Cayo Scoop! The Ecology of Cayo Culture

The Eco Kids are learning quite a bit.  Thanks go out to Joe Awe, Chaa Creek's Mayanist and cultural expert.

"The Eco kids along with the camp counselors hiked to the Maya Temple site of Tunichilen where they received an introductory history of the Maya by Joe Awe, Chaa Creek’s Senior Guide and Mayanist.  Joe Awe spoke about the significance of the 13th Baktun in the Maya Long Count and told the kids to not worry about the end of the world because the Maya never said that the world is going to end on December 21st 2012."

Chaa Creek's Eco Kids Summer Camp is getting ready to start.

"While at the camp the children will participate in activities such as hikes to ancient Maya sites where they assist in archaeological excavations, horseback riding along jungle trails through the 365 acre private nature reserve to study the flora and fauna and Maya medicinal plants, song writing and talent show sessions, hands-on sustainable organic farming techniques, and supervised water activities.  During the eight day experience Chaa Creek provides lodging at the Macal River Camp, three healthy meals plus snacks each day, a range of educational events, arts and craft materials, t-shirts, 24 hours camp counsellor supervision, and guided tours with licensed naturalist guides."

Elias Gonzales submitted a touching Eco Kid essay.  It's going to be a great Eco Kids Summer Camp.

"I enjoy the greenery, the fresh air, quietness of the village life so every summer I look forward to go to Camalote when I am on vacation.  I and my abuelito clear the dry leaves around the fruit trees and cut down dry leaves from the plantain trees.  The area becomes clean and the big trees give me shade when I want to rest. I want to learn more about the plants and the country’s beauty and do things to make my mother very proud of me.  She always ask me things that she doesn’t know, I am happy my mother learns from me.  Education is a must and she insists that I do well in my class work.  She works as a housekeeper and from her little earning, she saves and does her best to give us what we need and not what we want.  She teaches me and my brother to thank God all the time as God is first in all we do."

Today's Eco Kid essay.  Well said, Hazel Castillo.  There is just one week left to submit an essay to Chaa Creek for the Eco Kids Summer Camp.

"When we do not work in harmony with nature, all things are thrown out of balance.  Every day we see things that go wrong because man interfered with the balance in nature.  Too much cold or too much heat is only two examples of man’s actions against nature.  We must live in harmony with the earth if we want to avoid self destruction."

The Eco Kids got to tour Chaa Creek's Maya Organic Farm with the owner, Mick Fleming.

"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 Eco Kids had a great first weekend.

"Despite their initial fears after being told a butterfly might try and bite their ears, our campers entered the enclosure where they lived and were soon covered in brave insects.  We got to learn about the life cycles of the magnificent creatures and see live examples of them at each stage.  Learning that these beautiful butterflies only lived in their winged form for two or three weeks, one of our campers summed up his surprise and disappointment by saying that he wished he could “ask God to trade my life so that all butterflies could live as long as humans.”  The “awwwwes” from the councilors could be heard for miles!  The afternoon wouldn’t be complete without a swim in the river to cool off after all that walking.  After taking a swim and learning to paddle canoes, the eco-campers headed back to camp to enjoy the nightly dinner, games, songs, and campfire before heading to bed."

Some 'top reasons' to become an Eco Kid by Vivica Jakeway.  Only a few days left to submit an essay for a scholarship for Chaa Creek's Eco Kid Summer camp.

"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 three main topics of this year’s camp that caught my attention are the Ancient Maya, Land Conservation and Traditional healing."