Trekking, 'Belize', Belize, Jul 2010, ID 917
Sutton Valence CCF
On 9th July seventeen cadets, two school staff and two regular soldiers – Dins and Glyn, left Heathrow for Belize, via a stopover in Houston. On arrival in Houston a quick stop by the hotel and then off to see a baseball game – a very overrated experience. The following morning a quick flight and we arrived in BATSUB. We took a tour round the city and a visit to the Zoo.
The first week involved community service with Liberty – a charity set up for orphaned, abandoned and abused children. We cleared ditches, looked after the animals, entertained the children and moved furniture. A day was spent with them on an outing to Crooked Tree Creek and many attachments and friends were made.
On the weekend we had our first opportunity to swim in the Caribbean and went snorkelling and Manattee watching – we were lucky enough to see five of them!
The second week was in the trees – a helicopter ride started the week, followed by stands on survival, food, traps, medicine, shelter and water. The nights in the jungle were filled with strange noises and the reflection of animals eyes. The light faded at 1830 and no one was brave enough to leave their hammocks as they could not see where they were going! The jungle experience also included navigation, hacking through jungle and some military lectures on tactics and recce. Whilst there, we took the opportunity to see Caracol – the Mayan ruins and natural pools. Two amazing sites deep in the jungle. On leaving the jungle we had a BBQ with the children from Liberty – a fantastic evening with lots of food, a piñata and tearful goodbyes.
The final week was spent adventure training on St George’s Caye at BFATC. Activities included kayaking, wind surfing and sailing with cadets choosing one activity and then given the opportunity to become proficient. A trip to Shark Ray Alley was a special end to the trip – snorkelling with Sharks and Rays and a quick stop over at San Pedro. 23 days later, we returned to the UK, exhausted but having had the experience of a lifetime having gained confidence, leadership and knowing that we made a difference.
Without the support of the Ulysses Trust, the Berlin InffBde Memorial Trust Fund and 5RA some of these activities could not have taken place for which Sutton Valence School CCF are extremely thankful.
Thanks to
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working in partnership with
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