When Alexis Smith first embarked on a Girl Scout Destination with Outward Bound Costa Rica, she wasn’t prepared for all the ways her experience would change the shape of her future. “Originally I wanted to go because it seemed like it would be a fun trip,” said Alexis. “But when I actually got there I found it was so much more than that.” Her course, which combined elements from the current Rainforest, River & Reef and Costa Rica and Panama Service Challenge Destinations, focused on community service. While in Costa Rica, Alexis and her fellow Girl Scouts built a garden and recycling center for a local community. They also pushed their limits with adventure activities including hiking, whitewater rafting and a waterfall rappel. “[Building the recycling center] wasn’t easy work,” admitted Alexis. “But it was something that the community really needed and could use. It was so cool to feel like I was actually giving back. This was a new experience for me.” When Alexis went on course with Outward Bound Costa Rica, she was just 14 years old and the program was the first trip she’d taken without her parents anywhere, let alone out of the country. “I learned a lot about myself,” Alexis said. “I learned that I love adventure and that I could be on my own. I also learned how much I love giving back and that has stayed with me all this time.” Although she was initially intimated by the prospect of going abroad on her own, Alexis says her course kick started a love for travel at a young age. After her experience in Costa Rica she went on to travel to France with a friend while in high school and participate in a Birthright trip to Israel. While studying at the University of Buffalo, she studied abroad for a semester in Paris and traveled as much as she could throughout Europe. Yet the biggest impact the journey with Outward Bound Costa Rica has made on Alexis’ life has been her ability to recognize her strength as a collaborator. “I can work really well with others,” she said. “This course pushed me to realize that working with others is a strength of mine. It was the first time I understood how good I could be at collaborating with others.” These sharp interpersonal skills played a crucial role in Alexis’ success in high school, college and the workforce. After graduating from the University of Buffalo in 2015 with a degree in French and Business, she secured a job as a marketing assistant for Yelp in Long Island, New York. “Working with others… That’s what I do every day at work,” she said. “Outward Bound was my first real time learning these skills.” If Alexis has one thing to tell teenagers and young adults who are interested in participating on a course with Outward Bound Costa Rica, it’s this – do it! “The younger you can go on a program like this, the better,” she said. “It’s really important to go somewhere that helps you grow as a person. For the rest of your life you’re going to use these skills.” Want to share your Outward Bound journey on our blog? Send us an email to [email protected].