+++ PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS PROGRAM IS EXCLUSIVELY FOR 15-18 YEAR OLDS +++
This project is ideal for adventurous teens who are passionate about protecting our planet. If you’re looking to pursue a career in environmental studies, zoology, or botany, this is for you! You’ll gain practical experience working on conservation initiatives in the heart of the tropical dry forest.
Thrill-seekers and nature lovers are welcome! You’ll trek through the forest and explore caves, so be prepared for a step out of your comfort zone and into something extraordinary. This is a completely safe and secure way to experience this breathtaking ecosystem.
You don’t need any skills or qualifications to join. You just need to be physically fit and willing to skip some of your home comforts, like regular Wi-Fi access and hot showers. But you’ll find that in the heat of the forest, a cool, refreshing shower will be exactly what you need at the end of the day.
Travelling abroad for the first time? This project is ideal if you’re looking for a bit of extra support while you’re abroad. Our hassle-free approach means our staff will be on-hand 24/7 to guide you.
You’ll spend your days working with other teens to protect the wildlife of Barra Honda National Park. Here are some of the tasks you’ll do:
Your work will focus on five main areas:
Collect data on wildlifeOne of your main tasks will be to collect valuable data on different species. You’ll do this during hikes through the forest, night walks, and trips into the park’s caves. You’ll also help with setting up butterfly traps, which safely catch butterflies so that you can record details about them. Once, you’ve collected this data, you’ll release them unharmed.
The data you collect will tell us more about the behaviour and distribution of species. With these information, we can create and implement more effective conservation strategies.
Some of the species you’ll survey include:
During your trip, you’ll be learning a lot about Costa Rica’s unique plants and animals. Experts will also equip you with details about conservation strategies. You’ll then share this information with locals in the communities surrounding the reserve.
You’ll take trips to schools or community centres, where you’ll give presentations on topics like organic farming or recycling. This work ensures surrounding communities are invested in protecting the forest. It also means they’ll carry on important conservation work after you’ve finished your project.
Do community and maintenance workGet your hands dirty and use your energy to make a tangible difference! During your project, you’ll dedicate some of your time to community initiatives. This could include planting vegetable gardens or painting environmental education murals at schools.
You’ll also help with park maintenance. Barra Honda relies heavily on volunteers to keep up it’s amazing work. You’ll play a vital role in maintaining the park by clearing trails, maintaining fire breaks, and renovating the camp.
Help with reforestation workThe tropical dry forest is threatened by deforestation. Cutting down trees and clearing land for farmland and urban expansion leaves many creatures without homes. You can make a difference by helping with reforestation initiatives.
As a volunteer, you’ll tend to young saplings in the tree nursery. You’ll also help with planting the larger saplings in the forest. This initiative helps rebuild this vital habitat.
Reforestation also helps combat climate change. More trees means more carbon dioxide absorbed, which helps reduce the catastrophic environmental consequences of this greenhouse gas.
Explore the surrounding nature
It’s not all work and no play! You’ll also have plenty of time to explore the park and connect with your fellow volunteers. This project has a set itinerary, with time set aside for social activities. This includes meals shared with your group, late night cards and board games, and even a trip to Rincon de la Vieja Volcano!
Accommodation
Food (three meals a day)
Airport pick-up and drop-off
Full induction and orientation by an experienced staff member on arrival
Transport to and from your work placement
In-country support and 24-hour back-up from our team of full-time local staff
Emergency assistance from our international emergency response team
Project equipment and materials, including access to our database with thousands of resources
Regular social events and community activities with other volunteers and interns
Training and workshops from our experienced local staff
Access to our local office with internet connection
Certification of project completion
A cultural awareness course
Membership to our volunteer social media groups, to share information and to get in touch
Organised weekend tourism trips
Dedicated full-time staff members with you 24 hours a day
Your arrival airport in Costa Rica will be Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO). Our in-country staff will be there to greet you at the airport. They’ll be holding a Projects Abroad sign so you can spot them easily.
From the airport, our staff will arrange your transport to your accommodation.
If you’re joining our Conservation Project, you’ll likely spend your first night in a hotel. The following day, local staff will take you to the bus station. From there, you’ll catch a bus to our Conservation placement in Barra Honda National Park. The bus ride will take approximately four hours. Our Conservation staff will be waiting to welcome at the end of your bus journey.
We cover the cost of your transport to and from the airport, giving you one less thing to worry about when you arrive in Costa Rica.
You'll share accommodation with other Projects Abroad volunteers during your stay at Barra Honda National Park. This is a great way to get to know your fellow volunteers, share experiences, and explore your surroundings in your time together.
On our High School Specials, we will always try to have you share a room with at least one volunteer of the same sex and approximate age. Your room will be modest, but comfortable, clean, and safe.
Nature Conservation for Teenagers
Team up with teenagers from around the world to protect the majestic wildlife of Costa Rica
$948/week
You requested a page that doesn't exist on this site any more. This could be caused by a link you followed that was out of date, by a typing in the wrong address in the address bar, or simply because the post has been deleted.