Submitted by Helen Kidwell, Outward Bound Costa Rica
Each summer, more than 100 Girl Scouts from across the country travel to Costa Rica and Panama to participate in the Girl Scout Destinations program with Outward Bound Costa Rica.
Journey through some of the most spectacular landscapes that Central America has to offer, while building lifelong friendships along the way. From scuba diving along coral reefs in Panama to trekking through the rainforest in Costa Rica, each Girl Scout Destination course is packed with adventure.
These unforgettable trips will introduce you to exciting new challenges that will develop your leadership skills and help you discover hidden inner strengths.
“It was a crazy experience to open your eyes to look within yourself and at the world around you. Before I was stuck in my comfort zone, and now I feel stronger and braver.” —Annika, Girl Scout Alum
There are also opportunities to give back by working on impactful volunteer projects. Girl Scouts visit indigenous communities and bring much needed restoration to schools and other important community buildings. Those with a passion for conservation can help protect endangered sea turtle populations and play a key role in rainforest reforestation projects.
These service projects are also the perfect chance to develop your language skills and expand your cultural awareness.
“It was a great experience for my daughter to be involved hands-on with helping the endangered turtles to lay their eggs in safety. She also enjoyed trying new fruits and other foods, helping to refurbish the sleeping location for future participants, meeting new friends from all over the country, and becoming more aware of the world we live in and need to protect.” —Valerie, Girl Scout mom
Multiple Girl Scout Destination sessions and dates with Outward Bound Costa Rica are now available for Summer 2020!
Courses are open to current members of Girl Scouts of the USA who are between 13 and 18-years-old at the time of course.
To apply, visit the Girl Scouts Destination application page and get ready to start your once-in-a-lifetime trip to Costa Rica and Panama.
This story was submitted using the Share Your Stories form. You can share your Girl Scout moments, too.