Bienvenidos to the two newest additions to the Costa Rica Outward Bound Family - Zoe and Rocky! They are both American Staffordshire Terriers, like "Petey the Pup" from the movie Little Rascals. Don't be alarmed though - these two dogs are the sweetest things on four legs, and are fast becoming favorites here on base! Zoe, the grey-blue pup is a year and three months, while baby Rocky is only three months. Check them out in action!
Showing posts with label Our People. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Our People. Show all posts
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Friday, July 2, 2010
Meet the Mighty Intern
Katie Odell, one of our 2007 30-Day Multi-Element with Spanish Emphasis (photo: top right with fellow student Brandon Park) alumni, arrived June 14th to the relief of our base staff. There is a ton of work to do, and it's more than we can handle. This year's busy season brings with it more than 200 students from the USA, Canada, the UK, Spain, Israel, Mexico, Zambia, China, and Italy. She is here to greet them at the airport, entertain them on fly-in days, organize their equipment prior to arrival, gather their documentation for instructors, collect and lock up their valuables, and distribute evaluations and t-shirts on the last day.
But those are only her duties that involve students. Day-to-day work in these offices requires tons of her assistance as well. Our projects have been thrown at her left and right, and she hasn't let us down. When asked how it's going so far, she said,
"It's so great to walk into the offices and see how excited everyone is for my help."Katie has made some time for herself, too. Since she's arrived, she's gone traveling to Monteverde, celebrated birthdays, and gone out to the city with staff on nights and weekends. It's definitely a different side to Costa Rica Outward Bound than she saw three years ago, and she has adapted quite nicely.
Her ability to adapt may be because Costa Rica is not the only place this 20-year-old New Orleans native has traveled. Last fall, she completed a Semester at Sea (photo: bottom right, in Hong Kong) during which she circumnavigated the globe; summer adventure courses have taken her biking 300 miles along the southern Irish coast and 1,000 miles along America's west coast; almost every western European country has been checked off her destination list; and Katie's mom has taken her on long road trips to distant locations as far as Mexico and Canada.Currently, Katie attends Jimmy Carter's grandson's alma mater, Oglethorpe University (in Atlanta, GA), where she is studying American Studies and has been appointed the Civic Engagement Mentor. In that same vein, she not only hosts Oglethorpe's Katrina volunteers in New Orleans during winter break, but also volunteers with Habitat for Humanity. In her remaining 1.5-2 collegiate years Katie hopes to study abroad in South Africa because - even though her major contradicts it -one of her passions is to learn more about African history. She realized how little she knew about it eight months ago when her Semester at Sea ship docked there.
Other future plans include - but are not limited to - living in San Francisco, opening a hostel in New Orleans, and even possibly following in her mom's footsteps as a Fiber Artist (which is not surprising since art runs in her family). In New Orleans her mom is a well-known artist who makes clothing and artwork from old ties and fabrics, while her dad is a popular musician.
And even after all of this time, travel and planning since her previous experience with us here in Costa Rica, Katie has never forgotten "the incredible taste of the fresh fruit here," she says. Nothing has ever measured up to it, and she thinks about it every time she has fruit back at home. Among some of her favorite memories is this moment:
"We were rafting down an intense rapid on the Pacuare River while Felipe Lopez was guiding, and I got tossed out.... I remember being freaked out at first, but then I realized how much fun it was."
We're not surprised you handled an intense situation well, Super Intern.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
PB Athletics
So, you thought you were coordinated?
Give this PB sport a try.
"PB," as in, our favorite little village of Piedras Blancas.
And "sport," as in, Carreras de Cintas in which athletes stick a peg through a tiny hanging ring while on a horse.
Inevitably, you have been one of the Costa Rica Outward Bound students or staff who have been to PB's adorable remote school (of 3-10 students) to paint, play soccer, meet the kids, deliver books, cook, and/or help in its organic garden while staying at one of PB's homestays. It has a special place in all of our hearts. For this reason, PB takes any opportunity to fundraise and keep it going for many years to come.
So when the school's 15th anniversary happened this past May, Piedras Blancas civilians and their vecinos (from the towns of Brujo, Llano, and San Isidro) took advantage of the event by throwing a party, during which they sold Tico food and played games with entry fees.
Not only did the Carreras de Cintas sporting event help raise some additional funds, but it taught most of our gringo staff a thing or two about the true art of "pueblo athletics." Now it's our chance to teach you, too. Let's break it down, Wikipedia style:
| Characteristics | |
|---|---|
| Name Contact | Carreras de Cintas (Belts Race) No |
| Team members | 1 person, 1 horse |
| Mixed gender | Yes, but typically men are drawn to the sport |
| Categorization | Individual sport |
| Equipment | rope/wire, belt, argolla colgada (hanging ring), 5-8cm perno (peg), caballo (horse) |
| Venue | field (50m minimum in length) |
| Where played How | Spain, Latin America Contestants on horses ride 50 meters towards the wire/rope to attempt to capture a belt by putting a peg through a 2-centimeter ring |
In Piedras Blancas' tournament, there were eighteen men who entered, each paying ₡6,000 (CRC, Costa Rica Colones). Twenty premios (prizes) were awarded, one handed out to each of the first twenty "belt captures" - the contestants began in a line to make their attempts, then tried one at a time. After each attempt they got back in line to do it again until all twenty prizes (horse supplies) had been awarded.
In addition to the twenty prizes, a ₡10,000 award was given to the winner of the primary tournament. This consisted of levels, during which each contestant ran twice. All of those who captured the belt both times moved to the next level. The remaining contestant in the final level won the money.
