Come live and work in the heart of the Kekoldi Indigenous Reserve. Join other teenagers, aged 15 to 17, to learn about conservation and how to protect important wildlife species and the natural environment.
Learn from qualified researchers how environmental NGOs and national governments use data collection, entry, and analysis to preserve the natural environment. Discover how to identify Costa Rica’s unique species, hike through the jungle, and canoe down the forest’s many canals to spot wildlife. You will also participate in beach clean-ups and bird studies.
– Live and work at a research station in the middle of a national park in Costa Rica.
– Discover a career in conservation and environmental preservation, gain real field experience, and receive a professional reference from your supervisor.
– Explore the tropical rainforest by canoe and walk along the pristine beaches of the Caribbean.
– Observe and conduct studies on Costa Rica’s wildlife in their natural habitats, including monkeys, neo-tropical birds, and amphibians in the treetop canopy above the forest canals.
Departures 2025 :
Duration during the week | Budget total mission |
|---|---|
2 weeks | 3645 € |
Our base in Kekoldi is perfect 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 shared.
Volunteers live in very basic conditions in the middle of the camp, which is designed to have minimal environmental impact, 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 from the reserve’s sustainable farms.
Communication
Although reception can be unpredictable due to our location in the reserve, participants can go into town where WiFi is available. It is also possible to purchase a SIM card upon arrival in Costa Rica, providing access to a 3G connection.
Transport
All transportation to the airport and into town is organized by the NGO. To arrange transport for weekend excursions or to spend your free time, talk to your program leader. For project work, all you’ll need is your feet.
This program is a youth camp specifically designed for teenagers aged 15 to 18. Supervision is enhanced, and conditions are tailored to managing a group of minor volunteers.
We constantly adapt our projects to meet the needs on the ground. The program description is intended to provide an idea of the mission; however, participants should be prepared for potential adjustments on-site. The missions address issues that can change over time, requiring us to evolve constantly to adapt to our environment rather than the other way around.
Costa Rica is a tropical country with a climate that ranges from hot and rainy to hot and humid. Being a 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 about 17°C (63°F).
The program is physically demanding. Most days are spent in the jungle, hiking on challenging mountainous terrain, exposed to the heat and the elements. You will undoubtedly reach your 10,000 steps.
To participate in the environmental project in Costa Rica
– Minimum age: 15 years.
– Intermediate to fluent English level (understand instructions, communicate effectively).
– Vaccinations: Diphtheria, Typhoid, Hepatitis A, and Polio. Consult your doctor for destination-specific vaccines.
