Panama
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We are a family-run, environmentally friendly organic cacao farm and eco lodge located at the highest point on Bastimentos Island in Bocas del Toro. We have a cafe and shop where we sell our Pure Tree line of natural products made from coconut oil, plants, flowers, and fruits from our organic garden, and serve all-natural drinks and treats hand-made from cacao, fruits, and other plants grown on our jungle farm.
We sometimes need volunteers to help in the garden, do small art projects for the shop, and to help teach our 3 sons who we are home-schooling here on the farm.
Volunteers live in comfortable, open-air eco-cabins which are constructed sustainably from our trees. We are off-grid, powered by solar panels and rainwater catchment. This is an amazing life-style to experience, and great for people who love to be in-touch with mother nature. There are many interesting jungle creatures here, but they are mostly harmless and only passing through, and our mosquito nets help keep you separated from insects while you sleep. If this appeals to you, read more about our volunteer positions below.
Gardening
Farmstay
Help with Eco project
Art project
Teaching
This is a great place to learn about sustainable living, tropical permaculture, practice your Spanish, learn about the cacao process, learn building and gardening techniques from locals, and experience an unplugged lifestyle on a Caribbean island.
Teachers: We are looking for one or two teachers to help teach our sons, ages 5, 8, and 11 on week-days. We would prefer volunteers in this position to be able to commit for a week or more, if possible. (Their lessons are in English, and they also practice their Spanish daily, but volunteers are not required to speak Spanish). The oldest is beginning 6th grade this year, and his subjects include math, science, English, reading, writing, music, and sometimes others. The boys are sweet, enjoy school and have loved spending time with past teacher volunteers.
Gardeners: We often take short or long-term volunteers who would like to spend time in the garden, especially those with an interest in permaculture. Our jungle farm was previously a cow pasture which we have reforested over the past 20 years. Now it is thriving with many of the special animals of this region finding a home here, including the tiny, beloved Bastimentos poison dart frog. Many volunteers love learning about our natural gardening techniques here, and experiencing a sustainable eco-lifestyle.
English and Spanish (Teachers must speak English)
Eco-cabin immersed in a beautiful jungle setting. (Uses solar panels for lights, and rainwater catchment; has a comfy bed with mosquito net, and a small kitchen with a gas stove and an ice chest for keeping food to cook).
Bastimentos Island has no roads or cars, only walking paths. Our farm is located at the highest point, which means a fairly steep walk up a sometimes muddy path. Many visitors and volunteers feel it is well worth the walk, and have found a unique and unforgettable experience here. In their free time, volunteers visit the beaches here, take boats to uninhabited islands, surf, hike, and enjoy the Caribbean islander lifestyle.
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
More than two
Maximum 4-5 hours a day, 5 days a week
