This September, 21 incoming freshmen students from the University of Washington joined us for a 11-day Group Program adventure full of challenging expeditions, cultural immersion, and unforgettable experiences with new-found friends as they prepared to face their first year of college.
The group pushed themselves as they trekked through the rainforest, surfed the Pacific Ocean at our picturesque Manuel Antonio Beach Base, and battled whitewater rapids with a day of rafting on the Pejibaye River. As they joined together to face these challenges, they developed their leadership and teamwork skills. Throughout their adventure, students reflected on how these skills, as well as the group bond they established on this course, will serve them as they enter into this new chapter in their lives.
UW Students head off to trek the Costa Rican rainforest!
One of the participants, 18 year-old Claire Cyra, describes how her Outward Bound experience has helped her prepare for the upcoming challenges of being an incoming college freshman:
“This Costa Rica trip has helped me prepare for college because we’ve had to overcome some really tough challenges, but succeeding and having everyone there alongside me has made me realize I can get through anything. I’m going into college knowing 20 more people and ready to try new things and expand my comfort zone and not be afraid to put myself out there.”
Trekking through Piedras Blancas
The highlight of the students’ 11-day course was their time spent at local family homestays in Piedras Blancas. While immersed in authentic Costa Rican culture, the group learned the art of making sugar cane and tested their strength by rappelling a waterfall.
University of Washington’s Office of First Year Programs Manager, Ali Albrecht, reflects,“I think this course has helped the students prepare for college through the personal struggles and experiences each of them faced. They have all challenged themselves somehow, whether it was to keep going on the hike, try surfing, or try the waterfall rappel. They all stepped outside their comfort zone and did great in supporting and challenging one another as well.”
Ali adds that, “Having a real Costa Rican experience and being so immersed in the local culture would not have been possible on our own.”
