KIDS SAVING THE RAINFOREST – a registered 501(c3) non-profit organization
INFORMATION ABOUT OUR PROGRAMS
Kids Saving the Rainforest has different projects on biodiversity conservation and research, and
we have created a training/volunteer program that allows any animal or forest lover to join us,
learn with us and work with us. We believe that we are all capable of changing our attitude
towards nature.
Tropical Wildlife Zoo Keeping: Kids Saving the Rainforest has had a wildlife rehabilitation
center since 2005. In 2010 we opened a Wildlife Sanctuary to keep those animals that cannot be
released back into the wild. Some of the animals were pets and are used to humans, some were
circus and research animals and others are too injured to survive in the wild. The volunteers will
learn the basics of zoo keeping in a tropical environment with tropically native species. This may
include maintenance of facilities (cleaning, repairing, building and enriching cages, trails, etc.),
diet preparation and enrichment, behavioral observations, health monitoring, and training. Also
the volunteers will learn about tropical biodiversity and the natural history of some tropical
animals.
PARTICIPATION OPTIONS
Kids Saving the Rainforest offers two different types of volunteer placements:
Seasonal Volunteers: Duration of the stay can be one week up to one month and participate in
all aspects of the work. Applicants from any background are accepted and full training is
provided.
Interns: Duration of the stay is from three weeks up to several months if they wish. Applicants
from any background are accepted, however this placement is more suitable for gap-year
students, undergraduates or recent-graduates who wish to gain more experience in wildlife
management and conservation. Interns will work with KSTR staff, but will be expected to be
independent and proactive, and might receive extra training for specific tasks or research projects
taking place.
Also, we accept internship students who wish to undertake research projects for their
dissertation, thesis, independent study, capstone study, etc. These students can benefit from the
support and supervision or KSTR’s team on biology and wildlife veterinary medicine.
Self-generated projects are welcomed or alternatively, students may inquire with KSTR about
our current research interests.
Participant’s General Duties
All participants will work under the supervision of the Volunteer Coordinator and Vet Tech
while working alongside KSTR. Daily duties include preparing food for animals, feeding
animals twice a day, recording animal behavior and health and cleaning cages. 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
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.
The Volunteer Center, Wildlife Sanctuary and Rescue Center 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, a mini-lounge where you can share the
day’s activities with fellow volunteers. This area includes a refrigerator, sitting area, sink and
cabinet space.
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 can explore these
areas during free time.
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),
laundry, travel to town and in country support.
Kids Saving the Rainforest
Volunteers Rates 2014
Volunteers
Registration
Fee
Volunteers Fee
Per Person/Per
Night
Total
14+ days
$100
$880
$70
$980
21+ days
$150
$1215
$65
$1365
30+ days
$200
$1600
$60
$1800
60+ days
$250
$4700
$55
$4950
120+ days
$300
$5700
$50
$6000
(Bunk Rooms)
Up to 4 people in a room: discount based on number of people in the room.
2 people: $5 off, 3 people: $10 off and 4 people: $15 off
Volunteers
Registration
Fee
Volunteers Fee
Per Person/Per
Night
Total
14+ days
$100
$1720
$130
$1820
21+ days
$150
$2370
$120
$2520
30+ days
$200
$3100
$110
$3300
60+ days
$250
$8750
$100
$9000
120+ days
$300
$10,500
$90
$10,800
(Cottages)
Up to 3 people in a cottage: discount based on number of people in the cottage.
2 people $10 off and 3 people $20 off
100% of the proceeds go to support KSTR projects.
Rates include the following:
* Bunk bed, sheets and towels, access to laundry, all meals, days off and transportation to
town. (Bunk Room)
*King, Queen and Double beds (depending on the cottage) sheets and towels, access to laundry,
all meals, days off and transportation to town. (Cottages)
*If you need to cancel for some reason, only the volunteer fee will be refunded and
not the registration fee.
*Registration fee is non-refundable and must be paid once you submit your
application. All other fees may be paid via PayPal one month before arrival.
Not available to stay for a long period of time? Less than a 2 week stay volunteers are
considered Day Volunteers – see below for rates.
Day Volunteers
KSTR does not provide rooms, transportation, or meals except snacks or lunch depending on
program.
Full Day Program – 8am-4pm includes lunch
1-3 people - $80 per person
4-7 people - $75 per person
8-14 people - $70 per person
15+ people - $65 per person
Half Day Program – 8am-12pm or 12pm to 4pm includes snack
1-3 people - $60 per person
4-7 people - $55 per person
8-14 people - $50 per person
15+ people - $45 per person
Notes to Rates:
*Previously quoted rates will be honored through July 2014.
*Repeat Volunteers will receive one level lower rate.
*All Costa Rican Nationals will receive a 30% discount.
Wish List Donation:
KSTR is solely run on donations and whenever it’s possibly we would love if you
could bring items from our “Wish List” that could fit into your baggage.
Thank you
KSTR Team
TESTIMONIALS FROM PAST VOLUNTEERS
“This was the most amazing experience I’ve ever had in my life and I know that I will never be
able to explain to my family and friends what happened here without getting emotional. You all
are the best and most welcoming people ever!!” Vernita-Philadelphia
“I am so thankful that I had the opportunity to have such an amazing experience. The rainforest
created such a beautiful backdrop to volunteer that it literally takes your breath away. In a short
matter of time everyone at KSTR became family. This program is making a change in this world,
and I am thrilled that I could be a part of it.” Cat Ogle-California