Community and Conservation - Selva Verde

Community and Conservation Programs

SELVA VERDE LODGE, COSTA RICA

Tree planting at the Learning CenterSelva Verde is proud to partner with the Sarapiquí Conservation Learning Center (SCLC) to offer students, educators, and other groups the opportunity to learn about the people and culture in our community. Founded in the 1990’s by Giovanna Holbrook and Selva Verde Lodge, the SCLC was established to promote conservation education in the communities surrounding Selva Verde. Today the SCLC is a fully independent nonprofit working to achieve a sustainable future for the people and wildlife of the region. Funded in part by its ecotourism activities, the SCLC offers opportunities for cultural exchange between visitors and local people through activities and service projects.

learning Programs in Community and conservation

Selva Verde and the SCLC can help you craft a unique service learning program or cultural immersion experience for your students. Or, choose from a variety of existing programs. Click on any of the activities below to learn more

Latin Dance Lessons

Ever wanted to learn Latin dancing? Then this is the class for you! You will learn 3 styles: Merengue, Salsa, and Cumbia. Local dancers will first demonstrate and then lead the group step by step. You will also practice with a partner and everyone will also take turns dancing in a circle, showing off their new dance moves. This activity is great fun, perfect for group’s kick off or tour ending, but also for families and friends

Time: Evenings 7:00 or 7:30pm.
Duration: 1 hour
Cost: $130 for groups of 1-10 people, each additional person per person $13. 25 person maximum per class.

Cooking Class

Want to learn how to make a Costa Rican meal? This class will offer you the opportunity to learn how to make traditional Costa Rican dishes. The classes are led by a local community member, and everyone participates in the cooking process. You will learn about the history, botanical names, and cultivation of each fresh ingredient. The menu consists of guacamole (a dip made with avocados), batidos (milkshakes), empanadas (turnovers), tortillas (flat bread), or patacones (fried green plantains). Enjoy trying all of your culinary creations at the end of the class!!

Time: Afternoons or evenings
Duration: 2 hours
Cost: $13 per person
10 participant minimum.

Community Service Projects

The Sarapiquí Region is one of the poorest counties in Costa Rica. Much of the local work is plantation work, either banana or pineapple. To build stronger communities and support local schools, Selva Verde partners with the Sarapiquí Conservation Learning Center to link visitors interested in volunteering their time with projects where their assistance is needed. Note: Projects must be arranged and finalized 2 weeks in advance.

Time: Half day – 2 to 3 hours / Full day – 4 to 5 hours
Cost: $30 per person for half day / $50 per person for full day (5 person minimum)
Transportation: not included – cost determined by location of service project

Visit a Local School

Visit a local elementary school or high school and compare and contrast the Costa Rica education system with your own. Enjoy a guided tour led by the director, a teacher, and/or students, a presentation and a question/answer session. One third of each participant fee will go directly to the participating school

Time: Mon – Fri: 9:30-11:30 AM or 2:00-4:00 PM (available mid Feb. through Jun. or Aug. through mid. Dec.)
Duration: 2 hours
Cost: $18 per person (5 person minimum)
Transportation: not included – cost determined by school location

Charla - A Chat about local life in the Sarapiquí

During this informative talk given by a local community member, you will learn about life in Sarapiquí. Topics include immigration, domestic life, local artisan work, student experience and much more! A question and answer session concludes the activity, fostering international communication and understanding. Good Costa Rican coffee and fresh baked goods complete the experience

Recommend time: Flexible
Duration: 1 hour
Cost: $20 for 1 – 2 people, $9 per additional person

Home Stay with local family

Ever wondered what it’s like to actually live in another country, as opposed to simply traveling through it? Stay with a local family. Our families offer visitors a rare opportunity to experience firsthand what it is like to live in rural Costa Rica. Share meals, conversation, and leisure time with a local family. This opportunity is sure to provide you with a unique cultural and linguistic experience!

Cost: $26 per person per night (includes dinner and breakfast)
Restrictions: Each family has a certain amount of beds available. We need a minimum of 2 weeks notice to accommodate your reservation.

For more details about additional SCLC activities and detailed information on the Sarapiquí Conservation Learning Center please visit the SCLC Website. For custom programs, please CONTACT US

sclc logo Sarapiquí Conservation Learning Center is a non-profit conservation education organization in Costa Rica.

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