I want to be an Eco Kid because I want to make a positive difference in my beautiful country Belize. I strongly believe that it is young people like myself that will play an instrumental role in the future of Belize and the lessons that will be taught in this camp will lay down the foundation to equip me with the proper knowledge to make the changes.

The year 2012 has spurred interest in the Maya people and the outlook toward this enigmatic civilization grows each day as we approach the winter solstice of 2012. In the Maya Heartland of Belize, the Maya are very much in our presence and we honor their hard work and dedication in contributing to Belize’s rich heritage.

The Eco Kids Camp 2011 was comprised of 24 children from all over Belize who received a chance to visit Chaa Creek for an entire week to learn about Belize’s Biodiversity, the Ancient Maya, Traditional Healing, Land Conservation, Solid Waste Management, Responsible Tourism, and Belize Wildlife.

The Eco Challenge program aims to instill memorable values that will have an impact on the way children conduct their lives, their relationship with our fragile Earth, and the sustainable development of our future.

TUESDAY July 24, 2011 – Today’s post involves a journal of four eco campers that are bunk mates. In the picture from right to left, the eco campers are Elias Alamina from Belize City (Belize District), Alex Atkinson from San Pedro Columbia (Toledo District), Jaron Pakeman from St Paul Village (Belize District), and Giovanni Pinelo from Benque Viejo del Carmen (Cayo District).

But what attracts me the most is the traditional healing and the three R’s, Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. Reduce the pollution, Reuse glass bottles and Recycle plastic is all very important because they are a basic rule that makes our world a better place to live in. I live at a ranch so traditional healing sounds good because almost every day someone gets a bruise or scrape or a hurt. And before I forget my school makes us do posters for Earth Day.

I read the advertisement over and over it sound very interesting I said this is awesome; I want to learn about biodiversity of plant and animals in the environment; conserving natural resources and more so to learn more about the ancient Maya history of which I am. I want to learn their culture including their traditional healing medicinal plant. I am also interesting in bird watching knowing all the species. If I cannot afford to go to a high school then I would at least be able to something in my life. It is very interesting to learn more things when you are young it will help others get more involve. Although I am a Maya I want to get first hand information about sites that our ancestor made.

Day three came to a start with the usual get go as the children ran excitedly to get their luscious breakfast and prepare for another adventurous day. The previous theme – The Ancient Mayas was so enthralling that it still remained in the back of their minds.

The theme of the day was Traditional Healing and the kids were very enthusiastic to be introduced to the different medicinal plants that are found within the reserve. The Chaa Creek Medicinal …