefs in preparation for their upcoming dive training. Join us next Thursday to hear about their first scuba diving lessons and what they discovered as they descend below the waters of Solarte!

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10 WAYS TO FUND YOUR NEXT OUTWARD BOUND COSTA RICA COURSE

Travel isn’t a luxury just for the rich and frivolous. Travel can be a beautiful reality for anyone! There are people of all backgrounds traveling the world on a wide range of budgets. If the lack of money is stopping you from achieving your travel dreams, with a little flexibility, creativity, and resourcefulness, you’ll be able to live your travel dreams on any budget.

We hope that everyone is able to experience an Outward Bound Costa Rica course, so we’ve put together a list of all the ways past students have funded their course with us! Take a look. Be inspired. Book your adventure!

1. Gift a Trip.

Next time your family asks what you what you want for Christmas or your birthday, ask them for the adventure of a lifetime. Setup a Go Fund Me page and send your family your link!

2. Land a Summer Job.

Summer is here and there is always money to be made. Check out the local jobs in town and save up to fund an excursion. Not only will it give you something to do this summer but it will also feel great to know that you saved up all on your own.

3. Sell Your Skills.

There are so many cool ways to fundraise these days. From sites like Go Fund Me to simply selling things that you make in your free time. Are you an artist? Are you a writer? Sell a few of your art pieces or offer something handmade in exchange for someone donating money to your Outward Bound Costa Rica Trip fund.

4. Crowdfund Your Way.

Raise funds to finance your trip via crowdfunding websites such as FundMyTravel.com! If your trip includes a community or a conservation service project, you can write to and contact local community groups, organizations or associations from your hometown, county, or state. Research local civic groups who might be interested in sponsoring your trip, including: Rotary International, Lions Club, Royal Geographic Society, and Round Table.

5. Organize a Cookout.

Are you an awesome party planner? Or a grill master? This summer host a cookout or day picnic. Invite all your friends and family and have a small  suggested donation fee as well as a small jar for donations around at each table.

6. Begin Your Belated Spring Cleaning.

A little late cleaning out your old clothes this year? Go through your closet and sort out what you don’t wear anymore. Keep all the items that bring you joy and take the rest out for donation at your local consignment shop.

7. Car Wash.

Partner up with a few friends and plan a community car wash. Charge a small fee per car and have a fun time while cleaning.

8. Yard Sale.

Similar to the late spring cleaning idea, yard sales are another great way to sell items other than clothes to your community. You can even ask your friends if they have belongings they are willing to sell.

9. Reach Out to Fellow Girl Scouts.

Are you a part of a Girl Scout Troop? Want to hear from other members that have joined us on course? We have an awesome contact who can provide you with tips on how Outward Bound Alumni have funded their course in the past. For more information email, GirlScouts@OutwardBoundCR.org.

10. Borrow Some Miles!

Do you know someone who has racked up some frequent flyer miles? Ask if they would be willing to donate a few to you to fund your flight to Costa Rica.

Pro Tip: Whichever way you choose to fundraise, make sure that you are outreaching to as many people as you can. Social media has made getting the word out a lot easier. Be sure to make a quick post about what program you are trying to attend, how much you need, and to ask all of your friends and family to repost and share it! Good luck!

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HIOBS: PATROL 2 – THE END OF A 70 DAY QUEST

Written by: Maia Seals, Communications Intern

After 20+ days sailing off the Florida coast and 40+ days traveling throughout Costa Rica and Panama, Hurricane Outward Bound School (HIOBS): Patrol 2 students have returned back to the United States with a new outlook on life.

HIOBS: Patrol 2 students were a charismatic group. They joined us from different parts of the USA, from landlocked states like Kentucky to coastal states like Florida. They each decided to go on this outdoor journey for various reasons, but all left knowing that they had accomplished more than they had expected of themselves.

