We are offering a second 72-hour certification course this year for guides, tour operators, lodge owners and others interested in learning more about and getting trained in backcountry first aid and first response.  This Wilderness First Responder (WFR) curriculum is the standard wilderness medicine class for many outdoor organizations’ supervisors. The course addresses injury and illness prevention, patient assessment, long-term injury management, improvised splint and litter construction and environmental emergencies. Approximately half of the course is classroom lecture and half practical scenarios. Students also receive American Heart Association CPR for the Professional Rescuer certification.  This course is a unique opportunity for students to receive outstanding wilderness medicine training in a spectacular setting. Aerie’s courses are dynamic and challenging, preparing students for travel and work in remote, outdoor settings. This WFR is ideal for individuals or outdoor leaders traveling and/or working in Central America and/or the Tropics.  There will be one free day scheduled in the middle of the course so students can rest and enjoy the incredible surroundings.



Instructors
Aerie instructors present at national and regional conferences, including the Wilderness Risk Management Conference, the International Conference on Outdoor Recreation and Education, the Spring Fever Trauma Conference and the US Forest Service Incident Medical Specialist program.



Language
This course will be offered in English.  If we have enough interest from Spanish-speaking students, we will translate the course to Spanish.

Arrival
Students should plan on arriving to the Ranch no later than 8 a.m. on the morning of the first day of the class (June 8).  We encourage students to arrive the night before (this night is included in the cost of the class).

Cost
Foreigners $925; Ex-pats living in Central America $850; Costa Ricans $750.  A $250 deposit will secure your spot in the course.

About Aerie


Aerie provides outstanding training on a local, national and international level. Their courses, from Wilderness First Aid through Wilderness EMT, are taught to employees and members of the Student Conservation Association (SCA), NOLS, Outward Bound, the US National Park Service, the US Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management, the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, the Missoula Backcountry Horsemen Association, and others. Aerie provides training for the US Forest Service Smokejumper’s EMTs and the USFS Wildlands Firefighting program.

Cancellation Policy


We receive the right to cancel the course due to inadequate enrollment and circumstances beyond our control. In the event of cancellation, all payments, including deposits, will be refunded.

For more information about the accommodations, course and course site, please contact Tim O’Hara at Rancho Mastatal.

Register Here.
For more information…

The Society / True Nature Costa Rica Service and Adventure Program

June 11 – 18

SPACE IS LIMITED! REGISTER TODAY!
Pay $250 Deposit to Hold Your Spot. (Scroll down to Register Now)
     
*NOTE: We have recently changed our registration process.
SCROLL DOWN TO THE REGISTRATION SECTION BELOW TO REGISTER     

For Any Questions Regarding Registration Please Email: Info@TrueNatureEducation.com
True Nature Education is partnering with The National Society of Leadership and Success to offer this service-based travel opportunity to Costa Rica. Both organizations share similar values as the Society’s shared values includes, “for the good of the community,” and at the core of True Nature’s values is an emphasis on community service.

You are invited to participate in this exciting and unique service and travel opportunity in Costa Rica. Experience the rich culture of this incredible country while doing work to support the people, communities, and preservation of the land and native environment. You will have an unforgettable experience, full of outdoor adventures, connections with local people, and mission outreach work. In a time where our world is becoming more and more of a global community, come be a part of the bridge of support, by taking part in this international service and adventure trip.

During the program you will participate in several service projects* including potential projects such as: planting trees, working at the local school, renovation/construction of a local building (ie. school, community, center, church), caring for endangered monkeys, cleaning the beach, and sharing our individual gifts – art, music, dance and sports — with the local villagers. You will lodge at eco-hotels and lodges. Our programs will take place in two different sites in 2015. Site #1 will be next to Manuel Antonio National Park and Site #2 will be located near village San Rafael, close to the Arenal Volcano.

