TIDE Summer Camp 2007 ends in Monkey River Village

Toledo Institute for Development and Environment (TIDE) implemented the second phase of Summer Camp 2007 in the Monkey River Village community. TIDE’s Communication Coordinator and Outreach Coordinator traveled some 55 miles by road to get to Monkey River Village to work with the young children.

Campers present their infomation to their peers

The youngsters from Monkey River taking part in the camp were joined by their peers from Punta Negra Village.  The two coastal communities buffer two Protected Areas managed by TIDE - Port Honduras Marine Reserve, and Payne’s Creek National Park. This year’s camp included presentations on TIDE’s conservation work, educational field trips and sports. Children between ages 9 to 12 years learnt new skills and developed an appreciation for environmental conservation.

During camp activities the children from the two villages shared stories, thoughts, ideas and suggestions. On the first day a presentation was given by the Communication Coordinator on pollution and ways to prevent it from taking place in their village.

Each day the campers reviewed the activities carried out the previous day. They worked in

Campers listen keenly to presentation on pollution

groups to identify the different eco-systems and endangered species found within the TIDE protected Areas.  They worked on their presentation skills and presented their findings and drawings of endangered species to fellow campers. This activity not only promotes conservation education but allows them to practice proper speech during presentations.

When summer is over, campers will look back at accomplishments they have attained over the course of the few days. They will return to school refreshed and ready for another year of hard work with new information to share with their teachers and parents.

The campers in Monkey River visited two protected areas.  At Port Honduras Marine Reserve they learnt about different types of mangroves and marine species. Rangers conducted

Head Ranger at Abalone Caye tells of the negative effects of gillnets

presentations on the importance of surveillance and patrols to monitor illegal activities and for community education. They also toured Abalone Caye where the ranger station is based.

During their visit of Payne’s Creek National Park, the Park’s Manager gave the younger campers a general presentation on the Park and on fire management in Payne’s Creek to protect the Pine Savannah Eco-system.

Summer Camp this year was made possible with the assistance of the volunteers who assisted tremendously by giving up some of their precious vacation to work with the young children.  They facilitated the first week of camp in Punta Gorda Town where the children boasted of the most exciting experience so far for the year.

The only limiting factor for this year’s camp is that many activities had to be left out

Campers get a hands-on activity with fire management equipment at Payne's Creek National Park

because of lack of funds.  With the help of Therese Brechin and Carolyn Mahung who assisted us with their kind donations and the help of the volunteers who gave up their time, young children in Toledo were able to experience what it is to sustainably manage and use the natural recourses in the District.

To find out how to assist with activities like the summer camp visit our home page and sign up to become a member of TIDE.