20-Day Option

Our 20-day Project Costa Rica summer community service program is an amazing opportunity for high school students to earn 56 hours of community service credit. Our participants volunteer in the town of La Fortuna during the week for four hours per day. This helps create meaningful bonds between the teens and those they are helping. Three days per week, in the afternoon, each teenager chooses a fun and enriching afternoon elective. During each weekend our group travels to different areas of Costa Rica, participating in exciting activities and taking in the beauty of this awe-inspiring country.

Both Project Costa Rica programs are incredible opportunities to experience a different world amidst the beautiful natural setting of this magnificent country. You should come to the program with an open mind and positive attitude, excited about new experiences, ready to fully participate in volunteer work and our exciting adventures, and willing to challenge yourself to step out of your comfort zone. Each one of our teenagers is a partner in making our trip through Costa Rica a once-in-a-lifetime experience!

Each participant chooses from several Afternoon Electives while in La Fortuna:

Enjoy amazing local activities in arenal, and exciting weekend excursions throughout Costa Rica.

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Itinerary Map for Project Costa Rica 20-Day Community Service Program

Choose one of the following Community Service Programs:

Volunteer at the Wildlife Rescue CenterVolunteer at a Dog SanctuaryVolunteer at Cen-Cinai CenterSustainability Project
Group Size
The 20-day Project Costa Rica summer community service program accommodates up to 40 participants, which fosters expanded social interactions and friendships within the group during evening and local activities in La Fortuna and during our exciting weekend adventures. Each community service project typically consists of 8-12 participants, which enables our teenagers to benefit from small group interaction at the service projects.
Accommodation
While we volunteer in La Fortuna, Hotel Los Lagos is our home away from home. All rooms are doubles and consist of private bathrooms, air-conditioning, cable television, refrigerators, and safety deposit boxes. The hotel provides amenities such as daily housekeeping, swimming pools, natural hot springs, full-service restaurant, hiking trails, gift shop, and laundry facilities. During the weekend excursions, we stay at different hotels in great locations (for more information, see the Weekend Excursions page).
Meals
While staying at Hotel Los Lagos, our group eats most meals at the hotel. There is always a variety of choices at every meal, from American-style options to traditional Costa Rican cuisine. There is always something to eat for every type of diet. Occasionally we will dine in town, allowing our summer community service participants to enjoy local flavor. When our group is traveling, 3 meals per day are provided at our hotels and in local restaurants.
Staff
Our summer community service staff members are teachers and graduate students who are committed to Project Cost Rica’s ideals of volunteering and giving back to the global community. Rein Community Service staff members are always present at each service site. All staff members attend our professional training workshops where the emphasis is placed on the safety and well being of our teenage volunteers. Program leaders are trained in Basic First Aid and CPR. Our bi-lingual volunteer coordinators additionally staff all service sites.
Transportation
Project Costa Rica Community Service uses professionally driven buses and vans to transfer our participants to their various projects and activities. During the weekend excursions, we utilize professionally driven coach buses. There is no additional fee for transporting participants to and from Juan Santamaria International Airport in San Jose.
Communication
The Rein Communication Center is available 24 hours per day, 7 days per week throughout the program. Teenagers are permitted to bring cell phones and can use wifi when available.