George, age 20, from Georgia arrived to our base telling us, “I am ready for new experiences.” He left saying, “[Costa Rica and Panama] really boosted my motivation just to get on with life and start focusing on what I want to do, reach my goals, and push myself.”

HIOBS students challenged themselves to take a leap and explore, even when they were anxiously awaiting a scuba night dive in Bocas Del Toro, Panama. “I ended up really liking it,” said Colvin, 19, from the sunshine state, Florida. “It was really relaxing. Jim [OBCR Executive Director and Scuba Diving Instructor] is pretty good at calming nerves if you have any at all.”

The night dive ended up being a favorite of their scuba diving adventures. Upon stepping off the boat and into the dark abyss, they soon witnessed one of the wonders of the night dive: bioluminescence. With every slight movement microorganisms were lightly disturbed and millions of glowing lights appeared to illuminate their way in the darkness.

The Costa Rica and Panama phase of their journey was more than just a test of physical strength through 6 days of surfing, 13 days of whitewater rafting, 6 days of scuba, and 2 weeks sea kayaking. It was a chance to get out of their comfort zone and explore a new culture; immersing themselves in an experience that they could never receive back in the states.

“It really opened my mind to want to explore the rest of the world too. I’m really intrigued by things now. I’m intrigued by the rest of the world,” said Charlie, 19, from Chicago. “I think that I’ve become tougher and more passionate.”

The most gratifying part of it all is that this group of young men left base with a clearer idea of who they were and what they wanted to do when they returned home.

“I have become more self-reliant. I am more comfortable being uncomfortable, and I am more confident going with the flow and just knowing that I have what it takes to do what is necessary when things get tough,” said Kyle, age 24, from Houston, TX.

“A big part of the reason I wanted to come to Outward Bound was because I wanted to be a ski patrol. I’m definitely going to pursue that after leaving Outward Bound,” said Chris, 19, from Tennessee.

Thank you to the 10 students that were willing to BE. OUT. THERE. and explore with us. Good luck to you all!

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HIOBS: PATROL 2 — ANCHORING FOR AN OUTWARD BOUND EXPERIENCE

In late March, the second patrol of Hurricane Island Outward Bound School (HIOBS) students docked their sailboat in Florida to trade their view of coastal blue water for the lush rainforest landscapes of Costa Rica.

This patrol of ten young men are experiencing a unique 5-phase expedition that includes sailing with Hurricane Island Outward Bound School and scuba diving, surfing and sea kayaking with us at Outward Bound Costa Rica. Our partnership provides students with complementary areas of expertise in two drastically different outdoors settings to create a program that neither of our organizations could accomplish on our own.

“You never expect yourself to be out on a boat for 20 days and experiencing things that even experienced sailors have never done,” said Colin, age 19 from Kentucky. He went on to say, “And I’ve been enjoying the difference, the contrast between the life I was living, and this whole new world that Outward Bound has created for me out here is incredible.”

Kyle, age 24, shared Colin’s sentiments in noting, “There are so many things I wouldn’t have been able to do in the bubble of Houston, Texas. I am a city guy, so it’s been really cool getting out of my comfort zone and experiencing new things.”

This particular expedition of HIOBS explores five outdoor adventure phases: 21 days sailing off the Florida coast, 20 days surfing and earning whitewater rafting certifications in Costa Rica, and 22 days in Panama scuba diving and sea kayaking along the Bocas del Toro Archipelago with OBCR.

After settling into our base a few weeks ago, HIOBS students were eager to learn all they could from their time here.

“I really hope to gain more leadership skills and become a better whitewater rafter, snorkeler, and scuba diver.” said Colvin, age 19 from Florida.

James, age 19 from New Jersey, said, “I hope to gain a better world view. I haven’t really travelled anywhere. This is my first time out of the time zone.”

HIOBS students have already completed their surf, whitewater rafting, and scuba phases, and each of them are feeling the natural Outward Bound way rush of unplugging, connecting with the outdoors, and finding out more about themselves.

