Description

The volunteer may participate in activities in the following areas:
Common areas: cleaning paths, plant maintenance and attending to visitors. At the tree nursery of native species: the volunteer will help filling bags, transplanting trees or planting trees, weeding of seedlings and will help with seed collection and preparation At the farm-bred butterflies, in tasks such as: preparing food for the larvae, cleaning larvae drawers, collecting the eggs, inventory of birds, mammals, insects, amphibians and reptiles.

Highlights

Ecocentro Danaus conducts joint environmental education activities in schools, colleges, businesses and the wider community as part of the projects carried out for the Ecological Blue Flag La Fortuna, program, (For 4 consecutive years the Center has been the main driver of this committee).

To carry out these activities there is a room where presentations about cultural and environmental issues are conducted. Additionally, there is a tree nursery of native species which reproduce about 10 thousand trees per year from 30 different endangered species in Costa Rica such as: The Almond Yellow, Mahogany, Golden Fruit, Cenizaro, Cocobolo, Ojoche, among others.

Many of the animals and plants are endangered species. 80% of the native species that are grown here are donated to other communities.
There is always much work to be done at the centre and the founders enjoy the experience of sharing with international volunteers. They appreciate the help conducting tours and helping at reception, as many of the visiting tourists are English speaking. There is always much to do to keep up the centre such as: trail maintenance, collecting butterfly eggs, and feeding the birds and other animals.
There are lots of plants and animals but not many people to help with all the work and upkeep.

The volunteers would provide valuable assistance in the educational awareness campaign in the community in the Ecological Blue Flag program, which encourages and promotes sustainable environmental practices in high-tourist visitation areas. This education is focused on future generations who will inherit our natural resources, which the Center endeavour to preserve.

Qualifications

None but education in biology is an asset.

Minimum Education

High School

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

USD 2,595 for 4 weeks; USD 250 each additional wk.

Cost Includes:

• Emergency evacuation services
• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Language instruction
• Pre-departure orientation/Training
• Written materials abroad
• Written materials pre-departure

Program Fees Include:

Upon arrival in country our staff will pick you up at the airport and return you to our Orientation Center for a safety briefing and general country orientation. For this program you are required to complete one - 4 weeks of language training and orientation which is included in the cost of the program. At the end of that week you will transfer to your placement to begin volunteering. Our staff are available to assist you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week should you require help of any kind.

Experience Required

yes

Enjoy outdoor work that requires some physical labour. Be motivated, dedicated to improve the environment and able to work effectively within a group setting.

Volunteer Types

Typical Volunteer

We believe everyone can contribute by volunteering. Recent graduates from high school, college or university, professionals taking a career break, recent retirees, individuals or groups who are interested in a change and the chance to enrich their own life and the lives of others. If you are 18 years or older you can apply for any of the placements available. If you are from 16-18 years old you may apply for placements near our Volunteer Abroad Office and Residence, so that we are able to give you more support. Both students and professionals are needed for placements in all our countries.

Age Range

18+

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Dormitory
• Group living
• Home-stays

Participants Travel

Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work

Independently or in Groups of Depends on the placement

Application Process Involves

• Letters of Reference
• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Resume
• Written Application

Typically The Application Process Time is

24-48 hrs

Basecamp International Centers's Mission Statement

We believe international volunteering promotes cross-cultural learning that helps create global awareness, understanding between cultures and provides the platform for positive change. Our volunteers have taught in schools, provided disaster relief support for the International Red Cross, conducted essential research to improve the management strategies of threatened environments, built homes for impoverished people, provided vocational training and programs for street kids and have worked in co-operation with hundreds of local organizations to distribute aid and improve the quality of life for people throughout Asia, Africa and Latin America.

Year Founded

1998