Come live and work in the heart of the Kekoldi Indigenous Reserve. Join other teens, ages 15 to 17, to learn about conservation and how to protect important wildlife species and the natural environment.
Learn from qualified researchers how conservation NGOs and national governments use data collection, capture and analysis to preserve the natural environment. Learn to identify Costa Rica’s unique species, hike through the jungle and canoe down the forest’s many canals to spot animals. You can also take part in beach clean-ups and bird studies.
– Live and work in a research station in the middle of a Costa Rican national park
– Discover a profession in wildlife conservation and preservation, gain real experience in the field and get a professional reference from your manager.
– Explore the rainforest by canoe and walk the pristine beaches of the Caribbean.
– Observe and undertake studies of Costa Rican wildlife in their natural habitats, including monkeys, neo-tropical birds and amphibians in the caponiers above the forest canals.
Duration during the week | Budget total mission |
|---|---|
2 weeks | 3445 € |
A supplement of €200 applies to participants aged under 18. For more information, meet on the youth area.
Our base in Kekoldi is ideal for disconnecting and connecting with the natural environment. This base is located in the heart of the reserve, with the jungle at our doorstep. We sleep in shared dormitories, and the bathrooms are also communal.
Volunteers live in very basic conditions in the middle of the camp, designed to have minimal impact on the environment, with solar panels to generate electricity. Everyone shares tasks and spaces on-site as if it were one big family.
Meals
Meals are prepared by local chefs using ingredients sourced from sustainable farms in the reserve.
Communication
Although reception can be unpredictable due to our location in the reserve, participants can go to town where there is WiFi. It is also possible to purchase a SIM card upon arrival in Costa Rica, which will give you access to a 3G connection.
Transportation
All transportation to the airport and into town is organized by the NGO. To arrange transportation for weekend excursions or to spend your free time, talk to your program manager. For project work, you’ll need only your feet.
This program is a youth workcamp specifically designed for teenagers aged 15 to 18. Supervision is reinforced, and conditions are adapted to the management of a group of underage volunteers.
We constantly adapt our projects to meet needs on the ground. The program description is intended to give an idea of the mission; nevertheless, participants should expect possible adjustments on-site. Missions respond to issues that can change over time; we must constantly evolve to adapt to our environment, not the other way around.
Costa Rica is a tropical country with a climate ranging from hot and rainy to hot and humid. As it is a tropical rainforest, the weather is highly variable, and it can rain at any time of the year. On average, July is the wettest month and September the driest. The maximum temperature is around 29°C (84°F), and the minimum temperature is around 17°C (63°F).
The program is physically demanding. Most days involve hiking in the jungle on difficult mountainous terrain, exposed to heat and the elements. You will certainly be taking your 10,000 steps.
To participate in the Environmental Project in Costa Rica
– Minimum age of 15.
– Intermediate to fluent level of English (understanding instructions, being able to communicate).