Kyle from Texas said, “Another thing that I’ve enjoyed about Outward Bound is that they make it easy to be in the present and enjoy. It has already expanded my mind on the world and it also helped me with confidence and being okay with not knowing what’s next. It offers a lot of perspective.”

HIOBS is now back in coastal waters, not as sailors but as sea kayakers, navigating from island to island in Bocas del Toro, Panama. We’re looking forward to having them back on base again before they fly back home in early May. More photos to come!

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August 17th Links

Brush up on your knowledge of Costa Rica by taking a look at this guide to cultural symbols and local recipes by the Embassy of Costa Rica in Washington D.C.! Read about the history of the country and see why hard work and peace are valued here. Viva siempre el trabajo y la paz!

Even the termites in Costa Rica are amazing! This recent articles talks about how scientists from other countries are traveling to Costa Rica in order to examine the digestive systems of local termites. The digestive systems of these termites are allowing researchers to understand how to convert material into bio-fuels. Que chiva!

It's true that a course with Outward Bound might not be the most comfortable or relaxing experience of your life, but boy does it foster change and personal growth! We loved this article in which the journalist talks about how he was inspired to send his daughter on a Outward Bound course after seeing the off-Broadway show, Blown Sideways through Life.

Studying abroad not only exposes a young person to a new culture, but can be a definite benefit later in life when that person is looking for employment. Spending a significant period of time in a new place can ensure language proficiency and cultural awareness and therefore leads to better job prospects says this article. Read more here!

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August 10th Links

Colorado Outward Bound is doing something right and that's why this year they are celebrating their 50th anniversary! Although COBS has experienced its share of difficulties during its existence the school has overcome obstacles and is continuing to promote programs which encourage  learning through the wilderness as opposed to learning about the wilderness. Everyone from 12-year-olds to war veterans sign-up for Colorado Outward Bound courses each year to challenge themselves and to discover "[you] don’t need much for a happy life – that it’s not what you have, but who you are.” We salute you, Colorado Outward Bound!

Deforestation throughout Latin America due to cattle ranching has been and continues to be a huge problem. Although Brazil designated a large plot of its land as an area of conservation several years ago, it now appears the country's political figures are allowing environmental protection mandates to wane. Read more about Costa Rica's ongoing efforts to protect its many ecosystems and robust biodiversity here. *Click here to read more about Costa Rica Outward Bound's local impact and what we do to protect our surroundings.

Speaking of conservation in Costa Rica, this couple from the United States purchased 600 acres of land that was vulnerable to deforestation and has turned it into a treehouse community focused on sustainability! The treehouses come complete with indoor plumbing, WiFi and zipline cables for easy transfer between structures. We think this is pretty cool!

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Summer Students Update: August 10th 2012

It's our final update for Summer courses here at Costa Rica Outward Bound!  See how we've wrapped up the summer. For course photos, check out the albums on our Facebook page and on Flickr!

Interested in joining us this fall? There's still room in our Tri-Country and Leadership Semester courses... or if you're a group of five or more, you can build your own adventure through our Custom course program!

Summer Courses (Open Enrollment)

Surf Intensive #3 and Hike & Homestay Adventure #3

Hike & Homestay #3 and Surf Intensive #3 students are now headed home! Both groups spent their last few days rafting Costa Rica's beautiful Sarapiqui River, ziplining on a canopy tour and doing a little shopping at a local artisan market in San Jose. Adios, chicos!

Instructor Diego and student Hannah dance their way through one of their treks during Hike & Homestay #3!

Original Article

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Summer Students Update: August 7th 2012

It's officially summer here at Costa Rica Outward Bound! Tune in to our blog on Tuesdays & Fridays for updates on our students' adventures here in Costa Rica. For course photos, check out the albums on our Facebook page and on Flickr!

Summer Courses (Open Enrollment)

Surf Intensive #3

After mastering the waves of Playa Avellanas, the group headed to Manuel Antonio to check out the surf along the central coast.

