About the Project
Since its inception in 2011, Give & Surf has strived to provide equal access to education for the indigenous communities of Bocas del Toro. Due to the isolated nature of some of these village communities, they have limited access to school and thus Give & Surf offers preschool, after-school, and summer camp programs to supplement the education provided by the public government. We now serve over 500 students weekly in our community centers and preschools in eight communities on five islands and continue to grow each year!
Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteers have the unique opportunity to be immersed in the local island communities and assist with our preschool and after-school programs. Week days typically consist of a half day of volunteering as an assistant teacher/instructor with one of our preschool or after-school programs and the remaining time is free to explore and enjoy the beautiful Bocas islands. Volunteers are encouraged to share their passions and talents and help plan activities for children to participate in including arts & crafts, sports, field trips, and more! Groups of volunteers are also welcome to come and often help with special projects such as the construction of a new playground or school.
Discover Boscas del Toro
Most afternoons & evenings are free for volunteers to enjoy everything Bocas del Toro has to offer, including surfing, diving, hiking, biking, or just relaxing on the beautiful beaches! An option for volunteers is to experience Bocas del Toro by riding waves big or small. We wish to share our passion of surfing with you when you come to the islands. If surfing does not interest you. Don't worry there is a lot more to experience in Bocas del Toro. Many of our volunteers enjoy the region for its amazing beaches, hikes, and activities. If you are not an experienced surfer, no worries. We offer the opportunity to learn how to surf or surf world class waves when volunteering with us. One surf lesson is provided upon request to each volunteer. Volunteers are given the opportunity to surf during their free time and when the work schedule accommodates take trips to different surf breaks. We have a world of knowledge and years of experience in the ocean and Panama.
Typical day
Details on Arrival
The project is available from January to December. You are welcome to join us all year!
Free-time activities
Bocas del Toro is a beautiful archipelago in the Caribbean just south of the Costa Rican border! These tropical islands provide plenty of options for outdoor activities and water sports! Activities include surfing, spearfishing, swimming, hiking, biking, boating, and more!!!
Program Requirements
Included Services
Before your journey
On-site services
Our volunteer fees support the mission and programs of Give & Surf and cover accommodations, lunches, local transportation, a group surf lesson, some activities/excursions and on-site staff support. Fee is $1000 per week or $2,000 per month.
We will meet volunteers upon their arrival in Bocas del Toro. Most volunteers take a short flight or the overnight bus to get from Panama City to Bocas.
We have a volunteer house where we accommodate most volunteers. There are shared bedrooms, plus a kitchen, bathroom, living area, and large deck with beautiful views! This rustic jungle house allow volunteers to get to know each other, live close to the communities where we work, and have easy access to town by water taxi. During peak season, some volunteers may be placed at a local hostel in the community of Bahia Roja or Old Bank on Isla Bastimentos.
We provide breakfasts & lunches to our volunteers Monday-Friday.
Volunteers may purchase food for the house to prepare other meals. On the weekends and on some weekday afternoons, volunteers will have access to the main town on Isla Colon where there are a variety of restaurants as well as grocery stores.
Program Fees
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