Hola!

As you know the girls arrived safe and sound after a very long and tiring flight. Although a bit jet lagged all the girls were happy to finally be here. The first few days consisted of introduction to lodge life and Venezuela. The girls had an intro meeting with me and then headed off to experience the beach. After some nice beach time the girls had their first Spanish class which went well although a bit tiring for their first day! That night the girls attempted the famous Jakera climbing wall and all successfully made it to the top!

Time to hit the beach..the perfect jet lag cure!

The next morning after breakfast we headed to the beach for kayak class which consisted of flipping the girls upside down and learning how to do a wet exit. Although hesitant the girls passed with flying colors. In the afternoon we showed the girls the local bus route to Puerto, had a Chwarma for lunch and spent a short time on internet updating parents and friends.

Emily models the 'before' shot

The girls had their first kayak to Playa Melissa on Monday, the beach they will be cleaning. The girls explored Playa Melissa, had a swim, and began to do a bit of cleaning. We ate lunch on the beach and then loaded up the kayaks and headed back to camp just in time for Spanish. The next two days the girls worked on their education and promotion side of the project, writing a story for Jakera Club kids and working on an educational poster for Playa  Melissa.

Thursday the girls headed to Playa Melissa by boat for the  big beach clean up and worked tirelessly to pick up every piece of  litter and get it off the beach. They did an amazing job and we at the  camp are all very proud of them. Tomorrow they are giving a speach to the National Parks to help with the maitenence of Playa Melissa

Sarah cleans up

and
then Monday they head off to Roraima!! So far the girls are adjusting well with only a few minor bumps in the road but everyone is happy and healthy and enjoying life in Venezuela!

Until next time,
Saludos,
Kaitlyn (Venezuela Project Leader)