SATURDAY July 30, 2011 – Wildlife includes all non-domesticated plants and animals, and fortunately for Belizeans, in Belize we are surrounded by nature. Today the Eco Kids learned about how important wildlife is and why they need to protect it.

With tourism growing around the world, communities are now realizing that they need their local wildlife not only for healthy ecosystems but because it provides great economic benefits.

FRIDAY July 29, 2011 – Today’s theme for the day was Responsible Tourism and Chaa Creek managers all participated in giving the eco kids a little lecture on the lodge’s ecotourism model and why responsible tourism is such an important feature for Belize.

The Eco Challenge program aims to instill memorable values that will have an impact on the way children conduct their lives, their relationship with our fragile Earth, and the sustainable development of our future.

Quick, think of a sun-suffused Caribbean beach. Belize come to mind? Probably not. But it should.
The country is certainly on American Airlines’ radar screen. The carrier is running a seat sale to this northernmost of Central American countries just now. Book and buy no later than Aug. 8. Travel out by Nov. 10, and return no later than Nov. 17.

THURSDAY July 28, 2011 – Solid Waste Management was the theme for the day and Chaa Creek’s Senior Naturalist Guide Brion Young decided to base the topic around the importance of the three R’s: REDUCE, REUSE and RECYCLE!

It’s called Eco Challenge 2011. And it is in full swing at one of the most scenic places in the Cayo District: the Chaa Creek Resort. Love TV’s Producer Dalila Ical and cameraman Brian Castillo spend an overnight with the participants of the project and bring you this first of a two-part story.

Meet Chaa Creek’s Eco Kids Camp 2011 councilors! From left to right they are: Salome Oliver, Shahira Mushcamp, Erin Manzanero, Jacquelyn Britt, Levi Baldwin, Jackie Fabro, Lorenzo Gonzalez and Peter Liang.

WEDNESDAY July 27, 2011 – The theme for the day was Land Conservation and after breakfast the councilors and eco kids headed to Chaa Creek’s Maya Organic Farm to learn directly from Mr Mick Fleming how to do composting, natural fertilizing, weeding, planting, watering and harvesting.

You’ve been a fantastically successful pop star, sold over 40 million records, have your own TV show and claimed to have romanced thousands of women, and now you’re finally going to ask the one woman you’ve really loved to be your first wife. Where do you pop the Big Question? Why, Belize, of course. Gene Simmons could have picked any spot on the planet to ask Shannon Tweed, his long-time girlfriend and mother of his two children to finally tie the knot.

TUESDAY July 24, 2011 – Today’s post involves a journal of four eco campers that are bunk mates. In the picture from right to left, the eco campers are Elias Alamina from Belize City (Belize District), Alex Atkinson from San Pedro Columbia (Toledo District), Jaron Pakeman from St Paul Village (Belize District), and Giovanni Pinelo from Benque Viejo del Carmen (Cayo District).

My job as Global Ambassador is to help Belize to shine on the world stage of tourism, to assist BTB in reaching its strategic marketing goals, and to position Belize as a leader among tourism destinations worldwide. Ladies and gentlemen, Belize is “Nature’s Best Kept Secret,” and it is time to let that secret out! Let the world to discover this country’s treasures, along with Belize’s sustainable tourism leadership in protecting these treasures for future generations of Belizeans and travelers who come to enjoy this wonderful country.

MONDAY July 25, 2011 – Nothing sets the mood of the day better than an early morning hike and that’s exactly what the eco campers did today as they trekked to learn about the ancient Maya that once inhabited the area that now makes Chaa Creek.

Chaa Creek Maya weddings can be held at one of several beautiful Maya temple or ceremonial sites, each having its own distinct feel and providing incredible backdrops for photographs and videos. Xunantunich, known locally as the Temple of the Stone Maiden, is a beautiful pyramid temple with rare frescos in a park like setting surrounded by lush rainforest and offering stunning views from the summit. Cahal Pech, on the outskirts of San Ignacio town features a royal palace and tranquil grounds with a variety of structures and settings.

SUNDAY July 24, 2011 – The morning wakeup call was at 6:30AM but with all the excitement, the eco kids were already up from before 6AM. The theme of the day was Biodiversity and Conservation which meant that a lot of hiking and exploring would be involved in today’s itinerary.

This new and beautifully appointed, fresh water swimming pool adds to the numerous activities that Chaa Creek offers and combines to make Chaa Creek an extra special holiday destination. Its bi-level configuration allows for swimming and paddling pools, as well as generous lounging space for dining, sun bathing and relaxation.

Residents and visitors on Caye Caulker, Belize, take life at a slower pace. Holly Firfer reports for CNN.

Did you know that the Spa at Chaa Creek was selected as a Top 10 Value Spa World Wide by Gayot.com?
Gayot is a website that serves as a serious, honest and professional resource on dining and travel for an international readership who are in search of the best.

GAYOT.COM: ” The Lodge at Chaa Creek prides itself on being a true eco lodge, 100 per cent devoted to green, sustainable tourism. Set on 365 acres in a private nature reserve in this …

SATURDAY July 23 2011 – Today, twenty-four children from all over Belize arrived at Chaa Creek to commence this year’s Eco Kids Camp 2011.

The eco councilors alongside the camp sponsors, the Fleming family greeted the happy kids at 3PM for a quick orientation at the Macal River Camp which will be their home for the next eight days.

Today’s picture of the day is the Giant wild Cockroach and its scientific name is Blaberus giganteus. The giant wild cockroach is one of the world’s largest cockroaches and it mostly resides in the tropics.

Today’s picture of the day is the Red-eyed tree frog and its scientific name is Agalychnis callidryas. The specific name, callidryas, is from Greek calli, a prefix meaning “beauty,” and dryas, refers to a deity or nymph of the woods.