Overview
This popular combination of a service trip and leadership expedition takes place in a biodiversity hotspot, Camp Caño Negro, located on the shores of the Costa Rican wetlands. This country contains 2.5% of the world’s biodiversity and shelters the largest remaining population of jaguars and tapirs. The peninsula has unfortunately suffered from extensive deforestation during the twentieth century, and thus has a pressing need for conservation programs. A thoughtful combination of meaningful service activities and leadership exercises creates a truly unique educational experience for students. In addition, many educators work with us to transform this service trip into a unique design-thinking experience that combines pre-trip interactions with our field study center in Costa Rica with the opportunity to develop and implement solutions for the local community around the very real-world challenges and issues the students have been exploring in class.
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive in Guanacaste
Meet Camps International staff and transfer to Camp Caño Negro
On arrival in San Jose, Camps International Staff will meet you at the airport and transfer you straight to Camp Caño Negro.
Daily reflection and group discussion
“We do not learn from experience, we learn from reflecting on experience.” – John Dewey. Each evening of the program, time will be set aside to update your Reflection Journal and share the thoughts and impressions that emerged during the day.
Day 2
Camp Caño Negro orientation
Our home for the week will be our permanent camp on the shores of the wetlands themselves: on the boundary of two sides of the camp is water, which means wildlife spotting starts from inside the camp. Sleeping is in wooden buildings with bunkbeds and there are social spaces for eating, hanging out and for use as a classroom. All activities in camp can be run in Spanish or English. Through formal or informal sessions, the group can work in subject or activity focused language acquisition modules, and then apply their learning to the real-life situations that they face during the week. In the case of the Camp Caño Negro, this can be focused particularly on the activities planned for later in the expedition in Monteverde. Your evenings are usually spent relaxing in camp and the local kitchen crew will rustle up a delicious dinner for you and your team. After dinner, there are plenty of opportunities for group discussion, reflections on project work, keeping travel diaries up to date, as well as various team led games and activities. Local staff are always in camp and are on hand to chat to and help you with anything else that you need.
Lecture with SINAC (National System of Conservation Areas)
The camp is situated on the edge of the Caño Negro Refugio, run by SINAC the Costa Rica national parks authority. This is one of the most important wetland reserves for migratory birds in the world. The group starts by thinking deeply about their goals for the week, in a framed, student led discussion forum. In Camp Caño Negro we are working under the direction of government rangers, who will visit the camp to explain their work. An important part of the process of identifying the group’s goals is a broader understanding of the problems faced in the area, the work of SINAC across the country and that organization's long-term aims. Through that understanding, leading to goal identification and student led planning, the group start to create and then work towards their own objectives.
Day 3
Introduction to the service-learning project
Today we start our service project work at the camp. • Recent projects include: Engaging in beautification initiatives at a local school or within the community, Establishing boundary markers to ensure that the land under the protection of SINAC is clearly defined and therefore not encroached upon by farming, which is an important part of the work of conservation in the area. or; Reforestation and the planting of saplings. Students will have the opportunity to learn from experts in the field while getting their hands dirty and making a difference.
Student-led evening group discussion
The group then has some time to think deeply about their accomplishments for the week and also the work left to do; in a framed, student led discussion forum. In Camp Caño Negro we are working in collaboration with the surrounding community and an important part of the process of identifying the group's goals is a broader understanding of the problems faced by the area and our combined aims in tackling them. Through that understanding, leading to goal identification and student led planning, the group reflects on their work and the goals of the community in a broader sense.
Day 4
Continue the service-learning project
Continue working in small teams on long-term projects started, not only by your group, but by many other groups over the course of the time Camps International and WorldStrides has been working with the community. Learn from project leaders, who are experts in infrastructure – our purpose to not only use our hands for good work but also take back the knowledge of this project work to be used in our own community at home. Bring some gloves and clothes you can get dirty!
Afternoon soccer match with the community
Day 5
Caño Negro Reserve boat tour
Take a boat trip through the waterways of the national park. The Caño Negro Reserve stretches across the border with Nicaragua and is one of the most important migratory bird sites on earth. Alongside myriad bird species, it is also home to sloths, caiman, monkeys and tapir among many other animals.
Student-led evening group discussion
The group then has some time to think deeply about their accomplishments for the week and also the work left to do; in a framed, student led discussion forum. In Camp Caño Negro we are working in collaboration with the surrounding community and an important part of the process of identifying the group's goals is a broader understanding of the problems faced by the area and our combined aims in tackling them. Through that understanding, leading to goal identification and student led planning, the group reflects on their work and the goals of the community in a broader sense.
Day 6
Continue the service-learning project
Continue working in small teams on long-term projects started, not only by your group, but by many other groups over the course of the time Camps International and WorldStrides has been working with the community. Learn from project leaders, who are experts in infrastructure – our purpose to not only use our hands for good work but also take back the knowledge of this project work to be used in our own community at home. Bring some gloves and clothes you can get dirty!
Day 7
Travel to Monteverde via Arenal
Arenal Volcano National Park visit
Arenal Volcano National Park is located in the northern region of the country and is home to one of the world’s most active and impressive volcanoes. Besides the volcano, this national park has various hiking trails that wind through the tropical highland forest as well as the lowland wet forest. Also within the park is a magnificent man-made lake, Lake Arenal (the largest lake in Costa Rica), which provides over 40% of the country’s energy production.
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
World-renowned Costa Rican coffee has grown to be an emblem of local culture. Join a local tour to learn how the country's elevation, eco-system and volcanic history have all contributed to its unique taste.
Monteverde Cloud Forest reserve night walk
Step into the Monteverde Cloud Forest and be transported to the lush world of the Costa Rican rainforest. The towering trees, abundant shrubs and vibrant flowers create a luscious oasis for a huge array of animals, including jaguars, toucans and monkeys.
Final reflection and group discussion
This evening, students make their final entries in their Reflection Journals, sharing key observations and perspectives gained throughout their travel experience and considering how these insights will remain relevant as they return home.
Day 9
End tour
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.