We already had a held our Tico village friends in high regard, but putting a tiny peg through a tiny ring while galloping on a horse adds a whole new level of respect. This is one sport we would like to see added to the Olympic Games.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Staying Alive! How the “Survivorman” is helping Costa Rica Outward Bound
Stroud was the host of the popular Discovery Channel program, Survivorman, and is also a filmmaker, outdoor adventurer, singer/songwriter and author. And it is his book, Survive! Essential Skills and Tactics to Get You Out of Anywhere – Alive, that Costa Rica Outward Bound will use this summer when it runs its very first Jungle Survival Course from July 17 through August 9.
“I reviewed several books about wilderness survival while we designed this course,” said Executive Director, Dr. James Rowe. “I found Stroud’s book to be both comprehensive for the needs of our course as well as accessible for our students.”
Stroud’s book covers a wide range of topics for a wide range of environments – including the rainforest. Chapters cover areas including trip planning and preparation, acquiring essential resources such as water, fire, food and shelter, and the psychological aspects of survival.
For example, he reviews the five mental keys to survival:
- Maintain the will to live
- Confront and manage the situation
- Acquire knowledge
- Adapt and use ingenuity
- Go with the flow of nature
The easy-to-read text is peppered with engaging anecdotes, illustrative photos, as well as a host of very practical tips for staying healthy and safe in extreme conditions.
Lessons from the book – along with the local knowledge of our Tico instructors – will be taught throughout the Jungle Survival Course. Students will learn a range of practical survival skills including building a shelter from available materials, fire starting, finding drinkable water, and First Aid.
But it’s not all about survival. After all, this is still Costa Rica Outward Bound. The course spans an adventure-packed 24 days including rafting, surfing, hiking, staying with indigenous families exploring volcanoes and participating in a service project.
This mix of fun and wilderness survival will be more than carried out by what Scott (our Associate Program Director) calls, "The Power Pair."
Survivorman (photo on left) may have a lot of knowledge to impart to Costa Rica Outward Bound, but Orlando and Lisa have a combined expertise level to disorient Mr. Survivor himself.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
New Season, New Look
They have finally arrived. And by "finally," we mean six months of discussions, office meetings, visits by Carlos Vargas (our spirited and devoted Tico t-shirt distributor), visits to the fabric factories, and long-distance communication with Kat Lusher (the designer) in San Francisco, California.
Yes, it's been a long time since the day Debbie, our Marketing Coordinator, frantically informed us, "we need to order more shirts!" last December. 
Brainstorming started immediately. We noted four requirements when we first started talking:
- our organization's name must stand out
- no "Tico fit" (meaning, they will not be three-sizes-too-small belly shirts)
- softer, more comfortable fabric
- a design that works for all ages
Now we not only have a new shirt, but a new URL to go with it! We introduce you to:
www.costaricaoutwardbound.org
(But not to worry because www.crrobs.org will still forward to this new address.)
The women's shirts have their own style and color (turquoise), and the men's shirts have two colors (the light blue and gray):
As you can see, we are all pretty excited about our trendy new look. Cheesy? Yes. Comfy? Definitely.
For Sale? Of course! The cost of $15 covers international shipping and credit card fees. Send your shipping address and the credit card authorization form to alumni@crrobs.org. Unlike large tuition payments, you do not need to send us copies of your credit card and ID.
A big "Gracias" goes out to the Communications Office, Carlos Vargas, Esther Garcia (ou accountant who had to deal with a lot of confusing quotes and prices), and especially to Kat Lusher (who also designed a new logo for us)!
Photos taken on June 14, 2010 when much of the staff was around base preparing for busy season to start. Back row, left to right: Carola (Instructor), Ana Maria (Instructor), Alexandra (Instructor), Debbie (Communications Office), Shawn (Communications Office), Santiago (Instructor), Donna (Instructor), Orlando (Instructor), Antonio (Instructor and Logistics Manager). Front row, left to right: Elizabeth (Communications Office), Scott (Programming Office), Bandido (base mascot), Laura (Programming Office), Maggie (Communications Office), Danny (Instructor and Logistics), Manuela (Instructor).
Saturday, June 5, 2010
Underwater Explorers: Meet Their Instructors
Not only are the eight Girl Scouts (arriving on Monday) coming to Costa Rica as our first course of our infamous "Busy Season," but they are also the premier group for our Underwater Explorers course.
Costa Rica Outward Bound has run courses similar to UE's Costa Rica phase (including hiking, homestays, service and rafting) and other courses similar to its Panama phase (including sailing, scuba diving, and wakeboarding), but they've never been combined for one of our Girl Scouts Destination* courses.
Who better to lead these fine young women into new challenges than veteran instructor, Donna White, and two of our newest - and highly skilled - female instructors, Mariana and Erin?
Without further ado, let's introduce them:
Donna White, Land Instructor
Hometown: New Bern, NC
About: While she can be tough on her students (for their own good, of course), nobody can help ending a conversation with "Yes, Donna. You're right." It must be that adorable southern accent. That, and Donna has a lot of experience and skills in a multitude of areas. She has fixed up boats, cooked in a sorority house, led yoga, and helped out friends at fundraisers such as a crepe chef extraordinaire at festivals.
Read more: Leadership profile
Mariana Delgado, Land and Surf Instructor
Hometown: San Diego, California
About: Mariana's younger sister (and fellow Girl Scout), Alexandra, actually found Costa Rica Outward Bound first when she came on one of our Catching Waves courses last year (and will be here again this summer for the third Underwater Explorers course). Nevertheless, Mariana was made for leading Girl Scouts in the water with us in Costa Rica. Not only did she grew up in a bilingual Spanish/English home and swim competitively for 10 years with USA Swimming Association, but Mariana achieved her Girl Scouts of America Gold, Silver and Leadership Awards. There are a few more interesting things to ask her about when you come to spend 15 days with her: she has lifeguarded, worked as a Watersports Youth Counselor, knows American Sign Language, and came here straight from Norway where she was an Au Pair!
