Volunteering At Dreamsea Surf Camp Costa Rica

[vc_row row_height_percent=”0″ override_padding=”yes” h_padding=”7″ top_padding=”3″ bottom_padding=”2″ overlay_alpha=”50″ gutter_size=”3″ shift_y=”0″][vc_column column_width_percent=”100″ position_vertical=”middle” align_horizontal=”align_center” overlay_alpha=”50″ gutter_size=”0″ medium_width=”0″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ z_index=”0″ width=”1/1″][vc_custom_heading text_size=”h3″ text_space=”fontspace-731609″ text_font=”font-762333″ text_weight=”500″ text_transform=”uppercase” text_color=”color-jevc” separator=”yes” separator_color=”yes” sub_reduced=”yes” text_align=”text-center” text_serif=””]The Dreamsea Surf Camp Costa Rica
Volunteer Atmosphere[/vc_custom_heading][vc_empty_space empty_h=”2″][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner column_width_percent=”100″ position_vertical=”middle” gutter_size=”3″ overlay_alpha=”50″ medium_width=”0″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ z_index=”0″ width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]

Future volunteers of Dreamsea Costa Rica, if I had to give just a single piece of advice for those considering volunteering at Dreamsea it would be.. DO IT!

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space empty_h=”2″][vc_empty_space empty_h=”0″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row row_height_percent=”0″ override_padding=”yes” h_padding=”2″ top_padding=”7″ bottom_padding=”7″ back_image=”51696″ back_attachment=”scroll” back_position=”center center” parallax=”yes” overlay_color=”accent” overlay_alpha=”80″ gutter_size=”3″ shift_y=”0″][vc_column column_width_percent=”100″ position_vertical=”middle” align_horizontal=”align_center” expand_height=”yes” overlay_alpha=”50″ gutter_size=”3″ medium_width=”0″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ z_index=”0″ width=”1/1″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row row_height_percent=”0″ override_padding=”yes” h_padding=”7″ top_padding=”2″ bottom_padding=”2″ overlay_alpha=”50″ gutter_size=”0″ shift_y=”0″][vc_column column_width_percent=”100″ position_vertical=”middle” align_horizontal=”align_center” overlay_alpha=”50″ gutter_size=”0″ medium_width=”0″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ z_index=”0″ width=”1/1″][vc_empty_space empty_h=”2″][vc_custom_heading heading_semantic=”h6″ text_size=”h3″ text_space=”fontspace-731609″ text_font=”font-762333″ text_weight=”500″ text_transform=”uppercase” text_color=”color-jevc” separator=”yes” separator_color=”yes” sub_reduced=”yes” text_align=”text-center” text_serif=””]Dreamsea Costa Rica[/vc_custom_heading][vc_empty_space empty_h=”0″][vc_empty_space empty_h=”1″][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner column_width_percent=”100″ gutter_size=”3″ overlay_alpha=”50″ medium_width=”0″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ z_index=”0″ width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]

Has a large volunteering community, who are all vital to the overall progress and upkeep of the camp. Without this volunteer program, the camp simply wouldn’t be the same.

Bringing a group together for a longer period of time creates deeper friendships and an amazing atmosphere that can’t be achieved when people are just passing through. This is really evident from the moment you arrive. As a result of the friendships I’ve made here, I have now added a few more countries to the list of places to visit, and am even extending my trip to fly half way across the world for a South African road trip. Although, you make friends everywhere when you are traveling, I think ones as real and long lasting as those at Dreamsea are special and rare.

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There are three kinds of volunteers at Dreamsea, for more information check out the volunteering page of the website. But the most common volunteering position at Dreamsea is a general volunteer. These volunteers share the responsibility for much of the camps upkeep including the common areas, bathrooms, maintenance and kitchen. They work for a very short period of each day to receive accommodation and make a weekly contribution to food costs.

