Camp is officially over. The eco campers got to perform one last time for the great turn out of families and friends who made it to Chaa Creek to attend the closing ceremonies. The kids have now gone back home (at least we think there aren’t any left hiding in the jungle) with many amazing memories, great new friends, positive attitudes, and a better appreciation for what it means to be an “eco kid.”
Today’s theme was Bio Waste Management, and we focused on using the 3 R’s: reduce, reuse, and recycle. During our arts and crafts time, the eco-campers were lucky enough to receive a visit from the youth ambassadors of the Friends for Conservation and Development.
The eco-campers had a chance to tour the operation and recognize many local plants, trees, herbs, and produce. They were also treated to some live action as we met the sheep, goats, chickens, turkeys, heifers, and even the bull. To top off the farm adventure, the kids had a chance to stick their entire arms into the compost piles, as Mr. Mick explained to them how everything in an organic farm is connected, right down to the animals’ feces! No wonder they all washed their hands so well before lunch. An afternoon filled with swimming, canoeing, and lots of fun in the sun has left this blogger’s brain on empty so we will let the pictures tell the rest of the tale.
The highlight of the day, besides the pizza for lunch, was the visit from Belize Zoo founder and director, Sharon Matola, and educational officer, Jamal Andrewin. The children had already heard that they could expect a visit from Happy, a barn owl used to help educate students on the importance of his species in our eco-systems. While they excitedly waited for him to make his appearance, Jamal made a point of explaining how all of the different birds of prey play an essential role in maintaining the balance of nature.
After a delicious breakfast, the eco-campers began to collect leaves, plants, and many other interesting natural things they could use to create a unique cover for their jungle journal. These journals were not merely for presentation value as campers immediately began using them to write down contact information for their new friends, thoughts on the camp so far, and enlightening facts that they learned throughout the day, during their other fun experiences.
This afternoon, the excited chatter of twenty four children came echoing through the jungle, as our new group of eco-campers entered the Macal River Camp, where they will be spending the next eight days. The 2012 Eco Kids Camp brings us a unique group of twelve boys and twelve girls who have travelled from all the corners of Belize to experience what is sure to be another memorable week of friends, fun, laughter, and of course, eco-education!
UFO filmed and caught on tape while we were flying over The Great Blue Hole, off the coast of Belize, near Belize City. The Great Blue Hole is a large submarine sinkhole off the coast of Belize. It lies near the center of Lighthouse Reef, a small atoll 70 km (43 mi) from the mainland and Belize City. The hole is circular in shape, over 300 m (984 ft) across and 124 m (407 ft) deep.
Chaa Creek’s marketing administrator Larry Waight announced the release today while answering questions about the progress of a special 2012 stela Chaa Creek has commissioned for the event. Stelae are Maya stone monuments that often used to record important dates, events, and successions of rulers. The new stela will feature in Chaa Creek’s Maya 2012 Winter Solstice celebrations.
Children of Belize and the U.S. joined hands across nations to give a voice to a “down on his luck” real-life Belizean jaguar, whose world was forever changed as people came to share his land. The resulting book, Pat the (Great) Cat: A Jaguar’s Journey, has made the students published authors and advocates, and their teachers are taking note!
Global estimates from the international scientific community suggest that 10 percent of the Earth’s coral reefs have been seriously degraded and that a much greater percentage is endangered, which if allowed to continue is likely to lead to the loss of most of the world’s reef resources during the next century. Damaged or destroyed reefs can be found in more than 93 countries, with coral reefs in South and Southeast Asia, East Africa and the Caribbean facing the greatest risks.
Despite the fact that Belize is incredibly ethnically diverse—home to many different peoples and languages—they all seem to share a common respect for the human condition and for the environment. One of my Belizean friends told me a story in which he once caught a wild baby bird when he was a little boy and kept it in his room in a shoebox. When his mother found out, she forced him to release the bird and then locked him in his room for a day. The lesson?
“Mayanists, archaeologists, anthropologists and other researchers love the Maya caves of Belize because they contain such rich, well preserved examples of the Maya’s spiritual rituals. I think it’s great that we’re now seeing more mainstream interest in the caves as they really open up another aspect of this incredibly rich culture, ” Mr Awe said, adding that ATM tours through Chaa Creek are all conducted with the highest regard for safety, education and cultural respect for the Maya.
The Lodge at Chaa Creek will be hosting noted author, speaker and marketing guru David Merman Scott during his upcoming Marketing Masterclass to be held in Belize this coming August.
Officially known as the Children’s Summer Camp Scholarship Program, the Eco-Kids camp is held each year at Chaa Creek’s rustic Macal River Camp, down the Macal River from the main resort and the Natural History Centre, Butterfly Farm, Maya Medicinal Plant Trail, Hilltop Spa and other rainforest attractions.