Erin Miller, Land Instructor
Hometown: Carver, MA
About: Erin has been living a leader's life in her professional years making her more than ready to be one of our new instructors here in Costa Rica. She has worked with youth in many different roles, including work as a Youth Specialist in the Division of Youth Services of Missouri, as a Course Facilitator at Leadership Ranch, and even as an instructor with one of our fellow OB charter schools, Thompson Island Outward Bound. And in addition to helping youth, she can't get enough of the outdoors. Bienvenida, chica!
*The Destinations program, on behalf of Girl Scouts USA, is a chance for members to participate in enriching travel and adventure opportunities, ages 11-18. Girl Scouts must apply through their respective Councils. Applications consist of an essay explaining their ambition to attend, two recommendations describing her as a qualified participant, and a general Q&A portion.
Costa Rica Outward Bound has been a Destination location for more than five years. In 2010, there are four Destinations for ages 13-18: Underwater Explorers, Rainforest River & Reef, Service Challenge, and Catching Waves. Click on the studio2b links on their respective crrobs.org pages to find the applications.
Costa Rica Outward Bound has run courses similar to UE's Costa Rica phase (including hiking, homestays, service and rafting) and other courses similar to its Panama phase (including sailing, scuba diving, and wakeboarding), but they've never been combined for one of our Girl Scouts Destination* courses.
Who better to lead these fine young women into new challenges than veteran instructor, Donna White, and two of our newest - and highly skilled - female instructors, Mariana and Erin?
Without further ado, let's introduce them:
Donna White, Land Instructor
Hometown: New Bern, NCAbout: While she can be tough on her students (for their own good, of course), nobody can help ending a conversation with "Yes, Donna. You're right." It must be that adorable southern accent. That, and Donna has a lot of experience and skills in a multitude of areas. She has fixed up boats, cooked in a sorority house, led yoga, and helped out friends at fundraisers such as a crepe chef extraordinaire at festivals.
Read more: Leadership profile
Mariana Delgado, Land and Surf Instructor
Hometown: San Diego, CaliforniaAbout: Mariana's younger sister (and fellow Girl Scout), Alexandra, actually found Costa Rica Outward Bound first when she came on one of our Catching Waves courses last year (and will be here again this summer for the third Underwater Explorers course). Nevertheless, Mariana was made for leading Girl Scouts in the water with us in Costa Rica. Not only did she grew up in a bilingual Spanish/English home and swim competitively for 10 years with USA Swimming Association, but Mariana achieved her Girl Scouts of America Gold, Silver and Leadership Awards. There are a few more interesting things to ask her about when you come to spend 15 days with her: she has lifeguarded, worked as a Watersports Youth Counselor, knows American Sign Language, and came here straight from Norway where she was an Au Pair!
Erin Miller, Land Instructor
Hometown: Carver, MAAbout: Erin has been living a leader's life in her professional years making her more than ready to be one of our new instructors here in Costa Rica. She has worked with youth in many different roles, including work as a Youth Specialist in the Division of Youth Services of Missouri, as a Course Facilitator at Leadership Ranch, and even as an instructor with one of our fellow OB charter schools, Thompson Island Outward Bound. And in addition to helping youth, she can't get enough of the outdoors. Bienvenida, chica!
*The Destinations program, on behalf of Girl Scouts USA, is a chance for members to participate in enriching travel and adventure opportunities, ages 11-18. Girl Scouts must apply through their respective Councils. Applications consist of an essay explaining their ambition to attend, two recommendations describing her as a qualified participant, and a general Q&A portion.
Costa Rica Outward Bound has been a Destination location for more than five years. In 2010, there are four Destinations for ages 13-18: Underwater Explorers, Rainforest River & Reef, Service Challenge, and Catching Waves. Click on the studio2b links on their respective crrobs.org pages to find the applications.
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Put a 'Journey' in Your Curriculum
jour·ney [jur-nee]–noun
1. (dictionary.com) a traveling from one place to another, usually taking a rather long time; trip
2. (Teton Science School) a direct experience in the ecological or cultural environment that serves as an essential part of learning
With the name "Teton Science School" you might be wondering how it is different from any other school (aside from an extra science class or two) and what it has to do with a "journey."
To better understand the connection, it helps to know a few things. First, four of the subjects emphasized in the high school curriculum are Science - obviously - Physical Education, "Journeys", and Spanish. Secondly, through all classes, teachers incorporate both content and skill. The mission statement, in fact, is "Connecting People, Nature, Place and Education through Six Innovative Programs in One Amazing Place." One of these "innovative programs" is the Journeys School, the Pre-K to 12th grade branch of Teton Science Schools. Finally, in setting up the school this way, the goal is to combine innovative content with the traditional disciplines in order to "develop the wisdom to make educated decisions while maintaining a unique perspective of the world."
Journeys School does what it can to integrate learning with ecology, culture and the community wherever possible.
Therefore, it only makes sense that they would organize a special course for their students with Costa Rica Outward Bound to learn by immersing themselves in this dynamic environment. Costa Rica does, afterall, contain 5% of the world's biodiversity even though it is only about 0.25% of the world's landmass! Around 25% of the country's land area is in protected national parks and protected areas, which is the largest percentage of protected areas in the world.
And to lead them through it are two of our Tico (Costa Rican) staff members, Mauren and Rodolfo. Let's meet them:
Rodolfo Vargas
Hometown: San Jose, Costa Rica
About: Due to his role as a biologist (and the Owner) at Refugio Herpetologico de Costa Rica since January 2002, it only makes sense that he help lead a science-based course. He maintains a collection of 30 species of reptiles and amphibians and investigates at-risk animal populations in Costa Rica.
Mauren Granados
Hometown: Piedras Blancas, Costa Rica
About: Mauren is one of our toughest female instructors. She is known as "Mau" by her friends, and she got married last year to another adventure guide. One of her surprising passions includes watching free-style motocross. When she's not instructing courses, she enjoys playing soccer with locals in her town.
