Learning to scuba dive is a fulfilling, life-changing, and educational experience – and PADI is thrilled to be supporting a kid’s dive program in San Pedro, Belize! This summer, PADI, the largest diving organization, is collaborating with the San Pedro Tourist Guide Association (SPTGA) and the marine reserve to give local kids the opportunity to explore the underwater world.
This month, 34 students ages 12-15 will be working towards their Junior Open Water Diver certifications so they engage with marine life, build character and self-confidence, and form a greater appreciation for the planet. PADI is proud to support such an enriching experience by supplying Open Water Diver manuals, course completion certificates, and more.
On Monday, July 16, 2012, the camp officially kicked off as students were presented with their Open Water Diver Manuals and officially introduced to their dive instructors. Each instructor was given four students for the course. Students will be doing their last dive on July 26 and their graduation will be on the Friday, July 27, 2012.
Dive Instructor Roberto Gonzalez of Chuck and Robbie’s Dive Shop with his students for Camp 2012
Many PADI dive centers host the event; provide equipment, volunteers, boats, etc. PADI has generously provided discounted rates on materials and Hol Chan Marine Reserve, local tour operators and tour guides are also sponsoring the event and providing voluntary service to the event.
The SPTGA is also collaborating with other conservation and awareness programs on the island. Children participating in programs by Hol Chan and other conservation programs continue to engage through the dive camp and can better assist in such programs such as Reef Check, mangrove reforestation, sea turtle monitoring and other programs as part of the Hol Chan outreach program.
The PADI tour operators and instructors participating in this event include:
PADI Resorts:
Belize Diving Adventures, Tuff e Nuff Tours, Belize Ocean Divers, Canary Cove, Action Divers Belize, Ecologic Divers, Chuck and Robbies, Ambergris Divers, Ramon’s Village Resort and Island Divers Belize
PADI Instructors:
Roberto Canul, Everette Anderson, Guadalupe Rosado, Philip Leslie, Jody Martinez, Roberto Castillo, Gilbert Nunez, Rudy Duran, Steve Bowen and Roberto Gonzalez
