Thirty Girl Scouts from across the United States recently rang in the New Year “pura vida” style with Outward Bound Costa Rica on our Sea Turtle Retreat Girl Scout Destinations program. Costa Rica is home to a large sea turtle population. The turtles come to shore one to two times a month during the peak of rainy season from August to December to lay their eggs. These mass nestings are known as arribadas. On their course, the girls worked to protect endangered sea turtles at Playa Ostional, one of the world’s most important nesting sites for olive ridley sea turtles. “I really loved the sea turtle retreat,” said Katherine Y. from Woodbridge, Virginia. “I’ve never seen so many turtles or felt so involved in a project,” she added. “I loved the team work and positivity that surrounded me the whole time. [My best memory] was burying a sea turtle egg. Even though thousands die, I made the difference to that one. It was absolutely amazing and breath taking. The amount of knowledge and sights I saw was endless, and I will never forget Costa Rica.” “I loved seeing the turtles, learning about them and feeling like I could help them,” said Laura E. from Asheville, North Carolina. “One of my best memories was doing the night patrols for turtles, seeing all the stars and feeling like I was part of the Outward Bound Costa Rica family.” “I enjoyed every single day and being so lucky as to see hundreds of turtles,” added Grace K. from Port Washington, Wisconsin. “My instructors made me feel more at home and the course helped me to discover more of who I am and who I want to become.” Not only did the Girl Scouts aid in conservation efforts, they also spent time in local communities, practicing their Spanish skills and learning about Costa Rica’s culture. “Outward Bound was an exciting way to experience the beauty and culture of the inexplicably awe-inspiring country,” said Rebecca S. from Tucson, Arizona. “I loved making friends and learning with everyone I met in my group and in Costa Rica.” “The scenery was so beautiful and I enjoyed getting a taste of Costa Rican culture by playing soccer and interacting with the locals,” said Bridget S. from Denville, New Jersey. “I can definitely write about my experience for college applications.” “I really enjoyed practicing speaking Spanish with the instructors,” said Helen W. from Omaha, Nebraska.  “I tried new things, met wonderful people and I experienced a beautiful culture.” The Outward Bound philosophy also helped the girls push their limits and learn more about themselves. “I would recommend Outward Bound Costa Rica to a friend/family member because it was fun and a good learning experience,” said Piper D. from Hudson, Wisconsin. “My instructors impacted my experience by teaching me  new things and encouraging me to try new things.” “My favorite part of course was being able to step out of my comfort zone the entire time,” said Olivia O. from Chicago, Illinois. “The course was everything I imagined and more. I see a deeper appreciation for what I have and for our environment.” “The Outward Bound experience truly gives you the opportunity to ‘live the adventure,’ said Anna H. from Hallowell, Maine. “Being in an amazing location witnessing a natural phenomenon that not many get to see was a true privilege.” “Before the course other countries and cultures were far away things and endangered species didn’t affect me,” said Rachel Z. from Glen Mills, Pennsylvania. “Now I know how different things can be in other places. Gracias to all the Girl Scouts who participated in the Sea Turtle Retreat Girl Scout Destinations Program and best of luck on all your future adventures! Want to have your own Costa Rican adventure just like these Girl Scouts? Applications are now open for our 2016 Girl Scout Destinations. If you’re not a Girl Scout, join us for one of our Summer Expeditions.