Read More: official site staff description
This week, the students of Journeys School have already been hiking in the depths of the rainforest through Las Rejas, Cruce Tonito, Rancho Tinamu, and Londres. They have learned about birds, ecology & diversity, insects, and water analysis at Rodolfo's refuge. And finally, they will zip-line in the rainforest's upper canopy on Saturday before flying home on Sunday.
Learning can be rough.
Girl Scouts Who Earn It: Part 4
With a name like Stevie Peacock, making a name for yourself is bound to happen.
So what does it mean to "make a name for oneself?" Does it mean being a member of the Sarasota Crew Team for two years? Does it mean traveling to France for one of two summers in which she did a foreign exchange program through her Congressional Silver Medal Award? Does Does it mean "serving as a positive role model to the youth and adults she encounters in her local community and beyond," as her HOPE Task Force Facilitator, Julia, told us? Or does it possibly mean coming on a Costa Rica Outward Bound course to perfect surfing skills in the Girl Scouts Catching Waves course?
Perhaps.
But Stevie has done more than that. MUCH more. In fact, it is not shocking that Reader's Digest wrote an article about this 16-year-old Floridian in 2008. Nor is it surprising that she was chosen as one of ten teens to help carry the torch in Coca-Cola's "Open the Games, Open Happiness" campaign for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games (photo on left).
Her experience has made this clear. Stevie led the Healthy Girls Task Force in a Holistic Obesity Prevention Endeavor in 2009 and 2010. She has spent the past six years helping Memorial Elementary School in Arcadia, FL through a non-profit she started, called Project KINDNESS,
after Hurricane Charley badly damaged the area in 2004. Through this, she provides them with school supplies every August, reads to the classes (see photo right), brings treat bags in October for Halloween, delivers Christmas gifts in December, and brings Girl Scout cookies & juice every Spring. In addition, Stevie has brought all of Jordan's Crossing (a Habitat for Humanity neighborhood) school supplies for the past three years, held an annual holiday toy drive for All Children's Hospital for the past eight years in St. Petersburg, FL, and helped fund a school in Cambodia through her position as For Each Other's Florida delegate. Stevie actually went abroad to Cambodia to attend the dedication ceremony, then delivered books and toys to a Cambodian orphanage while she was there (see photo right).
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Amazingly, Superwoman Peacock has made time to develop her own skills and persue her interests, too. She plays the guitar and drums in addition to singing for the Venice School of Rock, performs as a pianist for Holidays at Boca Royale Restaurant, participates in the Faith Formation & Youth Band with the St. Thomas More Youth Group, and went to Crew Camp at the Annapolis Naval Academy. Oh, we forgot to mention her month-long precocious experience at Oxford University in England studying literature. Now she wants to become a better surfer in Costa Rica this summer through the Girl Scouts Destination program*, stating, "I hope to take away life skills, memories, and I hope to build a stronger character."
Not impressed yet? Just google her name. Then remind yourself that she's only 16.
*The Destinations program, on behalf of Girl Scouts USA, is a chance for members to participate in enriching travel and adventure opportunities, ages 11-18. Girl Scouts must apply through their respective Councils. Applications consist of an essay explaining their ambition to attend, two recommendations describing her as a qualified participant, and a general Q&A portion.
Costa Rica Outward Bound has been a Destination location for more than five years. In 2010, there are four Destinations for ages 13-18: Underwater Explorers, Rainforest River & Reef, Service Challenge, and Catching Waves. Click on the studio2b links on their respective crrobs.org pages to find the applications.
So what does it mean to "make a name for oneself?" Does it mean being a member of the Sarasota Crew Team for two years? Does it mean traveling to France for one of two summers in which she did a foreign exchange program through her Congressional Silver Medal Award? Does Does it mean "serving as a positive role model to the youth and adults she encounters in her local community and beyond," as her HOPE Task Force Facilitator, Julia, told us? Or does it possibly mean coming on a Costa Rica Outward Bound course to perfect surfing skills in the Girl Scouts Catching Waves course?
Perhaps.
But Stevie has done more than that. MUCH more. In fact, it is not shocking that Reader's Digest wrote an article about this 16-year-old Floridian in 2008. Nor is it surprising that she was chosen as one of ten teens to help carry the torch in Coca-Cola's "Open the Games, Open Happiness" campaign for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games (photo on left).
"Not only does Stevie sincerely want to make a positive difference in the world, but she has the skills to design and implement projects that actually make that difference both at home and and abroad," Julia said.
Her experience has made this clear. Stevie led the Healthy Girls Task Force in a Holistic Obesity Prevention Endeavor in 2009 and 2010. She has spent the past six years helping Memorial Elementary School in Arcadia, FL through a non-profit she started, called Project KINDNESS,
after Hurricane Charley badly damaged the area in 2004. Through this, she provides them with school supplies every August, reads to the classes (see photo right), brings treat bags in October for Halloween, delivers Christmas gifts in December, and brings Girl Scout cookies & juice every Spring. In addition, Stevie has brought all of Jordan's Crossing (a Habitat for Humanity neighborhood) school supplies for the past three years, held an annual holiday toy drive for All Children's Hospital for the past eight years in St. Petersburg, FL, and helped fund a school in Cambodia through her position as For Each Other's Florida delegate. Stevie actually went abroad to Cambodia to attend the dedication ceremony, then delivered books and toys to a Cambodian orphanage while she was there (see photo right)..jpg)
Amazingly, Superwoman Peacock has made time to develop her own skills and persue her interests, too. She plays the guitar and drums in addition to singing for the Venice School of Rock, performs as a pianist for Holidays at Boca Royale Restaurant, participates in the Faith Formation & Youth Band with the St. Thomas More Youth Group, and went to Crew Camp at the Annapolis Naval Academy. Oh, we forgot to mention her month-long precocious experience at Oxford University in England studying literature. Now she wants to become a better surfer in Costa Rica this summer through the Girl Scouts Destination program*, stating, "I hope to take away life skills, memories, and I hope to build a stronger character."
