2022 Outward Bound Costa Rica Impact Report

“My time in Costa Rica really helped me reflect on things back home. Being able to travel is the best breath of fresh air possible and allowed me to think about my decisions, from small things to the big, life-changing ones I’m supposed to make at 18. People say I shouldn’t run from my problems, but who said I couldn’t go on an Outward Bound course?”

DUNCAN O’CONNELL RESIDENTIAL SEMESTER STUDENT

MESSAGE

Dear OBCR Family,

It has been a privilege to lead this organization through our 25th year as a fully chartered Outward Bound School. Since its establishment, OBCR has welcomed well over 10,000 students and created a meaningful impact that spans well beyond the rainforests, reefs and rivers of Central America.

In 2022, OBCR has continued to recover from the long-run effects of the pandemic and, with our health and safety protocols in place, we’ve had one of our busiest years to date. As the U.S. Department of State lowered their travel advisory for Costa Rica from Level 4 to Level 2, Girl Scout Destinations returned in full swing this summer. In addition to our regular open enrollment courses, we also facilitated multiple custom programs for Girl Scout troops and school groups from Costa Rica and across the U.S.

There have been some new faces joining us at OBCR this year, both in the field and at our rainforest base in San Ramon de Tres Ríos. We’ve continued to prioritize opportunities for Costa Rican nationals to receive the training and experience needed to become the next generation of OBCR instructors. Alongside our regular field staff, we also had the pleasure of welcoming back top semester graduates to complete OBCR instructor internships during our busy high season.

As we enter the next chapter for OBCR, we’ve been listening and learning, and I am excited for our plans for the near future—expanding our social and environmental impact, increasing our accessibility, and strengthening our network. We are seeing, more than ever, the need of connection with the outdoors and the important role Outward Bound Costa Rica has to play in building the life skills that young adults need to thrive in our ever-changing world.

Sincerely,

Jim Rowe, Ph.D. Executive Director and Founder, Outward Bound Costa Rica

On behalf of Outward Bound Costa Rica, I am proud to present our first Impact Report.

FROM JIM ROWE, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AND FOUNDER OF OBCR

AUTHENTIC ADVENTURE

AUTHENTIC LEARNING

Since 1994, Outward Bound Costa Rica has inspired tens of thousands of people across the globe to discover their potential and in doing so, contribute to a better, bolder, more compassionate, and more resilient society.

We’re here to change lives. Our expert instructors, using our proven educational model, facilitate authentic learning adventures in the outdoors for over 500 participants every year; adventures that connect individuals to their self, to others, and to the natural world.

An OBCR program is an immersive, life-changing experience that is carefully designed to take participants out of their familiar comfort zones and into an area of growth. It pushes them to the limits of what they think they’re capable of, and shows them that there is “more in them than they think.” People return home – back to school, college or work – empowered with the attitudes, skills, and behaviors they need to make positive changes to their lives and their performance, able to engage more productively with others, and to face life’s challenges with increased resilience.

Working with individuals and also in close partnership with schools, colleges and employers, Outward Bound Costa Rica delivers challenging and inspiring courses that provide an authentic and relevant learning environment in which to grow the leaders of today and develop the leaders of tomorrow, something which is more vital than ever in the complex societies of the 21st century.

ADVENTUROUS LEARNING

A belief in the power and intensity of learning through adventure in the outdoors as a means of bringing out the best in people.

TRANSFORMATIONAL CHANGE

A deep appreciation of the balance between risk, reward and responsibility. We facilitate authentic learning through purposeful and intense experiences with powerful, positive and memorable outcomes. We aim to stretch people both physically and mentally. In doing so they act with care, concern and generosity towards people and the natural environment.

RESPECT & COMPASSION

OBCR’S IMPACT IN LOCAL COMMUNITIES

In 2022, we continued to build meaningful and sustainable relationships with local communities. Our service projects were based on the needs of these communities at the time, such as supporting the refurbishment of old buildings, installing playground equipment, and hosting intercultural exchanges to instill growth in conversational confidence for students.

TESLITO PROJECT - Dominicalito

“This is a project that we are very proud of as it will be the first of its kind in Costa Rica. We took this abandoned building in the small fishing village of Dominicalito and transformed it into a technology education center. Teslito will offer lots of different classes about modern day technologies and the classes will be free for the many children in the area.We want to give these kids opportunities they have never had here and to learn about things that will set them up for success.”

