Outward Bound Costa Rica

Outward Bound Costa Rica was one of the best experiences of my life. The program allowed me to push myself to new limits, meet amazing people, and try new cuisine. Through the program I also got to also enjoy the amazing things Costa Rica has to offer. For instance, my group got to zip line, whitewater raft, bond with children of the Bribri community and so much more. So, if you love adventure, creating lifetime friendships and learning about new cultures this is the perfect program for you.

I recently took a service challenge trip through OBCR with thirteen other girls and not only gained life long friends, but also increased my cultural awareness and self confidence. I believe everyone should have the opportunity to go on an unforgettable trip with OBCR like I did.

Outward Bound Costa Rica exceeded every expectation I had for my 85 day Coast to Coast semester course. The program allowed us to experience the traditional culture of 3 different countries in Central America as well as teaching us everything we needed to know to get started with a career in the outdoor education industry. We got to experience many different activities from community service projects, to whitewater rafting, backpacking, surfing, scuba diving and more. This course was built for anyone who loves adventure and wants to push themselves both physically and mentally to become a better person and a better leader. I couldn't recommend this company or their instructors enough, I wish everyone could experience OBCR!

Outward Bound Costa Rica has been a major influence on my life. Through OBCR's group mindset and adventure based courses, my eyes have been opened to a bigger meaning of life and the world itself. Throughout my two OBCR courses, I have met some of my closest friends and experienced many memorable adventures. My first year with OBCR I participated in the Catching Waves course. This course allowed me to immerse myself in Costa Rican culture and learn to surf. This adventure included rafting, volunteering in the local town, eating local food(one of my favorites being Lychee fruit), flying through a Costa Rican rainforest canopy during our rope course experience, and many leadership lessons. On this course, my group and I became very close and I still remain in contact with each girl I met. My second Outward Bound course was called Scuba and Sea Turtle Adventure. The group had the opportunity to assist with sea turtle conservational work; with participating in night patrols and getting to release newly hatched baby sea turtles back into the wild. Also, I left Panama with newly acquired scuba certification. While on this course I discovered many new things pertaining to marine life and the effects humans have on its environment. With the Outward Bound experience, it is impossible to leave the same as you arrived. I have grown so much as an individual through the guidance of my instructors on my courses and the experience itself. Each and every course will leave you with different lessons about the world and about yourself. I can guarantee that a trip with Outward Bound will challenge you mentally and physically, however, it will be the most rewarding and enlightening experience you will ever be a part of.

My experience in Costa Rica and Panama with Outward Bound CR was incredible! The instructors were beyond amazing and really made us feel safe and welcome, and did everything they could to make our experience be the best it could. Everyone we met was so sweet and helpful, and not to mention the food was amazing. I learned so much while I was there, and I had so much fun! I didn’t want to come home, and I am seriously considering going back, either to take another course or maybe even intern to be an instructor!!!

My experience with Outward Bound Costa Rica was nothing short of life changing. I cannot express in words how strongly I encourage that every Girl Scout should apply for this amazing program. It will allow you to dive into a new and exciting culture, head first. Every minute was a new and exhilarating adventure, filled with fun and important life lessons. This course provided me with opportunities that I could receive no where else. Some of the amazing opportunities I was presented with were releasing baby sea turtles into the ocean, doing a homestay in a small indigenous community in Costa Rica, visiting schools and conversing with local students, learning how to make traditional Costa Rican food, and he beautify a community soccer field. The amazing staff at Outward Bound Costa Rica was so caring towards each and every one of us. After spending merely two weeks with twelve other girls and my instructors, we became a family. The friendships that I made on this trip are ones that are unbreakable. The experiences are ones that I will carry with me for the rest of my life, and I am so thankful to have partook in such an amazing program.

Open up your view of the world physically, emotionally, mentally. spiritually, and everything in between with Costa Rica Outward Bound. I was a student on the Coast to Coast Expedition, and while the title expedition was my favorite part of the trip, every phase had strengths, weaknesses, and lessons. Surfing is a lesson in perseverance. With no surfing experience, for me the phase was just continuous wipe-outs in the exhausting waves, but I think I got somewhere toward the end.... Anyway, SCUBA diving was absolutely amazing. Sea kayaking, snorkeling, and diving in Panama were just absolutely glorious ways to experience the wonders of the Caribbean. And the hike! The hike was an ever-evolving journey as a team to traverse the width of the fabulous country of Costa Rica. I loved the roads, the people, the group development, the mountains, the food, and the satisfying pain from having walked miles and miles carrying heavily loaded packs. The organization of the trip could be frustrating at times, but it really just takes a positive attitude to get through lateness, missing gear, an absent sailboat captain, etc. As for group dynamics, you never know what you're going to get. Maybe your instructors are perfect for you and your group; maybe you clash. Maybe your group works ridiculously well together; maybe you fall apart daily. Maybe you do a bit of both. Everything about the trip is a risk worth taking.