Costa Rica Teen Camp

July 26–August 1, 2024

NOTE: ***SOLD OUT* – Waitlist information is below.**

Description:

Costa Rica Teen Camp is offered every two years. The program is designed for ages 15-20 with an avid interest in birds only. There is a limit of 16 participants per session. This intensive 6-day, 5-night program on Hog Island allows enthusiastic young birders to work with some of the country's best-known birders and ornithologists on field identification, bird ecology and conservation.

Join us for a camp week in Costa Rica where we will explore the biology and conservation of neotropical species. This camp includes trips to La Selva Biological Station, La Paz Waterfall Gardens, Bogarin Nature Reserve, and a night program at Tirimbina Biological Station. Arenal Observatory Lodge and Selva Verde Lodge will serve as our base camps as we partake in evening lectures by local bird guides and biologists and night hikes into the tropical forest. Selva Verde is located 2 hours from San Jose and comprises 500 acres of rainforest. Similar to our Mountains to Sea Birding for Teens week on Hog Island, campers will participate in hikes and birding excursions during the days and enjoy evening lectures. An emphasis will be placed on research efforts, conservation and biology of neotropical bird species.

Selva Verde is home to more than 300 bird species and 120 mammal species. Some highlights of the biodiversity of this region include Great Green Macaws, Mantled Howler Monkeys, Keel-billed Toucans, Red-eyed Treefrogs, antbirds and many more.

Prerequisite: This program requires physical and emotional maturity. After reserving your place in the session, additional registration materials will be sent to applicants. Final acceptance in the program is contigent upon staff review of application materials, which include recommendation letters and a series of questions to be completed by the teen.

Trip Leaders:

Eva Matthews Lark, Hog Island Costa Rica Teen Camp Director/Instructor
Andy Lantz, Educator

View past articles and bird reports:

Read about the 2016 trip including photos and interviews of the teens.

Meet the Birds of Selva Verde Lodge.

2021 eBird Trip Report
2019 eBird Trip Report
2016 eBird Trip Report

Pricing:

Price of program: $2575, which includes round-trip airfare from Miami to Costa Rica, all lodging, meals, and bird trips. Staff includes an Audubon staff member that has Wilderness First Responder certification, plus over 15 years of experience working with youth of all ages and another skilled birder that has experience with youth will be added.

Audubon Chapters and Bird Clubs, please contact us by email if you are considering sponsoring a teen, we do have special incentives.

All participants must agree to the Camper Guidelines - please read before registering.

Registration:

July 26–August 1, 2024 – CLICK HERE TO REGISTER – SOLD OUT – Join waitlist

NOTE: Audubon reserves the right to alter itineraries, instructors and particular arrangements, or to substitute similar itineraries or arrangements, at no penalty. If Audubon cancels a session, it will issue full refunds of all deposits or payments to the paid participants.