15-Day Multi-Element, 24-Day Multi-Element, 15 & 30-Day Surf Intensive, Spanish Emphasis, Volcano Exploration & Panama Adventure, Tri-Country Semester, Water & Wave Semester, Leadership Semester, Adult Surf Getaway, Girl Scout Rainforest, River, & Reef, Girl Scout Catching Waves, Girl Scout Service Challenge, Parent Testimonials


15-Day Multi-Element

I have learned that it is not that important to have the latest electronics or fashion. It's more important to have certain things like compassion, good leadership skills, and appreciation for the earth as well what you are lucky to have. —Amali Chung, 15, Summer 2009 I felt exhilarated by nature and with trying to learn about another culture. —Tricia Markey, 29, Summer 2009 My experience helped me grow as a person and learn about Costa Rican culture. —Tania Espinosa, 15, Summer 2009 This has been a totally different experience than when I have traveled with my family. Normally we just do sight-seeing, but I got to see so many more things. —Will Whitcher, 17, Summer 2009 It was a fantastic, life-changing, beautiful experience. I want to be an Outward Bound instructor when I get older. —Lisa Tantillo, 19, Summer 2009 It made me a better person. —Maggie Venters, 17, Summer 2009 I never knew I could accomplish so much and create such amazing memories within 15 days. I fell in love with Costa Rica thanks to what Outward Bound did. It taught me how to appreciate other's surroundings and ways of life. A triumph of cultural survival. —John Moore, 18, Summer 2008 It was a great, fun and challenging experience, and I am sure I got a lot out of the course. I learned that we already have a lot of things, and we take it all for granted. I also learned I could be a good leader if I tried. —Edward Ma, 13, July 2008 I wanted to test my limits. I knew it would be challenging and a good experience. I really liked rafting, surfing and the homestays. Our instructors were great. They pushed us just enough, so we'd feel accomplished at the end. I feel I've gotten in touch with myself more. I can do things more socially and physically now. It was an amazing experience and I would not give it up for the world. —Casey Schuck, 14, July 2008

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24-Day Multi-Element

I will pass on stories about the amazing people I met, about the endless opportunities to enhance my Spanish skills, and about how I learned about myself. —Ashleigh Berglund, 16, Summer 2009 You toured New York? Well, that's pretty impressive. I toured the deep jungles of Costa Rica. I win. —Chris Conlon, 18, Summer 2009 The course was a combination of intellectual, physical, and emotional challenges that accrued to build a better self. —Ferris Zahlan, 18, Summer 2009 The most challenging, life-changing, and worthwhile experience of my entire life thus far. —Hilary Novatt, 17, Summer 2009 This is an awesome experience and you see things that not everybody sees. Amazing place, amazing culture, and amazing wildlife. —Pablo Laris, 15, Summer 2009 I learned that I can push myself through anything, even if I think it's impossible. —Kayla Singleton, 18, Summer 2009 Life changing moments, extremely challenging physical activities, lifelong friendships - your life will be changed for the better forever. —Justine Leblanc, 15, Summer 2009

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15 & 30-Day Surf Intensive

My course was physically challenging and intellectually stimulating, thanks to my instructors. —Caroline Korba, 17, Summer 2009 It really lets you experience nature and adventure in a way you can't do by staying at resorts. —Megan Day, 28, Adult Surf, Summer 2009 An amazing experience filled with lots of hard work, amazing people, and fun. —Hillary Gordon, 16, Summer 2009 An amazing experience that helped me develop my skills as a surfer and person. I learned that I can be a leader and a role model. —Lauren Allik, 16, August 2008 I feel like a better surfer. We learned how to live in nature with few resources and a lot of leadership. We learned about the ocean. I learned that not everyone lives a good life like me and that I can cook alone. It changed me. I'm more quiet now. —Paul Wharshausky, 13, July 2008 An interesting once in a lifetime experience with good surf, nice people and instructors. I learned to appreciate the good food, houses and goods I have. —Guilherme, 16, July 2008

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Spanish Emphasis

This experience was absolutely the most challenging, exhausting, awe inspiring trip that pushed me to my limits mentally, physically, and emotionally and beyond and was totally worth every moment! —Raeven Whiteley, 18, Summer 2009 “My experience taught me appreciation for Costa Rican culture and natural beauty, and enabled me to challenge myself along with a new set of friends.” —Pessia Parent, 15, Summer 2009 It was refreshing getting away for a month to see another country and engage in various activities that I may have never experienced otherwise. I grew up a little more. I became more mature. I feel like a better, wiser person. —Sean Turner, 17, August 2008 I've really expanded my vocabulary here. I think I'll come out with good friends. I know I will. I learned a lot from Pablo and Mauren. I've accomplished hiking 50 miles through rainforest with a backpack. I felt like a sponge the entire course; soaking up the beauty of the culture and country, learning Spanish and learning about myself. I don't want to go home. I realized how little is required to be happy. Living so simply was eye-opening, and in the end, much more rewarding. It's different from any "camp" you will ever participate in; these are once-in-a-lifetime experiences that will stay with you and contribute to your life. —Milandra Pfister, 15, July 2008 It was an experience that pushes your comfort levels and allows you to discover what you as a person are made of. The homestays were a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I learned that I had forgotten all about the Spanish language, and want to pursue it further when I get back to the States. —Ellen Michelson, 20, July 2008

