Ecuador Expedition 2013

24 Students and 3 teachers from Crompton House CE School in Shaw, Oldham are participating in a school expedition to Ecuador in 2013, through Camps International.

This will be a four-week expedition and will include; community development work, wildlife conservation, and an adventure element visiting the Galapagos Islands. To become a part of this wonderful experience we need to raise £4300 each.

The core objectives of this expedition are to undertake projects in order to:

·   * Raise the educational standards of developing communities within the Cloud Forest of Ecuador

·   * Raise the living standards of developing communities, within the Cloud Forest in Ecuador

·   * Assist with ongoing wildlife conservation programmes to preserve biodiversity and protect vulnerable habitats.

The camp is situated within a 14,000-acre reserve in one of the most beautiful and ecologically important areas in the world and home to an incredible variety of animals and plants, including spectacled bears that can be seen between July and September each year. The reserve boasts 50 species of mammals, 370 species of birds and 1000 species of plant.  

However, the future of this area is under threat due to the highest rate of deforestation recorded in South America. Wildlife poaching is also rife. There will be involvement in a wide variety of projects that may include planting food trees for bears, addressing human-bear conflict,reforestation, nature trail development, habitat protection, recycling activities and teaching environmental education to children.

There will also be a few days supporting a wildlife rescue centre in the Amazon that rehabilitates illegal pets before releasing them back into the wild.
 

The camps central location in the village means that the various projects are within a few minutes walk, giving the chance to see how the hard work we put in will benefit the community and protect the reserve. 

The adventure phase of the expedition is spent on the Galapagos Islands, the world’s best wildlife destination and a UNESCO World Heritage site. This expedition includes a visit to the world’s most famous and fascinating islands spending a few days exploring the island of San Cristobel and seeing the extraordinary animals that shaped Darwin’s theories on evolution. We will learn about the natural history and human history of the islands before meeting the local people and seeing magnificent wildlife including frigate birds, blue-footed boobies, pelicans, sealions, tortoises, lava lizards, marine iguanas and eagle rays plus much more. We’ll also see the dramatic volcanic scenery and white-sand beaches for a once in a lifetime experience.

 This expedition will help to develop many important life skills such as; gaining experience in teamwork, time management, financial awareness, resourcefulness in preparation for Ecuador and whilst in country, to gain new and lasting friendships and leadership skills which will help to broaden the students outlook on life provide lasting inspiration throughout their lives.

The students are looking forward to working alongside the local communities by helping them to create a sustainable future for themselves, experiencing a new culture/language and becoming involved in the education of their children by teaching them conversational English.

There are so many opportunities which will have a positive impact on so many lives and truly leave a lasting impression on the communities they will be working on.