Costa Rica Volunteer Project

Hi all, I’m Josh. Thank you for taking the time to view my page and read my story.

Hosted by Camps International, I have been successful for a place to embark on a voluntary 4-week expedition in Costa Rica.

Living in the heart of the rainforest, it means I will be working alongside the local people and taking part in special projects to support the community, wildlife and fragile ecosystems. In doing so, it supports the United Nations Sustainable Goals helping to a) reduce inequality, b) give rise to quality education and c) endorse climate action. Projects include:

• Reforestation: Lime-washing trees to prevent disease. Creating sustainable bed structures to promote growth of native plants. Recovering mangrove plantations damaged from salt mining and installing beehive structures.

• Construction: Building educational facilities and community playgrounds. Installing freshwater systems. Creating specialised areas for home grown food. Constructing Marketplaces for income generation.

• Wildlife Conservation: Beach clean-ups. Protecting sea turtles and their ecosystem. Planting food trees and digging waterholes. Habitat Management.

Costa Rica is a small country accounting for 0.03% of the earth’s surface. It is abundant with culture, diverse wildlife and stunning natural beauty; holding 6% of the world’s biodiversity. There are:

- 34,000 different species of insect and over 20,000 types of spiders;

- over 500,000 flora and fauna;

- 200 reptilian species, 878 varieties of bird, and

- 163 amphibians, and 208 types of mammals

The not so fun facts:

- Poverty rates hit a record 67% as a result of Covid-19;

- 15% of the population are unemployed;

- Only about 26% of the indigenous population have access to clean water, and

- 20,000 acres of land are destroyed annually due to deforestation

By volunteering for this expedition and engaging my support, it will test my resilience to the max. It will put me out of my comfort zone to support life changing projects for the benefit of the Costa Rican Community. I am not afraid of hard work but know it will be demanding in an unfamiliar environment, amongst experiencing a whole new culture…… yet be thoroughly rewarding at the same time!

I am eager to get out there and start this incredible adventure however I need a little help.

All students are required to raise the funds themselves at a cost of £5000. I will be organising a multitude of fund-raising activities and events to give me a boost and would really appreciate any support you can send my way to help me reach my target. Anything no matter how big or small will be amazing and go a long way, believe me!

By simply making a donation to my page and/or participating in my events and activities, you will not only support all of the above, but provide me with:

• a whole new skill set with a confidence boost;

• an experience of a new culture;

• the satisfaction to personally contribute to improving living standards, and most importantly......

……. a unique, unforgettable, life changing experience that will stay with me forever.

Thank you so much for your time. I will of course post progress updates throughout my journey.

Josh :)

https://youtu.be/aqgpkW4LOWo?si=jdog1IwsxeyazLkH