Broadwater High Students Volunteer In Costa Rica At A Wildlife Rescue Center
Author: Julie Swanson
Julie Swanson
Three Broadwater High School students spent part of their summer making a difference far from home. In June, Claire Swanson, Brynlee Brown, and Jazel Ragen traveled to the Costa Rica Animal Rescue Center (CRARC) in the Alajuela Province to volunteer their time and energy in support of wildlife conservation.
All three students are active members of Rotary Interact and were accompanied by Rotary member and Interact Advisor Nichole Brown and parent volunteer Julie Swanson. Together, the group dove into hands-on work caring for a wide range of animals at the rescue center—including sloths, raccoons, monkeys, birds, coatimundis, kinkajous, tortoises, peccaries and marmosets—some of which the students had never even heard of before the trip. Claire Swanson commented, “My favorite part was feeding the sloths every afternoon, especially the two infant sloths who were so adorable.”
Their daily tasks included chopping fruits and vegetables for animal feedings, deep-cleaning enclosures, and creating enrichment activities to support the animals’ mental and physical well-being. The team also cleaned and disinfected empty cages to prepare for emergency arrivals—often baby animals that have been orphaned or wildlife needing urgent veterinary care.
Many of the center’s permanent residents are victims of the illegal exotic pet trade and can no longer survive in the wild. CRARC offers them a second chance at life with compassionate care and rehabilitation.
Beyond animal care, the students also gained cultural experience by working alongside international volunteers, practicing Spanish, and collaborating with others toward a shared mission. Along the way, they developed deeper insight into global needs and how, even as students, they can contribute to positive change. Jazel Ragen said, “It was a big eye opener and opened my heart to learn more about cultures and environments.”
The trip wasn’t all work—students also explored one of Costa Rica’s stunning national parks, went on a hike to see 5 different waterfalls and spent a little time at the beach. Costa Rica is an extremely beautiful country and the team enjoyed trying new foods and experiencing a climate and culture very different from Montana. Brynlee Brown stated, “I learned that as long as you’re surrounded by good people, you can always have a good time.”
A special thank you goes to Rotary for providing a generous grant that covered much of the travel expenses, allowing these students to experience international service for the first time.
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PhotoCredit: Julie Swanson
Image 1 Caption: BHS Students Volunteer in Costa Rica.
Julie Swanson, Claire Swanson, Jazel Ragen, Brynlee Brown, Nichole Brown
Photo Credit: Julie Swanson
Image 2 Caption: Marmoset enjoying lunch
Photo Credit: Julie Swanson
Image 3 Caption: Brynlee, Claire and Jazel feeding the sloths
Photo Credit: Julie Swanson