These service projects may include work in:
~A Monkey Sanctuary
~Reforestation
~Local school building
~Building of a local library
~Village Community Building
~An Area that you can share your gifts! Just let us know.
Activities can include:
~Snorkel/Dolphin Tour
~Rainforest Hike
~Parasailing
~Surfing
~Kayaking
~Horseback-Riding
~Ziplining
~Waterfall Expedition

WATCH A NEW SHORT VIDEO ON THE TRUE NATURE /SOCIETY COSTA RICA SERVICE AND ADVENTURE PROGRAM

For more information contact: Info@TrueNatureEducation.com
Accommodations

True Nature Education has searched long and hard throughout Costa Rica to find unique, ecologically friendly, and inspiring accommodations for our guests to stay in. All of the accommodations are clean, comfortable and close to nature. Lodging includes electricity, hot water, internet, phone, comfortable beds and linens, and an environment which allows you to rest peacefully after a long day of activities. Most accommodations for large groups are shared. Private rooms are occasionally available for an extra fee on a first-come first serve basis.
Testimonials from Past True Nature/Society Trips
I believe coming on this trip took me out of my comfort zone, no actually, it expanded my comfort zone. I feel I am a changed person now and that I am able to to see and experience the beauty of planet Earth. I will take the memories or Costa Rica with me as I keep on with my journey of life.
-Kathryn Hima, Stratford, Connecticut

I am forever grateful and forever changed. I truly found myself here…who I want to be. I am happy, content, and a completely new person. Thank you so much True Nature and the Society! I could have never felt this way without you and for that I am forever indebted.
-Charlotte, Dabrowski Middletown, Connecticut

There is no words to describe how beautiful everything is. Costa Rica takes my breath away. I was surrounded by life, felt closer to the Earth than I have ever felt before. More than that True Nature and everyone has been so supportive. I have never felt to unselfconscious.
-Allison Waters, San Antonio, Texas

Life is a journey, every pebble on this Earth has its place. Sometimes those pebbles create a stepping stone-something with time , concrete, and strength. This experience was another stepping stone to my life-my personal journey, and I am grateful.
-Nola Heller, Plover WI
Payment and Online Registration
Tuition: $1595.00*
(Society Members SAVE $350 off the Regular price of $1945!!)
Tuition includes accommodations, food, ground transportation,
activities, and service projects. *Airfare is not included.

Register early as these programs fill quickly to fill quickly! A $250 deposit will get your name on the big
“I Want To Go To Costa Rica” list and officially reserve your spot. It will be deducted from the total amount of the trip cost.
*The trip has a minimum of 10 people and a maximum of 25 people
*** A $35.00 Service Processing Fee will be added to the tuition.

In order to pay and register use the drop-down menu below to choose the trip you would like to attend, then click the register now icon below. Once payment is processed you will a confirmation email followed by further information and a link to the online registration page.

December 12-19, 2015
June 11-18, 2016
July 30-August 6, 2016
December 10-17, 2016

Payment Options

Hold My Space Deposit for December, 2015 $250.00 USD
Hold My Space Deposit for June, 2016 $250.00 USD
Hold My Space Deposit for July, 2016 $250.00 USD
Hold My Space Deposit for Dec, 2016 $250.00 USD

Participant’s Name

Participant’s Primary Email

If you have any questions please email: Info@TrueNatureEducation.com
Cancellation

tInitial deposits are non-refundable
t50% of payments are refundable upto 90 days before program excluding initial deposit
t89 days prior to a program, tuition is non-refundable
tFull tuition is refunded if the trip is canceled due to low enrollment

Half Tuition is Due 90 Days Prior to the Trip
Full Tuition is Due 45 Days Prior to the Trip

**AIRFARE IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE TUITION PRICE
Alumni and Non-Society Members
Society Alumni and Non-Society Members are also welcome on the trip. If you or someone you know would like to join us please let us know.
Non-members will have to pay the full tuition price and also agree to the True Nature / Code of Conduct for the trip. Alumni are eligible for the discount.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
We understand that many questions come up when visiting a place you have never been. What do I bring? What is the weather like? We have created Participant Packages that will clarify these type of questions and more Once you have registered, we will send you these materials. In addition, on our website we have a comprehensive FAQ section, that also gives detailed answers to common questions. If you have other questions, you can always write us at info@truenatureeducation.comso we can support you.
Getting There
All international flights will arrive at San Jose International Airport (SJO). True Nature Education has a Group Travel Agent that will be happy to help you book your flights. Just ask us if this interests you. Some of our retreats also have a Group Flight Option so you can travel with your fellow retreatants. From the airport we will organize one group transport for all retreat participants. Before booking tickets please contact us to discuss flight arrival and departure windows for your retreat and to be sure group minimums have been reached.
True Nature Education
True Nature is an Educational Travel Company which provides full service in the planning, support, and guiding of a diverse catalog of trips to Costa Rica each year. We believe in the power of experiential travel abroad and the multitude of affects it has on ones growth. We have hosted thousands of participants and have been honored to share in the life-changing experiences of our guests. It is True Nature’s goal to strive to meet the needs of our guests and to be of support from the time you first contact us, to the time you land in Costa Rica, and until you return home from your journey.
Sample Itinerary* 

