Written by: Maia Seals, Communications Intern

After 20+ days sailing off the Florida coast and 40+ days traveling throughout Costa Rica and Panama, Hurricane Outward Bound School (HIOBS): Patrol 2 students have returned back to the United States with a new outlook on life.

HIOBS: Patrol 2 students were a charismatic group. They joined us from different parts of the USA, from landlocked states like Kentucky to coastal states like Florida. They each decided to go on this outdoor journey for various reasons, but all left knowing that they had accomplished more than they had expected of themselves.

George, age 20, from Georgia arrived to our base telling us, “I am ready for new experiences.” He left saying, “[Costa Rica and Panama] really boosted my motivation just to get on with life and start focusing on what I want to do, reach my goals, and push myself.”

HIOBS students challenged themselves to take a leap and explore, even when they were anxiously awaiting a scuba night dive in Bocas Del Toro, Panama. “I ended up really liking it,” said Colvin, 19, from the sunshine state, Florida. “It was really relaxing. Jim [OBCR Executive Director and Scuba Diving Instructor] is pretty good at calming nerves if you have any at all.”

The night dive ended up being a favorite of their scuba diving adventures. Upon stepping off the boat and into the dark abyss, they soon witnessed one of the wonders of the night dive: bioluminescence. With every slight movement microorganisms were lightly disturbed and millions of glowing lights appeared to illuminate their way in the darkness.

The Costa Rica and Panama phase of their journey was more than just a test of physical strength through 6 days of surfing, 13 days of whitewater rafting, 6 days of scuba, and 2 weeks sea kayaking. It was a chance to get out of their comfort zone and explore a new culture; immersing themselves in an experience that they could never receive back in the states.

“It really opened my mind to want to explore the rest of the world too. I’m really intrigued by things now. I’m intrigued by the rest of the world,” said Charlie, 19, from Chicago. “I think that I’ve become tougher and more passionate.”

The most gratifying part of it all is that this group of young men left base with a clearer idea of who they were and what they wanted to do when they returned home.

“I have become more self-reliant. I am more comfortable being uncomfortable, and I am more confident going with the flow and just knowing that I have what it takes to do what is necessary when things get tough,” said Kyle, age 24, from Houston, TX.

“A big part of the reason I wanted to come to Outward Bound was because I wanted to be a ski patrol. I’m definitely going to pursue that after leaving Outward Bound,” said Chris, 19, from Tennessee.

Thank you to the 10 students that were willing to BE. OUT. THERE. and explore with us. Good luck to you all!

COME ON YOUR OWN GAP / SEMESTER COURSE WITH US!