Pure Life recently hosted its inaugural alumni retreat, giving nine alumni a unique opportunity to return to the Costa Rican campus for a week-long visit to reconnect with the activities and concepts they learned in outdoor adventure therapy.
The retreat group included a range of Pure Life graduates—from a student who graduated six years ago to adolescents who finished in 2023—creating a fantastic group dynamic and experience.
"What an amazing experience it was to spend time with Pure Life alumni and see how they've grown and progressed since their time in the program," says Kjrstin Walters, Pure Life Parent Support Therapist. "Their insights, gratitude, excitement, and overall stoke for life were so fun to experience and witness. I wish everyone working in mental health programs could have an opportunity like this."
The 2023 Pure Life Alumni Retreat included some of the cornerstone activities students participate in such as backpacking, yoga, surfing, rafting, meditation, group therapy, and cooking. Some of the alumni were initially nervous about tackling these activities and worried about how they would fare physically and emotionally with the variety of outdoor activities. By the end of the week, all of them were proud of themselves and what they’d accomplished.
One element that surprised the alumni was how much flexibility, freedom, and relaxation the retreat offered. Because this was a time to revisit outdoor adventure therapy concepts and activities, alumni were able to enjoy a bit more rest and relaxation in the itinerary than when they were learning these practices and benefiting from the scheduled and consistent nature of the therapeutic programming during their first stay in Costa Rica.
The alumni loved comparing their experience to when they first attended Pure Life Adventure and how much things have positively changed for them. The Pure Life team was delighted by the appreciation and gratitude that alumni shared during the retreat.
About Pure Life Adventure
Pure Life Adventure uses research-based techniques with integrated therapeutic models throughout its adventure therapy program. Based in Costa Rica, Pure Life’s adventure therapy program works with struggling adolescents and young adults to build self-efficacy and teach healthy coping strategies, behavioral and emotional regulation, leadership skills, and life skills that will allow participants to become independent, productive, and successful adults. For more information about Pure Life’s adventure therapy model and admission process, please visit http://www.purelifeadventure.com