– Pepe, Founder of Teslito Project

Pepe grew up in Dominicalito and, as a kid, saw a lot of international investments being made in the area – but no one was interested in giving back to the community. “ Dominicalito is a small place, and if people constantly invest and give nothing back, then everything will change ,” said Pepe. He wanted to make sure that kids in the community are given opportunities to develop themselves as they grow up.

Pepe first started with the business idea of selling his own hot sauce and using 20% of his profits towards funding community projects.Twice a month, he ran activities such as art classes and beach clean-ups, but, as he was giving so much to these projects, he would usually end up being left with nothing.

Thankfully, a woman in the real estate market found Pepe and wanted to do business with him. She ended up becoming his mentor and carved a path for him in the real estate market. Pepe was so pleased that he could use his commission to nurture more of these community projects.

Pepe’s dream was to have a place where the kids of Dominicalito could come and learn. He feels so passionate about this because, growing up, he didn’t have a real opportunity to choose a positive path in life, learn new things, and be surrounded by people who would help him thrive.

In June 2022, a group of 15 students and two teachers from St. George’s School in Rhode Island traveled to Costa Rica to participate in a surf and service program with Outward Bound Costa Rica. The group worked with the Teslito Project to help bring the interior of the education center to life.

“I am super thankful for the help that Outward Bound was able to provide in making this project possible because this is what we needed. You showed up at the right time and we are really thankful for that. This is what we need…people like you guys to complete these types of community projects. Teslito’s success is aided by building a network of people like OBCR that can bring positive energy into our communities.” said Pepe. “The community mentality has 100% changed as a result of this project. They feel empowered and I feed from that power to make more changes.”

The Teslito Project is now a thriving education center that will accommodate nearly 200 kids in Dominicalito. They don’t have enough funds to pay teachers, but they do have people with skills who come and donate their time and equipment.

“The service portion of the trip was particularly meaningful. It was so nice to see that OBCR has a long-standing connection with Dominicalito and is working to help complete the community center. We often talk at school about how hard it is to do service well because there is a lack of connection and community, but you have created a real connection that you return to with different groups and that connection can be felt.” – Devon Ducharme, St George’s School

OBCR’S IMPACT ON THE ENVIRONMENT

This year, we delivered 14 scuba diving programs in Bocas del Toro, Panama. An important part of these programs is learning about tropical coral reefs, marine life, and the role we play in maintaining the oceans and protecting underwater habitats. Additionally, 15 of our programs contributed to sea turtle conservation projects, during which students joined experts to help protect turtles, took part in beach patrols, and recorded important data. All of our courses took part in beach clean-ups at our coastal sites or contributed to reforestation projects in the rainforest reserve that surrounds our base.

SEA TURTLE CONSERVATION - San San Pond Sak

“My main course is Scuba, Sea Turtles, Service and Sloths and, for an ocean and sea turtle lover like me, it is just perfect.We spend a couple of days taking care of the baby sea turtles, help lead them to the ocean, and take night walks along the beach to watch mama turtles. They are giant and perfect, and I cry every time I see one! Even though I have seen a lot of them nesting, watching one of the world’s most ancient species is just breathtaking.”

- Nany Arias, OBCR Instructor

Outward Bound Costa Rica has been working with sea turtle conservation and education projects in Panama for over ten years. Sea turtle populations in Central America face severe threats, especially in areas where they are susceptible to poaching and fishery bycatches. Several NGOs have undertaken conservation projects, including Asociación de Amigos y Vecinos de la Costa y la Naturaleza (AAMVECONA) in San San Pond Sak.

These protected wetlands, located on the Caribbean coast of Panama, are home to endangered leatherback and hawksbill sea turtle populations. The 5km beach at San San Pond Sak is only accessible by boat and is free of industrial activities and visits from large groups of tourists. Despite being designated protected wetland since 1994, illegal poaching still occurs. Other threats to sea turtle populations here include coastal development, pollution, and climate change which has resulted in the increase of storm frequency and intensity and a rise in sand temperatures. There have also been increasing reports of obstructed digestive tracts after consuming plastic bags, as turtles often mistake them for jellyfish.

In order to combat these threats, OBCR participants have been working alongside local conservationists in San San Pond Sak. Groups conduct nightly beach patrols during the nesting season, where they collect eggs from nesting females and transport them either to safer locations where poachers are less likely to find them, or to the nursery where they are incubated for a two-month period before they hatch. They also take part in beach clean-ups to clear the way for sea turtles, and, if they are lucky, help release baby sea turtles too.