Not impressed yet? Just google her name. Then remind yourself that she's only 16.
Read more "Girl Scouts Who Earn It":
Part 1: Kelly Wolf
Part 2: Virginia LaGrow
Part 3: Michaela Zimmerman
Part 1: Kelly Wolf
Part 2: Virginia LaGrow
Part 3: Michaela Zimmerman
*The Destinations program, on behalf of Girl Scouts USA, is a chance for members to participate in enriching travel and adventure opportunities, ages 11-18. Girl Scouts must apply through their respective Councils. Applications consist of an essay explaining their ambition to attend, two recommendations describing her as a qualified participant, and a general Q&A portion.
Costa Rica Outward Bound has been a Destination location for more than five years. In 2010, there are four Destinations for ages 13-18: Underwater Explorers, Rainforest River & Reef, Service Challenge, and Catching Waves. Click on the studio2b links on their respective crrobs.org pages to find the applications.
Friday, May 7, 2010
University of Alabama: Meet Their Instructors and the Project
University of Alabama's students arrive on Monday, and they have a big service job in Talamanca ahead of them. And who better to lead them than our veteran Tico Land Instructor, Orlando Zamora, along with one of our newest instructors, Sean Marr?
Our Custom Course Manager, Shawn Pendergrass, will also accompany this group of eleven honors students and their chaperone, Wahnee Sherman. Shawn has been working hard to plan this service project ever since he went to Talamanca on a reconnaissance trip last January. He found three areas needing assistance: Waste Management, Youth and Community Development, and Environmental Awareness.
The group of 15 will head to the town of Amübri in Talamanca where villagers are establishing a youth group in the community and involving them in community service projects. Waste management improvements will include: building trash/recycling bins, giving presentations about proper waste disposal, picking up trash, and designing PSAs for the town to run on the local radio. Community Development will include: developing team-building and leadership-building among the youth and greater community, improve the recreational facilities, preparing English lessons, and planning a field day for the community. Finally, the Environmental Awareness work will include: reforesting areas, creating a nursery for endangered trees native to the area, and constructing signs with environmental messages.
There is a lot of work to do, and these skilled group of go-getters needs to know they are in good hands. Meet the men to lead them next week:
Orlando Zamora, Lead Instructor
Hometown: Piedras Blancas, Costa Rica
About: Orlando is arguably the strongest instructor we have at Costa Rica Outward Bound (and possibly in the entire country). He not only built his house for his wife and five kids, but he carried their cast iron stove 15 km to his house on mountainous rainforest terrain. And last December on a different University of Alabama course, he carried the large cistern (water tank) 12 km to the small village during their water supply service project.
Read More: a Canopy Chronicle article about Orlando
Sean Marr, Instructor
Hometown: Doylestown, PA
About: One of Sean's most unique characteristics is his ability to do flips, due to the gymnastics training he had growing up. As an adult, Sean has been busy with a lot of worldly experiences including studying in Mexico and teaching ESL (to students from all over the world) back in Pennsylvania. But don't let all of this traveling fool you - he is very close to his family and hopes to move back there some day.
Read more: Sean's Leadership Series profile, the wrap-up of the last course he led, and a Canopy Chronicle article introducing him
It's important, too, to understand the background of this village in order to understand the importance of these projects. For one, the population of Amübri has increased exponentially (to approximately 2,000) in recent years and, with it, consumerism. The increased consumption of products is causing environmental problems because of the lack of waste disposal options. Secondly, since the community has grown, Peace Corps Volunteers recently formed the community youth group, Koswak. They will be transitioning out this month.
Basically, this is all perfect timing for University of Alabama to come in and make a difference.
On June 2, 2010, Costa Rica Outward Bound released an article to the media about all of the work they accomplished. We published it in our newsletter, The Canopy Chronicle for our followers to read.
Our Custom Course Manager, Shawn Pendergrass, will also accompany this group of eleven honors students and their chaperone, Wahnee Sherman. Shawn has been working hard to plan this service project ever since he went to Talamanca on a reconnaissance trip last January. He found three areas needing assistance: Waste Management, Youth and Community Development, and Environmental Awareness.
The group of 15 will head to the town of Amübri in Talamanca where villagers are establishing a youth group in the community and involving them in community service projects. Waste management improvements will include: building trash/recycling bins, giving presentations about proper waste disposal, picking up trash, and designing PSAs for the town to run on the local radio. Community Development will include: developing team-building and leadership-building among the youth and greater community, improve the recreational facilities, preparing English lessons, and planning a field day for the community. Finally, the Environmental Awareness work will include: reforesting areas, creating a nursery for endangered trees native to the area, and constructing signs with environmental messages.
There is a lot of work to do, and these skilled group of go-getters needs to know they are in good hands. Meet the men to lead them next week:
Orlando Zamora, Lead Instructor
Hometown: Piedras Blancas, Costa Rica
About: Orlando is arguably the strongest instructor we have at Costa Rica Outward Bound (and possibly in the entire country). He not only built his house for his wife and five kids, but he carried their cast iron stove 15 km to his house on mountainous rainforest terrain. And last December on a different University of Alabama course, he carried the large cistern (water tank) 12 km to the small village during their water supply service project.
Read More: a Canopy Chronicle article about Orlando
Sean Marr, Instructor
Hometown: Doylestown, PA
About: One of Sean's most unique characteristics is his ability to do flips, due to the gymnastics training he had growing up. As an adult, Sean has been busy with a lot of worldly experiences including studying in Mexico and teaching ESL (to students from all over the world) back in Pennsylvania. But don't let all of this traveling fool you - he is very close to his family and hopes to move back there some day.
