Ten young nature enthusiasts recently returned to Bermuda after spending six thrilling days in the rain forests of Costa Rica.

The Bermuda Aquarium, Museum and Zoo (BAMZ) Junior Volunteers left the Island on July 4 for the Central American country.

After landing in the Costa Rican capital of San Jose, the group boarded small airplanes bound for the village of Toruguero.

The village, situated on the country's northeastern coast, is home to a 22-mile-long beach where green turtles nest.

JV Programme coordinator Heather Henderson explained that turtles tagged in Bermuda often end up in Costa Rica where the Caribbean Conservation Corporation continued the observation and tagging.

The Bermudian group, which included seven adults, and six mentors (former Junior Volunteers) was able to observe the turtles nesting on the beach.

"One evening we went to the beach to see the turtles nest,'' BAMZ staff member Lisa Ray said. "We watched them going up on the beach digging holes, laying eggs and going back into the water.'' The Caribbean Conservation Corporation also gave the group a lecture and slide presentation on green turtles.

Ms Ray explained that much of the information was familiar as the BAMZ has also done work in the area.

During their two day stay in Toruguero, the group also camped deep within the rain forest.

Rising by 6 a.m. on most mornings, the group spent their days trekking in the rain forest, and boating on the San Juan river.

Ms Ray said the group saw an amazing array of creatures in the rain forest.

"We saw three-toed sloths, white-faced monkeys, howler monkeys, iguanas, bats, and little lizards called Christ Jesus because they run across the water,'' she said.

Snakes, lizards, and scorpions were also seen.

Daniel Simons, 15, recalled an encounter that some of the party had with a scorpion.

"We were sitting on the porch talking and someone spotted a scorpion sitting on the step,'' he said. "We jumped out of our chairs and onto everyone else.'' They also hiked up Mount Tortuguero where they battled with deep mud created by seasonal rains.

Budding botanists battle through the jungle FOREST FOLIAGE -- Jacqui Frith takes cover.

DEADLY AMPHIBIAN -- A poisonous arrow frog which lives in Costa Rican rainforests.

In the rain forest Tortuguero,'' assistant JV coordinator Micha Simons said. "I like getting dirty and it was extremely muddy on the mountain.'' From Tortuguero, the group took a six hour boat ride to Port Avera where they caught a bus to their final destination -- Chilamate.

The party spent three nights hiking in rain forests surrounding Chilamate.

They also had a chance to see the forest by aerial tram.

The two active volcanoes, Arenal and Paos, and the hot springs of Arenal were the highlight of Brian DeCouto's trip.

"When we were going up the volcanic mountains I heard a few rumbles,'' the Warwick Academy student explained. "I thought that was exciting.'' Fifteen-year-old Helen Larzteer said: "The best was the white water rafting.

Our raft got stuck in the whirl pools in the bends of the rivers, and I almost fell out a couple of times.'' The trip ended where it began, in San Jose where the group boarded the plane with hopes of returning to Costa Rica.

"It was a great trip,'' Micha Simons, 16, said. "Well worth the early mornings.'' "The rain forest was awesome we had a really good tour guide everything there was bigger and the climate was great,'' said mentor Zara Ward.

The Junior Volunteer Programme plans send another group of JV's to Costa Rica next year with the hope that they will be able to help tag the turtles in Tortuguero.

In order to make the trip a reality, the group did an enormous amount of fundraising.

The junior volunteers and mentors raised about $4,000 for the trip through their own efforts.

"In April, each student volunteered to help sell admission tickets at the Agricultural Exhibition where part of the proceeds went to the Bermuda Zoological Society,'' Mrs. Henderson said.

She added that $338 was raised during a Quiz night held in May and about $2,500 was raised at BAMZ's annual open house, `Zoo Doo', at the end of May.

The group received a $7,000 gift from Centre Reinsurance Limited, and complimentary travel insurance from Colonial Insurance Co. Ltd.

And were also supported by the Bermuda Junior Service League, the Bermuda Zoological Society, and the Stemple Foundation.

Mrs. Henderson also expressed hope that schools and other youth organisations would organise similar trips.

"With a little fund raising other Bermudians would have to opportunity to have a fun and educational experience,'' she said.

The JV programme began three years ago with an aim to teach young people about Bermuda's natural history, to promote responsibility through the care of animals and to encourage personal growth and self confidence through community service.

Each year 12 students, age 14 and over, are selected from among applicants from the Island's secondary schools to spend four months at the facility rotating between the Aquarium, Local Tales, and the Zoo.

The volunteers are required to commit to working every weekend on either a Saturday or Sunday.

And during the monthly learning modules, participants go on field trips, watch slide presentations, and learn about particularly areas of the BAMZ. On the average, the JV's volunteer about 400 hours during the year.

"Once the JV's have completed on full year of service half of them are asked to return as mentors to the new batch of JV's the following year,'' Mrs.

Henderson explained. "Mentor positions, which are minimally paid, develop valuable leadership skills and an increased level of responsibility.'' ERUPTION -- Roger Hollis (second right) stands with other spectators on the active volcano Poas.