Costa Rica Volunteer Adventure: Empower Teens

Course Description: Costa Rica Volunteer Adventure: Empower Teens

Costa Rica Volunteer Program for Teens 🇨🇷

Travel to Costa Rica this summer for a teen community service program you won’t forget! Work alongside long-standing service partners on meaningful projects—from supporting community gardens and improving local classrooms to helping build homes. Using a service-learning framework tailored for high school students, staff guide participants through reflection, cultural understanding, and the impact of their work. When not volunteering, you’ll experience incredible adventures like surfing, canyoning, whitewater rafting, and zip-lining above the rainforest. It won’t be long before you fall in love with Costa Rica and the Pura Vida lifestyle. 🌴✨

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Program Highlights �*

• Participate in a local beautification project & help care for a community garden

• Support a community building project like constructing homes

• Explore La Paz Waterfall and a wildlife animal refuge

• Enjoy thrilling whitewater rafting

• Experience an exciting canyoning adventure in Arenal

• Learn to surf with professional instructors

• Zip-line over the canopy in Rincon de la Vieja National Park

• Cover yourself head-to-toe at the soothing mud baths

• Learn how to salsa in a Latin dance class

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Service Projects �*

Refugio Animal – Central Valley

Volunteer at this wildlife sanctuary where rescued animals are rehabilitated and released back into their natural habitat.

About Refugio Animal

Refugio Animal focuses on the protection of endangered Costa Rican wildlife, helping animals recover from both physical and psychological injuries.

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Siempre Amigos – Flamingo Beach

Support this coastal community through projects like beach preservation, painting and rebuilding homes, sprucing up local facilities, and renovating classrooms.

About Siempre Amigos

Founded in 2011, this NGO improves living conditions for low-income families in rural Guanacaste, working with both local and international volunteers.

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Somos Picnic – Central Valley

Help improve local school environments by enhancing classrooms and engaging with students through games and activities.

About Somos Picnic

Somos Picnic supports community welfare projects such as school supply delivery, meals for people experiencing homelessness, and grocery support for vulnerable families.

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Activities �*

Central Valley, Costa Rica

Explore La Paz Waterfalls Nature Park, taste delicious Costa Rican coffee at the Doka Plantation, join a Latin dance class, and wrap up your stay with an exciting whitewater rafting adventure.

Arenal Volcano, Costa Rica

Relax in thermal hot springs, visit La Fortuna, and experience an unforgettable canyoning adventure surrounded by lush rainforest.

Flamingo Beach, Costa Rica

Take professional surf lessons at Tamarindo Beach, enjoy beautiful sunsets, and relax around an evening beach bonfire. 🏄‍♂️🔥

Rincon de la Vieja, Costa Rica

Hike to a refreshing waterfall, fly across rainforest ziplines, plunge into mud baths, and unwind at the eco-resort pool.

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Accommodations 🛏️

Central Valley, Costa Rica

Students stay in carefully selected hotels such as Hotel Autentico, Hotel Adventure Inn, or Hotel Martino — all featuring AC, Wi-Fi, and a pool.

Rincon de la Vieja, Costa Rica

Hacienda Guachipelin offers a pool, hammocks, air-conditioned rooms, Wi-Fi, and plenty of space to relax.

Flamingo Beach, Costa Rica

Groups stay at Hotel Casas del Toro Hacienda or Hotel Pueblo Dorado, each offering AC, Wi-Fi, and a pool.

Arenal Volcano, Costa Rica

Stay at Hotel Montechiari or Hotel San Bosco — comfortable rooms, Wi-Fi, pools, and great views of the volcano. 🌋

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What It’s Like ❤️

A balanced mix of meaningful service, cultural immersion, and unforgettable adventure.

Cultural Sensitivity �*

Participants should come with an open mind, ready for new foods, surroundings, and ways of life.

40 Service Hours �*

A completion letter detailing your service hours will be provided.

Local Guide �*

A professional guide joins staff to educate and immerse the group in the local culture.

Meals 🍽️

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily.

Activities �*

Includes all recreation and adventures listed.

Transportation �*

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

Group Size �*

Up to 24 participants.

Dietary Options �*

Most dietary preferences and allergies can be accommodated.

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Program Specifics ✈️

Flight to San José, Costa Rica

A chaperoned flight is offered from South Florida (and possibly New York, depending on enrollment). Students from other regions may connect to the chaperoned flight or arrive within the designated time window.

Return Flight From San José

A chaperoned flight is offered back to South Florida or New York. Participants from other locations may meet the chaperoned flight or fly home independently with staff support.

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Where We Stay �*

Comfortable hotels and lodges are chosen based on cleanliness, safety, and student needs. Homestays are not offered to maintain program consistency and group bonding.

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Meals & New Cuisines �*

Costa Rican cuisine features rice, beans, meats, fresh fruits, and more — with North American options also available. Most dietary requests (vegetarian, allergies, lactose-free, celiac, kosher-style) can be accommodated.

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Drinking Water �*

Tap water is generally safe in most areas. Purified water is always provided in refillable containers.

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Vaccinations �*

Follow CDC guidance and consult your physician. Updated information is shared in March or upon enrollment.

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Laundry �*

Weekly drop-off wash-and-fold services are available.

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What’s Included ✔️

• Lodging

• All meals

• All listed activities

• Airport transfers (designated times)

• Taxes & gratuities

Not included: flights to/from the program, snacks, souvenirs, laundry, and optional travel insurance.