On July 22, 2018 Outward Bound Costa Rica (OBCR) welcomed five students from Nunavut and the Northwest Territories of Canada for a 9-day hiking adventure through picturesque and remote rainforests of Costa Rica.  The group traveled to Costa Rica, through the Northern Youth Abroad program, to study with our partners at United World College of Costa Rica.

After they arrived at our base, they met their OBCR Instructors, Esteban and Nico, and began a course orientation. The next day the group started hiking and made camp under the rainforest canopy.

“Today was a challenging day but we all accomplished something.  I wanted to give up but we made it and I am proud of all of us.” -Allie C., Day 3 on Course

Some of the highlights from their course included: nights at homestays, waterfall rappelling, traditional farm activities with their homestay families, and learning about the conservation of the colorful Costa Rican tree frog.  Then the group reached the beaches of Manuel Antonio.  There, they enjoyed relaxing on the famous Pacific Coast beaches and exploring Manuel Antonio National Park before heading back to our rainforest base for a good night’s rest before their last adventure, a zipline canopy tour!

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

Allie Cookie

“You were ready to learn new ideas from different cultures.  We were impressed by your respectful, compassionate attitude and your resilient and positive character.  We recommend that you continue to participate in volunteer programs to support the passion for helping others that you showed on the hike.”

 Kathleen Gill

“You are always open to dialogue and communicate.  Your greatest accomplishment was completing the hike!  You can accomplish anything you set your mind to and you have all it takes to succeed.  The sky is the limit!”

 Loriann Parr

“You took on the challenge to try new foods, opened your thinking with the group, and overcame your fears to complete every activity with a great attitude.  Don’t be afraid to open yourself to others and your surroundings, continue to hike, and share the beauty of life with others.  You have so much to give!”

 Oliver Porter

“You were always ready for anything regardless of how difficult.  You were patient and tolerant when you realized that not everyone could keep up with you.  Never change your way of being and always fight for your goals in life.”

 Topsy Banksland

“Your are a very loving person and you always paid attention to the well-being of the rest of the group.  Your greatest achievement was your connection with the families in the homestays and the effort you made to learn new words in Spanish.  Keep your curious compassionate spirit and always follow good advice from the people who care about you.”

Lastly, a special thank you to Roberto Biasetti, Outreach Coordinator at UWC Costa Rica, and Rebecca Bisson, Executive Director of Northern Youth Abroad, for their time and effort to make this adventure happen for your students!

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