Costa Rica

Costa Rica: Summer Camp Leadership

Q: Is Costa Rica: Summer Camp Leadership Right for My Child?

Which students thrive on this program? Students who are curious, adaptable, and open to new experiences. No prior travel experience is required. What will students do each day? Each day includes a mix of structured activities, cultural experiences, and group time. See the itinerary above for a day-by-day overview.

Q: How Do Flights, Meals, and Logistics Work?

Meals: All meals are included. Local cuisine is featured throughout the program. Dietary needs are accommodated with advance notice. What is the refund policy? View terms & conditions

Q: What’s Included in This Rustic Pathways Program?

Included: All lodging All meals In-country transport All activities and excursions 24/7 staff support Not included: International airfare Travel insurance Personal spending money

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What Does a 16-Day Program Include?

A typical program. Daily activities are subject to change based on group logistics and weather.

Depart for Costa Rica!

Arrive at the Rustic Pathways Hub airport where you’ll meet your Rustic Pathways Flight Leader, who will help get you checked in and through security before traveling with your group to Costa Rica. Get acquainted with fellow Rustic travelers before boarding your flight. Arrive at San Jose International Airport (SJO) and meet your Program Leaders who will be with you for the duration of the program. Join the group for an orientation discussion about the week ahead, expectations for your adventure, and an introduction to the local culture. Settle into your hotel for the first night in San Jose, relaxing after your long flight. You'll share rooms with your fellow Rustic travelers with private bathrooms.

2-3

Raft the Pacuare

Start the trip with an exciting whitewater rafting challenge on the Pacuare River. During this two-day trip, get to know your group and leaders with activities at the river lodge at night. Enjoy your first glimpses of this spectacular country along the Pacuare River. From its rainforests to its volcanic peaks and its two coasts, Costa Rica is one of the most beautiful nations in Central America. Home to some of the most biodiverse swaths of land and sea on the planet, Costa Rica is famed for its natural environment – and it’s commitment to that environment! Costa Ricans – or Ticos, as they’re called here – are intensely proud and protective of their country’s natural beauty, and have put their country on the map as the world leader in ecotourism and environmental protection. You'll spend the night in an eco-friendly lodge. Share rooms with private bathrooms.

Set Up Camp

Yesterday, when you reach the river’s end, we'll drive to Sarapiqui for a two-night stay at the beautiful property of a former traditional ranch house. Enjoy this peaceful retreat set on the banks of the Sarapiqui and San Rafael Rivers with amazing access to the surrounding nature. Spend the mornings and afternoons learning about camp structure, join intensive leadership training and planning the camp schedule for the next week with all activities that will make the summer camp a success! In your downtime, you'll be able to hike trails and explore natural areas around the lodge. You'll share rooms with 2-6 students of the same gender, with private bathrooms.

Arrive at the Base and Plan Summer Camp

Head to the base camp in Arenal, where you’ll stay for the duration of the camp you run. First, head to an organic farm for a cultural demonstration. Learn about Costa Rica’s rich history and traditions, and all about where your food here comes from. Then head into town for some brief exploration before finally arriving at the base house to settle into our home for the next week. It is also your last day of planning, and in the evening you will decorate camp and put the final touches on the camp plan. Spend the next 7 nights living and sleeping at the summer camp base house. Shared rooms with shared bathrooms, separated by gender.

6-12

Summer Camp

On the first day you'll kayak in the beautiful Lake Arenal at the foot of the volcano. The next six days will be a dream come true for the Costa Rican children joining what for some may be their first-ever summer camp. Wake up early and have breakfast with your fellow counselors, before receiving the Tico kids every day at around 9:00 a.m. Spend the day with the children, running various games and activities, coordinating lunch and snack times, and then saying goodbye to them at around 3 p.m. each afternoon. You’ll build special relationships with these energetic and warm-hearted kids, and put your leadership skills into practice. On some days after the camp, you may have the chance to participate in different activities in the La Fortuna area. These activities include meals out and exploring La Fortuna town and a visit to the natural hot springs. In the evenings, you will evaluate the day with your team and prepare for the next one. Eat dinner together and enjoy a relaxing evening.

Explore the Arenal Region

Today is about adventure. We will go on a zip line through the rainforest near the volcano. Then we will have lunch at a local restaurant near the volcano, do souvenir shopping and take a private bus to head to the beautiful Manuel Antonio town on the Pacific coast. You'll sleep in a hotel with students sharing a room, separated by gender. Private bathrooms with hot water.

Discover the Riches of Costa Rica

Welcome to the Pacific Coast! We’ll take a catamaran tour to enjoy the stunning sea, do some snorkeling, and enjoy a beautiful Pacific sunset! At the end of each program, students reflect on their experiences and the issues they engaged with, and talk about how to apply this new understanding to their own worlds. During or after their closing discussion, groups participate in Rustic Ties, a unique and powerful activity that allows students to capture the memories and learning moments of their program to process and share with their communities back home.

Off to the Beach!

After packing to leave the hotel, spend the morning at the beach, walk around Manuel Antonio town, visit the souvenirs and local markets. Reminisce about the camp you’ve just completed, and spend time enjoying the company of your team before heading back to San Jose for the night. Spend your final night in a hotel with shared rooms with private bathrooms.

