Leadership and Community Engagement in Costa Rica (Camp Caño Negro)

Take a boat trip through the waterways of the national park. The Caño Negro Reserve stretches along the border with Nicaragua and is one of the most important migratory bird sites on Earth. Alongside countless bird species, it is also home to sloths, caiman, monkeys, tapirs, and many other animals.

The camp is located on the edge of the Caño Negro Refugio, one of the world’s most important wetland reserves for migratory birds, managed by Costa Rica’s national parks authority, SINAC. Surrounded by rich wildlife and protected waterways, students are immersed in a setting where conservation and community stewardship come to life. Through guided, student-led discussions, the group reflects on shared goals for the week while learning directly from government park rangers who visit the camp to share their work. By gaining a broader understanding of the environmental challenges facing the region and SINAC’s long-term conservation efforts, students begin to shape meaningful goals and work collaboratively toward making a positive impact.

This evening features a student-focused discussion on leadership, exploring its challenges, models, and goals. Students reflect on their current experiences and environment, considering what has worked so far, what has not, and how they might approach their goals differently.

Continue working in small teams on meaningful, long-term projects that have been developed in partnership with the local community over many years. Guided by experienced project leaders, students gain hands-on experience in infrastructure work while learning how these projects create lasting impact. The focus is not only on contributing through service, but on taking home practical knowledge that can be applied in students’ own communities. Be ready to roll up your sleeves. Gloves and clothes you can get dirty are recommended.

This evening features a student-focused discussion on leadership, exploring its challenges, models, and goals. Students reflect on their current experiences and environment, considering what has worked so far, what has not, and how they might approach their goals differently.

Continue working in small teams on meaningful, long-term projects that have been developed in partnership with the local community over many years. Guided by experienced project leaders, students gain hands-on experience in infrastructure work while learning how these projects create lasting impact. The focus is not only on contributing through service, but on taking home practical knowledge that can be applied in students’ own communities. Be ready to roll up your sleeves. Gloves and clothes you can get dirty are recommended.

This evening features a student-focused discussion on leadership, exploring its challenges, models, and goals. Students reflect on their current experiences and environment, considering what has worked so far, what has not, and how they might approach their goals differently.

Camp offers interactive lectures on topics like stakeholder engagement, citizen science, and biodiversity. Schools can choose the subjects most relevant to their group, ensuring each session connects directly to student interests and learning goals.

Harness in and soar above the jungle canopy on a thrilling zip line tour that takes you through the Costa Rican rainforest. For safety reasons, weight restrictions apply to this activity.

Explore the role of coffee in Costa Rican culture and the economy. Learn how beans are grown, harvested, and roasted, then enjoy a fresh cup at the end of the tour.

Students take part in a student-led reflection session to look back on the week’s experiences, discuss personal and group achievements, and bring closure to the service journey. Time is set aside for final journal entries and optional sharing in a supportive group setting.