Saturday
Arrival Day
Stay at Hotel Near Airport
Welcome Dinner
Sunday

Orientation
Transfer to Manuel Antonio and Hotel Karahe
Sunset Group Circle
Monday
Transport to BBI Monkey Sanctuary
Service Project #1
Lunch
Service Project #2
Evening Circle

Tuesday
Service Project #3
Beach Restoration
Beach Activities 10am
Lunch 12pm
1pm National Park Tour
Dinner
Wednesday
Dolphin/Snorkel Boat Tour
Lunch
Depart for Luna Nueva Eco-Lodge
Arrive
Orientation
Dinner
Thursday
8:30am Transport to San Rafael for Service Project #4
Lunch in the Village
Free Time
Afternoon Biodynamic Farm Tour
Dinner
Rest (Optional Night Hike)

Friday
Breakfast
Service Project #5: Local School Exchange
Zip Line / Horseback
Lunch
Waterfall Hike
Dinner
Closing Circle
Saturday
Wake-Up
Transport to Airport
Depart for Airport…Adios…

*Schedule Subject to Change

+ GOOGLE CALENDAR

“If you value your human existence and think is worth telling, if you think your life has something epic, this retreat is to strengthen your urge to create a life full of adventure, full of dreams to realize, full of positive emotions that move your spirit towards what your heart desires!

We believe in you and in the realization of your dreams so we invite you to create an experience together where we can strengthen in community and continue visualizing ourselves in a constructive and positive way”

Includes:
Transportation
2 nights lodging
3 meals a day
Pipa and daily smoothie,
4 Yoga classes
Yoga Natyam (Energetic Activation Exercices)
Meditations
Access to Nauyaca waterfalls and Baru river

Cost: 
$ 300 before May 24
$ 350 after May 24
** Reserve with 50% ($ 150)**

Renew and Rebalance in Costa Rica—Re-Turn to Yourself with Lisa Feder & Dana Baruch

June 25 – July 2

Playa Uvita, Costa Rica

Weeklong Costa Rica Women’s Retreat for the Mind, Body, and Spirit

Join yoga/wellness teacher Lisa Feder, and life coach/educator Dana Baruch for a week dedicated to YOU! Take a retreat from your everyday life and come together in magnificent Costa Rica, where you will have the opportunity to explore and empower yourself and your life–mind, body, spirit—through yoga, meditation, coaching, creating, journaling, and service to others. There will be group activities, and plenty of free time; time to come together, and time to be within; time to move and create, and time to rest and replenish; time to treat yourself; and time to serve others.   This retreat is all about coming back to yourself, re-harmonizing (what better place than in the natural splendor of Costa Rica?!), and connecting with and rekindling your authentic, natural spirit. And we promise lots of laughter and fun!

Throughout the week, participants will have both group and individual access to yoga instruction and life coaching. All levels of yoga experience are welcome, even if you’ve never heard of, seen, or done a down dog!   And you don’t need to have big ugly issues to reap benefits from the wisdom of coaching.   We will be well cared for by the True Nature Staff at the breathtaking La Cusinga lodge facilities. For sure, what happens in Costa Rica stays in Costa Rica, but this retreat is also designed to help you plant seeds for intentional and positive change when you re-enter your life back home. Looking forward to seeing you in Costa Rica in June, 2016!
This Eco-Lodge and Retreat Center in Uvita, Co
sta Rica is hidden in the hilltops overlooking the pristine beaches of Costa Rica’s still-virgin South Pacific, where the ocean crashes into the jungle. Tucked away in a private reserve of over 600 acres, this rainforest lodge provides guests with sweeping ocean views, sandy beaches, natural pools, and the chance to experience the burgeoning forests and astonishing wildlife of the country’s most famous ecosystem.

