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Tacogirl Belize blog Est. in 2007

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Camp Basil Jones Works With At-risk Belize Kids to Create Safer Neighborhoods

by tacogirl 31/07/2015
written by tacogirl 31/07/2015
belize kids

Camp Basil Jones works with at-risk Belize kids to create safer neighborhoods

From July 6th to the 24th the second annual Summer Youth Camp at Camp Basil Jones was held on North Ambergris Caye under the able direction/coordination of Guillermo “Mito” Paz of the San Pedro House of Culture. This one-of-a-kind camp has awakened the attention of local news media, organizations and individuals as its main purpose was to help reduce the chances of at-risk Belizean youths to go astray. One hundred Belizean children mostly from Belize City and other parts of the country were able to participate in this camp. When parents are trying to find things to do for their children this camp is perfect.

It is imperative that we point out to this community the major role that this camp plays in the life of these young people. According to Mr. Paz, some of these children have never been snorkeling or have never worn a mask. Some youth come from single-parent homes with extremely limited resources. In other words, this camp is a “Safe Haven” for these at-risk youth where they can be exactly what they are – children; and forget for a week the harsh living conditions that society and the world has thrown their way.

Belizean youth, especially those at risk of joining gangs or engaging in criminal activity, need access to economic opportunity, job-related skills, and alternative activities to keep youth in school. At-risk youth refers to youth that is a) likely to affiliate with gangs or engage in criminal activity; b) come from communities that have high rates of poverty, crime, unemployment, or teen parenthood; or c) live in areas with low high school graduation rates or low parental education levels.

volunteering in belizevolunteering in belizebelize kids

Giving At-risk Kids Opportunities and Options

The Summer Youth Camp at Camp Basil Jones addresses some key underlying factors of crime and violence in Belize, and provide at-risk youth with educational and economic opportunities in a totally different environment where these youths can learn job-related skills and have fun at the same time.The focus of this summer camp is to instill in our youth an appreciation of the marine and coastal environment, provide alternative activities for at-risk youth at higher risk of gang affiliation and/or engaging in criminal activity (both those in school and no longer in school), to teach our youths marketable skills through art & crafts using natural materials, to counter criminal gangs by engaging at-risk youth in anti-gang/drug-related activities and to encourage at-risk youth to graduate high school.

The Summer Youth Camp at Camp Basil Jones provides at-risk youth between the ages of 11
and 17 and marginalized communities with productive alternative activities that increase education and leadership opportunities. These opportunities encourage cultural and social development, build self-confidence, and promote civic participation in order to create safer streets by preventing at-risk youth from joining gangs or engaging in criminal activity.

volunteering in belizebelize kids

2015 Camp Basil Jones Sponsors

The members of the San Pedro House of Culture join Mr. Mito Paz in his efforts to make a difference in the lives of these Belizean youths. Of course, a camp of this magnitude takes a great deal of time and funds.

This could not have been possible without the help of the following organizations: PACT, Oceana Belize, Hol Chan Marine Reserve, Ministry of Tourism & Culture, NICH, NEMO, Department of Youth Services, Marine Education Research and Rehabilitation Institute and San Pedro Sun.

Press Release courtesy of San Pedro House of Culture and pictures from Felix via FB messenger 🙂

volunteering in belizebelize kidsbelize kids
volunteering in belize

Inner city kids being kids and enjoying arts and crafts on the Caribbean Sea

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tacogirl

Laure Norton grew up dyslexic and was very challenged by the school. She never dreamed she would move to Belize and become a writer. A year after her move to Ambergris Caye, Laurie became an entrepreneur and professional writer starting tacogirl blog in 2007. Since then she has helped many people plan their vacations or move. She also has been published in Great Destinations Belize Guidebook, Moon Guide to Living in Belize, Insight Guides, Island Magazine several times and USA Today. Currently Laurie resides in downtown San Pedro and enjoys being a "city girl" on a tropical island.

