The sixth Annual TIDE Summer Camp was implemented from July 19th to 30^th under the theme “The Importance of Biodiversity”. A total of 140 children from Punta Gorda Town, Hopeville, Cattle Landing, Forest Home, Elridgeville, San Marcos, Big Falls, Monkey River and Punta Negra Villages participated in the camp this year.

TIDE was also able to attract 30 facilitators including UB students, High School students, teachers, and three foreign volunteers to assist with the camp. 

The aim of the camp was to enhance public awareness about the importance of conserving biodiversity within the Maya Mountain Marine Corridor of Southern Belize. Its objectives were to have children understand the concept of biodiversity, its role and importance within the environment with emphasis placed on terrestrial and marine ecosystems found within the MMMC.

By the end of the camp, children ranging from ages 8 to 13 received presentations on what is biodiversity and how they play a role in its protection and sustainable use. Facilitators used visual aids, game plans, and slide presentations for kids to have first-hand experience and complimented the indoor sessions with a field trip. The campers were also able to identify many threats to biodiversity, by use of posters, drama, debates and interactions during class sessions. Through a variety of ways, they demonstrated how as individual they can conserve biodiversity. 

It was interesting to see how creative and knowledgeable and appreciative of biodiversity the kids were after two weeks. At the end of the camp children received awards for their participation, commitment and behavior.  

For more Summer Camp content (see here)

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