Custom Course in Costa Rica & Panama (Groups of 5+)

My Outward Bound experience in Costa Rica was a little different. I was originally signed up to go on a course with other adults or college students for a week. Unfortunately, not too many people had signed up or other things had occurred. Fortunately, I was still able to attend the course and was able to travel with two groups. I traveled first with Girl Scouts and another group that was around the same age (most were between 13-16 years of age). I didn't spend too much time in Costa Rica, but for the brief moments I did it was beautiful. I was able to do zip-lining through the forest and even went into the city. But the real highlight of my travel was going to Panama and working with locals on the sea turtle conservation efforts. Not only was it cool seeing baby sea turtles hatch, but I was glad we were helping to increase the survival rate of two endangered species of sea turtles. I think if anyone has a chance to travel to Costa Rica or even Panama they should definitely take it. As for the Outward Bound Program hands down one of the best programs that I have taken part in. Prior to Costa Rica I had travelled some years back to the one in Colorado which inspired me later to do this program. Needless to say I liked the program so much that I'm doing a gap year course this coming spring in Costa Rica. Traveling to Costa Rica and Panama is a must but if you really want to make it work your while I definitely would look into the Outward Bound Program. Wherever you end up finding yourselves at I hope you have an awesome time!

The most meaningful part for me was just living in Costa Rica because it taught me about maturity and responsibility. OBCR really makes you grow. Being on the course required me to push myself, but also gave me so many experiences and allowed me to learn a lot about Costa Rica and its culture. This trip helped me experience life more.

I learned about a country and myself and had a great time doing it. The homestays allowed me to experience a new culture and new lifestyle. Outward Bound Costa Rica is an experience where you have to leave your comfort zone. Once you do, you’ll have a great time.

OBCR represents discovery on the most interpersonal levels. As a classroom teacher, this lies at the core of my educational philosophy. In Costa Rica, I learned that when I am faced with what seems like an insurmountable challenge (like rappelling down a waterfall), that I can confront it and overcome it. I also learned about the amazing level of biodiversity, rich cultural and geography history, and the beloved motto ‘Pura Vida’! I was grateful to wake up each day on course knowing that we were in the hands of competent, qualified, extremely well-trained OBCR instructors, and that we would be empowered to face obstacles and challenges with full self-confidence. This cannot be emphasized enough.

This experience is a mental and physical challenge that pushes your comfort zone in the best way. You get to travel to a new and exciting environment. The best part is all the food and the people you meet while enjoying it.

The most meaningful part of the course was seeing the sea turtles lay their eggs and helping clean the beach so they had a safe environment to lay eggs and get to the ocean. I learned that I can do way more if I have a positive mindset and I can face my fears.

On our trip, I got to learn new things about sea turtles and see the laying of the eggs from start to finish. Ziplining was also a hugely meaningful part of my trip. It pushed my limits and made me face my fears. I learned that I can do anything I put my mind to.

Seeing an entire group of turtles laying eggs was crazy — a once in a lifetime experience. Our instructors were fun to talk to, friendly, trustworthy, always knew what to do, and took very good care of our group.

Outward Bound’s philosophy is very similar to my own. I really appreciated that our course not only showed us the beauty of Costa Rica, but also encouraged all of us to reflect and grow as individuals and as a team! In my opinion, our course was exactly how it was supposed to be. We had some challenges at first getting used to the heat and humidity, but being uncomfortable is a way to make individuals stronger — it’s not always a bad thing. This was our custom course and I enjoyed every single experience!

The people we met along the way — whether it was other groups, instructors, or the people running service projects — each went out of their way to make the experience special. I learned I can do a lot more than I think I can, and that I can understand a lot more Spanish than I thought I could.

It was the greatest final trip before college my Girl Scout troop and I could have asked for. I got to do a lot of fun, new things with my troop. I learned that I really enjoy doing outdoor activities that push me out of my comfort zone, and that I’m more confident than I thought.

The most meaningful part of my course was spending time with my troop, since this was our last trip before college. I’m also leaving with a new love of travel and Spanish, and I greatly desire to continue taking Spanish in college.

I really enjoyed getting to know the instructors more personally. As for the activities, I had a lot of fun doing the waterfall rappel. A very eye opening experience in terms of experiencing culture and learning to respect and understand people who are different. I learnt how people live different lives and believe different things but we all have similarities.

Outward Bound is really great for people mentally and physically. It is very healthy and life-changing. I learned that I could do anything if I just push myself more than usual. It has changed my outlook on life and people and I overcame my fear of heights.

made new friends and had meaningful encounters with the locals all while experiencing a mutlitude of new activites and lifestyles. Doing service in an indigenous village and getting to experience life as they do was englightening and inspiring. It made me realise how little is truly needed to get by and be happy. Less = more - having less builds more meaningful relationships and experiences.

It is an amazing opportunity to break out of your comfort zone and challenge yourself and learn about a completely different culture. It was a very rare and incredible experience. By stepping out of myself, I was returned to myself.

Outward Bound provided an experience full of adventure, knowledge, culture, service and great food. - it is hard to come by so much in other programs. Service presents the best opportunity to get out of your own ways and into a different culture. I deeply appreciate being in a community among the Bri Bri to enrich my own personal knowledge of the World. It was meaningful to directly see how a community benefited from my help, as they enriched my life.

It was so nice to have efficient leaders while on course. I also really enjoyed how Outward Bound allowed us to experience the culture while still providing some sense of normality. I learned that I need to step out of my comfort zone sometimes in order to live life to the fullest aswell as being more mindful of others. Also not all spiders are dangerous!

The kids learning to be responsible for the themselves and to support each other - I'm really motivated to get back to rock climbing when I get home. I loved all the rappelling. I'm also excited to work on my Spanish more. I'm dying for my own kids to come!

It was very nicely curated. I thought it was a good mixture of luxury and roughing it - staying at the homestays. I loved the hike into Piedras Blancas. It was so special to have Mauren show us her hometown. It was such a pristine location and very challenging so the kids felt very accomplished to get there. It refreshed my love for the outdoor recreation and it rekindled my interest in outdoor education. As an elementary teacher, I have so many responsibilities that distract me from the use of outdoor education. I loved the meeting format - I feel this could be useful in the classroom.