Jeff_Newman

I'd like to do a few weeks of volunteering in Costa Rica this summer between mid-June and the end of July. The problem is that most of the volunteer programs that I have found attract folks in their early 20s and I'm 38. Now don't get me wrong, there's nothing wrong with folks in their early 20s its just that not only do I not wanna be the Grandpa of the group but I also teach high school so I spend the school year hanging with lots of folks that are half my age. I just want to be around a few of my peers. Any suggestions? I'd like to do a conservation related program such as turtle conservation or organic farming.

Does anyone have any suggestions?

Thanks

clarkgriswold

http://www.seeturtles.org/663/volunteer.html

Cattail

Earthwatch, but it's pricey.

volcanogirl

We've visited a few organic farms in CR. I don't know if they offer volunteer programs, but check with Finca Luna Nueva and Villa Vanilla. I know Proyecto Asis has a volunteer program at their animal rescue center, but that may not be what you're looking for.

AddyMartin

You need to visit http://www.volunteeringsolutions.com...-in-costa-rica and get advised to volunteer program Manager.

Zizou10

Hello Jeff, I know about 2 programs that might fit what you are looking for.

One in Cabo Blanco Natural Reserve in Nicoya Peninsula.(by te beach)
and one in an organic farm located in a sustainable community in San Carlos Costa Rica. Both projects run by a costa rican organization named Cooltour.
No age restrictions. But help is required and well appreciated.


www.facebook.com/cooltourcr

www.cooltour.cr

I hope this helps!
Good luck!
-Zizou10

hopefulist

This one has received some good marks on the Thorntree forum over the years (I don't have personal experience so can't recommend beyond that):
http://www.latortugafeliz.com/

You could also consider checking out the websites of Spanish schools in your regions of interest; they often have links to volunteer options in the area. You can search by country and city here:
http://www.123teachme.com

Good luck!

incabod

I would definitely go direct with a volunteer opportunity here over any 3rd party companies that arrange programs. I have found in 99% of those cases you are paying obscene amounts using them and most of the money never gets to the actual charity... totally backwards... I can go into this in length, but will leave that there for now.

Several opportunities can be found here, I am involved with several rescue groups in the country and they are all doing good work.

Some mentioned already are great, here is a list of some to look at

Project Asis http://www.institutoasis.com/
La Tortuga Feliz http://www.latortugafeliz.com/
Jaguar Rescue Center http://www.jaguarrescue.com/
Las Pumas http://www.centrorescatelaspumas.org/
ARA Project http://www.thearaproject.org/
Sloth Sanctuary http://www.slothsanctuary.com/
ASTOP http://www.parisminaturtles.org/

Do some searches online, there are a lot of great opportunities available. Hats off to you for getting involved.