Our Outdoor Leader Semester students returned to our rainforest base yesterday after completing a 10-day hiking phase through Central Costa Rica.
During their trek the students pushed their limits while hiking through the rainforest and mountains, camping under tarps and staying with local families in the town of Piedras Blancas.
“It’s an experience unlike anything I’ve ever had,” said Austin M. of Bethesda, Maryland about his hiking experience.
“Going on the hike, experiencing the views and the activities to learn about the culture has been eye opening,” he added. “Nothing we’ve done has been in my comfort zone, but I don’t regret coming here because it’s something everyone should do.”
Billy W. of Long Island, New York, said his favorite part of the hiking phase was the solo experience, during which the students spent 24 hours alone in the rainforest, setting up their own shelters and taking time for self reflection.
“The ability to open my mind on the solo and think about everything without any outside influence was great,” said Billy. “It was just me, myself and I.”
The students visited three different families in the town of Piedras Blancas for a cultural exchange and to learn about life in rural Costa Rica.
“I really enjoyed the different homestays,” said Pedro S. from Caracas, Venezuela.
“Even though all the families are from Costa Rica, they all have different ways of living,” he added. “The food has been delicious and real – The beans have been grown in their backyard. It’s amazing,” he added.
Many students, including Shaley J. of Olympia, Washington said their favorite part of the phase was the waterfall rappel.
“The waterfall rappel was so much fun,” Shaley said.
The students are on course for 65 days earning certifications that cultivate their leadership skills and give them unique inside into the field of outdoor education. Tomorrow the students travel to Panama where they will spend a week diving the coral reefs and earning their scuba certifications.
For more photos of the students, visit our Facebook page.
