By: Dina Aguilar, 13 years old
The following is a submission of one of our applicants to this year’s Chaa Creek Eco Kids Summer Camp.
Officially known as the Children’s Summer Camp Scholarship Program, the annual event gives 24 young Belizeans between the ages of 8 and 13 a chance to learn about their natural world through a mix of adventure, social interaction, fun and hands-on education aimed at instilling a sense of wonder and responsibility for the environment.
The Eco Kids are selected after submitting a 300 word written essay which is reviewed and shortlisted by the Chaa Creek scholarship committee with the winners going on to attend the summer camp.
Chaa Creek will be providing all lodging, three healthy meals and snacks each day, structured educational activities, arts and craft materials, tee shirts, 24-hour camp counselor supervision, and guided tours conducted by licensed naturalist guides.
Good luck potential Eco Kids!
Why I want to Be an Eco Kid by Dina Aguilar
Hello my name is Dina Aguilar! I am 13 years old. I live in a village named Indian Church.
Going to camp at Chaa Creek will be awesome because I want to learn about nature and Belize. I would love to go to learn more about the forest. I like the forest because it is a nice natural resource. My village has Maya ruins, monkeys and some forest. We have more jaguars now come really close because some of the forest is being cut down by the Menonites. That is a little sad.
I love other people and swimming! This camp would be really good for me. I want to see tourism and other parts of Belize. I grew up with groups coming to my village and working in my school. I was on a boat for the first time in my life looking for a crocodile in the dark with a group. It made me think maybe I want to work with tourism or maybe I can be a librarian so I can help others read. We have a library in Indian Church and I read. Most people that come close to my village come there because of the Maya ruins. I live by Lamanai, so I know they are important and should be protected. I visited there one time with my school. My family is also half Mayan. We came to Belize from Guatemala when I was born. Nature is so nice and I want to know more about the birds, plants and animals. And how to grow things, my stepdad has a cow and plants some corn.
I don’t know much about how to conserve or protect our resources, but want to learn. I did learn about recycling and collecting your trash.
I would be glad if you accept me!!!
Thank you very much!
Truly yours, Dina