Tuesday, August 26, 2014

Sea Turtles, Surfing and Service: One Girl Scout's Adventure in Costa Rica

GSOSW's own Allie Kehret, 17, participated in Outward Bound Costa Rica’s Catching Waves destination. This 10-day course provided girls with truly meaningful service projects, physical and mental challenges, and the chance to learn to surf on world-famous surf breaks.

Allie and her group spent the majority of their time at Outward Bound Costa Rica’s base camp at Avellanas Beach, located in the Guanacaste Province. Instructors taught them to learn how to read and catch waves, pop-up and ride them in.

“It was adventurous, creative, new, challenging, fun, amazing, and memorable.”

As Allie reflected more on her time in Costa Rica she said, “after this course I am more confident, more of a leader, and have great memories.”

When they weren't surfing, Allie and other Girl Scouts volunteered at a local school where they repainted the exterior. They also had the opportunity to spend time with a local turtle conservationist, learning and assisting conservation efforts.

After returning to Outward Bound’s rainforest base in Costa Rica, the group tackled Class II and III rapids on the Pejibaye River, ziplined through the tree canopies, and visited the vibrant artisan market of San Jose where they practiced Spanish and finished up their adventure.

Since 2006, Outward Bound Costa Rica has been partnered with Girls Scout of the USA to offer unique and exciting Girl Scouts destinations trips in Costa Rica and Panama. These trips provide young girls the opportunity to see the world, meet fellow Girl Scouts from across the nation and challenge themselves through adventure in unfamiliar settings.

Allie experienced the trip of a lifetime surfing Costa Rica’s pacific coast, completing local service projects, and creating friendships that will last for years to come.

Want to learn more about Girl Scout destinations? Visit forgirls.girlscouts.org/travel or attend one of GSOSW's Travel Discovery Workshops coming up in fall 2014 and spring 2015. Watch for dates and registration information in the fall Program Guide, coming out soon!