Hike & Homestay Adventure #3

They've conquered the hiking and surfing. Now... to the river!!

The group during a hike through the rainforest.

Girl Scout Destination Courses

Underwater Explorers #3

The girls went ziplining and wrapped up with their final dinner yesterday. They were our final Girl Scout Destination group of the summer... adios, chicas! Tune in later this week to our Facebook page and on Flickr for more photos from their adventures!

Going Scuba diving! 

Original Article

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Summer Students Update: August 3rd 2012

It's officially summer here at Costa Rica Outward Bound! Tune in to our blog on Tuesdays & Fridays for updates on our students' adventures here in Costa Rica. For course photos, check out the albums on our Facebook page and on Flickr!

Summer Courses (Open Enrollment)

Surf Intensive #3

Our surfers are having a great time honing their surfing skills and camping at beautiful Playa Avellanas. Here's a picture some of our Marketing staff managed to get for us:

Hike & Homestay Adventure #3

This group is finishing their last day of hiking today. Now they're off to the beach for some surfing!

Girl Scout Destination Courses

Catching Waves #2

After returning from the beach, the ladies of Catching Waves did a day of zip-lining and touring the San Jose artisan market before heading out today! They had a great time, judging by the photos we managed to grab from them on Facebook and Flickr!

Underwater Explorers #3

The girls finished their Scuba NAUI certification course and are now enjoying their time left in Panama with sailing, biking and a trip to a local market. They a€™ll get back to base on this weekend and will finish up their course with a day of zip-lining!

Build an Adventure

Daniels Academy

Daniels Academy arrived yesterday for the final segment of their multi-week Custom course. Today the boys will head to a nearby waterfall for a rappel activity to round out this very special trip to Costa Rica. This evening Daniels will have their final dinner where all they have accomplished in the past several weeks will be recognized. For dessert the boys will feast on ice cream and tres leches cake. Provecho, chicos! The group departs Saturday morning to return home. Until next year!

Interested in building your an adventure for a private group? Learn more about our Custom courses here.

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August 3rd Links

Before a day at the office, CROB's staff likes to get out and be active! That's why yesterday morning, before sunrise, several members of our Communications Office decided to make the annual pilgrimage trek to the Basilica de los Angeles in nearby Cartago, Costa Rica. Some of our staff walked, while others raced to the finish. We were so excited to be able to partake in this longstanding, cultural tradition. Read more about our adventure here.

By testing sediment found on the ocean floor off the coast of Antarctica, scientists have been able to discern that this presently frosty environment was once home to a tropical rainforest. The possibility of Antarctica returning to warm and humid place is a real concern experts say. It is certainly hard to imagine the rainforest climate we have here at our San Ramon de Tres Rios base taking effect in the South Pole!

Can you guess this bird? We love that this mystery bird was photographed in Costa Rica, near our San Ramon de Tres Rios base at the Organization for Tropical Studies in Heredia.

      Original Article

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We would walk 15k, and we would walk 15k more...

Today Costa Rica celebrates La Romería a la Virgen de los Ángeles, and all the ladies of the Communications Office as well as our lovely instructor Donna decided to join in the famous Costa Rican tradition.

The country is honoring its patron saint, la Virgen de los Ángeles with a pilgrimage to the famed basilica in the city of Cartago. Since Monday, the streets from San Jose to Cartago have been flooded with faithful romeros, the term for the devoted Costa Rican Catholics making the peregrination. It has been reported that 1.5 million Costa Ricans from all over the country were in attendance... plus six culturally-inspired gringas from Costa Rica Outward Bound!

Our motivated CROB ladies woke up before the crack of dawn to be able to make the 15 kilometer trek from our base in Tres Rios to the basilica all before the day's work. Half decided to walk the pilgrimage to enjoy the journey and take in the sights while the other half were determined to run it out. Take a look at the journey and stay tuned for more footage, as the la Macha aka Bethany is making the trek tonight!

