Alumni Stories: Meet our Fall Residential Semester Group

outward bound costa rica

Alumni Stories: Meet our Fall Residential Semester Group

Meet our Fall 2022 Residential Gap Semester group as they get together to reflect on their 65-day adventure in Costa Rica and Panama… Trenton Mayberry (18 ~ Florida), Anneke Smeenk (18 ~ New York), Katherine Marriott (18 ~ New York), Duncan O’Connell (18 ~ Arizona), and Nadia McCollister (18 ~ Vermont) Anneke, what did you […]

‘Art inspires inclusivity, liberation & self-expression’ – Reserva Indigena Boruca

OBCR’s Natalia shares teachings from her time exploring the Boruca Indigenous Community with our Residential Gap Semester Program. Keeping indigenous cultures alive is a challenge in today’s westernized world. That’s one of the many reasons why OBCR integrated the Indigenous Art & Culture module into our Residential Gap Semester and it is a program highlight […]

OBCR’s Incredible Interns – Anne-Marie & Danny!

We catch up with Anne-Marie and Danny as they come to the end of their summer internships with OBCR. The funny thing is, we couldn’t be more different. Danny consistently starts his days off with coffee (he likes to say that his first cup is like a warm hug). I can’t function without coffee. I […]

A Summer of Sun, Scuba, Surf & Service

This year, we welcomed back students to Costa Rica and Panama on our summer courses for teens and programs for adults! Between June and August, they completed an incredible 635.5 hours volunteering, earned 75 certifications, and made countless memories! Each one of our courses were adjusted for COVID-19 to help ensure the health and safety of […]

“There are some places that you simply have to hike to in order to fully experience.”

In a time such as this, where going outside in some places is not an option, it’s almost hard to believe that, just a short while ago, I spent three months living predominantly outdoors during an Outward Bound Costa Rica expedition. I am fully aware that reading a blog post about the outdoors during a […]

Girl Scout Destinations: Sea Turtle Retreat Update

Girl Scouts from all over the United States have been helping protect endangered sea turtles in Costa Rica! On December 27, 29 Girl Scouts arrived to the Outward Bound Costa Rica rainforest base ready for their Sea Turtle Retreat. After getting to know each other and preparing their kit for course, the group headed straight […]

Hasta Luego to our Fall Coast to Coast Students!

Our Fall Coast to Coast Semester Students have completed their epic hike from one side of Costa Rica to the other! Prior to their hiking phase, the group spent a week in Panama gaining their NAUI scuba certification and exploring the islands of Bocas del Toro. During the scuba course, they managed to spot plenty […]

Fall Coast to Coast Expedition Update

It’s been quite an action-packed first 50 days for our Fall Semester Coast to Coast Expedition participants! The group started their adventure by heading to Costa Rica’s Pejibaye River for the rafting phase of their expedition. For some, it was their first time tackling whitewater, but in just a few days, everyone was taking turns […]

Which Semester Course is Right for You?

Our semester courses offer you the opportunity to learn outside of a traditional classroom, using the rainforest, rivers and reefs of Central America to foster leadership development and personal growth. Each course will help you discover your capabilities and passion for the great outdoors, but which one is right for you? Outdoor Leader Semester Outdoor […]

Another Great Adventure with the Students from Canyon School

In May, we welcomed 8 students and 1 teacher from Canyon School in California to beautiful Costa Rica. Every year, it is such a treat to take these 8th graders on our signature hike through the rainforest in the scenic hills of Costa Rica’s Central Valley. They came together as a group as they tackled […]

Why I Became an Outdoor Instructor

Connecting with nature was when I felt true happiness. I grew up in a small town in Southern Oregon, surrounded by beautiful forests and rivers. I went to college a few hours away from home, staying close to friends and everything familiar. I studied Environmental Science at the University of Oregon, never quite knowing what […]

OBCR Tips: 10 Benefits of Hiking

Written by: Maia Seals, 2017 Communications & Marketing Intern 1. Improves cardio-respiratory and decreases blood pressure. Hiking promotes blood flow and circulation to improve your cardiovascular system—allowing you to breathe deeply and feel alive! 2. It’s sociable. Hikers always recommend using a buddy system. A regular weekend meet-up or a planned long-distance trek can help you […]

Semester Update – November 29th

Coast to Coast Semester Coast to Coast participants have completed their 26-day hike and are now enjoying staying in Panama. They have been scuba diving, snorkeling around our dock campsite, and wakeboarding. “They are loving not having to carry all their belongings on their back,” said Bailey, one of their instructors. “But there hasn’t been […]

Meet Our New Alumni Ambassador: Ruthanne Martin

Name: Ruthanne Martin Hometown: Katy, Texas Occupation: Student Course name/year: Girl Scout Destinations Service Challenge #2 July 2016 1. What made you chose to do an Outward Bound Costa Rica course? I chose to do an Outward Bound Costa Rica course because I wanted to travel out of my comfort zone. I really wanted to embark on […]

¡BIENVENIDA A JULIE! OBCR’S NEW GROUP PROGRAMS & PARTNERSHIPS MANAGER

Outward Bound Costa Rica is thrilled to welcome our new Group Programs & Partnerships Manager, Julie Duthey to our Communications team. Julie will be responsible for managing and developing Custom Courses and partnerships, so that more participants get to experience our life-changing outdoor adventures in Costa Rica and Panama. Julie Duthey: Custom Course and Partnerships Manager Hometown: Valenciennes, […]