Our goal is to raise $15,000 for the 2026 Las Hormiguitas teen leadership camp. Join us in supporting Monteverde's next generation of leaders!
A little ant making her way in the world
When Kendra was finally old enough to be an Hormiguita (little ant), her world opened up. She planted native tree seedlings, and the seeds of new friendships with peers she might otherwise not have met. She was not alone in overcoming fears in the tree climbing and ropes course activities. Seeing camp art projects around town makes her feel proud. Kendra looked up to the camp leaders - then became one herself in 2024. In 2025 she was hired as the MVI staff camp assistant, her first formal job. She is now coordinator of a local environmental club and an active community participant, and credits Las Hormiguitas with empowering her to not only seek out, but proactively help to create more healthy opportunities for Monteverde teens. Little ants can achieve great things when they work together!
The problem?
The unique, biodiverse Monteverde zone enjoys benefits of ecotourism, and also faces associated challenges, including an affordable housing crisis, inequality, and strains on public services and natural resources. We need capable, strong, passionate local leaders who can collaboratively guide Monteverde into a future of local opportunities beyond seasonal employment in tourism - leaders who will prioritize our community needs and unique biodiversity. Monteverde teens, our future community leaders, need more opportunities for social connection, learning new skills, community service, and developing themselves as leaders. Working parents need healthy options for their teens during school vacation. The Monteverde Institute’s Las Hormiguitas camp provides these opportunities for local teens during the first week of July, when both public and private high schools are on vacation. Transportation is provided to make it accessible to teens from outlying communities, who often miss out on opportunities due to lack of public transportation.
Be part of the solution:
youth leadership development
Las Hormiguitas
youth leadership camp
The week-long camp costs the Monteverde Institute $18,000 for 40 campers. We need to raise $15,000 to cover the cost of leader stipends, camp assistant salary, activities, invited experts, materials, food, and transportation. In addition to the $3,000 difference, MVI will provide staff salaries, facilities, administration, and the year-round calendar of training activities for the leaders. Local partners also make in-kind contributions, showing their support for future community leadership. Join the Monteverde Institute in our efforts to train and connect Monteverde’s next generation of leaders!
$450 sponsors a camper for the week
$300 pays a leader's stipend
$200 covers the cost of a workshop (e.g. non-violent communication)
$85 provides the week's snacks and lunches for a camper