Amazing Details

Costa Rica Summer Community Service Program for Teenagers

Specific projects and partners are confirmed in late spring and are similar to those described. Duration may vary depending on needs upon our arrival.

Central Valley – Service Partners & Projects

Habitat For Humanity International

Habitat For Humanity International has provided homes for over one million people since it was founded in 1976. In its short history, HFH Costa Rica has built over 650 homes. Roughly 35% of the population of Costa Rica lives in sub-standard housing.

You will help build homes for local families with two chapters of HFH in the Central Valley. Our volunteer labor will significantly cut the costs of these homes for future occupants! We see tangible results of your efforts as we work alongside the people that will one day be living in these homes.

Costa Rica Humanitarian Foundation (CRHF):

In 1978, Gail Nystrom left New Jersey for a Peace Corps assignment in Costa Rica. After a brief return to the States, she knew she had to return and founded the CRHF to improve the quality of life for special-needs populations. From her vision and drive, and the efforts of many volunteers, the CRHF has grown to manage more than fifty projects throughout the country, focusing on education, community development, and preventive health care.

Past groups helped build a high school for the local youth of Picagres in the Central Valley. They ran programs such as sports, reading, dance, crafts and face painting for the children of La Carpio and 2 local primary schools, Palenque and Concepción, as well as participated in a beautification & local development project by painting murals on the walls of the community and painting the outside of people’s homes. We also constructed and developed bunkbeds to help reduce overcrowding and provide children with their own bed for the first time.

Central Valley – Adventure Highlights

Kick off the summer whitewater rafting the thrilling Reventazón River!  After a full day of volunteering, relax at our hotel.  Taste famous and delicious Costa Rican coffee while learning how it’s grown by the comic troupe at Café Britt.  Experience a waterfall rappelling adventure (21 day trip only) and join a Latin dance class! 

Arenal & Rincon de la Vieja

Arenal – Adventure Highlights

Visit La Fortuna waterfall and relax in thermal hot springs. Participants on the 21 and 28 day programs also experience a canyoning adventure in Arenal Volcano National Park.

Rincon De La Vieja – Adventure Highlights

On this retreat, enjoy zip-lining over the canopy and rustic mud baths. Enjoy some downtime by the pool at our eco-resort. Enjoy a rewarding swim after hiking to a beautiful waterfall.

Flamingo – Service Partners & Projects

Flamingo Beach Community Project

Participate in a beautification project; groups may be doing beach preservation or painting local homes for underprivileged residents.

Flamingo – Adventure Highlights

Get set for surf lessons at Tamarindo Beach – you’ll be hanging 10 in no time! Relax on the beach and experience local nightlife at a disco.

28 day option, the adventure continues…

Visit the Poas Volcano and spot wildlife such as monkeys, sloths, birds and turtles.

Dominical - Adventure Highlights

Ride horseback through the beautiful forest and along the beach.  Our hotel is just steps from this famous beach where you can chill, play volleyball or cool off in the clear blue water.

Manuel Antonio Eco-Resort  - Adventure Highlights

Relax on sandy beaches, go banana boating, hike, and enjoy a guided tour with your close friends at this incredibly beautiful National Park.  Relax on sandy beaches, hike through lush rainforest, and view iguanas and the rare white faced monkeys!