Costa Rica Leadership Adventure: Empower Teens

Course Description: Costa Rica Leadership Adventure: Empower Teens

🌿 Costa Rica Volunteer Leadership Program for Teens

Immerse yourself in the heart of a small rainforest community in Costa Rica as you take on real leadership roles running a children’s day camp in Arenal. This meaningful service experience allows teens to step into counselor-in-training positions—planning activities, leading groups, and building deep connections with local children. Outside of service, enjoy Costa Rica’s legendary adventures: zip-lining above the forest canopy, whitewater rafting, surfing the Pacific, relaxing in natural hot springs, and more. It’s purpose, culture, and pura vida fun all in one unforgettable program 🌞🌴.

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🌟 Program Highlights

• Take on leadership roles running a children’s camp 🎒

• Build relationships with local kids ages 9–12

• Learn to surf with professional instructors 🏄‍♂️

• Enjoy thrilling whitewater rafting on the Pacuare River

• Develop counselor and activity-specialist skills

• Zip-line & hike through the Monteverde Cloud Forest 🌳

• Relax in natural hot springs near Arenal Volcano

• Kayak on Lake Arenal with beautiful volcano views

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🤝 Service Projects

Children’s Camp

Act as planners, counselors, and activity-specialists for a 5-day children’s camp. Responsibilities include daily logistics, games, sports, arts & crafts, drama activities, and participating in cultural exchange. Each day, 15–20 children (ages 9–12) join the camp.

Your group and the local children will learn from one another—practicing English and Spanish, sharing cultures, and forming meaningful bonds that last long after summer ends 💛.

About the Children’s Camp

This camp partners with rural communities and lower-income schools to give local children an opportunity they wouldn’t normally have. Their enthusiasm and energy make the experience deeply impactful for everyone involved.

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🗺️ Activities

Monteverde Cloud Forest

Zip-line high above the treetops and hike through the lush reserve—an unforgettable way to encounter Costa Rica’s unique wildlife.

Puerto Carrillo

Catch waves during professional surf lessons and unwind on the beach 💦.

Central Valley

Experience a thrilling whitewater rafting adventure on the Pacuare River.

Arenal Volcano

Kayak on Lake Arenal, relax in thermal hot springs, and explore La Fortuna’s charming town.

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🏨 Accommodations

Central Valley — Wyndham Garden San Jose Escazú

Air-conditioned rooms, Wi-Fi, and a swimming pool for relaxing after busy days.

Arenal — Hotel Sueño Dorado

Located near La Fortuna, featuring a pool, gardens, restaurant, and natural hot spring bath.

Monteverde — El Establo Mountain Hotel

Beautiful Cloud Forest views and full Wi-Fi access.

Puerto Carrillo — Hacienda del Mar or El Sueño Tropical Hotel

Comfortable lodge-style accommodations near the beach.

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🌈 What It’s Like

A balance of meaningful service, cultural immersion, leadership development, and unforgettable adventure 🌎✨.

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🤲 Cultural Sensitivity

An open mind toward new foods, routines, and cultural perspectives is essential.

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📜 Certificate of Completion

Includes 40 service hours, with a detailed letter describing your projects.

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👣 Local Guide

A professional guide accompanies the group throughout the program.

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🍽️ Meals

Includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily.

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🎉 Activities

All listed recreation and excursions are included.

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🚌 Transportation

Chartered, air-conditioned motor coach with a professional driver.

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👥 Group Size

Up to 24 participants.

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🥗 Dietary Options

Most dietary preferences and allergies can be accommodated.

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✈️ Program Specifics

Flight to San Jose, Costa Rica

Chaperoned flight available from South Florida (and sometimes New York). Participants from other regions may connect to the group flight or arrive independently within set parameters. Staff greet all teens upon arrival.

Return Flight From Liberia, Costa Rica

Chaperoned flight options to South Florida or New York depending on enrollment. Teens from other cities can either join the chaperoned flight or fly directly home with staff assistance at check-in.

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🏡 Where We Stay

Volunteer programs prioritize clean, comfortable, community-appropriate accommodations—not luxury resorts. Homestays are not offered to maintain group cohesion and ensure consistency in comfort and safety.

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🍛 Meals & New Cuisines

Costa Rican cuisine features rice, beans, meats, vegetables, fresh fruits, and some North-American options. Dietary needs such as vegetarian, lactose-free, gluten-free, and allergy-friendly are happily accommodated.

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💧 Drinking Water

Tap water is generally safe, but purified drinking water will always be available for bottle refills.

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💉 Vaccinations

Follow CDC recommendations and your physician’s guidance. Updated information is provided in spring (or upon enrollment).

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👕 Laundry

Weekly drop-off service at a local wash-and-fold location.

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✅ What’s Included

• All lodging

• Breakfast, lunch & dinner daily

• All listed recreation & activities

• Airport transfers (designated times)

• Gratuities & taxes

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❌ Not Included

• Transportation to/from program

• Snacks, souvenirs, laundry

• Optional travel insurance