Included / Not Included

                                       INCLUDED  /  NOT INCLUDED

INCLUDED IN YOUR CAMP PRICE:

• 16 hrs. of instruction  (on Days 3-5 of your tour) from Gigi LeMaster & Steve Kennedy.   See Itinerary tab for more details.
• Meals: All inclusive meals: Meals start on Day 2.  Included; 7 breakfasts, , 6 lunches, 6 dinners. See bold B, L, D under each day.
• ALL transportation except for optional tours.
• Park entrance fee.
• One 5 hr. tour, mentioned as (included) on this itinerary.  
• Two and 1/2 days free time for leisure or "optional tours",  (Days 5, 6 and 7 of your tour). See our "Opt. Tours" tab for ideas. 
• Seven nights accommodations, Day 1 through Day 7. 
•  Leave room in your bags for;

           *  An Engage pickleball paddle

           * 1 lb. bag of costa Rican coffee

DURING YOUR CAMP:  LEARN THE MOVES THAT WILL GET YOU TO THE NEXT LEVEL.    

Camp Days:  Days 3 and 4;  9 a.m. to 5 p.m.    Day 5:  9 a.m. to 1 p.m. 

Some of the key topics you will be learning:

• The Net Game.  Dinking Strategies and moving the ball around.
• Coming to the Net.  3rd Shot Drops.  When to drop and when to drive.
• How to defend against the hard hitters (slowing the ball down).
• How to attack when you are at the net (volleys, roll-shots and put-aways).
• How to hit the ball from the baseline.
• When and how to lob.  How to defend against the lobbers.
• How to use the serve & return as a weapon.
• Court positioning and how to use your positioning to your advantage.
• And lots of practicing what you've just learned!

YOUR 5 HR. EXCURSION:  Bring your camera! There are many photo opportunities.

                 FEEL THE AMAZING EXTRA OXYGEN RUSH FROM ALL OF THE LUSH, RICH VEGETATION AROUND YOU! 

You will see what takes most residents of Costa Rica many years to see even a portion of the variety of animals this country holds.  In this one day, you will enjoy the amazing beauty  of this magical ecological reserve and animal sanctuary.   

This tropical wonderland is also a wild life refuge that rehabilitates and / or protects animals that were injured or were removed from illegal captivity.

•  Be amazied at the variety of the plants in the bromeliad and orchid gardens.
• Delight in the primary rain forest's variety of flora and fauna.
• Gaze way up at the towering primary forest's trees.
• Feel the mist of 5 beautiful waterfalls.
• Massive walk-in butterfly garden with education center.
• Hummingbird garden. 
• There are a wonderful variety of Costa Rica's birds, monkeys, and cats,
• A wild collection of insects.
• Some of Costa Rica's oddest, but cutest-looking animals; sloths.
• Get up close to a variety of toucans!
• Display of Costa Rican history and culture that is seen in local towns sometimes, even today!
• Educational program.
• A delicious buffet style lunch in the midst of the beauty.  
• Meet sweet, welcoming people. 
• Travel through Rural Costa Rica.

NOT INCLUDED IN YOUR CAMP PRICE:

• Airfare to/from Costa Rica
• Breakfast, lunch, and dinner on Day 1 because of various arrival times.  (Meals start at Breakfast, Day 2) 
• Alcoholic beverages, ("Optional" "All inclusive Alcoholic Beverage Package" for $220).
• Tours unless specified as (included) on this itinerary. You may choose "optional" tours on Day 5 (afternoon), Day 6 and Day 7.
• All hotel charges apart from what has been included in this itinerary is your responsibility.  During registration, you will provide a credit card for miscellaneous charges.
• Tips to waiters/waitresses, room maids, and drivers. For your information, waitresses, maids, etc., make about $3.00/hr. In your hotel room you will find an envelope for maid's tips. It is customary to put about $2-$3/day in the envelope for the maids.
• Costa Rica's Airport Tax of $29. Almost all airlines include this tax in your ticket. Please verify your airline has taken care of this. If it is not part of your ticket price, you must pay it at the airport at the time of your departure. The agents at the baggage-check in counter will verify it for you.

