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Countries/States Served:
CR
People Utilized or Employed:
Veterinary, Trainable Volunteers
Types of Students Allowed:
Veterinary Students, Preveterinary Students |
Program Length:
Short Term (Less than 1 month) and Long Term (Greater than 1 month)
Language Skills:
English, Spanish
Religious Affiliations:
University Affiliations:
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Mission Statement: (See Web Site For Updated Information)
Kids Saving the Rainforest was founded by two 9 year old girls in 1999 for the purpose of educating people around the world about the ecological importance of the rainforest, to set-up programs to preserve and protect the rainforest and its wildlife. KSTR, a U.S. 501 (c)(3) non-profit, encourages awareness of the critical importance of saving rainforests in general for the survival of our planet and encourages all who participate to take part in sound ecological practices in their homes, schools and communities as well. We are incorporated in both Connecticut and California and maintain tax deductible, non-profit status with the U.S. I.R.S. We are governed by a board of directors who meet regularly to plan strategy and make budget decisions.
KSTR invites participation by schools, children’s organizations and individuals throughout the United States and abroad who further the purpose by learning about the rainforest, doing projects that raise money to donate to KSTR and spreading the message further through educating others. KSTR reaches out to kids, teachers, parents, rehabilitation specialists, primatologists and others around the world.
KSTR has a variety of dynamic and successful projects including our Rescue Center, Wildlife Sanctuary, Monkey Bridges, Volunteer Program, tours, reforestation, Kids Camp and projects by schools and other groups and individuals who want to help save the rainforest worldwide.
Participant’s General Duties
All participants will work under the supervision of the Volunteer Coordinator and/or an Intern, working alongside KSTR staff and local and/or international volunteers. Daily duties include preparing food for animals, feeding animals twice a day, recording animal behavior and health, cleaning cages, working on our tree nursery, organic gardens, composting, planting trees, maintenance of crops, etc., and will vary depending on each volunteer’s interests. Volunteers should expect to work up to 40 hours per week.
Requirements
All participants are expected to fulfill certain requirements in order to participate in our projects. Work is demanding, repetitive, and can also vary from day to day. Participants must know that they will be working with wild animals that are not pets and should behave accordingly. These requirements are to ensure that volunteers bring the right expectations and enjoy their experience with KSTR.
Need to enjoy working outdoors and be motivated
Able to converse, receive and understand instructions in English and/or Spanish
Minimum age of 18 (minors accepted with parental approval on an individual basis).
Travel and international medical insurance
Flexibility to adapt to changing schedules and weather
Available for a minimum of one month
If you don’t have a full month to participate, talk to us, we can tailor a program for you.
Project Site
Costa Rica has long been renowned for the friendliness of its people, high standard of education, enlightened environmental policies, and for its peaceful, democratic government. Most of all, Costa Rica is famous for its stunning natural beauty and the density and diversity of its exotic flora and fauna.
The Central Pacific area of the country hosts a wide variety of ecosystems because it is where the dry forest of the north and the very humid forest of the south overlap. Some estimates of the biodiversity of the region are 109 species of mammals and 184 species of birds.
One of the iconic places in this area that you will be able to explore is Manuel Antonio National Park, chosen by Forbes as one of the most beautiful national parks in the world. Here, KSTR volunteers teach tourists about proper behavior toward wild animals and how to have a safe and enjoyable time.
The volunteer center, the wildlife sanctuary and the permaculture site are located in the quiet surrounding area of the Blue Banyan Inn (www.bluebanyaninn.com), 7 Km (~4 miles) from the nearest town of Quepos and Manuel Antonio. The property is surrounded by forest of different ages, palm, beech, and teak wood plantations.
The volunteer center has shared rooms and bathrooms in a brand new building, and a mini-lounge where you can share the day’s activities with fellow volunteers. This area includes a refrigerator, couch, sink, cabinet space, and satellite TV.
There are mountains nearby and a network of dirt roads to explore the area. The town of Quepos and Manuel Antonio National Park are a few kilometers away and volunteers will have plenty of time to explore these places.
CONTRIBUTION FEES TOWARDS PARTICIPATION
Kids Saving the Rainforest is a Non-Profit Organization and we rely on donations to function, as do many other NGOs in developing countries. Nevertheless we are working hard on being sustainable and self-sufficient. Most of our budget is spent at our rescue center, which receives a great quantity of animals per year (116 in 2010) and has no means of making money.
Therefore we rely on volunteers to contribute towards their participation costs. These fees cover 3 daily meals, drinking water, accommodation (shared rooms and bathrooms), Internet (WiFi), satellite TV, one load of laundry per week, travel to project site, onsite and in country support.
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