This past week, 25 Girl Scouts joined us in Costa Rica for our Venture & Volunteer Girl Scout Destinations program. During their time in the land of ‘Pura Vida,’ the Girl Scouts worked alongside community members in the culturally rich region of Talamanca to repair a local school and complete other service projects.
“I enjoyed being able to help the people of this village in such a meaningful way,” said Mallory A. of Herriman, Utah.
“I realized how fortunate I am and how big of a difference it makes in people’s lives when I do my part to help out,” added Cristin Von Schlag of Highland, Maryland.
While in Talamanca, the Girl Scouts also learned the ways of the indigenous Bribri population, whose beliefs revolve around conservation and environmental protection of their natural reservation.
“It was truly an experience of a lifetime,” said Lillian W. of Arlington, Virginia about her interactions with the local culture. “I learned a new culture and language I didn’t know existed. The instructors were amazing and knew a lot about Costa Rica.”
The Girl Scouts rounded out their time in Costa Rica with a dose of adventure, rafting down the whitewater rapids of the Sarapiqui River and zipping through the treetops on a canopy tour.
“The white water rafting was really fun,” Said MacKenzie L. of Liberty, South Carolina.
“I enjoyed the ziplining and the white water rafting,” agreed Violet C. of Concord, California. “I got to enjoy the beautiful scenery of Costa Rica.”
Many of the Girl Scouts also told us that their course experience helped them to push their limits.
“The difference in lifestyle pushed me out of my comfort zone and taught me a lot,” said Isabel A. of Sacramento, California.
“I am changed forever and learned new skills that will guide me through life,” added Olivia M. “I will learn to appreciate the little things in life.”
Gracias to all the Girl Scouts who participated in the Venture & Volunteer 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 2015 Girl Scout Destinations. If you’re not a Girl Scout, join us for one of our Summer Expeditions.