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Volcano Exploration & Panama Adventure

I learned that I can be good at anything I put the time into trying. —Sarah Martin, 19, Summer 2009 It was a really good experience. A good change from the city. I met a lot of cool people. Costa Rica is a beautiful place where I learned and experience things I never thought possible. I can hike up huge hills. I can conquer my fear of being trapped underwater. —Adam Ehrman-Shapiro, 14, July 2008 It was mentally and physically challenging at times, but the overall sense of accomplishment felt at the end of the course definitely makes it a valuable experience. I learned that you can't take things for granted because sometimes they're not going to be there. —Eva Laznicka, 17, July 2008

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Tri-Country Semester

"All of the phases of the course were incredible, it's difficult to choose some over others because they all were incredible for their own reasons. The hike brought about a huge feeling of accomplishment, the surfing offered a lot of time to reflect, rafting gave me a new skill that I'm sure I'll use in the future, and kayaking was all around amazing" —Natalie Gillis, 19, Fall 2009 It was amazing. Words won't and can't do it justice. I have gained a whole lot more confidence. I have become a better leader and person. —Joseph Hoyt, 19, Spring 2009 I am so happy to be here...it's all I could've hoped for, and I wouldn't change it for anything. I was depressed before I came down here. All of a sudden on the river, I felt happy again. I could feel it hit me. I hadn't felt that in a long time, and it felt really good. I knew I had to change stuff to grow to start being productive and this was a perfect solution. —Spencer Sutton, 21, Spring 2009

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Water & Wave Semester

The river phase was wonderful, I really enjoyed the energy with all of the leaders. I felt a balance between being mentally and physically challenged while enjoying myself. It taught me a lot about leadership and myself. I realized my capabilities and my potential. I became more at peace with who I am and just letting myself be. —Hannah Curran, 18, Fall 2009 Through Costa Rica Outward Bound I got to met the Lopez clan and through their leadership I experienced a Costa Rica that very few tourists will ever know. The activities offered by Costa Rica Outward Bound are irreplaceable. —Katelyn Darling, 22, Spring 2009 The opportunities and experiences offered were unforgettable and life changing and the challenge of our group dynamic allowed us to apply conflict resolution on basically a daily basis. I learned that amazing people and opportunities are out there and nothing can hold me back from doing what makes you happy. —Molly Reeve, 23, Spring 2009 I learned how to become more independent. It changes your outlook on life and takes you outside of your bubble. —Cody Sauerwald, 18, Spring 2009

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Leadership Semester

Biggest, most challenging adventure I could ever have. —Ashley Bowker, 26, Fall 2009 Life has so much to offer. It's completely up to you what you walk away with when the day's over. Outward Bound is a perfect example of this. What an incredible experience it was. —Olivia Brockmeier, Spring 2009 I learned that even if I think something is impossible chances are it isn't as hard as I thought. —Amalee KuyKendall, 18, Spring 2009 CRROBS taught me to never underestimate anyone - my own strength, other peoples effort, experiences and what you cannot see. I learned how to be a stronger leader, a better follower, and how far a smile can take you. I think anyone would benefit from meeting a Tico. —Shannon Gallant, Spring 2009 I felt like the community opened its arms to us. I feel like I'm probably more skilled than a lot of people in the industry. CRROBS has a lot to offer for those who choose to take advantage of it. —Courtney Hazelton, June 2008 I believe CRROBS challenges people in amazing ways and offers an amazing opportunity to be in a beautiful country and participate in amazing adventures. Phil Perez was an amazing and knowledgeable instructor for WFR, swift water, and ropes. I learned so much from him. This experience has challenged me in ways I did not expect and has taught me about myself, as well as, working with others. —Ann Archer, June 2008

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Adult Surf Getaway

The surfing was challenging & rewarding, and the sea turtles allowed me to participate in something greater than myself. I appreciate the down time when weren’t surfing, I got an opportunity to learn about Costa Rican culture and to appreciate the natural beauty that was around me. —Chaya Guertin, 37, Winter 2010 It’s a great ‘getaway’ experience when you get involved in the culture through people who know it best. —Ryan Kennedy, 29, Winter 2010 This was a super-fun, high-adrenaline course that taught me an incredible amount about surfing - technically and culturally speaking. This trip reaffirmed and reminded me of why I came to Costa Rica in the first place. —Kathleen Sullivan, 27, Spring 2009 Live your dreams and never give up on challenging yourself. I learned that anything is possible if you set your mind and heart in a positive manner. Both the athleticism of surfing and the cultural experience has changed the way I see things. You are put into situations where you never would have imagined and you push yourself to new limits. It's a fun challenge that gives positive influence. —Katelyn Locke, 25, Spring 2009