TRIP INSURANCE: Check with your insurance company to see if your coverage transfers to a foreign country.  At least consider trip cancellation insurance.  Also check with up-to-date covid manadory health insurance.

Camp Overview & Main Excursion

                                      CAMP OVERVIEW & MAIN EXCURSION

                            EngagePickleball has added a sweet touch to this pickleball camp! 

                           Come sharpen your skills and experience breathtaking Costa Rica!

Most Americans living in Costa Rica, describe it as "Hawaii on steroids", but without the crowds.  You will see typical Costa Rica during your travel to, and stay at your camp location. The incredible, lush landscape of this part of the world will refresh your senses, and give you the real flavor of the culture and beauty of this amazing country. 

Your hotel is located near the well known town of La Fortuna, (also nick-named "Arenal"), because of its majestic Arenal Volcano and many hot springs scattered throughout the vicinity. This rich, green area is in the Alajuela Province, in the North Central portion of Costa Rica.   There are 8 covered pickleball courts to enjoy at your hotel.

PB CAMP

DAYS 3 THROUGH 5 YOUR CAMP INCLUDES:

• Your stay at the Resort,
• A two full days & 1/2 day pickleball camp with Engage Pros, Gigi LeMaster and Steve Kennedy.  
• Camp day is 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on full days, an 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on half day.
• 16 hrs. of instruction and lots of time to practice what you've just learned!
• A free Engage paddle,
• All meals, (except day one which is arrival day with various arrival times).
• 2 and 1/2 free days to play more PB or go one desired tours.  (See the "optional Tours" tab).
• Transport to and from the Resort,
• A magical 5 hr. experience at the La Paz Waterfall Gardens Park, (see more details below)
• A one lb. bag of shade-grown, organic Costa Rican coffee,
• All the pickleball you can play,
• Choose your own (Optional) tours or relax & wander.

YOUR 5 HR. EXCURSION:  Bring your camera! There are many photo opportunities.

 REFRESH YOUR SENSES AS YOU WILL FEEL AN AMAZING OXYGEN RUSH FROM THE LUSH, GREEN VEGETATION AROUND YOU!!

 You will see what takes most residents of Costa Rica many years to see even a portion of the variety of animals this country holds.  In this one day, you will enjoy the amazing beauty  of this magical ecological reserve and animal sanctuary.   

This tropical wonderland contains: 

• Costa Rica has many more species of almost every type of animal than any place in the world. 
• This wild life refuge rehabilitates or protects animals that were injured or were removed from illegal captivity.
•  Be amazied at the variety of the plants in the bromeliad and orchid gardens.
• Delight in the primary rain forest's variety of flora and fauna.
• Gaze way up at the towering primary forest's trees.
• There is a wonderful variety of Costa Rica's birds and cats,
• Feel the mist of 5 beautiful waterfalls.
• Massive walk-in butterfly garden with education center.
• Hummingbird garden. 
• There are a wonderful variety of Costa Rica's birds, monkeys, and cats,
• A wild collection of insects.
• Included are some of Costa Rica's oddest, but cutest-looking animals; sloths.
• Get up close to a variety of toucans!
• See a display of Costa Rican history and culture that we see even today sometimes!
• Educational program.
• A delicious buffet style lunch in the middle of all the beauty.  
• Meet sweet, welcoming people. 
• Travel through Rural Costa Rica.

Engage Pros, Your Camp, & Camp Facilitators

THIS PAGE INCLUDES;

ENGAGE CAMP PROS

YOUR CAMP

CAMP FACILITATORS

 EngagePickleball is the largest and most prolific Pickleball Training provider across the globe!  They are committed to your success on the court, beginning with founder Robert Elliott, who is one of your camp pros.  He serves as Director for the International Federation of Pickleball (IFP) Acadamy.  As the director, he sets the standards for pickleball training, instructor certification, and player ratings worldwide.

