Javier Ocon
T.W. Coughlin
Francisco Zapata

Since 1998,

Habitat Jack partners with the Costa Rica Youth Exchange to offer summer and semester programs for young men who want something real — more responsibility, more experience, and a deeper connection to the world around them.
We are not a bootcamp, an adventure tour, or a packaged system for “fixing” young men. We focus on the individual. Each young man is met where he is and supported in building confidence, curiosity, and direction through real work and real relationships. Our conservation and community projects create natural challenges that build awareness, physical strength, friendships, and a sense of belonging. We believe men and fathers lead best by modeling freedom, not fear. From that place, young men learn boundaries, responsibility, and how to take ownership of their own lives.

​Our opportunity.

Many boys, around the age of 11 or 12, begin to lose interest in school. It no longer feels real or relevant to their lives. Without meaningful ways to explore, contribute, and gain real experience, they often feel untested and unsure of themselves. Men who feel stuck or disconnected often look for easy outlets for frustration and isolation. We’ve seen, again and again, how shared challenge and real responsibility can bring men together in healthy ways.
At Habitat Jack, we believe growth comes from stepping into the unknown, working alongside others, and facing real tasks that matter. This shifts young men from passive habits into active, grounded leadership — not through words, but through action. Manhood for us is a journey of life lessons. We simply create the conditions where young men can experience fulfillment through teamwork, challenge, and contribution. After working with young men in many environments for over 30 years, we meet each one as an individual with his own story, strengths, and struggles. If this speaks to you, we invite you to reach out and share your story with us.
— Team Jack