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WORK-TRADER

INFORMATION

PLEASE READ THOROUGHLY


COMMUNITY

Living in community is very rewarding!
Creating a healthy, happy atmosphere and a smooth-running retreat center takes work and dedication from all of us. We expect our work-traders to be honest, kind, helpful, and motivated and we encourage sharing our knowledge with each other so we can grow and thrive together.
 

HOW OUR WORK-TRADE WORKS

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This is not a Job. 

Trained, experienced, hard-working local workers earn $2.50/hour.

As an inexperienced traveler,

we would not (and by law could not) hire you for your help.

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This is also not strictly Volunteering.

We are not a charity or a foundation

nor a cause for social justice.

We are a start-up of a couple of friends and dreamers

with big ideas, small budgets and a DIY attitude.

​

This is an Experience.

A work-trade is an inexpensive way for you to travel,

to live in community,

to learn first-hand about sustainable living,

to focus on personal growth,

to share skills with other travelers

and an opportunity to contribute to a project whose values you share.

​

We think we're building something pretty badass

and we want you to come get your hands dirty

and be a part of it with us!

WORK LOAD
 
6 hours per day / 5 days a week:
 
Please keep in mind:
 

Sometimes the work can be very physically demanding!
and
We do expect a motivated effort during your work hours.
 
Our motto is:


"When it's time to work, work.
When it's time to relax, relax.
Don't do both at the same time
or you accomplish neither."


Your work hours may consist of:
* Making breakfast, lunch, or dinner
* Cleaning
* And lots more cleaning!
* Checking guests in and out
* Responding to phone and email
* Managing reservations
* Helping guests with luggage
* Shopping
* Feeding and caring for animals
* Fixing paths and steps
  * Working with Allen, our local Tico organic landscaper, gardener and
    plant specialist.

* Working in the garden

WHAT TO BRING

 

Clothing
* Shoes for hiking and working in the mud

* Slip-on shoes (no shoes inside buildings)

* A light rain jacket and/or umbrella

* Bathing suit!
* Clothes that will be comfortable in heat & humidity
* Sweater or hoodie

* Dark colors, not white!

Don't bring anything you will be devastated to lose.

The jungle eats everything.

Especially in the rainy season (May - Nov), everything is

  susceptible to mold and mildew.


Money
We do NOT have an ATM on sight.

The closest one is in Dominical (25 mins away by car).

We recommend bringing cash with you,

though many places take card.

Colones are recommended, but some places also take US dollars.

The fee for your stay with us is due the day of your arrival.


Other
*Headlamp or flashlight for walking at night
*Bug spray and anti-itch cream

*Big, thick plastic trash bags

(highly recommended to protect clothes and personal items from humidity and mold)

​

HOUSING

 

You'll live in a bad-ass campground dubbed the Magic Garden by pioneering volunteers Sarah and David. At the campground you'll have a roof over your tent and are provided a foam mattress with all necessary bedding. The campground includes outdoor heated showers, laundry facilities, an eco composting toilet, communal kitchen, lounge, and even wifi.

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AMMENITIES

 

* WiFi

* Access to private waterfall and hiking trails

* Laundry facility (detergent not included)

* Mother nature's love and beauty

* Personal toiletries (soaps, etc.) NOT included

MEALS

We provide food staples, including coffee, black tea, rice, beans,

lentils, pasta, flour, salt, pepper, and sunflower oil.​

We do not provide fresh produce, eggs, meat, specialty items,

snacks, beverages, breakfast cereal, bread, etc.

You are welcome to the fresh fruits from the trees throughout the lodge

as wells as herbs and greens grown in the garden.

​

Vegetarian meals are provided at the main lodge during your work shifts.

DAYS OFF​


You will get 2 days off per week.

These days may vary from week to week.

 

If there are specific days you would like to ask off,

please notify us a week ahead of time so we can

accommodate you.

​

COST

​

We offer 2 free (non-paying) volunteer spots

for stays of more than 2 months.

 

If those 2 spots are filled, or if you'd like to stay for less than 2 months, you may do so at the following nightly rates:

​

Stays of MORE than 4 weeks: $12/night

Stays of LESS than 4 weeks: $15/night

 

​

30 hours/week

2 days off per week

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We think this is a pretty good trade. In addition to the benefit of your helping hands and creative ideas, getting to know all of you brave travelers is an absolute pleasure for us!

​

We hope that this arrangement feels good to you, too.

If it does not, please to not commit to coming to stay with us!

  
Please be aware that the payment is due upon arrival (the full
amount of your stay including your days off), and the payment is
NON-refundable.

 

By enrolling yourself into this program you are committing to stay
for the duration of the agreed-upon time.

In return, we commit to creating a comfortable, enjoyable,
and rewarding experience for you.

 

We are always available to talk through any issues you may have with other
staff members or with your stay in general.

We value open and honest communication

and expect that you bring any concerns or issues to our attention right away.

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WAIVER & RELEASE OF LIABILITY

(to be signed upon arrival)

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WORK-TRADE AGREEMENT

(to be signed upon arrival)

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DIRECTIONS

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