Written by: Maia Seals
Photos: Bailey Palmer & Luis Zamora
Since traversing the mountains as reported in our last blogpost update, our Outdoor Leadership Semester (OLS) students have been to Panama and back again! Last week, they packed and prepared their gear for an epic adventure to gain their scuba certifications and volunteer on local Panamanian projects. They helped clean a drainage system for the Solarte community in the Bocas del Toro Province, and when the sun set, they ventured out to the ocean to experience a night dive.
Lucie, 19, from Los Angeles said, “The night dive was like swimming amongst the stars.” OLS students were even more excited to interact and learn about Panamanian culture from their host family, including their three small children. Our youngest Spring OLS student, Solveig, 17 from Idaho, stated that overall, “Staying on an indigenous island gave us a truly unique experience.” The OLS students returned to Costa Rica to hand in their scuba gear and prep for another challenging quest: river-guide training. Last Tuesday, OLS students took on the Sarapiqui River, and on their way down the Upper Class 4 section of the river, they rescued a newborn calf!
After the rescue, the students drifted downstream for an hour and a half with the calf relaxing safe and sound in the raft. Soon it was lunchtime and students took some time to unwind and reflect on their first river experience.
OLS students returned to the rapids the next day and continued their guide training. This week they are learning to surf in Playa Avellanas! They are living the life, right?
Interested in Battling the Rapids on Your Own Semester or Gap Year Adventure?
Come join us! Submit an inquiry below or contact our Enrollment Manager at 800-676-2018 or emailing [email protected].