Our Scuba, Sea Turtles, Service & Sloths, Tropical Trek, Raft & Waves, and Girl Scout Catching Waves groups are learning the pura vida way of life as they immerse themselves into the Costa Rican and Panamanian culture through new experiences.
Girl Scout Destination
The group kicked off their Costa Rican adventure with a thrilling tree climb at our rainforest reserve. As they got adjusted, they learned more about their coursemates and instructors as they were led through teambuilding and bonding activities. Then, they dove into a “duffle shuffle” to prepare all they needed for course.
They also headed out for some adrenaline-pumping activities – whitewater rafting and ziplining through a rainforest canopy! The group enjoyed the challenge of class II and III rapids and some of the most beautiful canopy views in the world.
The last few days have been all surfing all the time, and the girls have been enjoying the Pacific Coast whilst learning the basics of surfboard selection, beach safety, paddling techniques and standing up.
Summer Courses 14-18
Tropical Trek, Raft & Waves
Once on base, the students got acclimated to their new rainforest home and enjoyed a welcome meal with their coursemates. The next morning they woke up for tree climbing, similar to a rock climbing gym, but it’s 100% natural!
Bright and very early Monday morning, participants were all smiles as they loaded their backpacks into the van and were driven to the trailhead just southwest of San Jose.
Their first day, they accomplished around 6 miles through the spectacular mountains of Costa Rica’s southwestern highlands while their instructors taught them about native plants. At the end of the day, they set up tarp tents and cooked their first camp meal together. What a way to end their first day on trek!
Today our group continued its trek toward Santa María de Dota, exploring the pristine cloud rainforest and learning about the flora and fauna that thrive in this biodiverse ecosystem.
On Thursday, the group continued its trek toward a beautiful Rainforest Eco Lodge, overlooking the mountains. There, they were welcomed by a local family – it’s owned and operated by one of OBCR’s very own instructors’ family! – and fed a delicious dinner.
Scuba, Sea Turtles, Service & Sloths
Once on base, the students got acclimated to their new rainforest home and enjoyed a welcome meal with their coursemates. The students then worked on a reforestation project in a nature reserve close to our Tres Rios base.
The group then woke up bright and early to kick off a long day of traveling to our San San Pond Sak! They have been helping locals work to erect a new structure in San San out of concrete.
At this point, the students will be assisting at one of the most important sea turtle sanctuaries in the world to meet conservationists and learn about the active conservation efforts for endangered leatherback and hawksbill sea turtle populations. They were lucky enough to even release baby sea turtles! Students will also complete a night patrol to monitor the potential mama sea turtles laying their eggs along the beach and protect them from animal predators. They will also get to see and feed manatees from the docks!
In the upcoming week, the group will be heading to Bocas Del Toro to practice their confined water skills in preparation for their dives coming up later in the week. They will be working with our Dive Master Jim Rowe (our executive director)! The group will also get to practice their skills at wakeboarding around the islands of Bocas Del Toro.
Looking to explore Central America?
Join us on our fall Coast to Coast Expedition. Envision yourself spending 85 days in Costa Rica and Panama!
Submit an inquiry or contact our Enrollment Manager at 800-676-2018 or by emailing [email protected].
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