Overview
Our program brings you the best of both worlds: the consistency you rely on and the flexibility your group needs.
Immerse your students in sustainability, service, and cultural discovery on this 9-day journey through Costa Rica. Based at Camp Caño Negro, students engage in meaningful community projects, explore rich biodiversity in a protected wetland reserve, and learn directly from local experts. Cultural experiences, environmental education, and adventure activities like ziplining in Monteverde round out a program that builds global awareness, leadership skills, and lasting connections.
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive in Guanacaste
Meet Camps International staff and transfer to Camp Caño Negro
Upon arrival in San José, you’ll be welcomed by local staff and transferred directly to Camp Caño Negro.
Daily reflection and group discussion
Each evening, time is set aside to update your Reflection Journal and share the thoughts and insights from the day.
Day 2
Camp Caño Negro orientation
Settle into a welcoming camp located along the edge of protected wetlands, where nature is part of daily life. Comfortable shared accommodations and communal spaces create a relaxed environment for learning, meals, and group time. Evenings are spent unwinding together with home-cooked meals, reflection, and conversation, supported by local staff who are present throughout the stay to guide activities and enrich the experience.
Community project introduction
Students begin hands-on service work at camp, collaborating in small teams on active conservation projects. Activities may include using camera traps to monitor wildlife, helping mark protected land boundaries, building beehives to support pollinators, and participating in reforestation through sapling planting. Each project connects students to real-world conservation efforts and environmental stewardship.
Tortilla-making class
Day 3
Caño Negro Reserve boat tour
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.
Lecture with SINAC (National System of Conservation Areas)
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.
Sustainable Development Goals group discussion
Student-led evening group discussion
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.
Day 4
Continue the community project
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.
Afternoon soccer match with the community
Student-led evening group discussion
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.
Night walk in the refuge
Day 5
Continue the community project
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.
Group session on fair trade and environmental impacts
Student-led evening group discussion
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.
Day 6
Complete community project
Local school visit
Traditional dance class
Campfire evening
Day 7
Travel to Monteverde via Arenal
Mistico Hanging Bridges visit
Group discussion and lectures
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.
Day 8
Canopy zipline tour
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.
Coffee plantation visit
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.
Final reflection and group discussion
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.
Day 9
Return home
TourFlex: Your Experience, Your Way
Explore Your Way
- Add experiences like theater tickets or unique excursions
- Swap activities for ones that better serve your group
- Extend the learning through go-aheads or stay-behinds
Go Your Way
- Choose the most accessible departure airport for your group
- Opt for 2-, 3-, or 4-star hotels that are centrally located or a convenient ride to major itinerary attractions
Dine Your Way
- Opt for pre-selected meals or encourage exploration by dining on your own
- Enjoy 2-3 course, culturally representative meals or opt for 3-course, authentic dinners at local restaurants
Already Included
WorldStrides Tour Director: A dynamic destination expert who makes learning come to life by leading your group's activities and discussions
Transportation to & from your destination
Hotel accommodations
Meals (unless otherwise noted on your itinerary)
Community-based projects
Admissions to top attractions (details in itinerary)
Guided sightseeing tours & city walks (details in itinerary)
Tips for local guides and drivers
WorldAssist staff members available 24/7/365 should your group need extra help
Free high school credit for students who choose to complete WorldStrides free online coursework post-program
Scenes from Costa Rica
Health & Safety
Additional health and safety measures may be available within your respective destination. Refer to your program-specific materials for complete details.
Financial Assistance
Financial Assistance
WorldStrides provides over $2.5 million in financial assistance each year to thousands of families. Families with annual adjusted gross incomes of less than $85,000 may qualify. One simple call to Customer Service and you’ll know how much may be available for your trip even before signing up. Please note: financial assistance is given on a first-come, first-served basis.
Payment Plans
Advantage Payment Plan
At program sign-up you can opt to pay in full, or break up the cost of your trip with the Advantage Payment Plan. This plan allows you to pay a small initial deposit, then have your remaining payments spread out into affordable monthly amounts.
EZPay
We offer an EZPay option, which is a simple way to pay for your WorldStrides program by scheduling hassle-free, automatic drafts from your checking account. With EZPay, you'll never be late or miss an installment.
Fundraising Tools
Our easy-to-use tools put students in the driver's seat of their own fundraising efforts. Students can send e-cards, share links on social media, and even send out printed letters through WorldStrides' Gift of Education program. In one click friends and family members can make a direct donation to the trip - with 100% of the money raised going to offset their trip price. Thousands of students pay for their entire trip each year through the Gift of Education.
Also, WorldStrides makes program-specific scholarships available as well as other scholarship resources. Ask your Account Manager for more information about scholarships and fundraising tools.