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Corey Holm
Corey Holm
04:38 25 Feb 20
I take the seniors from our academy to Belize every year for their senior trip. One of the first people I contact when... I start planning the trip is Laurie with TacoGirl Belize. She knows the island of San Pedro better than anyone else out there. Trust me, I have looked. If you are looking for the best restaurants, hang outs and shops then Laurie help plan your vacation.read more
Carol Taylor
Carol Taylor
15:53 24 Feb 20
Love Taco Girl Blog @LaurieNorton! I've been reading this blog since I started visiting Ambergris Caye in Belize almost... 10 years ago. It is filled with helpful up-to-date information and recommendations that I wouldn't necessarily find on my own. Laurie Norton's knowledge and extensive network on the island provides her with the ability to share perks/discounts/coupons with her readers, which come in handy year after year. Things on the island change daily - new businesses pop up constantly and LaurieNortonstays on top of these developments. Whenever I plan my return trip to the island, I always check her blog first - and I recommend you do the same. Trip Advisor ain't got nuttin' on Taco Girl!read more
Heidi
Heidi
20:01 20 Feb 20
Laurie's blog is my official “go to” source for tourist and local information on San Pedro. Of course, it’s... always nice to see her guides on “what to do” in San Pedro, but I also appreciate her “insider” advice and human interest stories on what it’s like living as a local on the island. There is so much information it's amazing! Thank you Laurie!!!read more
Nick Goodman
Nick Goodman
21:23 30 Nov 19
I am considering a move to Belize and I have serendipitously found tacogirl.....what a treasure! She is full of great... advice, helpful hints.....knows everybody on Ambergris Caye and has a thousand useful recommendations and suggestions. Whether you are planning a vacation or relocating, you should make use of the many services she has to offer…..read more
KellyDivePhotography
KellyDivePhotography
20:58 30 Nov 19
I’m so pleased to see tacogirl's blog on Google. Laurie's blog is my official “go to” source for tourist and... local information on San Pedro. Of course, it’s always nice to see her guides on “what to do” in San Pedro, but I also appreciate her “insider” advice and human interest stories on what it’s like living as a local on the island. I especially enjoy her guest articles, providing a different perspective of all things San Pedro. Her tipping quide is a classic, and don’t forget her Tropic Air flight code and on-island discounts. You’re not up-to-date with what’s going on in San Pedro if you’re not regularly reading tacogirl's blog.read more
Sandra Godfrey
Sandra Godfrey
15:58 23 Nov 19
I have known Laurie (Taco Girl) for several years. She has been a wealth of good information for me in all of my... pursuits in Belize. I highly recommend her for any services you may require.read more
William Jones
William Jones
13:39 06 May 19
Do yourself a favor. Read this BEFORE any trip to San Pedro - Ambergris Caye or Belize in general. Not saying “do... what everyone else says”, but Laurie has frank and honest info which will make your stay in country a little more fun, a little more informative, and often at a great cost savings. Best thing: it’s unbiased, honest, and factual. Personal note: thank you for your personal tailored help in answering mine (and my wife’s) questions.read more
Kimberly Robinson
Kimberly Robinson
18:28 03 May 19
Taco Girl (Laurie) is amazing. She has so much knowledge about Belize and has great connections with many of the... businesses in Belize. Because of her connections she is able to offer many perks and discounts that you wouldn't have been able to find otherwise. She is super responsive and I always go to her for all my travel needs. From golf cart rentals, to spas, to places to eat. She's got the inside scoop on all!read more
Michael Rieck
Michael Rieck
20:22 21 Apr 19
Since 2003, my wife and I have been to Ambergris at least once a year to experience the fantastic diving. About twelve... years ago we me Tacogirl on a blog giving us discounts on golf carts, local airfares, and restaurants. Over the years we have grown a friendship and I look forward to her weekly blogs about he changes on my favorite home away from home. The island changes every year, and she always shows you what to see, do, and eat.read more
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ABOUT ME

I took the plunge and moved to San Pedro Town on the Island of Ambergris Caye, off the coast of Belize, Central America. Originally from Canada, I made the life-changing move to escape winter for good (in 2006) after one three week vacation.

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3 childhood memories that shaped my desire to move to Belize from a young age.Sailing in the Virgin Islands, seeing a rainbow out the window of an island hopper as we flew from Virgin Islands to Puerto Rico, Christmas in Hawaii and many trips to Florida.

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