Belize Red Cross "Together We Can" members enjoy retreat to Mexico

15 November 2004

The Belize Red Cross - Together We Can Peer Education Program held its first youth retreat November 13-14 in Mexico .

The trip was planned to celebrate the success of the project and in recognition of the support and hard work of instructor trainers and peer educators.

Leaving the Novelo's Bus Terminal on East Collet Canal at 6.30 a.m. on November 13, the bus arrived in Chetumal, Quintana Roo , Mexico at 10 a.m. The group stayed at Hotel Ucum.

The TWC members were given a chance to have fun and learn valuable lessons about working together during the two days. Members were divided into groups with a facilitator. Each group was given two activities to complete within a specific time frame. The winning team would receive prizes. The activities required leadership and team work in completing the challenges, which incorporated the TWC activity kit to solve the puzzles. The first activity involved nursery rhymes.

After the activity was completed, the group had lunch and set off for the Mexican Red Cross where they received some training in first aid accident techniques from MRC youth volunteers and Emergency Response staff.

In another room, more information was presented on the day-to-day work of the MRC; TWC members viewed a display of mannequins and equipment used in First Aid/CPR and Paramedic training classes.

The final session at MRC allowed participants to see the interior of one of the MRC's ambulances. The first day of the retreat ended with time for shopping at the Chedraui Mall.

On November 14, the second and final challenge - anagrams - was given with each winning team member receiving a prize. After this, the entire group prepared to visit Calderitas beach. Before leaving though, some members took the time to stroll over from the hotel to the nearby Museo Cultural ( Cultural Museum ).

While no one was allowed to swim at Calderitas for safety reasons, there was much fun as an exciting game of volleyball was played on the sand before lunch.

The group left at 1 p.m. for the return trip to Belize City .

Upon arrival at the bus terminal, everyone said their goodbyes and exchanged contact information, ending two days of fun and learning.