Description

Help turn a dream into a reality for dozens of children from rural villages in Costa Rica. Travel to a base camp hidden deep in the tropical Costa Rican countryside where you will lead a summer camp for deserving children. They can't wait for their week of soccer, arts and crafts, dance, games, songs and English lessons with their new counselors-in-training. Become part of a team, learn how to be a leader, and help enrich the lives of these kids.

Become Part of a Dream
The Costa Rica Summer Camp Leadership Program offers proactive, motivated and positive students the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of children and youth from rural Costa Rican communities. These children live in villages on the outskirts of La Fortuna and normally spend their school vacations at home. They have never been to an educational and engaging summer camp like this, and they can't wait for the fun to begin.

Spark Your Creativity
Your experience will start with nothing less than an exhilarating whitewater rafting trip in order to set the tone of excitement for the rest of the journey. You'll have to work as a team to conquer the class III and IV rapids of the world-famous Pacuare River. By the end of the trip, you'll have learned to depend on each other and to work together effectively  essential skills in the coming weeks.
Next, travel to your base in La Fortuna to visit the community and the children you will be working with and also start on planning activities and preparing for the exciting week ahead. Brace yourself for the arrival of an entire bus full of very excited Costa Rican kids and put your recently honed leadership skills to the test. Throughout the rest of the trip, you'll help with some English lessons through dynamic games and organize and lead sports, arts and crafts, and other recreational activities for these children. You'll need to work closely with your teammates, and your leadership skills will blossom over the course of the week. We ask that you bring the best of your summer camp memories to help recreate that experience for these children, who have no idea what great fun awaits them!

An Opportunity for Adventure
The Summer Camp Leadership Program is about creating an unforgettable experience for local children and strengthening your leadership skills, but no trip to Costa Rica is complete without taking advantage of the country's diverse natural wonders. In the afternoons, once the children have gone home for the day, you can enjoy a few optional activities. Zip line over the jungle canopy, ride a horse through the jungle, or visit the area's famed natural hot springs.
**These are optional adventure activities that come at an additional cost.

Reflection on the Beach
After saying goodbye to the children of La Fortuna, you will embark on a relaxing sailing trip to the picturesque Isla Tortuga, a palm-fringed island that is the perfect destination for some well-deserved rest and reflection. As you lounge on the beach reminiscing about the experiences you have shared, you'll realize that you've grown as a leader, improved your Spanish skills, and made a real difference in the lives of others. To finish a great experience, you will have an option to bungee jump on your last day of the program at an additional cost.

Who Should Come?
The Costa Rica Summer Camp Leadership Program requires exceptionally motivated, hardworking and mature participants who are ready to create a truly unforgettable experience for themselves and for the lucky Costa Rican children chosen to attend the program. No slacking is allowed!

The Perfect Connection
If you join the leadership program, we encourage you to first spend a week on the Ramp Up Your Spanish program in order to brush up on your language skills and get ready to interact with your campers. This program also easily connects with our other great programs in Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Peru, and Panama.

Highlights

BECOME a leader as you learn new group activities and teambuilding exercises that will help you organize and guide a summer camp full of young Costa Rican children.

ENHANCE your leadership skills as you work with a motivated and diverse team of positive Rustic Pathways students to give Costa Rican kids an unforgettable summer.

IMPROVE your Spanish skills through direct interaction and cultural exchange with children and youth from low-income communities.

RAFT down the famous whitewater of the Pacuare River.

EXPERIENCE some of the optional adventure activities in the Arenal area, such as zip lining, rappelling and horseback riding.

BASK in the warmth of the sun on a white-sand beach and reflect on your accomplishments with your new friends.

Qualifications

Students must be 14-years old and up to participate on the program. Additionally, participants must submit an application through the Rustic Pathways website and complete the appropriate documents before traveling on the program.

Type of Programs

• Community Service / Volunteerism

Languages

• English
• Spanish

Cost in US$:

2,895 + International airfare

Cost Includes:

• Excursions
• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Travel while in host country
• Written materials abroad
• Written materials pre-departure

Program Fees Include:

The above cost includes all ground transportation in-country, 3 meals a day, housing, staff through the duration of the program, all supplies for the volunteer projects and all excursions on the program itinerary not listed as optional.

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

Age Range

14 years old and up

This Program is open to

American, Asian, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, South African and Worldwide Participants.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Group living

Scholarships are Available

Rustic Pathways is providing over 100 scholarships for the 2012 season based on a mix of both need and merit. Application deadline is every year in early Spring. Please contact us for more details on applying for a scholarship and other financial aid options.

Application Process Involves

• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Typically The Application Process Time is

1-2 business days

Rustic Pathways's Mission Statement

Rustic Pathways is a pioneer in providing superior quality travel and service programs for students and families in some of the world's most welcoming countries. Rustic Pathways demands professionalism and integrity across all of its operations, insists on quality in all aspects of its programs, and places the safety of its students above all other considerations. We enrich the lives of our students and our staff, benefit the parts of the world we serve, and build cultural bridges that lead to greater global understanding and cooperation.

Year Founded

1983