                                                 "Pickleball is not a sport.  It's a way of life."

CAMP PROS:

Gigi LeMaster                                             

• US Open - Champion
• Tournament of Champions 
• USA Nationals - Champion
• IFP & IPTPA Certified Instructor

Steve Kennedy

• Pro Gold Medalist, US Open April 2021
• US Open - Pro Medalist
• Tournament of Champions - Pro Champion
• USA Nationals - Pro Champion
• IFP Certified Instructor 

YOUR CAMP: 

• EngagePickleball Camps are led by our game-changing experienced Pros who will take your game to the next level. 
• Participants are placed with similar skill levels during highly-individualized training. 
• You can also choose to get an IFP rating at our camps.  
• This exciting once-in-a-lifetime Costa Rica adventure and camp includes; 

•  A 3 day camp 
• 16 hrs. of instruction by the best pros in the sport  (Days 3-5).
• Ample time to practice what you've learned.
• A 5 hr. tour seeing the biggest variety of beauty and wildlife Costa Rica has to offer. 
• Time to take (optional) tours of your choice.
• Meals: All inclusive meals: Meals start on Day 2.  Included; 7 breakfasts, , 6 lunches, 6 dinners. 
• ALL transportation, except for optional tours.
• Park entrance fee.
• Two  1/2 days free time for leisure or "optional tours,  (Days 5, 6 and 7).  
• Seven nights hotel accommodations, Day 1 through Day 7. 
•  Leave room in your bags for;

           *  An Engage pickleball paddle

           * 1 lb. bag of Costa Rican coffee

 CAMP FACILITATORS:

Tony & Celeste Horpel of PICKLEBALL COSTA RICA

Your ENGAGE PICLEBALL CAMP is structured and facilitated by Tony & Celeste Horpel, who will be with you during your entire trip.

• Tony is a USA Pickleball  Ambassador to Costa Rica.
• Both Tony & Celeste are Ambassadors to Costa Rica with the IFP, International Federation of Pickleball.
• They have lived in Costa Rica for over 7 yrs. and Tony is almost fluent in Spanish.
• They provide fun, personalized "TOUR AND PLAY PICKLBALL VACTIONS" that give you a feel for the "real" Costa Rica and provide that mandatory pickleball fix! 
• They play on multiple pickleball courts located just outside of San Ramon in the province of Alajuela, nestled in the cool Central Highlands of the rural coffee and agricultural region.

Optional Tours

OPTIONAL TOURS

SUBJECTS INCLUDED ON THIS PAGE IN VARIOUS PLACES BETWEEN THE PHOTOS;

• IDEAS FOR (OPTIONAL) TOURS IN LA FORTUNA AREA 
• TOURS FROM TILAJARI HOTEL
• SUGGESTED TOUR COMPANY

 PHOTOS OF A FEW OF THE POPULAR (OPTIONAL) TOURS AVAILABLE IN LA FORTUNA ARE INTER-MIXED BETWEEN THE ROWS OF PHOTOS.

IDEAS FOR (OPTIONAL) TOURS IN LA FORTUNA AREA -  Tours underlined should be early morning if you want to see animals and birds.  Always take notice of how many hours a tour is.  Consider that tours with 9 or more hours has a lot of driving.  

Ziplines, Hanging Bridges canopy tour through the rainforest (Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park..get a guide.  Aerial tram above the canopy, Rainforest Chocolate Tour, La Fortuna Waterfall..(500 steps down..and back) or take a horseback ride to it.. , Night Walk in Rainforest, river rafting, WHITE water rafting,   souvenir shopping in La Fortuna town, tarzan swing, butterfly conservatory in El Castillo, with 4 weather habitats..(very educational and interesting), hiking, sloth watching trail, coffee tour, horseback riding to various places including the Arenal Volcano, canyoning, canoeing, SUP and kayaking on Lake Arenal, Venado Caves Spelunking Adventure, waterfall rappelling, mountain biking, a 45 min. boat ride takes you to the famous town of Montverde, and much more.