Read more: Sean's Leadership Series profile, the wrap-up of the last course he led, and a Canopy Chronicle article introducing him
It's important, too, to understand the background of this village in order to understand the importance of these projects. For one, the population of Amübri has increased exponentially (to approximately 2,000) in recent years and, with it, consumerism. The increased consumption of products is causing environmental problems because of the lack of waste disposal options. Secondly, since the community has grown, Peace Corps Volunteers recently formed the community youth group, Koswak. They will be transitioning out this month.
Basically, this is all perfect timing for University of Alabama to come in and make a difference.
On June 2, 2010, Costa Rica Outward Bound released an article to the media about all of the work they accomplished. We published it in our newsletter, The Canopy Chronicle for our followers to read.
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Canyon School: Meet Their Instructors
The Canyon School students are most likely packing their bags right now, unable to sleep tonight out of excitement. They might be going on last-minute errands to purchase some food or supplies they want to have with them while hiking through the rainforest. These nine students (and Brendan, their chaperone) will be happy to know their instructors, Mauren and Alex, are currently doing the same thing down here to prepare for their arrival this Saturday.
Before introducing the instructors, we want to introduce this unique school nestled in a Californian canyon. Its mission is to "foster lifelong love of learning and individual academic growth and achievement." It prides itself on "providing a sanctuary for developing the talents, strengths, and confidence of each individual so that students become resourceful adults who think and act creatively and critically in the world community."
Now without further ado, we introduce the fearless instructors leading these talented individuals next week:
Mauren Granados
Hometown: Piedras Blancas, Costa Rica
About: Mauren is one of our toughest female instructors. She is known as "Mau" by her friends, and she got married last year to another adventure guide. One of her surprising passions includes watching free-style motocross. When she's not instructing courses, she enjoys playing soccer with people in her town.
Read More: official site staff description
Alex Cook
Hometown: Roxboro, NC
About: Described by his friends and students as compassionate and goofy, Alex has as many silly talents as he has surf skills. He has been surfing since he was a kid in South Carolina and brought that talent to Costa Rica as a Leadership student a year ago. He amuses his students with his ability to expand his abdomen four times its size and can slant his eyes inward.
Read More: his Leadership Series profile
Before introducing the instructors, we want to introduce this unique school nestled in a Californian canyon. Its mission is to "foster lifelong love of learning and individual academic growth and achievement." It prides itself on "providing a sanctuary for developing the talents, strengths, and confidence of each individual so that students become resourceful adults who think and act creatively and critically in the world community."
Now without further ado, we introduce the fearless instructors leading these talented individuals next week:
Mauren Granados
Hometown: Piedras Blancas, Costa Rica
About: Mauren is one of our toughest female instructors. She is known as "Mau" by her friends, and she got married last year to another adventure guide. One of her surprising passions includes watching free-style motocross. When she's not instructing courses, she enjoys playing soccer with people in her town.
Read More: official site staff description
Alex Cook
Hometown: Roxboro, NC
About: Described by his friends and students as compassionate and goofy, Alex has as many silly talents as he has surf skills. He has been surfing since he was a kid in South Carolina and brought that talent to Costa Rica as a Leadership student a year ago. He amuses his students with his ability to expand his abdomen four times its size and can slant his eyes inward.
Read More: his Leadership Series profile
Friday, April 30, 2010
It's a Small World Afterall
"It was a memorable experience," one of the Water & Wave students concluded yesterday on his last day of the course.
This reflection may be a result of the fact that Water & Wave students spent 20 days on a river, they went to three countries in 70 days, they got scuba certified, or even that they learned how to carve and paint gourds.
OR it might actually be because of the number of "odd connections" among the group of students and instructors.
Take a look at these coincidences:
As we say "adios" to the Water & Wave students today, we have this lesson to share with future students: If you sign up for a course in the depths of the rainforest to escape home and your social circle, you might be surprised to find someone who knows your sister's friend's stepdad's niece.
This reflection may be a result of the fact that Water & Wave students spent 20 days on a river, they went to three countries in 70 days, they got scuba certified, or even that they learned how to carve and paint gourds.
OR it might actually be because of the number of "odd connections" among the group of students and instructors.
Take a look at these coincidences:
- The only female student on course, Caroline, attended the same Mount Pleasant, South Carolina high school (Wando High School) as our Surf Instructor, Alex Cook.
- Student Scott Turner went to the same Doylestown, Pennsylvania high school where his own Course Instructor, Sean Marr, went: Central Bucks High School West.
- Student Craig Dietsch's family lives next door to the New Jersey family summer home of his Course Instructor Sean Marr. Actually, their parents have known each other for years, but only recently made the connection that their sons are on course together.
As we say "adios" to the Water & Wave students today, we have this lesson to share with future students: If you sign up for a course in the depths of the rainforest to escape home and your social circle, you might be surprised to find someone who knows your sister's friend's stepdad's niece.
Monday, April 26, 2010
Another Branch on Lopez's Family Tree
It was typical weather on a cloud forest afternoon: a streak of sun poking through the clouds once every twenty minutes, haze blowing through the trees in thick and thin streaks, overall white skies, and a perfect temperature.
But this Saturday afternoon was a little different for the Lopez family. On April 24th at 4pm, in a tiny iglesia (church) in a pueblo called San Ramón del Sur, 22-year-old Hormidas Lopez was being wed to his prometida, Karen.
