Surf & Service

Join Us for Surf & Service

June Surf Term provides a comprehensive experience beyond academics and adventure by incorporating community service initiatives for rising 8th-12th graders. Students and staff dedicate 6-8 hours per week to meaningful projects, collaborating with organizations like Costas Verdes for tree planting, participating in beach clean-ups through The Clean Wave, and contributing to Pack for a Purpose initiatives. Additionally, they will work with other Amigos of Costa Rica partners in the Tamarindo area such as The APAMI Wildlife Rescue Center and the Tamarindo Park Foundation.

In addition to these activities, students devote 3 hours per week to conversational Spanish lessons.

Students will surf 8-9 times per week with Rapture Surf Camp’s ISA-certified instructors. The group will also be joined by Discover Term’s head surfing coach, Anders Granja.

The 2025 “Surf and Service” event will be hosted at Rapture Surf Camp in Playa Avellanas, Costa Rica from June 14 – 28, 2025: https://www.rapturecamps.com/surfcamp/costa-rica/avellanas/

surf school nosara

Two Week Option: Only 16 spots available

June 14-28, 2025

  • Rising 8th to 12th Graders

  • 17 Coached Surf Sessions at 5 surf spots within walking distance

  • 12 hours Community Service

  • 8 hours Leadership Course

  • 6 hours Spanish Lessons

  • 14 Nights at Rapture Surf Camp Compound

$6450 per student

Sample Schedule

surfing summer

Our campus is located in Playa Avellanas (near Tamarindo, 90 minutes south of the Liberia International airport) on the Nicoya Peninsula of Costa Rica’s Pacific coast. Our campus at Rapture Surf Camp is a 10 minute walk through a mangrove forest to the beach. We will have 5 different surf spots to choose from, all within walking distance.

In stark contrast to the standard American experience, this lush jungle wonderland moves at a slower pace and with singular purpose: Pura Vida — pure & simple living.

Where is Surf & Service?

We understand that you may have questions about sending your child on this epic adventure. Call Jamie at 512-422-2274 or email him at jamie@discoverterm.com for questions.

Let’s Talk

Frequently Asked Questions about June Surf Term

  • No, cell phones and other devices are not allowed. The most important thing we do at any of our Discover Term programs is build meaningful relationships. Cell phones, smart phones, tablets, and other electronic devices are a major distraction from doing this.

  • Melissa Ruder is our on-site Director for June Surf and Service. She has spent the last two decades as a Spanish teacher and coach for all ages in school districts in Tennessee and Wisconsin. Melissa joined the team during last year’s Surf and Service, and has 3 kids of her own who have attended the last 3 Discover Terms in Colorado and Costa Rica. During the school year Melissa serves as the Verona Area School District Employee Wellness Team Leader, in addition to coaching track, cross-country, and triathlon for their middle and high school teams. Melissa has also led student trips in Ecuador in addition to traveling and studying abroad in Spain and Mexico.     

    Mary Clare Matthews and Jamie Matthews will also be joining Melissa and the group for the duration of the June program. They will be leveraging their experience from the first 8 Discover Term programs (4 in Durango and 4 in Costa Rica), in addition to their 30+ years combined experience coaching youth and middle school sports. Both also survived the teenage years with their son and 2 daughters with only a few mental and physical scars.

  • No, you do not need any surf experience. Yes, you should be physically fit to spend a few hours each day surfing. In order to come prepared, the child should be spending at least 30 minutes per day in rigorous activity for a month leading up to Surf & Service.

    Surf & Service participants must come with their own swim gear and ocean apparel that is detailed in the student packing list they receive before attending. Surf & Service will provide access to an appropriately sized surfboard.

  • Students and staff will have the entire Rapture Surf Camp compound in Playa Avellanas for themselves. The compound has a full commercial kitchen, swimming pool, and A/C in all rooms. It is located within a short walking distance of 5 different surf breaks and only 15 minutes from the nearest hospital in Tamarindo. To see pictures of the rooms and property please visit this link: https://www.rapturecamps.com/surfcamp/costa-rica/avellanas/rooms/

  • There will be only 16 spots and enrollment is first come, first serve basis.