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Girl Scouts Rainforest, River, & Reef

My experience was life-changing and the best thing I’ve ever done! Costa Rica is an outstanding and extraordinarily beautiful country. Their culture is unbelievable, and so is the food. My course was full of events and adventure. —Emily Elliott, 16, Summer 2009 The connections I made with nature and with my fellow course members and instructors made a lasting impression on me and I will never forget the lessons I learned throughout this adventure. —Caitlin Sackville, 16, Summer 2009 An amazing experience to learn more about yourself and the world you live in. —Hayley Thompson, 13, Summer 2009 It was an awesome, unforgettable, physically, and emotionally challenging, fun experience of a lifetime. —Stephanie Jabri, 14, Summer 2009 It boosted my confidence, strengthened my character, and gave me more courage. —Catherine Ashur, 15, Summer 2009 New experiences were captured every moment. —Jamie Sparks, 15, Summer 2009 I learned that I am capable of so much more than I ever imagined. —Bailey Lee, 14, Summer 2009 Pushing yourself to extremes, both mentally and physically. Experiencing a new culture, and making new friends, what else could you want? —Anna Millar, 14, Summer 2009

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Girl Scout Catching Waves

My experience was once in a lifetime, where I was physically and emotionally challenged in every way; at the same time I had the greatest fun. —Clare Lewis, 16, Summer 2009 My course was a learning experience- exhilarating, frustrating and completely and truly amazing. —Katie Koewler, 16, Summer 2009 Like nothing I have every experienced- amazing & mind opening. —Anna Wietelmann, 15, Summer 2009 I had fun and learned how to surf while bonding with my friends. —Emma Barr, 14, Summer 2009 I realized I could make friends with many diverse people from different countries. Girl Scouting has helped me meet new people and experience things I would have never had a chance to do otherwise. —Brooke Korkames, 15, July 2008

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Girl Scout Service Challenge

My experience was life-changing and the best thing I’ve ever done! Costa Rica is an outstanding and extraordinarily beautiful country. Their culture is unbelievable, and so is the food. My course was full of events and adventure. —Claire Palmer, 16, Summer 2009 It was one of the scariest, most amazing, most incredible experiences of my life. —Shannon Leary, 15, Summer 2009 I learned that life is so much more than just material things, and how truly insignificant things that I consider necessary are to my life. —Becky Balk, 16, Summer 2009 I learned that the little things in life matter and to appreciate them more. —Karen Alexander, 16, Summer 2009 It boosted my confidence, strengthened my character, and gave me more courage. —Catherine Ashur, 15, Summer 2009 We all got a chance to lead nightly meetings, and we all got a chance to give our opinion. Girl Scouting has helped me become a more confident and outgoing person and start my dream of traveling. I didn't know my physical capabilities. I came here thinking I wasn't very strong, but I really surprised myself. —Sarah Siertle, 16, July 2008

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Parent Testimonials

Watching my son's confidence grow and seeing him realize his own abilities as a leader has been incredible. As he finishes his fourth Outward Bound trip in as many years, I cannot overstate the importance and impact that these programs, and the counselors, have had on my son. While wrapped in fun and great adventure, CRROBS builds confidence, character and the sense of self that is so critically important today. He may head off for hiking, surfing and backpacking the rainforest, but my son returns believing in himself and with so much more than just the memories and friends that he made. To say thanks falls so far short of expressing what CRROBS and Outward Bound has meant to my son and me. —David Whitmore, Parent of Multi-Element Alum, 2009 My daugher had SUCH a great time in Costa Rica. She was so excited about everything, but she was so funny the night we got her from the airport. We "had" to stop at the grocery store to get papaya, lime (very important), tortillas and cheese. She got home and started cutting papaya, squeezing limes and making quesadillas - all at the same time with no help, thank you (I started to help squeeze limes, but was doing it wrong). —Amy Bain, Parent of Girl Scouts Catching Waves Alum, 2009 The boys are back home safe, sound and with a lot more facial hair. They had the best time of their lives and are regaling us with their stories and adventures. It sounds like they had a great group and an experience of a lifetime. Please pass on to all the guides and your team in Costa Rica our heartfelt thanks for sharing their expertise, empathy, knowledge and humor with our sons. This was truly an amazing journey and we are very grateful. —Joe and Cindy Marks, Parents of Multi-Element Alums, 2009

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