Retreat Includes:

t7 Nights Accommodation (1st night in hotel near airport, 6 nights in Uvita)
t3 Whole Foods Meals a Day
tTransport to/from the Airport to La Cusinga
tPersonal Retreat Time
tDaily Yoga Practices
tMeditation
tCoaching
tOpportunities for creative expression
tAnd More…

Instructors
Lisa Feder

Lisa Feder is a full-time Yoga instructor and wellness consultant living in Austin, Texas.  She has had a passion for all things wellness for as long as she can remember.  While working for over 20 years in the corporate world as a strategic marketing specialist, she began teaching fitness classes in her free time.  This led her to explore Yoga, and she fell in love with the way it made her and her students feel— physically, emotionally and energetically. After teaching part-time for many years, she took the leap and started Being Well Yoga, where she brings Yoga on-site to companies to help employees learn how to live healthier, more balanced lives.   She also teaches in studios, schools, senior centers, parks and private homes.  Her approach is balanced, and she likes to bring humor, challenge and deep relaxation into her practices.  Lisa is especially interested in helping students find a Yoga practice that really works for them, and she believes that Yoga can provide more ease and comfort to all.  She has seen the effects of a healthy lifestyle on her family as well and wants to share. As a wellness coach, Lisa loves helping people explore how to incorporate healthy habits into their daily lives in a fun and sustainable way.  One of her programs, a week of Being Well, is an inclusive and integrated approach to mindfulness in eating, working, exercising, meditating, media usage and sleeping.  Her favorite thing is hearing about the positive change her participants make for themselves.  Another workshop, “A Sigh of Relief”, teaches how Yoga practices can be used during the day to manage stress before it becomes chronic. Lisa, RYT-500, E-RYT-200 incorporates many Yoga traditions into her practices.  She has certifications in Hatha, Hatha Flow, Kundalini, and I-rest Yoga Nidra.  She has had the opportunity to study with Donna Farhi, Sean Corne, Sarah Powers, Anodea Judith, Beth Shaw, Amy Weintraub and Richard Miller.  All of these wonderful teachers have shared wisdom that informs her teaching, and she is grateful to them all. Lisa received a BSBA in Spanish and MBA from Washington University in St. Louis.  She is fluent in Spanish, having fallen in love with the language during her junior year studying in Bogota, Colombia.  She has served as President of the Board of Community Yoga, an organization that brings Yoga to underserved communities.  She is also active with the Interfaith Hospitality Network, providing resources, housing and meals to homeless families. She lives in Austin with her husband and has two active offspring–a daughter completing high school and a son in college.  She looks forward to the day that her family members adopt a regular mindfulness practice.  For now, they  just attend her Sunday morning class on Mother’s Day! For more information about Lisa, please visit her website at
www.beingwellyoga.com

Dana Baruch
Dana Baruch is a certified life-coach, educator of 30+ years, organizational consultant, and community builder.  Her first job was as a teaching assistant when she was in the 5th grade (ask her about it…it’s a great story!), and she has been teaching in one fashion or another since then.  She has had the pleasure of working with people in every stage of life from infants to seniors.  One of her guiding beliefs is:  SHIFT happens!  She loves to help people and organizations set goals, get clear about their challenges, and feel motivated to make healthy and powerful changes.   Dana is also a student of mindfulness and weaves together these teachings and philosophies, among others, into her coaching and consulting work with individuals and groups.   She’s a highly skilled facilitator and expert in human and group dynamics.  Dana offers her work always with a sense of humor, compassion, authenticity, creating a safe, warm, inviting environment. Dana specializes in coaching women in periods of transition (empty nest, divorce, retirement, entering or re-entering the workplace, dealing with illness, new relationships, etc.).  She also works with men and women seeking coaching for specific issues (time management, getting organized, relationship coaching, parenting, etc.).  She is grateful to be able to do her work from wherever she is by phone and Skype, as she has clients across the US, Canada and Europe. Dana is also a community leader. She is the Founder of the Austin Jewish Academy, co-creator and educational consultant for JLead (Austin-based leadership development program), long-time board member past board Chair of Shalom Austin, founding board member of Challah for Hunger, ADL Words to Action coach/trainer, UT Schusterman Center for Jewish Studies Advisory Council member, and mentor to many.  Dana has a Master of Education degree from Tufts University, BA in Psychology from the University of Michigan and is a certified life-coach from The Life Coach School in California.  She has been married for 30+ years and is the proud mom of two mostly launched young-adult sons.     For more about Dana, visit her website at www.danabaruch.com
Accommodations

