Week Four of Summer Camp Basil Jones on North Ambergris – Kids & The Gorgeous Reef

Just before the northernmost resort on Ambergris Caye is a camp site.  A few cabins, an inside/outside kitchen (inside prep-outside cooking), some picnic tables and hammocks on some of the most gorgeous seafront in the world.

BJ1 (14)

Less than one mile hike north, you hit one of the few places of earth where a coral reef hits land.  With the reef RIGHT THERE, you can hear the dull roar of the waves day and night.

BJ1 (13)

For four weeks, Mito Paz, the organizer, Mr. Lincoln, from the Belize Department of Youth Services and Raul, chef and jack-of-all-trades, have been running a summer kids’ camp.  Each week, devoted to a different group from Belize – 1. Belize City 2. Orange Walk (The North) 3. Benque Viejo (The Far West) 4. San Pedro & Caye Caulker.

BJ1 (12)

BelizeKids.Org (I am a member) was super proud to raise money in conjunction with Finn & Martini Lounge and Restaurant for all of week four.  And to donate 20 sets of new sheets and 8 fans, so that camp would be more comfortable.

BJ1 (1)

Along with a whole bunch of assorted goodies that Finn and Miss San Pedro High School donated.

13692135_10153569221696020_62566129_o

We visited a few days ago and what I saw was a lot of happy faces.

BJ1 (7)

BJ1 (20)

BJ1 (17)

We arrived just as craft time was winding down.  The camp is devoted to learning about the reef & the environment but what is camp without crafts?

BJ1 (19)

Especially when they re-use items from the environment.

BJ1 (5)BJ1 (10)

BJ1 (21)

And early during the week, an artist had helped the kids make these…

BJ (2)

Lunch was next…

BJ1 (15)

…many admitted that FOOD and then swimming were their favorite activities at camp.  And then hermit crab races.

Raul was strict with the number one rule.  RESPECT THE RING!  First crab out – would go on to the next round.

BJ1 (3)BJ1 (2)BJ (4)

BJ (1)

The beauty of living on San Pedro – you might have a relative that MIGHT stop by and deliver snacks and sodas…making you the king of camp for the day.

BJ1 (11)

They were then gearing up for a triathlon.  We had driven all the way up (14 miles north) and it was time to head home.  Full bellies, gorgeous spot…happy kids.

The talent show was later that night and Raul’s coconut art as well as some of Finn & Miss SPHS’s donations were part of the prizes.

IMG_5573

The kids were having so much fun…

BJ1 (8)BJ1 (6)

…in paradise.

BJ1 (9)BJ (3)

Awesome job Mito, Lincoln and Raul…all of these kids have memories that they will keep forever.

13711716_10153569221661020_1474681253_o

Posted in: