Panama
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We're looking for an adventurous, sociable, and conscientious person enthusiastic to experience work at a well-established jungle lodge and chocolate farm in Bahia Honda on Isla Bastimentos in Bocas Del Toro.
We have been running our small (4 cabin) lodge, 5 hectare chocolate farm and organic gardens for the past 14 years. We also work on a variety of programs in collaboration with the indigenous Ngabe community in which we live, including after school classes and tutoring for local children.
This is what we need help with:
- Working with a small group of children from the local community to run 2 weekly English language classes. Right now, this is our main goal for volunteers and we are looking for someone with experience teaching English as a foreign language.
- Help with the day-to-day running of the lodge and guest relations.
Our lodge has garnered a great reputation over the last decade, our standards are high and exemplary customer service is a must.
Gardening
Babysitting and creative play
General Maintenance
Farmstay help
Help with Eco Projects
Animal Care
Hospitality/Tourism
Charity Work
Language practice
Art Projects
Help with Computers/ Internet
Teaching
This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.
Our place is full of unique learning opportunities:
- Chat with local children and staff to learn about Spanish and Ngabe languages and culture
-Spend some time in the kitchen to learn about our highly-praised farm-to-table cuisine!
-Help in the gardens and gain knowledge about permaculture and cacao production
-Visit nearby beaches or enjoy the trails on our property
-Enjoy sharing a home with the local wildlife: sloths, capuchins, night monkeys, boas, and more!
*️️️️️️️️For over 12 years we have worked with the local Ngabe community on a variety of education and development initiatives. The latest project focuses on English language acquisition through technology for the community's children and tablets have been donated to do this. A small number of adults from the community have also expressed an interest in the classes so a certain amount of your time may be dedicated to working with older students. Currently, classes are being run at the lodge 2 days per week with a duration of about 2 hrs per class.
*️️️️️️️️️️️️️️You'll also be asked to lend a hand hosting and welcoming guests at the lodge. Meals are taken with guests. Cooking and cleaning are covered by our wonderful team of full time staff.
Yoga instructors will have the opportunity to offer classes and private sessions to our guests.
There's always a new project in development at the lodge and farm and we may well be able to put your specific skills and interests to use.
English: Fluent
Spanish: Fluent
You'll have a beautiful jungle home in a one bedroom cabin with bathroom and basic kitchen (with a cooler for refrigeration). Please note that we are totally off the grid. Living here is not for the nature phobic - there are all kinds of bugs and critters, sometimes irritating but not deadly (no vipers!)
Meals will be shared with guests when the lodge is in operation. Expect to be well-fed here: fresh, homemade breakfast, lunch, and a 3-course dinner! We regularly close the lodge to guests in order to have time to work on projects on the farm. During these periods you'll be responsible for your own meals (usually just 2 days a week at the max).
Bastimentos is a stunning island in the Bocas Del Toro archipelago. Our farm can only be accessed by boat and you'll be able to enjoy living in a relatively remote and peaceful environment. You'll be immersed in nature, forge friendships with our local friends and neighbours and spend time with the diverse and interesting guests that stay with us at the lodge.
You'll have a great many opportunities to explore the awesome forest and, when possible, will be able to hop on trips to the nearby beautiful beaches. There's great kayaking in our bay. You'll also be able to catch a ride into Bocas town (Isla Colon) when our boat makes the journey.
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Two
5 hours per day, 5 days a week