Adios, Costa Rica!

Your Program Leaders will take you to the airport for your flight home or to your next Rustic program as you say goodbyes and reflect on your adventure. If you’re staying in Costa Rica, your Program Leaders will take you to your next accommodation to meet your new group. If you're continuing on to another Rustic Pathways destination, you’ll board a connecting flight to that country.

How Does Rustic Pathways Handle Safety?

24/7 Support

In-person staff + US emergency line

7:1 Student-to-Leader Ratio

Background-checked, first-aid certified, deep local knowledge

Licensed & Insured Transport

Risk management plans for every program

Gender-Separated

Rooms with staff on site

Learn more about Rustic Pathways safety protocols.

Costa Rica

What Do Parents Ask?

Flights & Cost

How do flights work?

Students join a chaperoned group flight from a U.S. gateway airport. A Rustic Pathways Flight Leader travels with the group. International students arrange independent flights and Rustic Pathways coordinates airport pickup.

What's included in the price?

Included: Lodging, all meals, in-country transport, all activities, 24/7 staff.
Not included: International airfare, travel insurance, personal spending ($150–200).

Do you offer financial aid or scholarships?

Yes. Monthly payment plans are available for all families, and Rustic Pathways offers both need-based financial aid and merit scholarships. Explore scholarships and financial aid

Is travel insurance required?

Travel insurance is not included in the program fee. Rustic Pathways recommends that families purchase travel insurance. Get a quote from our recommended provider →

Supervision & Safety

Who's supervising my child?

Rustic Pathways Program Leaders complete a four-month vetting process, and programs maintain a 7:1 student-to-staff ratio. All Program Leaders are first-aid certified, and most have led multiple Rustic Pathways programs. Leaders range from 25 to 35 years old.

Are rooms gender-separated?

Yes. Students room with same-gender peers. Staff stay in adjacent rooms.

What about medical emergencies?

All Program Leaders are first-aid certified. Nearest hospitals are mapped out in all locations. Our health & safety team reviews all medical forms before departure and works with families to plan medications, allergies, and dietary needs.

Communication

Can I reach my child?

Yes. Students can call, text, or WhatsApp during free time. Parents can reach Rustic Pathways’ 24/7 emergency line at any time.

How will I know they're okay?

Parents receive daily photo updates throughout the program from staff on the ground.

What is the phone/device policy?

Students may bring phones but cannot use them during group activities or meals. Wi-Fi is available at most accommodations.

Group & Logistics

How big is the group and how old are the participants?

Groups are typically 12-20 students per session. Students are ages 14-18, with most being 15-17.

Can international (non-U.S.) students join this program?

Yes. Students from 50+ countries join Rustic Pathways programs each year. International students book their own flights and Rustic Pathways coordinates airport pickup.

Do students come with friends, or on their own?

Most students travel solo without knowing anyone. Program Leaders run ice-breakers on day one, and friendships form quickly. Friends are welcome to enroll together.

What is the accommodation like?

Students stay in locally operated lodging with shared rooms accommodating 2-4 students. Accommodations include private bathrooms and common areas.

Can friends room together?

Yes. Roommate requests are accepted during enrollment.

Program Details

Will my child have unsupervised time?

Students have structured independence during free-time blocks with staff always nearby. There is no unsupervised time in public areas.

Can you accommodate dietary needs & food allergies?

Yes. Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and common food allergies are accommodated with advance notice. Dietary needs are collected during enrollment.

How much spending money?

$150-200 recommended for souvenirs and incidentals. Tipping is included in the program fee.

Do we need a visa?

Visa requirements vary by passport and destination. Contact a Rustic Pathways travel advisor for guidance specific to your student’s nationality.

Support

What if my child gets homesick?

Homesickness is common in the first few days. Rustic Pathways staff are trained to support students through it. Read more about managing homesickness

Do you support neurodiverse students?

Rustic Pathways welcomes all students and works with families to provide appropriate support. Learn about Rustic Pathways’ approach to inclusion

What Should Parents Know?

Is Costa Rica: Summer Camp Leadership Right for My Child?

Which students thrive on this program?
Students who are curious, adaptable, and open to new experiences. No prior travel experience is required.

What will students do each day?
Each day includes a mix of structured activities, cultural experiences, and group time. See the itinerary above for a day-by-day overview.

Why Does Rustic Pathways Go to Costa Rica?

Costa Rica offers a unique combination of cultural richness, safety, and meaningful engagement opportunities for student groups. Rustic Pathways has operated programs here for years and maintains strong local partnerships.

How Do Flights, Meals, and Logistics Work?

Meals: All meals are included. Local cuisine is featured throughout the program. Dietary needs are accommodated with advance notice.

What is the refund policy?
View terms & conditions

What’s Included in This Rustic Pathways Program?

Included:

All lodging
All meals
In-country transport
All activities and excursions
24/7 staff support

Not included:

International airfare
Travel insurance
Personal spending money

What Other Program Types Are Available?

Costa Rica Americas 2026

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