Looking back on my two weeks, I can honestly say I experienced every imaginable emotion. From the thrill and excitement of catching sea turtle eggs on the beach at 2 AM, to the envy of those back home with hot water and electricity. 
Program Volunteer Costa Rica
Project: Volunteer in Sea Turtle Conservation in Costa Rica
Each day would present me with new challenges and surprises. Looking back, I feel the experience was both memorable and widened my view of the world around me.
A volunteer´s first realization of what lies ahead of them is the crossing of the Buena Vista River. I was a bit worried bout this river since I had heard stories of people having to swim across it to get to camp. While that would be inconvenient at worst, I was more aware of the possible presence of crocodiles in the area!! Fortunately, I encountered knee-high water upon my arrival, and there were no signs of crocodiles.
A short hike down the beach revealed a small rustic camp with a phenomenal view of the Pacific Ocean.
My first impression of the camp was that it was going to be a challenging two weeks, as I have become reliant upon the modern conveniences that many of us take for granted each day. However, I would quickly adjust to my surroundings and enjoy the chance to work with the turtles. When it was time to leave, I came to appreciate the simplicity of life on the beach, but I was certainly glad to say goodbye to the mosquitoes!
During my time at the turtle conservation project, I spent most mornings clearing a path that runs from one end of the beach to the other. I would become quite familiar with the machete during my two weeks! Other duties included a two hour shift at the hatchery watching over the nests for hatched turtle eggs. The hatchery is monitored 24 hours a day, so I became accustomed to working at all hours of the day.
If a volunteer is not on hatchery duty, they are on nightly patrols of the beach. The main goal of the patrol is to find sea turtles, collect information on them, and take their eggs back to camp so that they can be protected from natural predators, poachers, etc. These patrols took place at all hours of the night. I found them to be tiring work, but offered a unique opportunity to take in the ocean and stars, free from the glare of city lights and civilization. My first week on patrol, I only took part in the collection of eggs from the beach, but my last night at the project we found an incredible 3 turtles within the first 45 minutes of patrol! I was given the opportunity to catch the eggs from the mother as they were being released. I also measured the turtle shell and recorded the information for later use. Working with the turtles directly was the highlight of my volunteer experience. It is quite astonishing to work alongside the guides in protecting these impressive creatures.
Earlier in the week, much to my surprise, we witnessed a turtle approach the beach during broad daylight! As a group, we watched the turtle climb up the sloped beach and lay her eggs. We proceeded to take the eggs to the hatchery and recorded information such as the number of eggs, and the size of the turtle. Since the volunteers generally work in shifts, this was an exciting moment for all of us to witness together.
Overall, my volunteer experience was a rewarding opportunity to work with individuals from around the world in a breathtaking backdrop, all the while joining in the effort to protect Pacific sea turtles. This project was difficult work and potential volunteers should be ready to work at all hours of the day and prepare themselves to give up all the modern conveniences we have become reliant upon. However, the opportunity to work with these amazing creatures was a rewarding and memorable experience.
Al Heinle