The church surprisingly had enough room to fit the Lopez's, their extended family, and their friends. And this made it extra special for us at Costa Rica Outward Bound, too, as we saw most of our homestay families, most of our Tico instructors, and all of their families. In attendance were: Don Hormidas and Doña Flor Lopez (the infamous homestay parents),
Orlando Zamora and his five kids (homestay family and Land Instructor), Felipe Lopez (former Whitewater Coordinator and River Instructor), Luz Mary Lopez (wife of Land Instructor, Carlos Grenados, homestay mom) and kids, Antonio Lopez (Logistics Manager and former River Instructor) with his wife and two kids, Santiago Lopez (River and Land Instructor) with his wife and kids, Diego Lopez (River Instructor) with girlfriend Nikki Prevatte (former Piedras Blancas English school teacher), Pablo Lopez (Land Instructor), and Marielos Lopez with husband and children (homestay family).
The simple and beautiful Catholic ceremony went well.
It was very similar to typical weddings most Americans have attended with less "hooplah." Just as we have all learned on course while staying with the Lopez's, it was also evident that this wedding was about family - not about material possessions. The ceremony had only one groomsman (padrino, Felipe Lopez) and one bridesmaid (padrina, Patricia, Felipe's wife) who signed the official wedding documents near the end of the mass. And just before they played the closing song, Felipe announced an open invitation for everyone to come to his new house for a party in celebration of his brother and new sister-in-law.
And come they did.
There seemed to be over one hundred parents, grandparents, kids, neighbors, brothers, sisters, and friends moving about the front lawn and around the one-story neighborhood home.
For the first hour or so, everyone greeted those they hadn't seen in a long time, while the kids ran around jumping and falling. They passed out small cups of Coke for everyone as they chatted. Meanwhile, back in the kitchen, Doña Flor, Felipe, Luz Mary, and a few other sous chefs helped make 10+ gallon pots of chicken/vegetable mixed rice and fresh salsa for chips. Children volunteered to hand out plates to the scattered guests; but dinner plates first went to the bride and groom at their special VIP table covered with a white table cloth and bubbling champagne glasses.
The most amazing thing was seeing so many of the Lopez's all in one place.
It was a beautiful night to talk, dance a little, and talk some more. As in typical wedding tradition, Hormidas and Karen cut the dulce de leche cake together, but they didn't rub it in each other's faces! As the night came to a close, we watched them open gifts. Aside from this, the only other difference between American typical wedding receptions was that everyone changed clothes to be more comfortable at the party.
But this Saturday afternoon was a little different for the Lopez family. On April 24th at 4pm, in a tiny iglesia (church) in a pueblo called San Ramón del Sur, 22-year-old Hormidas Lopez was being wed to his prometida, Karen.
The church surprisingly had enough room to fit the Lopez's, their extended family, and their friends. And this made it extra special for us at Costa Rica Outward Bound, too, as we saw most of our homestay families, most of our Tico instructors, and all of their families. In attendance were: Don Hormidas and Doña Flor Lopez (the infamous homestay parents),
Orlando Zamora and his five kids (homestay family and Land Instructor), Felipe Lopez (former Whitewater Coordinator and River Instructor), Luz Mary Lopez (wife of Land Instructor, Carlos Grenados, homestay mom) and kids, Antonio Lopez (Logistics Manager and former River Instructor) with his wife and two kids, Santiago Lopez (River and Land Instructor) with his wife and kids, Diego Lopez (River Instructor) with girlfriend Nikki Prevatte (former Piedras Blancas English school teacher), Pablo Lopez (Land Instructor), and Marielos Lopez with husband and children (homestay family).The simple and beautiful Catholic ceremony went well.
It was very similar to typical weddings most Americans have attended with less "hooplah." Just as we have all learned on course while staying with the Lopez's, it was also evident that this wedding was about family - not about material possessions. The ceremony had only one groomsman (padrino, Felipe Lopez) and one bridesmaid (padrina, Patricia, Felipe's wife) who signed the official wedding documents near the end of the mass. And just before they played the closing song, Felipe announced an open invitation for everyone to come to his new house for a party in celebration of his brother and new sister-in-law.And come they did.
There seemed to be over one hundred parents, grandparents, kids, neighbors, brothers, sisters, and friends moving about the front lawn and around the one-story neighborhood home.
For the first hour or so, everyone greeted those they hadn't seen in a long time, while the kids ran around jumping and falling. They passed out small cups of Coke for everyone as they chatted. Meanwhile, back in the kitchen, Doña Flor, Felipe, Luz Mary, and a few other sous chefs helped make 10+ gallon pots of chicken/vegetable mixed rice and fresh salsa for chips. Children volunteered to hand out plates to the scattered guests; but dinner plates first went to the bride and groom at their special VIP table covered with a white table cloth and bubbling champagne glasses.The most amazing thing was seeing so many of the Lopez's all in one place.
It was a beautiful night to talk, dance a little, and talk some more. As in typical wedding tradition, Hormidas and Karen cut the dulce de leche cake together, but they didn't rub it in each other's faces! As the night came to a close, we watched them open gifts. Aside from this, the only other difference between American typical wedding receptions was that everyone changed clothes to be more comfortable at the party.
Monday, April 19, 2010
Leadership Series: Part 7 of 7
What do they do with all of those skills?
This "Leadership Series" has finally completed answering this question for seven Leadership alumni as we anticipated the coming of our current Leadership Semester course students who arrived on April 1st. This week we profiled a second Alex, the last of our seven profiled leaders.
Leadership Alum #7: Alex White
Leadership Course: Fall 2005, the second Leadership Semester course ever
Hometown: No Name, CO - "Yep, it exists."
Currently: Alex just returned to his 1978 35' cutter-rigged sloop sailboat home (see photo on right) in San Francisco, CA after guiding a 2nd 21-day river course this year for us. Before that, Alex had returned as a Costa Rica Outward Bound river guide multiple times. However, this isn't the only kayaking and rafting Alex has done since his Leadership Semester back in 2005. Alex is quite the rafting rockstar. He worked for six months as a guide in Chile's famous class V Futaleufu River, ran some rivers in Mexico and in the Grand Canyon, and he continues to guide at California's oldest rafting company, Sea Trek. In addition, he should be receiving his Captain's License soon, which will be a nice complement to his sloop residence.
