VAIL MOUNTAIN SCHOOL
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February 15th, 2020

2/15/2020

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​This is our last update from Belize. We’ll see you tomorrow. 

The VMS students have overcome fears, learned about themselves, and appreciated the unBELIZEable ecosystems and communities here. 

This morning, we said goodbye to Tobacco Caye and headed to Monkey Bay Wildlife Sanctuary. The kids are staying in dormitory-style lodges on beautiful grounds. Monkey Bay has protected over 2000 acres of property, and it hosts study abroad groups from all over the world. 

We had a mellow afternoon. The kids settled in and played basketball before an early dinner. After dinner, we drove to the nearby Belize Zoo for a night tour. We saw a tapir, many varieties of jungle cats, including a jaguar, nine different owls, coatimundi, and opossum. The kids also got the chance to hold a boa constrictor named “Balboa,” with mixed degrees of excitement. 

We head to the airport after breakfast tomorrow morning. We look forward to seeing you in Denver. We’ve had a wonderful trip!

P.S. I’ve also included photos from yesterday’s night snorkel.
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Belize UPdate: February 14

2/14/2020

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Happy Valentine’s Day! VMS spent the day exploring the reef and mangrove environments. Between breakfast and 3 pm, we completed four snorkel drops. The first was  in the mangroves, where we saw starfish, fish nurseries, and our guide, James, speared and collected a lion fish, which are invasive in this area. 

The next two drops were over beautiful, healthy coral. James took time to point out interesting species of coral, plants, and fish. We had a picnic lunch on a neighboring caye. Docked nearby was a National Geographic ship. Their researchers were at the Smithsonian center, so we did not have a chance to visit. 

We completed a final snorkel drop close to Tobacco Caye. The remainder of the afternoon had no planned activity, so the kids had a chance for some much needed r&r. 

Currently, we are in a briefing about night snorkeling. The students will go out in two different groups with the hope of seeing moray eels, Caribbean reef octopus, and more. 

Tomorrow it’s off to Monkey Bay.

P.S. - We also boated by Bird Island, which is a nesting sight for frigates and brown boobies.
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Belize Update: February 13

2/13/2020

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​Today was a travel day. We left Clarissa Falls after breakfast and drove almost the full width of Belize. The view along the way was beautiful. The forest is dense and green. 

We reached Dangriga in the late morning. James and Zara, both from the UK and who run the Tobacco Caye Marine Station, met us at the pier. We had a bumpy boat ride over choppy water to reach Tobacco Caye. The Tobacco Caye Marine Station will be running all of our remaining excursions on the island.

The water is clear and warm, and our cabins overlook the Mesoamerican Lagoon, the Belize reef, and out to the Caribbean. 

After lunch, we got snorkeling gear and thorough instruction on how to snorkel before heading out over the coral. We had sightings of fan, brain, and fire corals along with numerous fish and ray species. 

In the late afternoon. We collected trash on the reef. Students kept track of the types of trash they found and the quantities. The group with the best set of data won carved coconut necklaces. 

We are staying at the Windward Lodge on the island. They have provided great meals so far. After dinner, we went back to the marine station to learn more about the impact of plastic pollution in the ocean and also announce the winner of the trash collection. 

Tonight, there is a strong breeze and the soothing sound of the sea. Kids are playing cards, volleyball, and chatting on the beach.

Tomorrow, we are taking a boat tour of the lagoon. We will snorkel in four different locations and explore mangrove, reef, and lagoon ecosystems. We’ll have a picnic lunch on another island and return to Tobacco Caye by 3 pm.
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Belize Update: February 12

2/12/2020

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The heat and the level of activity caught up with the VMS group today. Some of the kids struggled to get out of bed and the breakfast conversation was a bit quieter. Once we arrived at Calla Creek, however, the students were ready to go. Today, we made two more batches of concrete. We used the material for a platform where a sink can be installed so the students have a wash station closer to where they eat lunch.
After the work was done, VMS students joined in a third game of soccer. They led some more activities in classrooms after recess. We all gained an appreciation for our similarities and shared interests. We ate lunch with the students, and it was hard to say goodbye to our new friends. 

