Youth leadership · Ages 14–18 · 2027
Leadership Programs for High School Students
Rustic Pathways’ youth leadership program for high school students is Costa Rica: Summer Camp Leadership, a 15-day summer program for ages 14–18. Students train as camp counselors, then plan and run a five-day summer camp for local children near Arenal Volcano.
- 1 program
- 15 days
- $5,745 Program Tuition
- About 60 service hours
$5,745 Program Tuition15 days · Ages 14–18
See 2027 dates- Programs in 2027
- 1 (Costa Rica)
- Ages
- 14 to 18
- Nights
- 14
- Departures
- 2
Leadership Programs for Teens Abroad
Rustic Pathways has one leadership program in 2027, in Costa Rica, with two summer departures.
| Program and what students do | Days | Service hours | Program Tuition | 2027 departures |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Costa Rica: Summer Camp LeadershipTrain as camp counselors, run a five-day camp for local children near Arenal, and raft the Pacuare. | 15 | About 60 | $5,745 | June 22 to July 6 July 13 to 27 |
Dates run from the U.S. departure to the departure from Costa Rica. Program Tuition excludes flights to and from the program and the enrollment fee, which starts at $100. U.S. students can join a chaperoned group flight to San José (SJO) from Los Angeles (LAX), plus Newark (EWR) or Miami (MIA) depending on the date, with a Rustic Pathways Flight Leader.
What Students Do on Summer Camp Leadership
Summer Camp Leadership is 15 days that build up to camp week: two days of rafting, then leadership training and planning, then five days running camp. The program last ran in 2023 and returns for summer 2027.
| Days 1–3 | Fly to San José, then two days of whitewater rafting on the Pacuare River. |
|---|---|
| Days 4–6 | Leadership training and camp planning in Sarapiquí, then the move to the camp base near Arenal Volcano and a kayak on Lake Arenal. |
| Days 7–11 | Run camp for local children from about 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.: games, sports, arts, lunch and snacks. Each afternoon ends with a debrief and set-up for the next day. |
| Days 12–15 | Zip line near Arenal, a catamaran and snorkel trip in Manuel Antonio, a closing ceremony, then the flight home. |
Itineraries are subject to change.
What Students Say About Summer Camp Leadership
Summer Camp Leadership alumni describe running camp and what they brought home.
“My Rustic trip genuinely helped me become a person I am very happy and proud to be. The students in my program and the students in the camp made me learn to have patience, be grateful, and never judge someone without knowing their story.”
“I spent months trying to find a volunteer program that traveled to a Spanish-speaking country and would take a 14-year-old.”
What Are the Best Leadership Programs for High Schoolers?
The best leadership programs for high school students put teens in charge of something real, train them before they lead, and give them a team to reflect with. Five questions to ask of any program, with the Summer Camp Leadership answer:
Who do students lead?
Local children at a five-day summer camp near Arenal Volcano.
How long do they lead?
Five camp days, from about 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Is there training first?
Day 4 is a full day of leadership training and camp planning, with more planning on days 5 and 6.
Do they reflect?
Each camp day ends with a debrief and set-up for the next day.
Is the work documented?
A certificate of participation and service-hour record for about 60 hours, typically within 30 days.
Is a Leadership Program Right for Your Teen?
Summer Camp Leadership suits teens who want to lead children and work as a team for two weeks.
A great fit if your teen…
- Likes working with children and wants to lead.
- Enjoys planning activities with a team.
- Is ready for long, active days outdoors.
Maybe not if your teen…
- Is looking mainly for adventure travel: see the adventure programs.
- Prefers to work on their own.
- Wants a trip shorter than two weeks: see the community service programs.
What Is Included in Summer Camp Leadership
Rustic Pathways Program Tuition includes accommodation, scheduled meals and transportation during the program, scheduled activities, gratuities and donations, Program Leader supervision, and 24/7 emergency support.
Included
- Accommodation for all scheduled program nights, in shared, gender-separated accommodations
- Breakfast, lunch, and dinner, from the first meal after airport pickup through the last meal before airport drop-off
- Airport transfers for arrivals and departures within the session’s published arrival and departure windows
- All scheduled ground transportation during the program
- All scheduled activities, excursions, and entrance fees listed in the program itinerary
- Gratuities for guides, drivers, and restaurants. Program Leaders do not accept personal tips.
- Host family and homestay contributions, service and community project contributions, and site, temple, and cultural entry donations. Students never need to bring money to give away.
- 24/7 emergency support line for parents and guardians
Not included
- Flights to and from the program, including the chaperoned group flight where offered and the chaperoned group flight fee
- Enrollment fee, due at booking
- Medical insurance with coverage in the destination country, required for every participant
- Travel insurance, recommended and not required
- Passport, visa, and entry-authorization fees
- Personal purchases, including souvenirs, snacks, and other incidental expenses
The Student Travel enrollment fee starts at $100 and rises closer to departure. See the full guide to Rustic Pathways program costs.
Questions about Summer Camp Leadership? Ask us.
Rustic Pathways’ admissions team will email you the dates for Summer Camp Leadership and two or three other programs that fit your teen.
Scott IngramDirector of Admissions
Prefer to talk now? Call +1 (440) 975-9691.
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Leadership Programs for Teens FAQ
What is a youth leadership program?
A youth leadership program teaches teens to lead activities, manage responsibilities, and complete real-world projects. Rustic Pathways’ Summer Camp Leadership program trains students ages 14–18 as camp counselors. Students then plan and run a five-day summer camp for local children in Costa Rica.
What do students do on a leadership program for teens?
Students on Rustic Pathways’ Costa Rica: Summer Camp Leadership program train as camp counselors, then plan and lead a five-day summer camp near Arenal Volcano. They organize games, sports, arts, lunch, and snacks for local children. Camp runs daily from approximately 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
What ages is the leadership program for?
Rustic Pathways’ Summer Camp Leadership program is for high school students ages 14–18. Students develop leadership skills by training as camp counselors and running a five-day summer camp in Costa Rica. Explore more high school travel programs for this age group.
How long is the program, and when does it run in 2027?
Rustic Pathways’ Summer Camp Leadership program lasts 15 days and offers two sessions in 2027: June 22–July 6 and July 13–27. Program dates cover U.S. departure through departure from Costa Rica.
How much does a leadership trip for high school students cost?
Rustic Pathways’ Summer Camp Leadership program costs $5,745 in Program Tuition for 2027. Flights to and from Costa Rica cost extra. A separate Student Travel enrollment fee starts at $100 and increases as the departure date approaches.
Does the program count toward community service hours?
Rustic Pathways’ Summer Camp Leadership program includes approximately 60 community service hours. Students receive a certificate of participation and service-hour record, typically within 30 days after the program. Schools determine whether these hours meet their requirements, so confirm eligibility with your school counselor before enrolling.
Are there leadership travel programs for high school student councils?
Yes. High school student councils can arrange custom leadership trips through Rustic Pathways School Group Travel, starting with 10 students. Rustic Pathways provides initial custom-trip options within 48 hours. The Summer Camp Leadership program separately accepts individual students.
Is financial aid available for the leadership program?
Yes. Rustic Pathways offers financial aid that may help fund its leadership programs. Students can review 2027 funding opportunities, eligibility requirements, and application instructions on the financial aid page.
One leadership program, two 2027 departures in Costa Rica.
Choose a Summer Camp Leadership session