Perspectives from students on Reef and Rainforest Outward Bound

I felt like I was living in a photo out of National Geographic Magazine. Just seeing how the indigenous people live was so enlightening. I don’t think I could live that life. It was so much work. Nothing is easy there, but the people were so kind and happy. You see this kind of stuff on TV, but you just can’t understand it until you actually experience it. It’s funny: once you’re away from the tourist stuff, you don’t want to go back to it.

The solo proved that being scared is a mind game most of the time. You bring the fear on yourself. It was a great time for reflection and absorption of what you have done during the course. Like the hiking, I wasn’t looking forward to the hiking phase. I have never liked hiking. I was pretty sure I could do it, but I didn’t think I could have fun doing it. Now I think hiking has been my favorite part. I loved being dirty and wet and so far away from everything. One day we had to hike eight miles—three uphill—and normally I’d dread things like that, but I didn’t. I looked forward to it—seeing that I could do it. Now I plan on scaling Mount Washington when I get back home in New Hampshire.

Bradi Lenentine,
20, New Hampshire, USA
Reef and Rainforest Adventure Summer 2006

We went out and saw the dolphins by the mangroves. They were really cool—jumping and playing. I loved watching them. There were four or five dolphins jumping out of the water at the same time. Sea-kayaking was fun. I really liked being in the big ocean in a little boat. Then we went snorkeling. That was awesome! We saw lots of really cool and big fish.

Amanda McCan
16, Iowa, USA
Reef and Rainforest Adventure Spring 2006

It was such a unique and fun experience. I liked the hiking, because even though it was hard, it showed me I am strong, and I can get through stressful times with a good attitude.

Rebecca Dawson
14, Florida, USA
Reef and Rainforest Adventure Summer 2006

This course teaches you so much about the cultures and the rainforest. Snorkeling was beautiful. The colors were awesome. These are things you never would or could understand without CRROBS.

The people in the homestays are amazing, and it was one of my most memorable moments. The people have nothing compared to us, and yet they gave us everything we needed. They became our family, I will never forget the generosity of the families we stayed with, and the children honestly touched my heart. They were my favorite part. We were completely “submerged” in the culture.

The instructors never put us in harm’s way. The Caving experience made all of us face our fears: bats, spiders, snakes and the dark. If there was a problem, they were sure to take care of it before moving on. I could tell them anything, and I never felt uncomfortable around them. I believe they appreciated what I had to say at all times. They helped whip all of us into shape. We were never lazy and I’ll remember to never be lazy after this.

Allison Cullum
19, Virgina, USA
Reef and Rainforest Adventure Summer 2006

Hiking was fun. We hiked up and down huge hills and through knee-high mud. We saw cool animals. I saw this really cool big spider, it was the coolest thing I’ve ever seen in my life. It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and the solo was my best activity ever. I actually want to do it again. I learned I can make the best out of everything. I can make clothing anywhere. I was fine. I wasn’t really scared. It was great. I’ll probably never get to do it again but it was amazing.

Mat Henry
15. North Carolina, USA
Reef and Rainforest Adventure Summer 2006

Solarte was the nicest place I’ve ever been to. It was primitive in a really cool way. There was no running water, a really cool cemetery, great places to snorkel, and a great bungalow-type building to stay in. The people were friendly and all of the activities were fun. I also LOVED the rafting. It was really fun. The Pacuare is the best river I’ve ever rafted. We went under this awesome double waterfall, and all of your senses were destroyed. You couldn’t hear or see anything.

Aaron Brewer
14, Pennsylvania, USA
Reef and Rainforest Adventure Summer 2006

This course integrates all aspects of physical, emotional and intellectual activities and experiences. Hiking was hard but worth it. You’re thinking you can’t do this stuff, but you push yourself and you can. The snorkeling was amazing. There were really pretty colors and cool fish. Staying with indigenous people really opened my eyes. Learned how other people lived compared to how I live. They live in the middle of nowhere with very little, and that’s how they want it. I’ve come to really respect that.

From this trip you learn to push yourself and be comfortable in situations you’re usually not. I overcame my fear of dark, I’m more comfortable traveling by myself, and I learned a lot about myself and my abilities. Even though it was challenging, it was an amazing experience and completely worth it. I would want other people to have the same great experience.

Alison Berlent
15, Massachusetts, USA
Reef and Rainforest Adventure Summer 2006

It was good to stay with the Cabécars. It was a lot of fun playing with the children, and it was enlightening to see how they live. We have so many things we take for granted. There was a shower one day that was really just a hose, and we were so happy to have it—we hadn’t showered in days. Everyone should learn the perspective and respect for everyday items that we sometimes take for granted. I feel proud of myself. This is definitely not what my friends and I would normally do. A lot of people didn’t think I could do this, and I could. I have a big appreciation for what I’m going home to though, like water and electricity. I want to do another one.

Mei Tuggle
15, California, USA
Reef and Rainforest Adventure Summer 2006