Qualified volunteers on the other hand are specialized in more specific roles requiring certain skill sets, such as surf instructors, yoga instructors, photographers and social media experts. These volunteers make an initial contribution for food costs, and then subsequently receive all guest benefits in exchange for their work.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space empty_h=”1″][vc_empty_space empty_h=”0″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row row_height_percent=”0″ override_padding=”yes” h_padding=”2″ top_padding=”7″ bottom_padding=”7″ back_image=”51697″ back_attachment=”scroll” back_position=”center bottom” parallax=”yes” overlay_color=”accent” overlay_alpha=”55″ gutter_size=”3″ shift_y=”0″][vc_column column_width_percent=”100″ position_vertical=”middle” align_horizontal=”align_center” expand_height=”yes” overlay_alpha=”50″ gutter_size=”3″ medium_width=”0″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ z_index=”0″ width=”1/1″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row row_height_percent=”0″ override_padding=”yes” h_padding=”7″ top_padding=”2″ bottom_padding=”2″ overlay_alpha=”50″ gutter_size=”3″ shift_y=”0″][vc_column column_width_percent=”100″ position_vertical=”middle” align_horizontal=”align_center” overlay_alpha=”50″ gutter_size=”3″ medium_width=”0″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ z_index=”0″ width=”1/1″][vc_empty_space empty_h=”1″][vc_custom_heading heading_semantic=”h3″ text_size=”h3″ text_space=”fontspace-731609″ text_font=”font-762333″ text_weight=”500″ text_transform=”uppercase” text_color=”color-jevc” separator=”yes” separator_color=”yes” sub_reduced=”yes” text_align=”text-center” text_serif=””]The Dreamsea Volunteer Experience[/vc_custom_heading][vc_empty_space empty_h=”0″][vc_column_text]

Is a very unique one. Any volunteering opportunity following this one is going to have a very tough act to follow, as I’ve acclimated to an atmosphere here like no other because:

1) Dreamsea is a very relaxed place to work. You have a huge amount of independence as the staff trusts that you will do what you need to. You don’t have someone telling you when you need to work or micro-managing you. Your hours aren’t counted or questioned, as we are all adults working together for a common goal.

2) The work is simple but meaningful. This is not volunteering for the sake of volunteering. We are the vital foundation of the camp, every job is important for the day to day production of Dreamsea. We have a lot of fun, but everyone’s contribution ultimately assists in running an efficient business. Dreamsea is admittedly, one of the most amazing, relaxed businesses, centred on fun and shared interests.

3) There is such a focus on having a good time. The majority of volunteers are travelling, but they are also here to have fun and enjoy themselves. The atmosphere created by like-minded people coming together is part of the essence of Dreamsea. It allows guests to slip into a family dynamic that is already so strong and positive. Therefore, you never find yourself being held back from having fun or good times with your friends because that is something the camp needs! I have had an awesome amount of fun here!

[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space empty_h=”2″][vc_empty_space empty_h=”0″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row row_height_percent=”0″ override_padding=”yes” h_padding=”2″ top_padding=”7″ bottom_padding=”7″ back_image=”51266″ back_attachment=”scroll” back_position=”center center” parallax=”yes” overlay_color=”accent” overlay_alpha=”65″ gutter_size=”3″ shift_y=”0″][vc_column column_width_percent=”100″ position_vertical=”middle” align_horizontal=”align_center” expand_height=”yes” overlay_alpha=”50″ gutter_size=”3″ medium_width=”0″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ z_index=”0″ width=”1/1″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row row_height_percent=”0″ override_padding=”yes” h_padding=”7″ top_padding=”2″ bottom_padding=”2″ overlay_alpha=”50″ gutter_size=”3″ shift_y=”0″][vc_column column_width_percent=”100″ position_vertical=”middle” align_horizontal=”align_center” overlay_alpha=”50″ gutter_size=”0″ medium_width=”0″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ z_index=”0″ width=”1/1″][vc_empty_space empty_h=”2″][vc_empty_space empty_h=”1″][vc_custom_heading heading_semantic=”h1″ text_size=”h3″ text_space=”fontspace-731609″ text_font=”font-762333″ text_weight=”500″ text_transform=”uppercase” text_color=”color-jevc” separator=”yes” separator_color=”yes” sub_reduced=”yes” text_align=”text-center” text_serif=””]It may seem like a daunting concept[/vc_custom_heading][vc_empty_space empty_h=”2″][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner column_width_percent=”100″ position_vertical=”middle” gutter_size=”3″ overlay_alpha=”50″ medium_width=”0″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ z_index=”0″ width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]

To sign up to staying in one place for a month or more. Particularly, when almost all of us want to be able to travel longer than we have! I remember as I was driven to the camp, the strange feeling that I was coming to a new place for such a long time. I remember looking at the tree lined dusty road of the jungle on the way, reflecting on how familiar it would soon be and how strange that concept is after four months of constant travelling.

However, although that tree lined dusty road has become wonderfully familiar, my worries that one month in one place is too long were unfounded. The weeks pass so quickly here, I can hardly believe that I’m almost at the end of my time volunteering! We have all been totally shocked and confused that time has sped away, it’s easy to see how many people end up volunteering here a lot longer than they intended!

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Two of camps biggest characters (the Sanchez brothers) are finally about to leave after 4 months having originally arrived for just a 3 week volunteering stint. A surprisingly common story here! Luckily for me, I am leaving camp to travel Nicaragua with some other Dreamsea volunteers who have become life long friends!

