This April vacation, 69 Ottoson students and 12 adult chaperones spent a week in Belize learning about the history and the culture, meeting the people, trying new things, and having adventures. Organizer and OMS Science teacher Jennifer Mernick reports that whether they were passing howler monkeys as they climbed Mayan ruins, playing soccer with local elementary school students, trying the cuisine, drinking glass-bottled cold Coca-Cola with natural cane sugar, or participating in a “Survival Skills” jungle walk and learning how to make a snare trap, use a sling-shot, open a coconut, and survive off termites if necessary, “The students absolutely loved the trip!”
This year’s trip is part of an OMS tradition of providing student travel opportunities that began in the 2013-2014 school year. Over the years, OMS students have visited the U.S. National Parks in Utah, Arizona, and Florida and traveled to Costa Rica as well as Belize, for example. Ms. Mernick believes the trips are important ways for young people to “...learn about the world around them by experiencing another culture, connect with peers, make new friends, and gain more confidence and independence.”
As the earlier examples illustrate, the trip to Belize was full of new explorations and experiences. A local expert led a tour of the Lamanai Ruins, which date to 1500 BC. The site includes three large pyramids, residential areas, open plazas, and a ball court. The young travelers floated through hidden caves on tubes, zip-lined through the canopy, and snorkeled at Hoi Chan, the first marine reserve established in Central America. They also visited an old sugar mill, the Chaa Creek Natural History Centre, and a “secret beach”.
In addition to Ms. Mernick, the group of chaperones included current and former OMS teachers and employees. Reflecting on her personal experiences and the role of the adults, Ms. Mernick had this to say: “As chaperones, we get to witness countless examples of personal growth. Students are not only able to step out of their comfort zone but in some cases they jump out of their comfort zone! It’s remarkable to witness this magnitude of growth in such a short time. It is wonderful to see the looks on their faces at their first glance of breathtaking views, to hear an entire bus singing happy birthday using some of their newly learned Creole words, and to watch them laugh and play games in the pool each night at the hotels.”
Other travelers shared these thoughts on their favorite parts of the trip and what they will remember.
“The overall experience of traveling with my friends and trying amazing new things!!! - Anna Mulligan, eighth grade
“Zip lining and cave tubing were amazing!”- Ellie Rockwood, eighth grade
“Swimming when it was downpouring on Ambergris Caye!” - Anne Uebelhart, seventh grade
“It was amazing to be able to go snorkeling at the reef. In school, we learn how coral reefs are impacted by climate change and rising temperatures and sea levels, and it was awesome to be there, seeing the beauty and diversity of sea life on the reef. It was easy to see how important the reefs and barrier islands are to the protection of the mainland.” - Susan Stewart, chaperone & eighth grade science teacher
“I’ll never forget climbing the Xunantunich Mayan Ruins!” - Anna Vakoc, eighth grade
Over 60 students are already enrolled for the April 2024 vacation trip to Costa Rica and there is a lengthy waitlist. This opportunity is open to any student who will be in the seventh or eighth grade during the 2023-2023 school year.