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Summer Students Update: July 31st 2012

It's officially summer here at Costa Rica Outward Bound! Tune in to our blog on Tuesdays & Fridays for updates on our students' adventures here in Costa Rica. For course photos, check out the albums on our Facebook page and on Flickr!

Summer Courses (Open Enrollment)

Wilderness Immersion with Spanish Emphasis (WISE)

These fearless guys have spent the last three days on the Rio General. Tomorrow they'll fly through the air on their ziplining tour before hitting the city for some shopping.

Multi-Element Expedition with Service Emphasis

After over three weeks of hiking, rafting, surfing and service, this group is headed home. Luckily, we managed to snag some great pictures from them before they took off.

Hike & Homestay Adventure #3

This group is off exploring Costa Rica's beautiful rainforest. Before starting their hike they took a trip down the Pejibaye River. Check out their pictures on our Facebook page.

Surf Intensive #3

This group is having a great time catching waves on the northern Pacific coast. Our Marketing staff managed to sneak a couple pictures to give you an idea how they're doing.

Girl Scout Destination Courses

Catching Waves #2

The girls are having a great time camping at Playa Avellanas in the Guanacaste Region. They ha€™ve been keeping busy, with morning jogs and yoga that keep them active and ready to take on the waves. Today is their last full day at the beach, so we a€™re sure they a€™re surfing it up. Tomorrow they come back to base here in Tres Rios and will do a day of zip-lining and a tour of a local artisan market before they head out on Friday!

Underwater Explorers #3

The ladies of Underwater Explorers are in Panama gearing up for their NAUI Scuba exam tomorrow. Mucha suerte, chicas! After the test, they all have time to soak up all that Bocas del Toro has to offer, including a day of sailing around the islands on a catamaran.

  Check out the photos of the ladies from Rainforest, River & Reef #2 and Service Challenge #2 on our Facebook page and on Flickr!

  Original Article

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Summer Students Update: July 27th 2012

It's officially summer here at Costa Rica Outward Bound! Tune in to our blog on Tuesdays & Fridays for updates on our students' adventures here in Costa Rica. For course photos, check out the albums on our Facebook page and on Flickr!

Summer Courses (Open Enrollment)

Wilderness Immersion with Spanish Emphasis (WISE)

This 30 day adventure is rapidly coming to an end. The guys are on their way back from Panama and will have a day to re-group before spending three days rafting and camping on the Rio General.

Multi-Element Expedition with Service Emphasis

We want to thank this group for all the hard work they are putting in to the school in Talamanca. Their hours of service will make such a big difference to this small community.

Hike & Homestay Adventure #3

The last group of Hike & Homestay-ers finally arrived yesterday. Today they are off to battle the rapids of the Pejibaye River before starting their hiking phase tomorrow.

Surf Intensive #3

Most of our new surfers have been enjoying other courses until just recently, but their new friend and final group member joined them Wednesday. They spent yesterday packing and prepping their gear and are now headed to Costa Rica's beautiful northern Pacific coast to learn to shred some waves.

Girl Scout Destination Courses

Catching Waves #2

The ladies of Catching Waves arrived this week and spent their first full day whitewater rafting on the Pejibaye River. They headed out early this morning for Playa Avellanas beach, where they will be camping on the beach and learning to surf!

Rainforest, River & Reef #2

This group is still at Manuel Antonio beach. They just completed a service project with the TITI Conservation Alliance, an organization dedicated to achieving sustainable development of Costa Rica’s Central Pacific. They still have some more surfing and a trip to the Manuel Antonio National Park before they head back to base to say farewell at their final dinner.

Service Challenge #2

The girls are now working on their second major service project of their course… with more sea turtles! They’re at a refuge center at Playa Hermosa helping protect the habitat of the sea turtles of the region. This weekend they’ll return to base for a day of whitewater rafting and their farewell dinner!

