Over 200 volunteers visit annually from around the world to help teach preschool and after-school programs, lead extracurricular activities, and assist with community development projects.
Since its inception in 2011, Give & Surf has strived to provide equal access to education for the indigenous communities of Bocas del Toro. Due to the isolated nature of some of these village communities, they have limited access to school and thus Give & Surf offers preschool, after-school, and summer camp programs as well as extracurricular activities to supplement the education provided by the public government. We now serve over 1,000 students weekly in our community centers and preschools in ten communities on six islands and continue to grow each year!
Volunteers have the unique opportunity to be immersed in the local island communities and assist with our preschool and after-school programs. Week days typically consist of a half day of volunteering as an assistant teacher/instructor with one of our preschool or after-school programs and the remaining time is free to explore and enjoy the beautiful Bocas islands.
Volunteers are encouraged to share their passions and talents and help plan activities for children to participate in including arts & crafts, sports, field trips, and more! Groups of volunteers are also welcome to come and often help with special projects such as the construction of a new playground or school.
Most afternoons & evenings are free for volunteers to enjoy everything Bocas del Toro has to offer, including surfing, diving, hiking, biking, or just relaxing on the beautiful beaches! An option for volunteers is to experience Bocas del Toro by riding waves big or small.
We wish to share our passion of surfing with you when you come to the islands. If surfing does not interest you. Don't worry there is a lot more to experience in Bocas del Toro. Many of our volunteers enjoy the region for its amazing beaches, hikes, and activities. If you are not an experienced surfer, no worries.
We offer the opportunity to learn how to surf or surf world class waves when volunteering with us. One surf lesson is provided upon request to each volunteer. Volunteers are given the opportunity to surf during their free time and when the work schedule accommodates take trips to different surf breaks.
We have a world of knowledge and years of experience in the ocean and Panama.
