5 de junio: Día Mundial del Ambiente

June 5th: World Environment Day (WED)

Today is an important day for Costa Rica. Because of its world-renowned biodiversity and abundance of natural resources, any special days or events related to the environment get a lot of attention here in la selva. And since WED is one of the principal vehicles through which the United Nations stimulates worldwide awareness of the environment and enhances political attention and action, Costa Rica leverages it as a day to take stock on its own environmental status. One such example are EARTH University students - here in Costa Rica - who designated today to be their "Day Without Cars". The university teaches its students how to implement agricultural techniques to make profit, but preserve and respect the environment at the same time. It's mission is to promote sustainable development and eco-sensitive agriculture in the developing world.

The United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) has a special website where friends of the environment can learn more about keeping the world healthy, clean, and sustainable. This website is helpful for learning how to help the environment in your own way, as well as learning about the current issues around the world. Today's tip is

When you must have a paper copy, make sure you default your printer option to use both sides!


Or, you can also get daily updates by following UNEP on Twitter through the user name: UNEPandYou. Check these updates to do your part in helping to respect the Earth!

Saying "Adios"

May 26th, 2009


Tri-Country boarded their planes and are currently enjoying a view of the Caribbean or Mexico from up above. Their feelings are mixed. While they are happy to see family and friends again (and to eat some food outside of rice, beans and chicken), they know they are going to miss the rainforest and the lifestyle it brought them. Regardless, they had an incredible 85 days here.

One student said yesterday:

"I am so happy to have come here... it's all I could've hoped for, and I wouldn't change it for anything."

Some of their take-aways from the experience? Appreciation for simple lifestyles. Ability and excitement to cook. Motivation to take on more responsibility. Appreciation for the outdoors. Being a better leader. SCUBA certifications. Happiness.

Rafting the Rio General

Friday, May 22, 2009

El Rio General, where the Leadership and Multi-Element students are rafting for four days in Class III-IV rapids until Sunday, is located in one of the most biodiverse areas in the world called South Puntarenas. From rare species of birds to endangered animals, a plethora of wildlife can be seen in this part of Costa Rica, which cannot be found anywhere else in Costa Rica. Much of the flora and fauna in Costa Rica are indigenous.



Rugged and isolated, South Puntarenas is an adventure lover’s haven. The terrain is wild and in many parts unexplored, giving a feeling of mystery and seclusion (especially since this area is not easily accessible by road). But this is perfect for us at CRROBS because these are the adventures to which we are addicted, right?

This part of Costa Rica is home to the breathtaking Parque Nacional Corcovado along with many beautiful remote beaches and superb wildlife. Read more about the 43-mile Rio General by clicking here.

Course Updates - May 19th

Base is active today! Two of our courses, Leadership and Tri-Country, are staying the night at our base dorms. They're pretty tired, and will probably go to bed early after eating some rice and beans for dinner in la cocina.

Every student in Leadership passed their WFR certification! In a celebratory spirit, they left base for the first time in 8 days today to hike to a waterfall near base here in San Ramon de Tres Rios. Students loved this waterfall for rappelling - it was much more intense, big and fun than the one they did in Piedras Blancas. They leave Thursday for some rafting.

Tri-Country students have lighter hair and much darker skin after many days in the sun in Manuel Antonio and Jaco. They're not stopping there with the surfing. Because of their speedy progress with the sport, the group will head out tomorrow to Playa Avellana for better surf and more practice. (View these three beach destinations above, marked by pink squares.) This is their final trip on their 85-day journey through Costa Rica and Panama.

Course Update - May 18th

After walking through base yesterday and seeing a simulated accident (complete with blood, screaming, and running), I knew the Leadership course was almost finished with their WFR certification classes. They all passed their written tests this morning, and they have the final test this afternoon: the practical. They are in teams of two, and they are given 3 different crisis scenarios to handle. But once this is all over, they can leave the "classroom" and head to the waterfall tomorrow for some rappelling!

Canyon School arrived back in the States today, and they had a fun and memorable time. To quote one student: "We (Americans) have so much stuff that we take for granted. But I realized, when I got to the homestays, that life can even be better with less technology and living life to the fullest. Pura vida!"