Costa Rica Volunteer Leadership Program for Teens
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”!
About This Program
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What It's Like
The perfect balance of meaningful service projects, cultural immersion and unforgettable adventures.
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Cultural Sensitivity
This program requires an open mind towards a different culture, new foods and new surroundings.
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55 Service Hours
A letter of completion detailing the program's service hours and projects will be issued after the program.
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Recognition
Your service hours are eligible toward the President's Volunteer Service Award.
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Local Guide
A professional guide accompanies the group to assist, educate and immerse the students into the local culture.
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Accommodations
Hotels & Lodge.
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Meals
Includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily.
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Activities
Includes all recreation & activities listed.
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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
We can accommodate most dietary preferences and allergies.
Program Highlights
- • 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.
Service Projects
Activities
Accommodations
![Central Valley - Costa Rica Camp 17 [May 2022]](https://www.westcoastconnection.com/content/uploads/2022/05/central-valley-costa-rica-camp-17-may-2022-2-318x175.png)
Central Valley, Costa Rica
Wyndham Garden San Jose Escazú is centrally located near downtown San Jose. Amenities include air conditioning, internet access and swimming pool to enjoy.
Arenal Volcano, Costa Rica
Situated minutes away from La Fortuna, Hotel Sueño Dorado features accommodation with a restaurant, an outdoor swimming pool and a garden. The hotel has a hot spring bath, room service and free WiFi.
Monteverde Cloud Forest, Costa Rica
Enjoy incredible views of the Cloud Forest while staying in Monteverde at the El Establo Mountain Hotel. All rooms have Wi-Fi.
Puerto Carillo, Costa Rica
Our group will be staying at either the Hacienda del Mar or the El Sueño Tropical Hotel.
More Details
Frequently Asked Questions
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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.
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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.
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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:
- Depending on the hotel bedding configuration, all friends traveling together may not be able to room together for the first stop.
- Roommates are assigned based on gender identity. We welcome all genders, inclusive of those anywhere on the gender spectrum.
- On a few programs where we spend an extended period of time at the first stop, participants have the opportunity to rotate after the first two nights.