Reasons Enrolled: Back in 2005, Alex's plan was to blindly scope out some whitewater work on Central America's most famous and beautiful rivers. His mom allowed him to leave on one condition: that he start by taking this Costa Rica Outward Bound Leadership course for "getting his feet on the ground" in this foreign land.
Future Aspirations: While Alex works with Sea Trek, he is also preparing to complete his paramedics certification through the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians. With this certification and his years of experience on class V rivers and in the outdoors, Alex will be marketing himself as one of the few Expedition Medics. All career aspirations aside, he also plans to sail around the world and "touch the stars."
Favorite Course Moment: There are two. One was Alex's first kayak trip down the world-famous Río Pacuare on red level. The second was seeing the Lopez family's faces upon arrival to Piedras Blancas, which is when he realized what a special place he had entered.
Quote: "The only limitation is your imagination." -Albert Einstein
Click to read about past profiled Leaders:
Leadership Alum #1, Sean Marr
Leadership Alum #2, Amy Nicolson
Leadership Alum #3, Heidi Ruckriegle
Leadership Alum #4, Donna White
Leadership Alum #5, Joe Ewing
Leadership Alum #6, Alex Cook
The Costa Rica Outward Bound Leadership Semester is meant to prepare students in such a way that they can use the skills they develop to use in a career and/or any leadership role. This 60-day experience consists of: earning nine internationally-recognized certifications and 12 school credits; learning how to surf, kayak, raft, rappel, camp, and scuba dive; and facing the challenges and responsibilities involved with any Outward Bound course.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Leadership Series: Part 6 of 7
What do they do with all of those skills?
This "Leadership Series" has almost completed answering this question for seven Leadership alumni as we anticipate the coming of our next Leadership Semester course students arriving this week on April 1st. This week we profiled Alex, the sixth of our seven profiled leaders.
Leadership Alumn #6: Alex Cook
Leadership Course: Spring 2009
Hometown: Roxboro, NC - "The middle of nowhere."
Currently: Alex has been working for Costa Rica Outward Bound off and on since he completed his course a year ago. His primary skill is surfing, but he has also been instructing multi-element phases of courses from time to time. During the high season (June to September) he will be the Surf Technician at our Manuel Antonio base. In the meantime, however, he is exploring new Costa Rican beaches and hopefully competing in the next surf competition!
Reasons Enrolled: Alex is quite familiar with Costa Rica Outward Bound. In 2008, he participated as a student in the 15-day Surf Intensive course. It was then when he fell in love with this place, causing him to look for another longer course. Therefore returned the following year "to complete the Leadership semester in hopes for another amazing experience."
Future Aspirations: "Go to college and explore the islands of Indonesia for perfect waves!"
Favorite Course Moment: "Seeing the excitement in a student after surfing their very first wave."
Quote: "I learned that we can do anything, but we can't do everything... at least not at the same time. So think of your priorities not in terms of what activities you do, but when you do them. Timing is everything." -Dan Millman
Click to read about past profiled Leaders:
Leadership Alum #1, Sean Marr
Leadership Alum #2, Amy Nicolson
Leadership Alum #3, Heidi Ruckriegle
Leadership Alum #4, Donna White
Leadership Alum #5, Joe Ewing
The Costa Rica Outward Bound Leadership Semester is meant to prepare students in such a way that they can use the skills they develop to use in a career and/or any leadership role. This 60-day experience consists of: earning nine internationally-recognized certifications and 12 school credits; learning how to surf, kayak, raft, rappel, camp, and scuba dive; and facing the challenges and responsibilities involved with any Outward Bound course.
This "Leadership Series" has almost completed answering this question for seven Leadership alumni as we anticipate the coming of our next Leadership Semester course students arriving this week on April 1st. This week we profiled Alex, the sixth of our seven profiled leaders.
Leadership Alumn #6: Alex Cook
Leadership Course: Spring 2009
Hometown: Roxboro, NC - "The middle of nowhere."
Currently: Alex has been working for Costa Rica Outward Bound off and on since he completed his course a year ago. His primary skill is surfing, but he has also been instructing multi-element phases of courses from time to time. During the high season (June to September) he will be the Surf Technician at our Manuel Antonio base. In the meantime, however, he is exploring new Costa Rican beaches and hopefully competing in the next surf competition!
Reasons Enrolled: Alex is quite familiar with Costa Rica Outward Bound. In 2008, he participated as a student in the 15-day Surf Intensive course. It was then when he fell in love with this place, causing him to look for another longer course. Therefore returned the following year "to complete the Leadership semester in hopes for another amazing experience."
Future Aspirations: "Go to college and explore the islands of Indonesia for perfect waves!"
Favorite Course Moment: "Seeing the excitement in a student after surfing their very first wave."
Quote: "I learned that we can do anything, but we can't do everything... at least not at the same time. So think of your priorities not in terms of what activities you do, but when you do them. Timing is everything." -Dan Millman
Click to read about past profiled Leaders:
Leadership Alum #1, Sean Marr
Leadership Alum #2, Amy Nicolson
Leadership Alum #3, Heidi Ruckriegle
Leadership Alum #4, Donna White
Leadership Alum #5, Joe Ewing
The Costa Rica Outward Bound Leadership Semester is meant to prepare students in such a way that they can use the skills they develop to use in a career and/or any leadership role. This 60-day experience consists of: earning nine internationally-recognized certifications and 12 school credits; learning how to surf, kayak, raft, rappel, camp, and scuba dive; and facing the challenges and responsibilities involved with any Outward Bound course.
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