TOURS FROM TILAJARI HOTEL;

• If you can, take a tour from the hotel because it will be less expensive than going in to La Fortuna.
• Look at the Tilajari website and go to the tour  tab.
• They have a variety of tours to see the "real" Costa Rica. 
• We really suggest that one of them be Finca Don Juan, Arenal Volcano and Hot Springs.  This tour gives such a variety and everyone always enjoys the trip.
•  Some of the main tours, like ziplining and river rafting that are here, are also available in town.

SUGGESTED TOUR COMPANIES:  See below for one of the tour companies available and open during covid).

• Tilajari hotel tours- see their website.
• Viator Tours 1 (702) 648-5873
  Book online: https://www.viator.com
• Trip Advisor  Look online for tours in La Fortuna., Costa Rica  

More Information

MORE INFORMATION

SUBJECTS COVERED ON THIS PAGE:  (PLEASE READ EACH CAREFULLY)

• BOOKING YOUR FLIGHT TO AND FROM SAN JOSE, COSTA RICA
• TRAVEL INSURANCE (including trip cancellation) is highly recommended
• IMPORTANT PASSPORT INFORMATION
• FACILITATE YOUR CREDIT CARD USE IN COSTA RICA

BOOKING YOUR FLIGHT TO AND FROM SAN JOSE, COSTA RICA: Please read carefully. 

• Your airport for San Jose is Juan Santamaria International Airport. Airport code: SJO.

ARRIVAL INTO COSTA RICA:

• You will fly into Costa Rica on Wednesday, Nov. 3, 2021.
• This day is a travel day, as people will be arriving from all over the states throughout the day.
• Meals are not provided today, as many will arrive late.  
• Your hotel is, Country Inn and Suites by Radisson for your hotel the night before the tour.  This hotel is very well liked by past guests!
• Free airport to hotel transport is provided.  
• We will pick you up at 8:15 a.m., Thursday, Nov. 4th, leaving for our scheduled tour.  We will ultimately arrive at our hotel at around 4 p.m.   
• If for some reason you choose not to stay at the Country Inn & Suites, you will need to provide your own transportation to the Country Inn and Suites by Radisson arriving by 7:45 a.m.  Departure from our assigned hotel is at 8:15 a.m.

LEAVING COSTA RICA:

Our last day of the tour provides transport  to San Jose's Juan Santamaria International Airport. We will have two transport times to the airport; one for early morning departures leaving around the same time, and one for the earliest of the later flights leaving Costa Rica.

TRAVEL INSURANCE (including trip cancellation) is highly recommended. Please read carefully.

We highly recommend that you invest in travel insurance for any trip you purchase.  This will help you feel at ease during your adventure.  If one of the situations below occur, you will be provided  assistance and refunds.  Here are some situations that can occur;

• Medical emergencies 
• Change or Cancel your flight
• Lost baggage
• Cancellation of your tour
• Items stollen or lost during the trip
• (You are fully covered for bodily injury by our contracted Costa Rican transportation service).
• Speak with your insurance provider to ask about the travel insurance plans they have available. You can also compare policies online. Here are two well-known travel insurance providers to consider:
• See "Terms and Conditions" under "Tours" tab for additional information.

FACILITATE YOUR CREDIT CARD USE IN COSTA RICA: 

Make sure that you provide your travel dates to your credit card company.  This will assure your full use of your card while in the country.  Otherwise, your company will assume that your card has been stollen and will cut off the use of your card!

IMPORTANT PASSPORT INFORMATION: Please read carefully.

When planning a trip, most countries require that a passport be valid for at least six months beyond the completion date of the planned trip.  Please check your passport to make certain you have that extra time left on your passport.  Costa Rica is very strict about this!