My stay has been an incredible experience and I can’t imagine finding another place where you’re given so much independence, freedom and the opportunity for so much fun and friendship (not to mention, the chance to eat more food than any backpacker ever could – operation fit back into my denim shorts will be commencing upon leaving Dreamsea…).

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Whether to volunteer at Dreamsea, my honest opinion is still to just DO IT!! However, if you’re reading this because you’ve already signed up and are doing some last minute research (we’ve all been there!) then well done, and good luck!!! You’ll have an awesome time, trust me!

– Hannah Blower

*This blog is part of a five-part series written by a former Dreamsea Costa Rica Volunteer, Hannah Blower. This mini-series focuses on five separate dynamics of the Dreamsea Surf Camp Costa Rica Volunteer program which are intended to provide prospective Volunteers additional insight into what it means to be a part of the Dreamsea Costa Rica volunteer team.*

[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space empty_h=”1″][vc_empty_space empty_h=”0″][vc_button button_color=”color-jevc” radius=”btn-square” italic=”” button_style=”light” icon_animation=”yes” icon=”fa fa-book2″ link=”url:http%3A%2F%2Fdreamseacostarica.com%2Fvolunteer%2F|||”]Learn More[/vc_button][vc_empty_space empty_h=”2″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row row_height_percent=”0″ override_padding=”yes” h_padding=”2″ top_padding=”7″ bottom_padding=”7″ back_image=”50376″ back_attachment=”scroll” back_position=”center center” parallax=”yes” overlay_color=”accent” overlay_alpha=”75″ gutter_size=”3″ shift_y=”0″][vc_column column_width_percent=”100″ position_vertical=”middle” align_horizontal=”align_center” expand_height=”yes” overlay_alpha=”50″ gutter_size=”3″ medium_width=”0″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ z_index=”0″ width=”1/1″][vc_custom_heading heading_semantic=”h1″ text_size=”fontsize-502225″ text_height=”fontheight-554561″ text_space=”fontspace-102651″ text_font=”font-762333″ text_weight=”700″ text_transform=”uppercase” text_color=”color-xsdn” sub_lead=”yes” sub_reduced=”yes” text_align=”text-center” text_serif=””]Volunteer Today[/vc_custom_heading][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row unlock_row_content=”yes” row_height_percent=”0″ override_padding=”yes” h_padding=”0″ top_padding=”0″ bottom_padding=”0″ back_color=”color-jevc” parallax=”yes” overlay_alpha=”50″ gutter_size=”3″ shift_y=”0″ row_name=”#blog”][vc_column column_width_percent=”100″ style=”dark” overlay_alpha=”50″ gutter_size=”3″ medium_width=”0″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ z_index=”0″ width=”1/1″][uncode_index el_id=”index-197106822234″ loop=”size:all|order_by:date|order:DESC|post_type:post” auto_query=”yes” style_preset=”metro” gutter_size=”0″ post_items=”media|featured|onpost|original,title,spacer|half,sep-one|reduced,date” page_items=”title,media,text,category” product_items=”title,media,text,category,price” portfolio_items=”title,media,text,category” carousel_v_align=”middle” screen_lg=”800″ screen_md=”800″ screen_sm=”800″ single_text=”overlay” single_width=”6″ single_height=”3″ single_overlay_color=”color-wayh” single_overlay_opacity=”70″ single_text_visible=”yes” single_text_anim=”no” single_overlay_visible=”yes” single_overlay_anim=”no” single_h_align=”center” single_h_align_mobile=”center” single_padding=”5″ single_title_transform=”uppercase” single_title_dimension=”h4″ single_title_family=”font-377884″ single_title_weight=”700″ single_title_height=”fontheight-554561″ single_title_space=”fontspace-102651″ single_border=”yes” single_css_animation=”zoom-in” single_text_inline=”yes” filtering_menu=”inline” single_text_hover=”yes” single_block_click=”yes” single_title_serif=”” single_title_divider=”yes” single_no_background=”” items=”eyI0MjM3X2kiOnsic2luZ2xlX3dpZHRoIjoiMTIiLCJzaW5nbGVfaGVpZ2h0IjoiNCJ9LCI0MTkzX2kiOnsic2luZ2xlX3dpZHRoIjoiMTIiLCJzaW5nbGVfaGVpZ2h0IjoiNiIsInNpbmdsZV90aXRsZV9kaW1lbnNpb24iOiJmb250c2l6ZS0zMzg2ODYifSwiNTE3MjNfaSI6eyJzaW5nbGVfaWNvbiI6IiJ9fQ==” single_title_bold=”yes” single_half_padding=”” single_image_size=”thumb” footer_position=”left” carousel_rtl=”” order_ids=”4193,4231,4247,4252,4225″][/vc_column][/vc_row]