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Costa Rica: Children’s Camp Leadership 17 Days
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 Monteverde. 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. Outside of camp, explore the gifts of Monteverde, home to the cloud forest, one of the rarest habitats on Earth. 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”!
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 comfortable hotels.
A certificate of completion detailing the program's service hours and projects will be issued after the trip.
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.
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 20-30 children, ages 6-12 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 Ecopaz Park
EcoPaz Park is a non-profit recreational space located in the rainforest town of Monteverde. The children of Monteverde and the surrounding villages do not have many opportunities and shared-spaces to participate in fun, organized activities. EcoPaz Park was built in hopes of creating a shared space for the children of Monteverde and the surrounding communities to come together. Our camp was created in partnership with EcoPaz Park to provide engaging programming for these children.
Our groups have aided in reforestation and rainforest rejuvenation by planting trees and plants native to Costa Rica. Under the supervision of a local guide, our students learn how to protect growing plants from invasive species at this local co-op. Students also enjoy learning about coffee plants' care and growth.
About the Life Monteverde Co-op
Life Monteverde is a co-operative in Monteverde, Costa Rica, with a strong background in agriculture and nature conservation. Their mission is to produce, protect, and educate to help perpetuate a sustainable life on Earth.
Enjoy a thrilling whitewater rafting adventure! Taste famous and delicious Costa Rican coffee while learning how it’s grown by the comic troupe at Café Britt.
Relax in thermal hot springs and experience a thrilling zip-line adventure over the forests in Arenal.
The Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is home to unique wildlife. Discover some of these species as we hike through the lush forest. Challenge the locals to a game of soccer!
Get set for surf lessons at Tamarindo Beach, you’ll be on the board in no time! Relax on the beach and kick back in the evening by a bonfire on the beach.
Central Valley, Costa Rica
Our groups will be staying at a few carefully selected hotels in the Central Valley. Properties include Hotel Autentico, Hotel Bristol Aeropuerto, Hotel Adventure Inn, La Rosa de America and Hotel Aeropuerto. Amenities at all hotels include air conditioning, internet access and a swimming pool to enjoy.
Monteverde Cloud Forest, Costa Rica
While staying in Monteverde at either Hotel Poco a Poco, the Monteverde Country Lodge, Hotel Fonda Vela or Monteverde Rustic Lodge enjoy incredible views of the Cloud Forest. All rooms have Wi-Fi.
Arenal Volcano, Costa Rica
Your group will stay at one of the following hotels near Arenal volcano: Hotel San Bosco, Hotel Montechiari, Lavas Tacotal, or Lavas del Arenal. All of the hotels offer great views of Arenal Volcano. Rooms are air-conditioned, Wi-Fi enabled and have refreshing swimming pools.
Flamingo Beach, Costa Rica
Our group will be staying at one of the following carefully selected hotels near Flamingo Beach: Hotel Casas del Toro Hacienda, Hotel Cabinas Isolinas or Seis Playas Hotel. Amenities at all hotels include air conditioning, internet access and a swimming pool to enjoy.
Flight to San Jose, Costa Rica
Participants on this program have the option of joining us on a chaperoned flight to San Jose. The chaperoned flight will be from either a NY/NJ area airport and/or South Florida, determined in the spring. Our staff will be with you from the time you check in onward. For our many travelers from outside these areas, you can choose to join the chaperoned flight and we are happy to assist you with arranging connecting flights at suitable times. If you prefer, you may meet us in San Jose and we will help you coordinate your flight and greet you as you come through immigration and customs.
Return Flight Home from Liberia
For your return from Liberia, we offer a chaperoned flight back to the USA. You may choose to join that flight and arrange transfers (if required) at suitable times after the group has cleared customs and immigration in the USA; or you may fly from Liberia to your home city and our leaders help you to check-in and remain in the airport until flights in designated times have departed.
Where We Stay
We carefully select clean and comfortable accommodations with the needs of our students in mind. While our volunteer programs do not stay at luxury resorts, we do know that a good night’s rest, in your own bed, is key to performing your service hours well and having enough energy to enjoy the day’s activities. For this reason, and also to maintain the close group bond and to uphold the quality of this program, we do not offer any homestays.
Meals & New Cuisines
Eating well while away from home is an important part of a summer’s success. Part of your travel experience will be immersing yourself in the local cuisine and culture, so please bring with you an open mind and a willingness to try new things. For example, Costa Rican traditional cuisine offers plenty of rice, beans, meat dishes and tons of fresh fruit, but don’t worry, they also have North American style options on the menu.
We have satisfied the choosiest of eaters and gladly accommodate most special dietary requests including vegetarian, anaphylactic food allergies, lactose intolerance, celiac disease, and kosher style. We welcome discussing your individual requirements with you and have extensive experience in this area.
Drinking Water
It’s generally okay to drink tap water in Costa Rica, except for a few select areas. As a precaution, we will provide purified drinking water in large containers so that travelers can fill up their reusable water bottles as needed.
Vaccinations
We recommend you follow the advice of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), and consult with your physician for current immunizations and medication required for travelers to Costa Rica. These recommendations may change from time to time. We will send you detailed information in March (or upon enrollment if later) regarding the current recommendations for this itinerary.
Laundry
You will only need one week’s worth of clothing as outlined in the packing list that will be sent to you prior to departure. Every week you will drop off your laundry at a local wash and fold service and then pick it up clean, folded and ready to go.
What’s Included
Included in your program tuition is all lodging, breakfast, lunch and dinner daily, recreation & entertainment listed, airport transfers in designated times, gratuities & taxes.
Not included is transportation to and from the program and personal spending money for snacks, souvenirs, and laundry. We also make available optional travel insurance that is not included, but highly recommended.
Please contact us with any questions. We are happy to hear from you!
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