Out of the 265 hours participants spent volunteering on community and environmental projects in 2022, an incredible 125 of those hours were put towards helping to protect sea turtle populations in San San Pond Sak.

“Taking care of sea turtles and guiding them to the ocean was a breathtaking experience. Imagine your friends come running towards you and telling you to follow them right away. It’s 11 p.m., so you’re a little groggy, but you don’t hesitate. You get your head lamp and follow everyone to the ocean. When you get there, you discover that some baby sea turtles have hatched and your heart is filled with joy!”

- Samantha Kenney, Girl Scout

OBCR’S IMPACT ON PARTICIPANTS

Over the course of 2022, we welcomed over 400 participants to the rainforests, rivers, and reefs of Costa Rica and Panama. These participants were challenged to step outside of their comfort zones, have fun, develop confidence and resilience, learn life skills, and discover what they are capable of.

A key part of a participant’s journey with us is focusing on the development of leadership skills:

“Through participating in open space every night at dinner, I was able to better learn how to resolve conflicts with my peers in peaceful and kinder ways. I was able to assume leadership roles while on the trip. I was also able to become more confident in using my voice and commanding people’s attention, too.”

- Mackenzie Santos, Girl Scout Student

Participants reflect on what they learned about themselves during their program:

“I have learned that I am stronger and more resilient than I imagined!The most meaningful part of my course experience was learning to be myself.You can’t achieve personal growth if you are trying to be someone other than yourself.”

- Kolette Tetlow, Teen Summer Student

Many students also experienced a change in mindset during their program:

“I came to Outward Bound Costa Rica because my life had lost purpose, direction, freedom, and a sense of adventure. I now have a better idea of what I want for my future.”

- Elijah Wicks, Gap Year & Semester Student

Emilia was a participant on OBCR’s Residential Gap Semester program. After the course she remained in Costa Rica, taking Spanish classes in San José and later completing an engineering internship at the Costa Rica Institute of Technology (TEC) in Cartago. She began studying biomedical engineering at Brown University in Rhode Island in fall 2022.

“Everybody should have a gap experience. I’m grateful that mine was the Residential Gap Semester program. I always knew I wanted to take a gap year. After 12 years of schooling, the last couple being especially intensive, I knew I needed a break. But a productive break. Gap programs allow students to discover themselves, helping them realize what they love and are passionate about. In this way, gap experiences can serve as guides to students to show them what path they may want to pursue in the future.

After being allowed a deferral from my university, I identified my objectives, chose my desired geographic location, and began researching programs. After spending a lot of time reviewing the Gap Year Association page and other University-recommended gap year programs, I coordinated a number of calls with highly praised programs in Costa Rica – one of them being OBCR. Starting with my first introductory call, the rest of my entire experience with the OBCR staff has been nothing but excellent. Students’ experiences are put first, through their service but also the content of each course.

There was not a day during the Residential Program that I didn’t receive a hands-on learning experience. Examples include researching sea turtle nesting and witnessing an in-person arribada, learning about indigenous communities and living with the Boruca tribe, studying marine biology and seeing bioluminescence during a night dive, and much more. In addition to the fully packed curriculum the Residential Program offers, students also learn about responsibility and communication through group protocols.

For me, the most impactful aspect of the Residential Program was being able to meet the people of Costa Rica. “ Pura vida ” truly came through every person we met.They each had their own generational knowledge, unique traditions, and beautiful cultural practices. And always “ con mucho gusto ,” they were willing to share it all.”

ALUMNI SUCCESS STORY - Emilia Pantigoso

OUTWARD BOUND COSTA RICA NAMED FINALIST IN 2022 GOABROAD INNOVATION AWARDS

AWARDS

As the leading resource for meaningful travel, GoAbroad presents annual awards recognizing innovation in international education. The finalists and winners are selected by a prestigious and selective group of international educators known as the Innovation Awards Academy. OBCR was honored to be named a finalist in the “INNOVATIVE NEW PROGRAM, STUDY ABROAD” category for our RESIDENTIAL GAP SEMESTER in April 2022.

Launched in March 2021, OBCR’s Residential Gap Semester is a study abroad program built around an experiential learning-focused curriculum based on interdisciplinary topics. Students travel around the country, utilizing the remote natural environments of Costa Rica and Panama as their “classroom” and immersing themselves in local communities, cultures, and traditions.

Students work through eight arts and science based modules:

• Scuba & Tropical Marine Biology

• Peaceful Resolution & Social Justice

• Agriculture & Culinary Arts

• Spanish Language & Latin American Culture

• Health & Wellbeing

• Volcanology & Thermal Springs

• Indigenous Art & Culture

• Environmental & Wildlife Conservation

Each module topic is complemented by a combination of research studies, theory teachings, guest lectures, and excursions that enhance students’ understanding, including day trips to cloud forest or rainforest reserves, turtle nesting sites, and important political and historical locations in Costa Rica. For example, students learn from resident naturalists about underwater creatures that inhabit the region and factors contributing to coral depletion, speak with local leaders on racial dynamics in Central America, visit the northwest to discover the land of volcanoes and thermal springs and learn why Costa Rica is a leader in renewable energy, and much more.

Each group is led by their Residential Coach, a graduate of the Ecological Tourism program at Universidad de Costa Rica and experienced OBCR instructor, who guides the students as they weave their way through engaging experiences and their own personal discovery of a particular module.

Coming on a Residential Gap Semester with Outward Bound Costa Rica is not just taking part in a trip – it’s much more than that. Participants are challenged, step outside of their comfort zones, develop confidence and resilience, learn life skills, discover what they are capable of, and have a lot of fun along the way. It is not simply about the individual, however – it is about the impact they have on their environment, surroundings, and communities we work with.

25 YEARS AS OUTWARD BOUND COSTA RICA

CELEBRATING 25 YEARS

Dr. Rowe establishes the first rafting company in the Quepos/Manuel Antonio area, offering day trips on the rivers. During this year, he also begins running custom courses for groups.

50 years after Kurt Hahn founded Outward Bound, Dr. Jim Rowe, an instructor at the Colorado Outward Bound School, travels to Costa Rica to learn about indigenous customs, ecology, and geography. Dr. Rowe settles here, having decided that it is the ideal place to establish a nature-centered adventure program.

Dr. Rowe applies for a license from Outward Bound International (OBI) for an Outward Bound school in Costa Rica, the first in Latin America. The history of Outward Bound Costa Rica heats up!

Costa Rica Rainforest Outward Bound School is renamed Outward Bound Costa Rica.

1991 1992 1993 1994 1997 2013 2022

Dr. Rowe founds the Rainforest Expeditions and School (STRES), a school for youth in line with Outward Bound philosophies, that is committed to instilling self-reliance, leadership, and compassion in its students while providing service to Costa Rican peoples.

Costa Rica Rainforest Outward Bound School (CRROBS) receives a permanent license from OBI and establishes itself as the premier provider for experiential education and adventure. From 1997 onwards, the organization offers semester-long courses.

Outward Bound Costa Rica celebrates 25 years as an officially licensed school as a part of the Outward Bound network!

OBCR STAFF STORIES: DANNY JIMENEZ

OBCR’s beloved Director of Programming is celebrating 23 years with the organization this year. We sat down with Danny to find out how he has seen OBCR evolve over the years and hear his stories, best advice, and vision for the future.

DIRECTOR OF PROGRAMMING - Danny Jimenez

When did you join OBCR?

It seems like yesterday! I joined the Outward Bound Costa Rica on October 26, 1999.

Can you tell us about how you first started with the organization?

I was working on my family farm and OBCR needed a driver for an expedition on Rio General, so they hired me for three days. Three days turned in five, then a week, a month, and, 23 years later, I’m still here! When I was still a driver, I moved to base and started to learn more about the logistical side of the organization.

Later on, there was an opportunity to join the staff training, after which I started practicing on whitewater and went to Panama to learn how to scuba dive. Because I would frequently drive groups to the coast, I was able to spend time there and learn how to surf too. I experienced some of the hiking expeditions and became certified in first aid so I could become an instructor for OBCR. I did not speak much English when I first started and I was able to practice with students and become confident with that.

What do you like most about working here?

The best part of the job is meeting new people and sharing my country with students. We get to show them the real Costa Rica by taking them to locations that regular tourists don’t usually get to see. I’ve had the opportunity to witness students becoming more active leaders and changing their view on life during their time with us.

How have you seen OBCR evolve over time?

When I first started, most of the field staff were from Canada and the US. Little by little, we started having more Costa Rican instructors as we provided more opportunities for locals to gain experience with us. Now, 85% of OBCR staff are Costa Ricans.

What things have remained the same?

The Outward Bound feeling, the feeling you get when you arrive at base and it is like coming home. I’ve had the opportunity to go to many Outward Bound schools around the world and, every time you get to their base camps, you get that same feeling.