Randall, our leader from World Leadership School, has participated in adventure races all over the world. For the afternoon activity, he organized an adventure race/community exploration for us. 

In four teams, students completed the following challenges.
1. Tube down the Marpo River. 
2. Wash clothes by hand
3. Make a kite using bamboo, paper, and tape
4. Shape and cook a tortilla
5. Create a tattoo using a local plant called achiote. 

Completing all of the tasks encouraged the student to work together navigating the village, interacting with new people, and learning new skills. We had so much fun!

Late in the afternoon, the kids swam again before showering and dinner. 

We depart Clarissa Falls tomorrow and head toward Dangriga and Tobacco Caye.
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Belize UPdate: February 11

2/11/2020

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We had another FULL day. We started the day at the Calla Creek School. To access the campus, we cross a footbridge over the Mopan River. 
The VMS students got started learning how to mix concrete by hand. In groups they then laid the concrete on a section of fencing that needed repair.

All of the fundraising the students did in preparation for the trip paid for the all the materials needed. 

The kids rose the the occasion again! Every person contributed to the project, and all they felt a sense of accomplishment by the time lunch rolled around. 

We visited classrooms with students in the equivalent grades. The kids interviewed on another about their lives. The smiles and burst of laughter were clear indications that they had points of connection. 

We had lunch at the school with some the students. The majority go home to their nearby homes for an hour lunch break, but those who live too far away stay to eat at school. The meal was excellent, and again the smiles were heartwarming. 

In the afternoon we took a long bus ride back toward Belize City, but the destination, cave tubing, was worth every minute. We went tubing in a crystal clear river through two beautiful caves. To access the caves we hiked upstream about two miles and stopped to see leaf cutter ants, learn about ancient Mayan use of the the caves, and more about the rainforest. 

The caves, beautiful warm water, and amazing view of the jungle were a highlight. We spent moments in the dark, saw tiny bats hanging above, and glittering stalactites. 

We got back to Clarissa Falls after dark where an incredible meal awaited us. 

The adventure continues tomorrow!
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Belize UPdate: February 10

2/11/2020

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VMS had the privilege to visit the Calla Creek community today. The school that serves the community is K-8 and has 75 students, which are spilt between four mixed-grade classrooms. The excitement on our students’ faces was matched by the Belizean students’ smiles and curiosity. 

After quick visits to classrooms, we got to work moving sand and concrete mix in preparation for our work the next two days. The kids all put in a huge effort in the heat with heavy materials. 

Even though they were tired, the kids jumped at the opportunity to play soccer during the school’s recess. All ages joined in. 

Before we left, we went into classrooms and VMS kids led games in English for the younger students who are still learning the language (Simon Says, Head’s up 7 up, and more). 

We go back tomorrow to mix and start laying cement for a fence the school needs. 

After a swim in the river and lunch at Clarissa Falls, we headed back to San Ignacio for a tour of a cocoa plantation. The owner showed us the cocoa plant and explained how pods are pointed and harvested. We then roasted some raw cocoa beans, peeled them, ground them, and finally made hot chocolate from the paste. We got to taste the cocoa at each stage. 

We are settling in after a long day. Students are learning not only about Belize, but also about themselves. They have proved themselves to be hard workers and eager to learn from each opportunity.
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Ruins at xunantunich

2/9/2020

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Picture
The Vail Mountain School group arrived safely yesterday and are off on a day trip exploring the ruins at Xunantunich and the Green Iguana Project, later today. 

We will post updates as they come in!

WLS Staff 
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  • Welcome
  • Peru 2019
    • Peru Blog
  • Belize 2020
    • Blog
    • Itinerary
    • Prepare to Go