Rainforest, River & Reef

Rainforest, River & Reef will introduce you to the vibrant culture and vistas of Costa Rica. You will meet girl scouts from all over the U.S., experience a life unlike your own and push yourself to accomplish things you never imagined. Explore the beauty of Costa Rica while hiking in dense rainforest, rafting down picturesque rivers, participating in a service project, ziplining through lush canopies, surfing waves along world-renowned beaches and experiencing Latin culture firsthand!

Come sample the best Costa Rica has to offer! This 15-day course will take you through lush tropical rain forests, down raging whitewater rivers and to some of the best surf beaches in the world.

After getting geared up at our base camp just outside of San Jose, the journey will begin with a multi-day trek into one of the most remote regions of Costa Rica. You will hike, learn about local flora and fauna, and gain insight into the mysteries of the jungle and the people who live there. You will experience a variety of homestays with local families–learning about their way of life and helping them with some of their traditional activities such as harvesting and grinding sugarcane, making tortillas, and playing soccer with local children. You will further challenge yourself physically by rappelling down a 60-foot jungle waterfall.

At an idyllic Pacific Coast beach you will spend time learning to surf the waves and spotting monkeys, sloths and tree frogs.

You will also have a chance to brave rapids while whitewater rafting and go ziplining on a canopy tour. Outside of adventure activities, you will explore the rich cultural offerings of the capital city of San Jose and be part of a service project that will improve local people’s lives.

Girl scouts will be exposed to Costa Rica Outward Bound’s unique approach to outdoor education and personal development. Woven into all activities are discussions and meetings about leadership. You will explore how the challenges you meet in and out of the Central American wilderness help you confront other challenges that life presents.

Girl Scout Profile:

• Must be 13–18 years old at the time of the course
• Sincere interest in language and cultural exchange
• Good team player
• Prepared for a physically demanding fitness challenge. You should be ready to backpack 2-10 hours per day with a full size (35+ pounds) pack for 7-9 days.
• Interest in the outdoors
• Intermediate-level swimmer who is comfortable in the water
• Beginners welcome!

Requirements:

This course is open only to current members of Girl Scouts of the USA. Tetanus vaccination and valid passport required before arrival.

Accommodations and Equipment:

Costa Rica Outward Bound provides all meals, safety gear, surfboards, and camping and hiking equipment (including backpacks). Students will be provided a detailed packing list for clothing, toiletries and personal gear. All students are asked to bring personal spending money, as souvenirs and incidental expenses are the responsibility of the student. Please see the packing list for information regarding items not allowed on course.

Students will be camping or staying as a group in family homestays or student dorms (bedding provided).

Transportation:

Airfare to and from San Jose, Costa Rica is not included in course tuition. All international travelers are required to pay a US$28 exit tax prior to departure; this is the responsibility of the student.

All students are met at the airport by Costa Rica Outward Bound and transported to our main base facility outside of San Jose. Costa Rica Outward Bound provides all transportation throughout the duration of the course, including transfer to Juan Santamaria International Airport on the final day of course. Airport regulations do not allow us to accompany students into the airport unless they travel as an Unaccompanied Minor (a paid service provided by each airline).

Safety:

Because safety is paramount, all itineraries may change on account of weather and water conditions. All of our instructors have internationally recognized safety certifications relevant to their specialties. A minimum of two instructors accompany groups at all times.

To participate, girl scouts must complete the following steps:

1. Download and fill out the Girl Scouts Destinations application and reference forms. Submit your completed application to your girl scouts council. Specify which session(s) you are applying for when filling out your application. If you are applying for more than one destination with Costa Rica Outward Bound, please rank your preferences (1 being your top choice). You will only be accepted to one summer destination with Costa Rica Outward Bound.

For early applications (deadline: December 1, 2011): All acceptance notices will be emailed by January 16, 2012. Due to the volume of applications we receive, we will be unable to answer any questions related to your acceptance status before this date. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Late applicants welcome on a space available basis! Ask your council contact to fax or email your application to ensure its timely arrival.

2. If accepted, follow the instructions in your acceptance email to reserve your place on course. You will be asked to complete a detailed enrollment form as well as submit a $100 USD nonrefundable deposit towards the full course tuition. Deposits can be paid with a Visa credit card, wire transfer or by personal check. Please see our Payment Information page for more details.

Note: Deposits for early application acceptances are due no later than February 1, 2012.

For questions, please see our Enrollment Process page or Contact us at any time.