Meghan Parmer Photo contributed
Meghan Parmer, a 15–year-old Girl Scout from Vienna and member of the Girl Scouts of the Nation’s Capital Council, completed Outward Bound Costa Rica’s Sea Turtle Retreat Destination. On this 10-day course, she volunteered in Costa Rica in conservation efforts to protect endangered sea turtles and pushed her limits with unique adventure activities in the outdoors.
“I enjoyed seeing baby sea turtles and the arribada the most,” said Meghan. “Watching baby sea turtles going into the water after saving them from vultures [is my best memory].”
On the shores of Playa Ostional, a beach on Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast in the Guanacaste Region, Meghan and her fellow Girl Scouts participated in a multi-day service project focused on protecting the sea turtle population.
Ostional is one of the world’s most important nesting sites for Olive Ridley Sea Turtles. During their time in the area the group got the rare opportunity to witness an arribada, the mass nesting of hundreds of sea turtles as they lay their eggs.
Meghan and her group also gave back to the local community by painting a community center. The group learned about Costa Rican culture first hand while practicing their Spanish and playing soccer with children and families in the region.
After returning to Outward Bound’s rainforest base in Costa Rica, the group stepped out of their comfort zone on a rainforest hike and toured nearby volcano Irazu and historic sites in Cartago. To finish up their adventure, the group ziplined through jungle canopies and visited the vibrant artisan market of San Jose.
“Outward Bound Costa Rica’s programs, like the one Meghan participated in, create environments that allow for personal and leadership development through challenges, group effort and cross-cultural understanding,” said Jim Rowe, executive director of Outward Bound Costa Rica.
Since 2006, Outward Bound Costa Rica has been partnered with Girl Scouts of the USA to offer unique and exciting Girl Scouts Destinations trips in Costa Rica and Panama. These trips provide young girls the opportunity to see the world, meet fellow Girl Scouts from across the nation and challenge themselves through adventure in unfamiliar settings.
For more information, visit www.outwardboundcostarica.org.