Camp Price

Camp Price:

• $1,780 per person (based on double occupancy)
• Add $295 to the price above for single occupancy)
• Want the all inclusive alcoholic beverages package?  Add $220.

Deposit: $ 500 pp

Balance due date:  September 4, 2021.  (60 days in advance of camp start date)

Hotels

OUR TOUR'S HOTELS

Day 1;  Upon arrival into Costa Rica you will stay in a hotel near the airport. 

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson Airport

HOTEL INCLUDES:

• wifi,
• 2 pools,
• restaurant and bar
• gift shop
• business center
• fitness center
• Plaza Real Cariari nearby
• wheelchair accessibility
• airport shuttle
• complimentary cookies

ROOMS INCLUDE:

• free hot buffet breakfast
• flat screen television; (Suggestion; if you like t.v. in English, bring a Roku, Google Chromecast, or Firestick (with an HDMI connector to it and the included power cord)..otherwise, most or all programs in Costa Rica are in Spanish.
• in-room coffee, tea facility
• iron,
• hair dryer,
• daily newspaper,
• in-room safe,
• work desk,
• individual room climate control, 
• Air conditioning,
• in-room fidge,
• (The list of amenities doesn't include "soap, shampoo, etc" but we feel really pretty certain that these are included with the room.  Most hotels here have that.  Especially this caliber of hotel).

THINGS TO DO IN SAN JOSE AFTER ARRIVING EARLY, IF YOU HAVE TIME TO WANDER;

• Cafe Britt Coffee plantation
• The Children's Museum
• Pueblo Antiguo- with a re-created turn-of-the-century village.  Lots of Costa Rican history and includes folk dance show.
• Costa Rican Art Museum
• Jade Museum
• La Sabana Park
• Mercado Central (San Jose's Central Market). Very intersting; typical Costa Rica market..different than grocery stores.

Days 2 - 7 

 Resort & Conference Center in San Carlos area.  North central Costa Rica.

You will stay at Tilajari Hotel Resort & Conference Center in San Carlos, near La Fortuna and Arenal volcano where you will have a chance to see the "real" Costa Rica more easily. This area is out of the major tourist areas.   

THE HOTEL:  All-inclusive Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner buffets and coffee shop.

• English speakers,
• River view,
• Non-smoking 4 star hotel 
• Coffee shop and restaurant with special diet menus,
• Comfortable beds,
• A/C,
• 24 hr. security,
• Bar/lounge with alcohol, beer, wine and champagne,
• Snack bar,
• Free High Speed Internet/Wifi,
• 3 pools with pool towels,
• Sauna, hot tub/jacuzzi,
• Massage,
• Fitness center/gym,
• Tennis courts, (and for our trip, pickleball courts!),
• Concierge,
• Dry cleaning, laundry, and ironing services,
• Shuttle bus service / transport to La Fortuna
• Airport transportation / (if you leave after the rest of our group).
• Business center with Internet, 
• Gift shop,
• Picnic area, 
• Horseback riding,
• Botanical and butterfly gardens,
• Sports facilities,
• Private forest
• Lots of land to walk and explore the area's wildlife.

EACH ROOM INCLUDES:

• Air conditioning,
• Non-smoking rooms,
• Ceiling fans,
• Phone,
• Flatscreen TV with cable/satalite;  (Suggestion; if you like t.v. in English, bring a Roku, Google Chromecast, or Firestick (with an HDMI connector to it and the included power cord)..otherwise, most or all programs in Costa Rica are in Spanish.
• Free High Speed Internet/Wifi,
• Private bathroom with hot water,
• Hair dryer,
• Shampoo and liquid soap,
• Private balcony,
• Closet,
• Bottled water, (FYI, the water all over Costa Rica is safe.  Please feel free to drink the local water.  The bottles are just for your convenience.
• Wake-up service/alarm clock,
• Bath/shower,
• Room service.
• In-room safe,