31/05/2026
Hello friends!
We are writing to ask for your help and to talk about the local summer camp program for children at Campamento Tortuguero Ayotlcalli.
This program has provided a wonderful experience for children over the last many years.
This year, just like the rest of you, our costs are up. Because of the rise in costs across the board, our sponsorships are down. We need sponsors for these underprivileged children! Maybe you are just learning about this program, or you have sponsored in the past and have not had a chance to do so this year. Either way, we sure could use your help!
It is easy to sponsor a child, just click here! https://donorbox.org/summer-camp-12
Thank you so very much for reading and for considering sponsorship!
Questions??? We are happy to answer, just contact us here at O.Ridley's Tortuga Bar or Damaris M. Smith privately.
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If you do not already know about the program, please continue reading below for more information from Campamento Tortuguero Ayotlcalli director Damaris M. Smith.
This year the summer camp program has been scheduled for the two weeks of July 20th to 31st Monday to Friday from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm. The summer program is intended for children of ages 7 to 12 years old. A few of the former “Warriors of the Rainbow” who are now 13 years and older, will attend summer camp as leaders. The objective is to continue developing and practicing their leadership skills as they serve as role models for the younger children.
The curriculum is very rigorous and integrates the areas of values, reading, language, mathematics, environmental science, fine arts, physical education, and leadership skills.
This year campers will learn about marine invertebrates and their role in food chains. Also, Mr. Enrique De Luna, director of Whales of Guerrero, will conduct an important topic about the dark skies and how they affect species’ behaviors, migration, and reproduction. A field trip to Ixtapa Island has been scheduled, where students will participate in hands-on activities related to the topics. In addition, children and volunteers will make informative signs for visitors and will do beach cleaning.
A night patrol is scheduled to take place on Friday July the 24th. Students will have the opportunity to camp out, observe the sky. If weather permits the group will patrol the beach in search of sea turtle eggs to relocate them into the camp’s hatchery. Other activities for the night include interactive educational games, music, dance, and oral discussions.
At the end of the program on July 31st, children will perform a presentation for parents and sponsors who are able to attend.
Most of the children who attend summer camp come from underprivileged families who are unable to afford a meaningful educational program. Guerrero state is well known for the educational gap in general. Certainly, we do not pretend to close that gap within two weeks regardless of rigorous instruction, nevertheless, teachers, volunteers and students will make the best efforts to show progress.
Throughout the years, we have witnessed some accomplishments of the program objectives. Just to mention two events of this year, when a sea turtle was laying her eggs in the Barra de Potosi area during the day, some of the “Warriors of the Rainbow” girls stood up and prevented many curious people from disturbing or touching her. These brave girls stayed nearby until members of Campamento Tortuguero Ayotlcalli arrived and took charge of the situation. Another remarkable event is the accomplishment of one of our pioneer warriors: Sebastian Cabrera, initiated our program at a young age. Moreover, Sebastian became a leader and joined the volunteers program assisting with night patrols to relocate eggs, tagging sea turtles, monitoring hatchery, releasing hatchlings and training new volunteers.
This year, Sebastian Cabrera has been accepted to participate in a summer camp in North Carolina. We are certain he will demonstrate and practice his leadership skills and other qualities he has polished throughout the years attending our “Warriors of the Rainbow” summer camp thanks to your kind donations.
Unfortunately, the cost of life has increased tremendously, therefore we must increase the donation amount to sponsor a child. This is just a suggestion and if you are unable to fully sponsor a child or more, any amount will be appreciated.
This year, the cost of the program is $2,300 pesos ($135.00 USD) per child and includes school supplies, teaching materials, field trips, a t-shirt, lunch, and snacks. Also, due to the difficulty of transporting children from the LLanitos community, transportation will be provided.
Please consider sponsoring one or more students. Daily photos and videos will be posted on social media in addition to a summary report provided at the end of the program, unless you request particular progress about your sponsored child.
