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Established in Montreal in 1982.
Immerse yourself in the community and authentic culture of a small rainforest town in Costa Rica as you plan and run a day camp for local children in Arenal. This Costa Rica Community Service trip for teens focuses on opportunities to develop and execute your leadership skills while working with children in a formalized role. As a counselor-in-training on this Costa Rica student trip, you will act as both a camp counselor and activity specialist. You will also explore more of Costa Rica, zip-lining high above the forest canopy, whitewater rafting, surfing the Pacific, relaxing in natural hot springs and much more! An experience with purpose, connection, fun and adventure; it’s the very definition of ‘La Pura Vida”!
Take on various leadership roles running a children’s camp.
Learn to surf with professional instructors.
Create warm relationships with local children.
Enjoy a thrilling whitewater rafting adventure.
Develop skill sets as both a counselor and activity specialist.
Zip-line and hike through the Monteverde Cloud Forest.
Relax in thermal hot springs in the Arenal Volcano area.
Enjoy the refreshing waters of Playa Samara beach.
Our group will be responsible for organizing all aspects of the daily logistics and activities for a 6-day camp and will take on various leadership roles as planners, counselors and activity specialists. We will plan various activities and games like sports, drama and arts & crafts. There will be about 15-20 children, ages 9-12 years old, coming to camp each day.
Together, our group and the children will share new experiences and learn about each other’s cultures. Everyone will get to practice another language whether it’s Spanish or English. Through the magic of camp, everyone will build special bonds and develop lasting memories!
About Children’s Camp
The Children’s Camp partners with local rural communities and sometimes lower economic schools. They send children who typically wouldn't have access to these types of experiences. Needless to say, the children bring so much energy and enthusiasm to the camp, and everyone is greatly impacted by this experience.
The perfect balance of meaningful service projects, cultural immersion and unforgettable adventures.
This program requires an open mind towards a different culture, new foods and new surroundings.
A letter of completion detailing the program's service hours and projects will be issued after the program.
Your service hours are eligible toward the President's Volunteer Service Award.
A professional guide accompanies the group to assist, educate and immerse the students into the local culture.
Hotels & Lodge.
Includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily.
Includes all recreation & activities listed.
Chartered, air conditioned motor coach with a professional driver.
Up to 24 participants.
We can accommodate most dietary preferences and allergies.
What if I need to contact my teen during the program?
Participants may bring their cell phones so parents may call and message their kids directly. You may also contact our Communication Centers which serve as the official link between programs on the road and parents. We are staffed every day during the summer and have somebody on call for after hours emergencies ready to assist you 24/7.
Who are the staff and what are their qualifications?
Our staff are educators, guidance counselors, coaches, college and university students, former camp counselors, residence life coordinators, community volunteers, world travelers, and other leaders with diverse backgrounds. Many are former participants themselves who couldn’t get enough of the Westcoast experience! Learn more about our summer leaders.
How are roommates assigned?
Giving everyone a chance to make new friends creates a cohesive group and the warmest and most welcoming social environments in our industry!
On our Active Teen Tours, Global Adventures and Community Service programs, rooming rotation is as follows:
To promote this we’ve found the best system is for the Program Director to assign the rooms for the first and second stops. For the first stop, independent travelers room with other independent travelers and any friends who enrolled can room together. All participants will be assigned a different roommate for the second stop. After the first two stops, choice of roommates is always up to you!
On our Pre-College Enrichment programs & Career Experiences, rooming is as follows:
We assign independent travelers with another independent traveler for the duration of your stay. Any friends who enrolled together can room together.
Important notes: