As you may have heard, Campamento Tortuguero Ayotlcalli holds a camp each summer for local children. This two-week camp includes many different activities for the children and could not happen without the help of our volunteers, from near and far.
The children learn not just about sea turtles, but about taking care of the environment (and why we need to) and taking care of themselves (nutrition and exercise). We have arts and crafts, field trips, and educational games. While they are focused on the fun activities, they often don’t even notice that they are reading, writing and doing arithmetic!
Last year we had a special volunteer, all the way from Ireland. Kathleen came to the area for a period of time to help out in the Children’s Library of Barra de Potosi. She just happened to be here during our summer camp the 3rd and 4th weeks of July. Since many of the children that use the library were attending the camp, she found out about it and wanted to participate. Not only did she help out from 7am to 2pm every day at the camp, but she was also the chaperone on the van that transported many of the children to camp each day. What a trooper!
Kathleen liked what she was doing so much, that she even came back some evenings to participate in hatchling releases. Through her curiousness and flexibility, she learned a lot about sea turtles and the challenges they face because of the changing environment. She went home as an advocate for sea turtles and for the environment! And, we have yet another forever friend on the other side of the world! Isn’t it funny and wonderful how life works out?
We are so proud, and were very excited to learn that on May 18th Kathleen was awarded the Global Citizen Award – Gold Award!
Here is a video of Kathleen’s acceptance speech.
In her note to us about the award she said:
In my application, one of the main things I talked about was the Turtle Sanctuary which I am so proud to talk about and promote. So when I accept, I will be thinking of you.
Xx Kathleen
Congratulations Kathleen!!!! You so deserve this very special award. We hope to see you again someday our friend!
Xx, Your friends at Campamento Tortuguero Ayotlcalli
Of course, the summer camp cannot happen on volunteers support alone. If you think the summer camp is a worthwhile activity, won’t you please consider supporting it?
We make it so easy to do! On our One-Time Donation page, we have two very special categories. Education Sponsor, which makes you a general sponsor of summer camp activities and supplies. The other option is a Summer Camper Scholarship, which enables one child to attend the camp for free, including transportation.
Thank you, as always, for your generosity and support!
