Boys crave adventure, not comfort.
In a world that increasingly prioritizes comfort and security, many young men struggle to find a sense of purpose or value in school and early careers. Feeling disconnected or unsure of direction has become common — and it suggests that something essential is missing. At Habitat Jack, we believe young men need two things above all: meaningful challenge and real connection. Through community conservation and shared work, we provide a supportive environment where young men can belong, contribute, and grow beyond childhood into responsibility and confidence.
Program Length:
Summer 2 to 6 weeks, Conservation combined with high school socials and events.
Semester programs February to July or July to December. (Accredited high school enrollment)
Full or Gap year, contact us for specific details
(Semester and full year program are Accredited hybrid program, high school core classes attendance blended with conservation programming)
We partner with farming and conservation programs led by both men and women.
Present partners: Costa Rica Regenerativo, Monteverde Reserve, Santa Elena Reserve, Scouts Costa Rica,
The Work We Do
Young men at Habitat Jack take part in practical, hands-on projects that support conservation, food security, and rural livelihoods. The work is real, varied, and always connected to the land.
Our projects include:
Why This Work Matters
These projects support affordable and reliable food production, protect soils, and help rural communities manage water resources. They also create native tree corridors that strengthen local wildlife habitats.
In the lesser-known farming regions of Central America, these are challenging times. Life here requires patience, resilience, and creativity. Success and failure are part of daily work — grounded in real conditions, not theory.
To take part in this is an adventure in the truest sense. Not a performance or an experience to consume, but a way of stepping into real life. Some things can’t be explained — they have to be lived.
Living conditions:
Local lodging provided by caring and engaging host families with teen children. Lodging includes: meals, laundry and evening supervision. We also include some camp days depending on local conditions.
Who Oversees the Program?
Founder & Director: T.W. (Tom) Coughlin
Tom Coughlin brings over 30 years of experience working with boys and men across a wide range of environments. His background includes service in U.S. security, YouthBuild programs, Peace Corps service in Honduras and Nicaragua, prison re-entry initiatives, outdoor education, and youth sports development. For the past 20 years, Tom has coordinated youth leadership programs in Nicaragua and Costa Rica, working closely with local schools, families, and community partners. His experience spans structured settings as well as hands-on, field-based environments. Tom’s leadership is grounded in accountability, respect, and long-term relationship building. His work reflects a deep commitment to helping young men grow through responsibility, contribution, and real-world experience.
Program Length:
Summer 2 to 6 weeks, Conservation combined with high school socials and events.
Semester programs February to July or July to December. (Accredited high school enrollment)
Full or Gap year, contact us for specific details
(Semester and full year program are Accredited hybrid program, high school core classes attendance blended with conservation programming)
We partner with farming and conservation programs led by both men and women.
Present partners: Costa Rica Regenerativo, Monteverde Reserve, Santa Elena Reserve, Scouts Costa Rica,
The Work We Do
Young men at Habitat Jack take part in practical, hands-on projects that support conservation, food security, and rural livelihoods. The work is real, varied, and always connected to the land.
Our projects include:
- Soil protection and erosion control
Planting ground cover, placing rocks, mulching, and shaping land to slow water and protect fragile soils. - Rain capture and water management
Building drainage systems, ponds, and berms; exploring natural water sources and learning how to harvest and store rainwater. - Bamboo and native tree development
Planting bamboo, palms, and native trees to create windbreaks, natural fences, and long-term ecological value. - Wildlife habitat and corridors
Creating wildlife pathways, tracking species, surveying food resources, building nests, and connecting creeks to farms. - Tool and field skills
Learning how to use and care for basic tools — from digging and brush cutting to sharpening machetes and working safely. - Food production and farming
Planting vegetables, composting, watering systems, harvesting and planting banana trees, and learning the basics of coffee growing.
Why This Work Matters
These projects support affordable and reliable food production, protect soils, and help rural communities manage water resources. They also create native tree corridors that strengthen local wildlife habitats.
In the lesser-known farming regions of Central America, these are challenging times. Life here requires patience, resilience, and creativity. Success and failure are part of daily work — grounded in real conditions, not theory.
To take part in this is an adventure in the truest sense. Not a performance or an experience to consume, but a way of stepping into real life. Some things can’t be explained — they have to be lived.
Living conditions:
Local lodging provided by caring and engaging host families with teen children. Lodging includes: meals, laundry and evening supervision. We also include some camp days depending on local conditions.
Who Oversees the Program?
Founder & Director: T.W. (Tom) Coughlin
Tom Coughlin brings over 30 years of experience working with boys and men across a wide range of environments. His background includes service in U.S. security, YouthBuild programs, Peace Corps service in Honduras and Nicaragua, prison re-entry initiatives, outdoor education, and youth sports development. For the past 20 years, Tom has coordinated youth leadership programs in Nicaragua and Costa Rica, working closely with local schools, families, and community partners. His experience spans structured settings as well as hands-on, field-based environments. Tom’s leadership is grounded in accountability, respect, and long-term relationship building. His work reflects a deep commitment to helping young men grow through responsibility, contribution, and real-world experience.
Habitat Jack - Costa Rica