In early March we welcomed 14 students and 2 chaperons from Regis University! This is the first year we’ve partnered with the Regis Rangers to provide an alternative Spring Break for their students, serving the BriBri indigenous community of Talamanca and taking on numerous adventures along the way.

Some of their course highlights included: working on community development service projects, playing with local school children, learning phrases from the BriBri language, exploring Cahuita National Park, whitewater rafting or kayaking Rio Pejibaye, visiting the Basílica de Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles in Cartago, ziplining, touring a local organic coffee plantation with a butterfly exhibit, and visiting an artisan market in the capital city, San Jose.

Our instructors were so impressed with the growth and teamwork of this group throughout course. Instructors Bailey and Roger, took some time to share with us some key takeaways from the students’ experience. Take read below:

Words from Bailey:

“The group definitely accomplished a lot in their 8 days in Costa Rica. Carrying a ton of sand up a hill, learning how to mix concrete by hand, and pushing themselves to try new activities, like inflatable kayaking. It was clear early on in the course that several students were completely out of their comfort zones and some even questioned their decision to come on the trip. In my opinion one of the groups greatest accomplishments was how they rallied around those people and helped them feel comfortable in this new, unknown environment.

These students all go to the same school, some live across the hall from one another and some even shared a tent on previous OAP trips, but most of them had barely even spoken to one another before coming to Costa Rica. I don’t think the students expected to connect with one another on the level they did. I think because of the unique experienced they shared, they’re going to have a whole new support system when they return to school.

The thing that really impressed me about the group is that these students decided to spend their spring breaks volunteering in Costa Rica, instead of partying like most of their friends. I think that says a lot about who these kids are, and I think the world needs more people like them!

My advice to them is—take a fun summer job, you never know where it might lead you! “

Words from Roger:

“This group developed great teamwork, and they evolved as a group to the point that a family was formed. Within the achievements that I saw, the one that always impressed me was when they got out of their comfort zone. They managed to break barriers, which, to me, is one of the most important points of an Outward Bound Costa Rica course—growth.

The support they offered each other strengthened their unit as a team/group, and the friendships among them grew as they formed new bonds with the Alto Katsi community and the kids. I hope this group remembers the friends they now have in Alto Katsi, the Bribri language, and most of all, that all work is done better if they work as a team. Bringing a willingness to support others and to accomplish goals will take them far in life. Lastly, I hope they always remember that ‘fears are internal and we are bigger than them’ and that will help them break any barrier.”

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A special thank you to chaperons, Brian & Helen, for helping to make this course all that it could be for these students! Also shout out and photo credits to Helen, Hannah, and Jeff for sharing photos from your course (more to be featured on our Facebook page).

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.