Summer Camp Programs in Costa Rica

At International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ), we unite people from over 96 countries who want to make a meaningful difference while exploring the world. With 300+ projects in 40+ destinations, IVHQ offers the widest selection of volunteer programs globally from Teaching and Childcare to Wildlife Conservation, Medical Outreach, and Environmental Sustainability. Since 2007, IVHQ has supported over 155,000 volunteers on life-changing journeys. We specialize in fully-hosted volunteer trips that are safe, affordable, and accessible—starting from just $20 per day. Your experience includes airport pick-up, accommodation, meals, and round-the-clock support from our local teams. With flexible booking options and no change fees, planning your volunteer adventure has never been easier. Our programs run year-round and are available for 1 to 24 weeks across Africa, Asia, Europe, the Pacific, South and Central America, North America, the Caribbean, and the Middle East. Volunteering with IVHQ is about more than giving back; it’s about growing, learning, and building genuine global connections.

Discover the wonders of Costa Rica in a unique 14-day Teen Program designed for 15-17-year-olds. This adventure combines educational projects, cultural immersion, and exciting excursions in the heart of Costa Rica's rainforests and vibrant cities. With a group size of 8 to 13 participants, teens will engage in vital rainforest conservation efforts, explore the enchanting Volcan Poas, and dive into thrilling underwater activities at Cahuita National Park. The program offers a perfect blend of environmental stewardship and cultural experiences, including a scenic hike through San José, a boat excursion, and local culinary tastings. Participants will stay in a volunteer house surrounded by tropical gardens, contributing to biodiversity mapping, reforestation, and sustainable living practices. This journey promises an unforgettable experience, fostering a deep connection with nature and the local community.

Join Maximo Nivel work-study-travel programs in Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Peru. We have been a leading educational travel and study abroad provider since 2003. - Volunteer Abroad - International Internships - TEFL Certification & Paid Teaching work - Native Spanish Program - and more... Volunteer abroad and get involved! Volunteer projects include Working with Kids, Construction, Animal Care, Conservation, Eco-Agriculture, Teaching English, and Medical and Healthcare placements. International internships provide excellent work experience abroad. Internship placements are available in Education, Special Education, Hospitality and Tourism, Human Rights, Micro-Business, and Medicine. TEFL Certification is your ticket to traveling and teaching anywhere in the world, and getting paid for it! Intensive teaching certification programs are available on-site in Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Peru or via our online TEFL program. Native Spanish Programs immerse you in the language and takes your skills to the next level. All Maximo Nivel Spanish programs emphasize oral communication and integrated skills development to truly help build your Spanish language proficiency.

Costa Rica is where adventure, service, cultural immersion, and the wonders of nature intersect. Our programs focus on turtle conservation, surfing, and connection with the local communities. With programs for high school students, college students, and young explorers, there’s an exciting opportunity to live the ‘pura vida’ lifestyle for all explorers. Turtle Conservation Project – Embark on a journey to protect sea turtles. Contribute to conservation through beach cleanups, hatchery construction & nest monitoring. Learn to surf in your free time. Pura Vida Service – Create authentic bonds with local communities and contribute to meaningful service projects. Program highlights include zip-lining, whitewater rafting, and hot springs. Surf and Service – Take in breathtaking sunsets and the blue waters during a week of surf, service, and community support. Spring Break Surf and Service – The Spring Break version of our popular Surf and Service program! Pura Vida Service (Middle School) – The perfect intro for young adventurers! Journey from the mountains to the beaches and participate in impactful service projects.

Dive into the perfect balance of meaningful service projects, cultural immersion, and unforgettable adventures in this teen summer program. Travel to Costa Rica and work alongside some of our long-standing partners on projects such as building infrastructure in the Central Valley and helping cook for and run a food bank for a disadvantaged community. This trip uses a service-learning framework tailored for high school students, wherein our staff provides guidance and reflection on the impact of our work and promotes the values of empathy and cultural sensitivity. When not volunteering, our participants go on adrenaline adventures like learning to surf, rappelling down a waterfall, and zip-lining over the rainforest canopy! It won’t be long until students fall in love with the Pura Vida lifestyle and all things Costa Rican in this 18-day program.

This program goes beyond ordinary high school travel programs and build cross-cultural community service summer trips perfectly geared to your interests and curiosities. Whether you’re looking to contribute to authentic service projects, experience exhilarating adventure, or develop your language skills, GoBeyond will immerse you in a new culture where you can make a meaningful difference while on the journey of a lifetime. Our high school community service summer programs proudly serve in many under-resourced communities and environments throughout the world. Explore our journeys in the British Virgin Islands, Costa Rica, Galapagos & Ecuador, Peru, Iceland, Spain, China, Thailand, India, Sri Lanka, and Australia. Beyond experiencing the adventure of a lifetime and creating lasting memories, we believe our community service summer trips enable lasting positive change in the world. For over forty years, we’ve been transforming communities, environments, and students’ lives through meaningful, collaborative adventures and service that develop skills and a more sophisticated worldly outlook—ultimately shaping the person you become.

Join a welcoming host community in Costa Rica and take part in hands-on service projects that support local initiatives. Work alongside residents on small-scale construction, environmental efforts, and activities with local children, gaining insight into community life and Costa Rican culture. Between service days, surf and snorkel along Pacific beaches, hike through volcanic landscapes, and explore vibrant markets. Stay at a coastal villa and a sustainable ecolodge near Arenal Volcano, forming friendships while discovering the biodiversity and warmth of “Pura Vida.”

Choose any one of our four summer courses or combine them to craft your ideal two-week to eight-week summer adventure rainforest trekking, whitewater rafting, surfing, sea kayaking, scuba diving, volunteering, and more in Costa Rica and Panama! Our summer courses aren’t for vacationers. They’re for students who want to become more knowledgeable about themselves and the world around them – maybe even to build your résumé or material for your college essay application. All courses include opportunities to volunteer, build life and leadership skills, learn from local cultures, and gain a new level of self-awareness and appreciation for the world around you. Course Options: - Tropical Trek, Raft & Waves - Scuba, Sea Turtles, Spanish & Sloths - Pacific Surf & Saving Lives - Pacific Surf Extension * Please note that, for the health and safety of our participants, OBCR has made program adjustments to these courses. Please contact us to learn about our COVID-19 considerations.*

Our Family Language & Culture Program is ideal for families who want the opportunity to learn and do something fun while in Nosara. In this program, we separate the kids and parents. The kids attend an action and culture-filled day camp with their peers, while the parents attend our intensive Spanish program with other adults. In the camp, children are led by a native Spanish-speaking guide to explore beaches, mountains, valleys, rivers, and waterfalls around Nosara. Some excursions include making local meals, visiting local farmers and fincas (estates/farms), and learning basic Spanish vocabulary. While the kids are in camp, the adults immerse themselves in our intensive Spanish program, in a group of the same Spanish level. The camp operates from 8 am to 1 or 2 pm and includes snacks and lunch. This program is a hit for both parents and children and is a must-try for families visiting Nosara.