Field Trip Prep

This year the incredible students at the school I work at, along with the help of their parents recycled more than 7,000 pounds of trash! I still can't believe it. For a relatively small community I am still surprised to see how much is consumed, but more importantly how fantastic their participation is. They carry all this trash to school! The amount that they have been bringing in has been increasing and this past month they reached a record of 1,353 pounds of plastic bottles, tetrapak cartons and all. Since I officially started my work in the school in June the recycling committee has made $375. And that is just in half a year. I hope that they don't lose any of this enthusiasm over the summer.

The top student recycled 6,807 items!!! And that's not even counting the last 2 rounds of recycling. I feel like I also need to mention that she is in Kindergarten (and also one of my host sisters :) Her and her mother are fantastic! Her mother, the President of the Recycling Committee is an excellent leader that always leads by example! I'm not quite sure what I'd do without her.

As a reward for the hard work of all the students and parents I am organizing a field trip to the National Park. It has been a lot of work. From organizing three different forms of transportation, organizing the meals, buying all the ingredients for all the arroz con pollo that we're going to make at 4am the morning of the trip, to designing fancy shmancy certificates that I will presenting to all the students and parents, it has been a lot. Not to mention trying to find funding, and the support of agencies so that we get free entrance, etc. In addition I have invited two other schools to give the children an opportunity to meet new people, network with fellow youth that recycles, and practice their public speak skills.

I am extremely excited for the trip. Only 2 days to go!!! I hope that all goes well and that we have beautiful weather this Saturday so that we can enjoy the hikes and the beautiful sites of Cocle, our province.

Here are some photos that I took of the park when I went to check it out with my counterpart from the Mayor's Office. Just a little preview before I post all the photos of out trip. Wish us luck and beautiful weather!

They call it a GIANT Grapefruit. I call it more of my favorite fruit? Please and Thank you!

The Visitors Center. This is where we will have our activities. Either inside or in the back depending on the weather.

The back. Perfect for a group of forty some people I think.

I hope the children notice and appreciate all the gorgeous wildlife.

Green trails

Beautiful view of Coclé, the most wonderful province of Panama :)