Ecuador Youth Leadership Camp - Andean, Amazon Regions. Ecuador
INTRODUCTION
We are founded on three principles that drive our mission statements: Challenge, Strive, Learn.
Experience real adventure with a group of like-minded, intercultural young people. Challenge yourself to expand your comfort zone, learn or improve English or Spanish, and explore the stunning Andean and Amazon Regions of Ecuador. At the same time learn important life, social and outdoor skills. This course is ideal for the participants from all over the world.
This youth leadership, climate change education and adventure course – is for teens willing to explore the gem of South America – Ecuador! We take the future teen leaders hiking, tent camping, swimming, teach them wilderness survival skills, team building, explore the beautiful areas visit Waterfalls and wander through Amazon rainforest, see endangered wildlife and plant species and learn about the indigenous people culture and their environmental knowledge.
The teen outdoor leadership training that happens during this course is an opportunity for youth to learn to be more independent as they navigate what’s in front of them, especially while they form important life shaping perspectives – such as climate change education, prepare for post secondary schooling, build positive relationships and form an understanding of the world events while having a lot of fun!
Our staff are wilderness first-aid certified, competent and experienced adults who provide 24/7 support to participants. Our 10:1 participant to instructor ratio help a deep connection to be made between our staff and teens, as well as ensure their safety at all times.
We keep the group size down to maximum 15 participants, as less means more for an enriched and meaningful experience for each participant. We are not defined by one permanent location as we are rooted in the belief that learning and adventure come from exploring the lands and water around us.
THE ACCOMMODATION
Accommodation & group camping gear (included):
- Day 1 – Hotel Reina Isabel
- Day 2 – Hacienda Guachala
- Day 3 – Karanqui Families
- Day 4 – Families in Otavalo
- Day 5 – Campsite in Cuicocha
- Day 6 – : Families in Otavalo
- Day 7-11 – Families of the Shayari Community
- Day 12-17 – Jaguar Rescue Center
- Day 18 – Families from Salinas de Guaranda
- Day 19 – Papagayo Hotel
THE ACTIVITIES
This Camp is a lifetime experience for the youth that wants to lean the leadership skills, get to know the biodiversity of the Amazon Rainforest, find out more about culture and knowledge of indigenous people, as well as spend unforgettable time with a lot of fun with the like-minded teens.
Camp Highlights:
- The Indigenous communities in Ecuador will teach about their food, culture, language, traditions, and daily life
- We travel back in time while visiting Basilica del Voto Nacional and explore Quito’s Virgen se El Panecillo, hike the incredible Cotopaxi volcano, Visit Otavalo market and Kichwa communities in the highlands
- Participate in community and environmental awareness projects within Ecuador
- Camp under the stars next to ancient ruins surrounded by llamas at Parque Arueologico Cochasquí
- Learn outdoor and environmental leadership skills
- Prepare to see a lot of wildlife: Monkeys, Jaguars, Manatees, as well as spend incredible time canoeing, wandering through the Amazon Rainforest, bathing in the waterfalls and hiking the mesmerising highlands of Ecuador.
- Volunteering at a Jaguar Rescue Center will be an experience you will never forget!
A typical day
Nothing is boring in this camp, we try to make it as versatile and unique, so there is nothing typical in the camp schedule. We however make sure, that every day is filled with useful information, exciting learning activities building friendships and great, healthy food.
Other information:
- If you have food allergies or special diet, please mention it in the registration form.
- We will spend a lot of time in the nature and participating in outdoor activities, please therefore pack clothing that can get dirty. Functionality over fashion.
- Recommended equipment includes:
| Clothing |
Medium and light weight clothing Warm jacket Wind breaker Hat Raincoat Long and short sleeve shirts Quick-Dry pants Long breathable pants (zip off pants are great) Bandana Sturdy, comfortable walking shoes, closed toe, preferably waterproof, Sandals with back straps Breathable socks Swimsuit |
| Equipment |
Sunglasses Binoculars Insect Repellent Flashlight Camera or video equipment Small umbrella |
| Baggage |
Suitcase or duffel bag Day pack for daily activities and easy access Waterproof plastic bags or organising gear (Ziplocks or Garbage bags work too) Money belt, security pouch, document organiser |
LIFE-CHANGING EXPERIENCE
Safety
Travel in a group is much safer, the group has experienced instructor supporting them 24/7. Our main priorities are planning, preparing, and most importantly, teaching participants how to be safe in the wilderness.
Fitness Capacity
If you are concerned about yours or your child’s physical readiness for our camp, please contact us. We modify our experiences based on participants’ abilities and capacities.
Climate Change
We do our best to understand the present and future impacts of climate change. We have thoughtful discussions with teens of why we all must do our best to find ways to reduce food waste, non-recyclable materials and more. We take public transit or walk as much as possible, and respect nature by reducing our ecological footprints.
Indigenous People
We acknowledge that we are visitors of the traditional lands of Indigenous People. We ask permission to visit and explore their lands while also inviting them to participate in our camps, share their knowledge and to collaborate.
Including: admissions to places of interest (local museums, hot springs and bungee jumping, etc.)
24-7 supervision
Swag bag
Accommodation
Camping gear
Certificates
LOCATION & GETTING HERE
Location
About Ecuador:
Ecuador is located in South America, about 7,120 km from Vancouver. Ecuador has borders with Colombia, Peru and the Pacific Ocean to the west. Ecuador has a population of nearly 16 Million inhabitants (71.9% Mestizos, 7% Indigenous, 6.1% White)
Spanish is recognised as the official language. Additionally, 14 more ancestral languages are spoken by different Indigenous communities.
Climate:
Ecuador has two seasons: wet season December – May, when it is hot and rainy; and the dry season June – November, which has cooler temperatures. The average temperature in the mountain chain Region is between 13 ºC and 21 ºC. The Amazon Region is hot and humid with the average temperature between 25-31 °C
Vaccines:
For your safety, you should have the yellow fever vaccine, typhoid fever, Hepatitis A and B and Tetanus Diphtheria vaccines are also recommended.
Pick up and Drop off information
July 22 @ International Airport of Quito
August 11 @ Quito – Downtown
Getting Here
Flight to Ecuador:
Normally the sooner you book your flight the cheaper it is. It is about 15 hour flight from Vancouver, but there are no direct flights. You can get a good deal flying from the United States or Mexico. Flights typically range from $850 to $1500 return.
Documentation to enter Ecuador:
Canadian Citizens do not need a Visa to enter Ecuador. You only need a valid passport that will not expire 6 months upon arrival. We recommend to bring copies of passport, driver’s license and medical insurance.
More information you can find in Embassy of Ecuador:
https://www.ecuador.org/nuevosite/serviciosconsulares_visas_e.php
If you need a ride from the hotel to the airport, please contact us to arrange pick up time. At extra charge
PRICES & PACKAGES
Ages:
13 to 17 years old
Dates and Prices:
July 22 – August 11
Winter Rate: $3999.00 CDN plus 5% tax (before March 31)
Regular Rate: $4349.00 CDN plus 5% tax (after March 31)
Deposit: $650.00 (required to secure registration) per registration.
Includes:
- Pre-camp trip check-in (Skype conference with attendees)
- climate change education and outdoor leadership course curriculum
- 24/7 instruction & support
- pre-course check-in
- food
- accommodation
- ground transportation
- activities,
- eco-swag (t-shirt, water bottle and more), group camping and course gear
- welcome package
- 10 hours of Spanish lessons
- a course certificate
- communication with family back home