The Lodge at Chaa Creek’s resident Mayanist said that recent reports from a noted University of Texas scholar are an important addition to our understanding of the true history of the Maya. Speaking from Chaa Creek’s Natural History Centre, anthropologist Joe Awe said that he praised Dr David Stuart for an announcement he made June 28 that not only once again debunked Maya 2012 doomsday theories, but offed a unique interpretation of the significance of the December 21 2012 Winter Solstice date.
Many couples have visions in their heads about what they want their wedding to be like. If you are one of the many that has spent your life dreaming of jet setting to an exotic location to exchange your vows, a destination wedding is the perfect option for you. And with so many couples choosing this fun and personal way to exchange their vows, there are many resources in popular locations that are able to help you. Still, before you dive into the planning process, you must choose the perfect location for you and your soon-to-be spouse’s dream wedding.
The Academic Scholarship Program provides financial assistance to students striving to excel at various levels of education, including high school, colleges and university. The rigorous scholarships selection process is based on academic performance and financial need, and each year assists ten Belizeans who show both academic promise and a desire to further their educational goals.
Not only stunning but also helpful and trustworthy. The bulb of this flower has medicinal properties and is used against asthma, bronchitis,constipation and respiratory diseases.
“This summer Chaa Creek is celebrating the wonderful power of love, and who better to join us in this beautiful romantic rainforest setting than honeymooners? Honeymooners have that special happy glow, and we love having them around so much that we’re enticing them with some extra tender loving care and pretty amazing discounts,” he said.
One of the most popular queries people have concerning air travel is – “What is the best way to get upgraded”. Along with a popular … Read more
Native to the tropical regions of Mexico, Belize and Guatemala, the Golden Thryallis blooms all year round and is a fast growing plant that grows up to 4-5 feet tall.
The Eco-Kids will attend the week long, all-inclusive educational adventure during the week of July 21 – 29 as Chaa Creek’s guests, with everything, from comfortable cabins at the Macal River Camp, delicious, healthy meals, a range of carefully designed activities and events, arts and craft materials, professional naturalist guide instructors and camp counselors all provided for free.
Whatever you do, don’t drink alcohol the day before or day of the bus ride. This is a big no-no and I’ve learned this lesson the hard way. Why you ask? Generally, when you drink alcohol… at a later point, you’ll want to drink water and copious amounts of it. It might not seem like that big of a deal until you realize you’ve been guzzling water and the bus doesn’t appear to be stopping for a toilet break. Fast forward three hours and you’re about ready to turn your empty water bottle into a makeshift bathroom. Not fun.
As an avid traveler I know a LOT of simple tricks anyone can use to stay healthy on the road. In fact, I’ve survived South East Asia, India, South America, U.S. and Canada and have never had any stomach problems.
My name is Charissa Barnes, I am a girl. I am a twelve years old standard five student of All Saints Primary School. I live with my Mother and Father in Lord’s Bank Village and I am the eldest of three children – one sister and one brother. My hobbies include reading, listening to music and playing my keyboard, which I am currently being trained to do.
Ms Walsh, described as an “Oceana activist”, arrived in Belize on World Oceans Day, June 8, to help raise awareness about Belize’s rich biodiversity and its importance to the economic and social stability of the country.
Travel and Leisure is one of the world’s most recognized magazines. Published 12 times a year, the publication has just shy of five million readers. As for the World’s Best Awards, every August since 1995, these awards have been determined by an annual reader survey which asks travelers and travel providers to rate destinations, hotels, airlines, cruise lines, river cruises, and car-rental companies.
The banks are weak. This is a delicate moment for them. They could crash globally if we don’t pay attention. If the banks crash then we will be forced to rely on the land and our skills. The monetary systems will be in chaos, and we must then rely on our direct relationship with the Earth for our food and shelter. The North and South Poles are both breaking up. The level of the water in the oceans is going to rise. But at the same time land in the ocean, especially near Cuba, is also going to rise.
By becoming an eco kid, I will equip myself with the knowledge I need to know how to better care for growing plants and to protect the animals and their habitats. By being an eco kid, I could be given a life learning experience.
On Saturday June 9, Kate visited Hol Chan Marine Reserve, Belize’s oldest marine reserve and Shark Ray Alley, where she snorkeled and experienced firsthand, why they remain a major visitor’s attraction. At both sites she was photographed and filmed by renown Belizean photographer — Tony Rath. Through her visit, Ms. Walsh not only gained direct experience with Belize’s diverse reef environment, but she learned about how essential reserves are to the sustainability of Belize’s marine waters, food security and economy.