Comfortable Bed & Breakfast Style (Eco-Friendly) accommodations situated amidst acres of lush gardens, hiking trails and a secluded jungle trail leading to Playa Uvita, a beautiful beach (a 15 minute walk). The atmosphere of the retreat center is simple, healthy and relaxed. Rooms are single (inquire if interested) or double occupancy or 2 larger group rooms are available. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are prepared daily and include healthy vegetarian options along with fish and/or chicken. The food is organic when available, and prepared with nourishing ingredients. Single Occupancy Rooms Beautiful private bungalow style accommodations all with huge ocean views, where you can see Ballena Marine National Park, the Rainforest and much more. Limited singles available for an extra fee.  Please register for a single room, and if spaces are full, register for a double accommodations and  contact us to be placed on a waiting list. We will do our best to accommodate you. Double Occupancy Rooms

Beautiful private bungalow style accommodations all with huge ocean views, where you can see Ballena Marine National Park, the Rainforest and much more. All of the rooms are made from reforested wood from our trees planted on the same land 20 years ago. Local craftsmanship with wood, stone, shell, and sand is unique. Group Rooms The group rooms offers two big rooms equipped with comfortable bunk beds. These rooms have the best ocean view, because they are located in the upper side of the lodge, also have private bathrooms and have a beautiful breeze during day and night.
Activities
While on your retreat you will also have the opportunity to take part in adventure activities and wonderful excursions. Some of the possible options include:

tZip-lining
tHorseback Riding
tSurfing
tWaterfall Tour
tKayaking
tFishing Trip
tRiver Wildlife Tour

*Price of Activities are not included in Tuition

Payment and Online Registration

tTo register  – go to our  Online Registration Platform *.
tAt the checkout you will have the option to choose your payment method. The minimum deposit you can make is the $300 which will “Hold Your Spot” and Lock in Your Price for your retreat.  There is a $35 Service and Administration fee that will be added to the tuition rate.
tFor future tuition payments please use the same Online Registration Platform
t* For Online Registration Technical Issues please call Reg Online support at 1.888.351.9948 Ext. 1

* Our on-line system does not accept checks, but if you need an alternative payment arrangements,contact us.

$2395 Single Room SOLD OUT  CLICK HERE TO BE PUT ON WAIT LIST
$1995 Double Room – SOLD OUT CLICK HERE TO BE PUT ON WAIT LIST
$1595 Group Room SOLD OUT CLICK HERE TO BE PUT ON WAIT LIST
 Cancellation

tInitial deposits are non-refundable
t50% of payments are refundable upto 90 days before program excluding initial deposit
t89 days prior to a program, tuition is non-refundable
tFull tuition is refunded if the trip is canceled due to low enrollment

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
We understand that many questions come up when visiting a place you have never been. What do I bring? What is the weather like?  We have created Participant Packages that will clarify these type of questions and more   Once you have registered, we will send you these materials.  In addition, on our website we have a comprehensive FAQ section,  that also gives detailed answers to common questions.  If you have other questions, you can always write us at info@truenatureeducation.com so we can support you.
Getting There
All international flights will arrive at San Jose International Airport (SJO). True Nature Education has a Group Travel Agent that will be happy to help you book your flights.  Just ask us if this interests you.   Some of our retreats also have a Group Flight Option so you can travel with your fellow retreatants.  The first night you will be staying at a hotel near the airport and the following morning you will travel to Uvita in a group shuttle. A group shuttle to and from the retreat center is included in the tuition. Once you are registered you will be receiving information about appropriate flight times.  Before booking your flight, be sure your retreat has been officially confirmed.
True Nature Education
True Nature is an Educational Travel Company which provides full service in the planning, support, and guiding of a diverse catalog of trips to Costa Rica each year. We believe in the power of experiential travel abroad and the multitude of affects it has on ones growth. We have hosted thousands of participants and have been honored to share in the life-changing experiences of our guests. It is True Nature’s goal to strive to meet the needs of our guests and to be of support from the time you first contact us, to the time you land in Costa Rica, and until you return home from your journey.

If this retreat isn’t up your alley, take a look at the variety of other retreats coming up around the globe!  There’s a retreat with your name on it!