Explore marine and coastal life along the beautiful Caribbean archipelago of Bocas del Toro, Panama and help the endangered sea turtle population.

Picture It

If you are looking for the ultimate exploration of ocean, land and culture, this is the course for you! On this destination, you’ll spend 14 days learning about Central American history and culture while partaking in a wide range of adventures.

This course takes place almost entirely in Panama and brings you to the beautiful Caribbean archipelago of Bocas del Toro in northern Panama. In the Caribbean waters of Panama, you will have the opportunity to get SCUBA certified, learn about reef and coastal ecology, snorkel with colorful reef life, as well as wakeboard and kneeboard. Additional activities may include sailing on a catamaran, a bike tour of one of the local islands, and limestone cave exploring. SCUBA lessons begin with on-land technical instruction and then continue with shallow, contained dives in a lagoon.

In addition to SCUBA and other water activities, you’ll be participating in meaning service projects to protect sea turtles and other marine life around the islands of Bocas del Toro, Panama. Learn about endangered sea turtles while you help with conservation efforts through activities such as nightly patrols, cataloging nests, habitat creation, and (hopefully!) releasing newly hatched baby turtles into the wild. You will learn about Panama’s exotic wildlife and ecosystems and may participate in additional service projects such as beach clean-ups and/or trail preservations.

Spend a couple of days of your adventure in beautiful Costa Rica. Explore the rainforest during an unforgettable canopy tour ziplining from tree to tree in the mountains of the Central Valley region.

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. Explore how the challenges you meet in and out of thewilderness help you confront other challenges that life presents.

Map It

Bocas del Toro, Panama, Costa Rica
San Jose, Costa Rica and surrounding region (2-3 days); Base Camp is located in San Ramon de Tres Rios (in San Jose Province; Due to changing water and weather conditions, we can not specify exactly which river your course will visit (in Cartago Province)

Be It

• In good physical condition
• Interest in service and cultural exchange
• Intermediate-level swimmer who is comfortable in the water
• Good team player
• Participants under 15 will be eligible for junior certifications

Plan It

• Session 1; June 22, 2013–July 6, 2013; $2,050
  Must be 13–18 years old at the time of the event.
• Session 2; July 6–20, 2013; $2,050
  Must be 13–18 years old at the time of the event.
• Session 3; July 20, 2013–August 3, 2013; $2,050
  Must be 13–18 years old at the time of the event.

Get It

• Packing list will be provided
• Valid current passport
• Students will be asked to provide documentation of return flight itinerary
• Tetanus vaccination will be required before arrival
• Additional medical information may be required. Restrictions for course participation may exist (i.e. asthma, inner ear issues, etc.).

$ It

$200 deposit will be due immediately upon acceptance (it's part of the event fee, not in addition to it).

A $625 scholarship made possible by the Elliott Wildlife Values Project is available for girls to apply. Contact Costa Rica Outward Bound for a financial aid form to apply for the scholarship. You will be responsible for providing own round-trip airfare to San Jose, Costa Rica (SJO airport), as well as bringing your own spending money.

Note:

Please be aware that Costa Rica Outward Bound’s offices are located in Costa Rica. Your application will be forwarded from our Miami post office box. You will receive an email from Costa Rica Outward Bound once your application has been received. Therefore, do not send a self-addressed stamped postcard with your application.

Download the Application Form(s):
	destinations_girl_application_2013.pdf destinations_girl_application_2013.doc