For the past eleven years the San Pedro Tour Guide Association (SPTGA) in collaboration with PADI, the largest diving organization, the Hol Chan Marine Reserve and the San Pedro Tour Operators Association provide island kids the opportunity to explore the underwater world and learn to scuba dive.
Diving is a fulfilling, life-changing and educational experience and 30 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 15, 2019, the camp officially kicked off as students were presented with their Open Water Diver Manuals and officially introduced to their dive instructors. This year students that participated in the Kids in Action Program in 2018 are being offered a special diving course by PADI, they will be certified in Coral Reef Conservation Specialty Course.
Also adding to this year’s camp is the first ever Sports Fishing Summer Course for youths with obe of San Pedro’s Top Fly Fisher – Mr. Omar Arceo. The goal of the course is to inspire a deeper understanding and appreciation of Belize’s sports fishing sector as a potential career option among the youths of San Pedro Town. Currently 10 students are getting the opportunity to participate in a seven-day summer course where they will be introduced to the equipment, marine ecosystems, tying techniques, casting techniques poling and navigation.
The fishing summer course is the first step in a three-year program that will be offered with three corresponding level of education and training: Basic, Intermediate and advance level. Each course level will allow participants to develop their skill set over the three years, allowing them the opportunity to explore a career in fish guiding.
Participating dive shops include Belize Diving Adventures, Island Divers, Chuck and Robbie’s, Belize Pro Dive Center, XSite Belize, Ramon’s Village, Sea Star Belize, Scuba School and Ambergris Dives.