Underwater Explorers #3

Las chica scouts of Underwater Explorers spent yesterday on the Pejibaye River and had an awesome time! Tomorrow they head to Panama, where they will spend most of course. Let's wish them luck on their NAUI Scuba diving certification phase! 

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Summer Students Update: July 24th 2012

It's officially summer here at Costa Rica Outward Bound! Tune in to our blog on Tuesdays & Fridays for updates on our students' adventures here in Costa Rica. For course photos, check out the albums on our Facebook page and on Flickr!

Summer Courses (Open Enrollment)

Wilderness Immersion with Spanish Emphasis (WISE)

These guys are still enjoying their time in Panama. We're all wishing them the best of luck as they prepare for their Scuba exam!

Multi-Element Expedition with Service Emphasis

After catching some waves in Manuel Antonio, the group returned to tackle the Pejibaye River. Tomorrow they'll head to the indigenous village of Talamanca where they will work with locals to paint a school and teach English to the local children.

Hike & Homestay Adventure #2

The Hike & Homestay Adventure has come to end. Over the weekend they crushed some rapids in the Pacuare River and spent some time exploring the city before heading home yesterday. Check out their photos here!

Paddle & Dive Adventure

Most of our Paddle & Dive crew headed home on Sunday after a full two weeks of kayaking, Scuba diving, whitewater rafting and more. Check out their photos to get a glimpse into all the fun they had. Some of the ladies decided to stick around for our Surf Intensive course. Keep checking back for updates on their new adventure!

Surf Intensive #3

Students of Surf Intensive are waiting for their other new amigo to arrive, but as you can see they're excited to get surfing already!

Girl Scout Destination Courses

Catching Waves #2

The ladies of Catching Waves #2 are arriving today! They’ll be heading to the river tomorrow for some whitewater rafting before they hit the Pacific Coast to start their surf adventure!

Rainforest, River & Reef #2

These chica scouts are finished with the hiking portion of their course and are on the way to our beach base in Manuel Antonio. They’ll be enjoying the beach with a day of surfing and a trip to Manuel Antonio’s famed national park.

Service Challenge #2

This group of service-focused girls spent the weekend in Tres Rios at our base as they transitioned from their first major service project to the next. They were even able to get in a day of ziplining too. Now they’re off to their next service project!

Build an Adventure

Daniels Academy

Daniels Academy returned to our San Ramon de Tres Rios base on Sunday evening after successfully completing a 3-day segment on the Rio General. Yesterday the boys and their teachers went on a canopy tour and relaxed locally before heading out this morning. We are so proud of Daniels Academy's students for all they have accomplished during their Custom course with Costa Rica Outward Bound! At this point the boys have partaken in Scuba diving and whitewater rafting excursions and have learned about themselves  and what they are capable of doing along the way. Keep up the good work, boys! Interested in building your own adventure for a private group? Learn more about our Custom Courses here.

  Original Article

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July 20th Links

We are well aware of all Costa Rica has to offer and are especially fond of all its fresh fruits and vegetables! Here is an article that sheds light on the eating practices of Costa Ricans and how buying fresh produce is more economical in this country than purchasing processed foods.

On course with Costa Rica Outward Bound, we encourage our students to explore their surroundings, and sometimes there is no better way of doing this than by climbing an impressive Guanacaste or higuerón tree. We were saddened to see that it might in fact be illegal to climb trees in Central Park, New York City. What a bummer for New Yorkers!

Now this is an inspiration! School children in the United Kingdom walked 5 miles to raise money for endangered rainforest animals. The children decided they wanted to contribute to this cause after learning about the rainforest in school. Great job, kids!

This interesting couple, formerly retired, has taken up full-time volunteer roles with a non-profit showcasing trips to Patagonia and Peru to rebuild trails in public parks. The couple first traveled to Torres del Paine in 2008 to perform trail work for the organization and were hooked!

Original Article