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Camp Moracacho popular
Nestled in Costa Rica's Central Valley, our 260-acre working organic farm gives campers the opportunity to learn about sustainable living practices, explore our primary and secondary forests, improve their Spanish and embark on adventures that will bring memories to last a lifetime.
By working alongside ecological and agricultural specialists in a unique, outdoor setting, campers gain a greater appreciation for nature's complexities and wonders. From cultivating organic produce and working hands-on with livestock, to reforestation and community service, campers at Moracacho develop a deeper awareness of themselves and of our Planet. Plus, they learn Spanish in the process!
At Camp Moracacho we believe in the incredible power of experience. This is why we have developed a unique and enriching, hands-on summer program for teens. Our mission is to provide our campers with profound learning experiences in a cross-cultural setting, so they can develop a strong sense of responsibility for themselves and our Planet.
Camp Moracacho brings our campers something new and exciting every day:
Organic Farming and Sustainable Living
At Camp Moracacho our campers learn how organic farming can greatly improve the overall quality of their food, health and environment. When done properly it can help control erosion, improve soil quality, enhance biodiversity and most importantly, promote sustainability.Our organic crops are looked after all year round by our staff. However, during camp sessions, our campers become actively involved in the cultivating process. The results include, but are not limited to, the consumption of delicious, chemical free foods and a solid understanding of life’s natural cycles.
Ecological Restoration and Reforestation
At Camp Moracacho we make an intentional effort to familiarize ourselves with our surrounding ecosystem and learn how to respect its health, integrity and sustainability. On our wilderness treks our campers watch for wildlife, monitor the health of our orchards, keep an eye out for any disturbances in our primary and secondary forests, and track growth progress in the areas that we reforest.
Adventure
Our staff is always prepared to guide campers on their next great adventure. Summers at Camp Moracacho are filled with lots of exciting activities, like horseback trail rides to nearby rivers, horse games and races, roping and rounding up cattle, hiking and mountain biking.Campers will have rotating schedules and can choose from a wide variety of activities. No two days are alike and every day is more fun than the day before!
Fun and Games
When the campers aren’t out exploring, there are a number of other organized activities. This way, campers always have something to look forward to, like soccer, softball, archery, swimming, our “tarzan swing”, water volleyball, polo, group trivia/quiz games, treasure hunts, capture the flag, horseshoe toss, skits, talent shows, board games in the Rancho, arts and crafts, cook outs and campfire stories!
Spanish
Camp Moracacho is predominantly an English-speaking camp, but we encourage campers to speak Spanish amongst themselves and with our bilingual staff. Spanish is widely spoken around the camp, because we believe strongly in practical conversation and confidence building through immersion.
All morning activities will be conducted in Spanish to help develop conversation and comprehension skills. Campers will also have the opportunity twice a week to attend a small group Spanish class that will help them with the more formal aspects of the language.
Cultural Immersion
There are many cultural activities that our campers will have the opportunity to attend. Some of the local favorites attract Costa Ricans from all over the country and are often horse and cattle centered. Rodeos, Costa Rican-style horse races, topes (horse parades), livestock auctions, farmers’ market, fairs and local fiestas are some of the most anticipated events.
Additionally, campers will have the opportunity to learn about local agricultural businesses by visiting a coffee coop, a local cheese factory, a dairy farm, and the local beekeeper- who makes some of the best honey we have ever tasted!
Giving Back to the Community
At Camp Moracacho we practice the act of giving back to the community. We are grateful to our wonderful neighbors and the friendly Costa Ricans whose warm smiles and generosity contribute to our campers’ positive experiences.
We recognize the privilege behind the opportunity to travel to a new country, learn a new language and experience the unknown. For this reason, we come up with creative ways for our campers to share their time, their knowledge and their laughter with the local children. From soccer games, English lessons, painting the school house and hosting a community BBQ, the ways of giving back are endless!
Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
Campers will spend 2 days and 2 nights here. In the majestic Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, campers will have the opportunity to take a night eco-tour and see glowing mushrooms, glowing worms and other night forest activity. During the day, fantastic trails, spectacular canopy tours and hanging bridges will give campers an idea of what it’s like to be a monkey up in the trees! With some of the country’s most amazing zip lines, campers who are daring enough can soar high above the trees!
Arenal Volcano
Campers will spend 2 days and 2 nights visiting Costa Rica’s Arenal volcano, active now for over 400 years. During the day, campers will get the chance to do things they have never done before, like take the Arenal sky tram (to get a good look at the volcano), rappel down a waterfall or go white water rafting. At night, spectacular scenes of lava flowing from the mouth of the volcano are absolutely captivating. Parents, not to worry, we keep a very safe distance!
Termales del Bosque
Termales del Bosque is an exceptional ecological retreat. Here campers will spend 1 day and 1 night relaxing and enjoying the magnificent thermal waters, which vary in temperature and are very therapeutic.Another unique element to this experience is that it is located on a working sheep farm. Other activites on the farm include horseback riding, mud baths and massages.
Manuel Antonio Beach and National Park
Offering a fusion of forested mountain and pristine beach, this small biological peninsula is the country’s smallest national park. Despite its size, it offers rich biodiversity and a range of activities for our campers. Whether they want to swim, snorkel, kayak, hike, fish or just lay on the beach, campers will love Manuel Antonio.
