On February 10, 2018 Outward Bound Costa Rica (OBCR) welcomed students and chaperons from Oliverian School in Haverhill, New Hampshire for an 8-day hiking adventure through picturesque and remote rainforests of Costa Rica.

After they arrived at our base, they began a course orientation and packing for the expedition. The eight of them, including two Oliverian chaperons and OBCR instructors Donna & Mauren, departed early the next morning to head to their launch point.

Some of the highlights from their course included: nights at village homestays, waterfall rappelling, homemade local meals, spotting monkeys, learning how to make homemade sugar from sugarcane, whitewater rafting and surfing lessons.

Throughout their trip, there were many opportunities where each student pushed themselves beyond what they thought was possible. Instructor Donna took some time to put pen to paper and wrote about what each one of them, including chaperons, brought to this course and lessons they could take back home with them. Take a read:

Lexi G.

“On course, I think Lexi realized that she was stronger than she thought. She knew she could finish the hike, but I think she surprised herself. She is a natural leader and her personality enhances that quality. She is a positive person and supportive of everyone even when she is not feeling 100%.” 

McCoy C.

“I feel that McCoy gained a sense of belonging and a level of comfort that he had not felt before. His exact words to me— ‘I have never been happier than I am right now.’ McCoy walked away from this experience more confident in the knowledge that being comfortable in your own skin is what is most important. Be who you are meant to be.“

Sydney R.

“Sydney’s greatest achievement is that she finished the hike, even though it was extremely challenging. At the beginning of the course, she said her goal was “to finish something I start.” She didn’t give up, even when she wanted to, and reached her goal! I feel that Sydney learned how to persevere and her tenacity can help her accomplish anything she puts her mind to. The advice for Sydney would be to have faith in herself and continue to push past her fears. You are much stronger than you think!”

Dave H., Chaperon

“Dave is one of the most patient men I have ever met. I work constantly on patience and he was a great source of inspiration for me. His generosity of spirit is genuine and is felt by everyone around him. His dedication to his students is never-ending. He has a great balance of calm, as well as the ability to get tough when needed. I felt grateful to have had Dave on course, not only for his knowledge and experience, but his fun and witty personality.”

Roberto E.

“Roberto sees beauty in everything. His appreciation and excitement about nature and life is contagious and was a constant source of inspiration. I would like to encourage Robert to keep his child-like wonder and appreciation of all the beauty in this life, as it is all to easy to lose it and take things for granted.”Roberto’s calm presence makes it easy for others to trust him. 

Hunter S., Chaperon

“Hunter is like a calm river—continuously moving forward peacefully around all obstacles. He was supportive of the students and always there to help in any way that was needed. The only advice I would give Hunter is to feed that love of nature and get into the field as much as possible… it is food for the soul.”

Interested in a Custom Course?

Surf, hike, raft, scuba, kayak, and more on a Custom Course with your class, family, friends, school, Girl Scout troop, or co-workers.