When you’ve traveled all over the world with OB, where has been your favorite place? My favorite place is our base camp, of course! Apart from that, I really enjoyed my visit to Outward Bound Mexico in 2020. Staff from across the Americas came together for the first Regional Staff Symposium to share experiences and best practices. It was an amazing place and a different kind of adventure for me.

You’ve seen many students come and go over the years, what is one piece of advice you would give future students attending an OBCR course?

My advice would be to prepare, both physically and mentally, and to be open to learning new things. I have always said that, whether you are here for 15 days or 3 months, you can have best time ever with Outward Bound or the worst, either way you will learn something. The difference is your attitude and how you would like to go through that experience.

Can you give us an example of the positive impact that OBCR has made during your time with the organization?

The impact of OBCR can be seen in a small community in Piedras Blancas. This was a remote village of three families and it was where groups would pass through during their hiking expeditions. Year after year, you could see how the village thrived because of the work that students would do. They would work on one of the families’ farms and helped build a school there. The children would learn about Outward Bound by interacting with the groups and, later down the line, they have become instructors with us.

Can you imagine what OBCR will be like in another 25 years?

In the future, I believe Outward Bound is going to be needed more than ever. Newer generations need more support and opportunities to be in the outdoors to reflect and disconnect from technology. In 25 years, I hope to see OBCR playing an even greater role in conservation and environmental awareness. I hope to be part of that.

“My first students when I was an instructor are now grown and are parents. I’ve since had the opportunity to teach their kids. They have told me; I want my children to have the same experience that I had with Outward Bound because it really changed me. That is what has made my time here so worthwhile.”

Outward Bound Costa Rica aims to inspire a lifetime of leadership, growth, and a commitment to serve through adventurebased learning. If you share these values and would like your organization or brand to be associated with our courses, we’d love to talk with you. To find out more about our partnership opportunities, please contact our Custom Courses & Partnerships Manager at custom@outwardboundcr.org.

THERE’S NO BASE LIKE HOME...

OUR TEAM

Here at OBCR, we train our staff to prepare and support students to navigate through the social, economic, and environmental shifts that continuously surround us. The transformational work that takes place in every individual that participates in one of our courses is partly the encouragement of our amazing instructors.

We owe a massive thank you to all staff for persevering through the good times and the hard that this year has presented. From our communications to our programming staff and our field guides, gracias!

Our office staff: Danny, Jim, Natalia, Kyleigh, Helen, Cynthia, Brianna, Katharine, Kevin, Isaac, Marcos, Hansel, Esther, Julie

Our field staff: Bailey, Carlos, Henry, Karina, Nany, Samuel, Jorge, Pedro, Fio, Tiberius, Paige, Suzanne, Maria, Hellen, Kenneth, Daniel, Mauren, Gabby, Natalia, Alex, Renate, Tor, Anne-Marie, Eric, Sarah, Gabriel

OBCR’S VISION FOR 2023 & BEYOND

OUR VISION

PRIORITY 1: Grow our Impact

Environmental Charter

Integrate OBI’s ‘Treading Lightly’ Field Guide into staff training to further increase ecological awareness and environmental stewardship among students.

Community Engagement

Revisit locations that benefit most from OBCR’s work, including low-income communities of Nicaragua and indigenous communities of Costa Rica and Panama.

PRIORITY 2: Increase our Diversity

Scholarship Opportunities

Build partnerships with corporate sponsors to provide funded scholarships for Costa Rican participants.

International Outreach

Amplify our outreach beyond the USA to welcome students from around the world with diverse experiences, ideas, and perspectives.

PRIORITY 3: Strengthen our Team

Outward Bound Network

Share knowledge and best practices with OB’s extensive network through the OB Outcomes Survey, America’s Symposium, and World Conference.

Staff Training

Equip our staff with in-depth training focused on health and wellbeing, environmental awareness, and DEI.

Internal Processes

Streamline our enrollment processes in order to increase efficiency and improve participant experience.

RELEVANT THEN, EVEN MORE RELEVANT NOW...

“Outward Bound transcends individual differences and kindles within each of us a sense of community. The wilderness environment allows one’s veneers to slip away, and each person can grow through daring to risk, to care, and to share with others. As an educational forum, Outward Bound offers true learning, involving heart, mind and body, in a way that will last a lifetime.”

KURT HAHN, CO-FOUNDER OF OUTWARD BOUND

Inspiring a lifetime of leadership, growth, and a commitment to serve through adventure-based learning. BE. OUT. THERE. www.OutwardBoundCostaRica.org +1.800.676.2018