Ever since Upper School Science Teacher, Nancy Gelardi traveled to Belize several years ago with her family, she wanted to return with a group of PCD students to share the lessons this small Central American country has to offer. This June, she was able to make that happen, when she and six travelers explored the lush tropical rainforest, ancient Mayan sites, and spectacular barrier reef along the Caribbean coastline.

The group experienced myriad natural wonders by hiking through the jungle, zip lining through a rainforest canopy, water tubing in the fresh water river system into the caves in the Cayo District, and cruising along the New River as well as the Olde Belize River. "We saw some amazing scenery when we took a shortcut through the Olde Belize River one day," noted Gelardi. "There were mangrove trees lining the river bank and spider monkeys climbing through the branches." They also saw many of the country's indigenous animals in the naturally created habitats at the Belize Zoo. One of the highlights was being up close and personal with a jaguar. From a safe vantage point within a cage, the students watched as the jaguar emerged from the jungle and came right up to them. "He even licked the tops of their foreheads!" said Mrs. Gelardi. Belize boasts the second largest coral reef in the world and snorkeling excursions exposed the students to marine life that included sharks, rays and a wide variety of other tropical fish species.

The PCD students also learned about the ancient history of Belize when they explored the Mayan ruins with their guide, a student of cultural anthropology and Mayan history. At Xunantunich, Mayan for "Maiden of the Rock," they viewed El Castillo, the largest temple in the ancient city, with its intricately carved friezes. From the summit of El Castillo the students took in a view over the border into Northern Guatemala, and a visit to the ruins of Lamanai, Mayan for "Submerged Crocodile," rewarded their steep climb up the side of the temple with spectacular views into the tropical forest.

The Belizean people blend the rich Maya, Mestizo, Creole, Garifuna, East Indian, Mennonite, Arab and Chinese cultures, and the population includes expatriates from Europe and the US. A large population of Guatemalan refugees also calls Belize home, and the PCD students were able to visit their community and school one afternoon. "It was eye opening for our students to see the shacks in the surrounding countryside and the living conditions of the refugees," said Gelardi. "Crossing cultural barriers, our students didn’t even hesitate. They sat right down and began interacting with the students there." It was a particularly meaningful experience, for the members of PCD’s PeaceJam Club, who had learned about Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Rigoberta Menchú Tum, a native Guatemalan who dedicated her life to promoting the rights of Guatemala's indigenous peoples during and after the Guatemalan Civil War (1960–1996). She was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for her efforts.

"Belize is really an ideal place to travel because it’s so close, there is such a variety of experiences to have there, and you always feel safe," said Gelardi. "So much of the natural habitat has remained unspoiled." But Gelardi was struck not only by the variety of educational opportunities in Belize, but also the depth of learning that happens through travel of all kinds. Students invariably come home with new perspectives and a deeper understanding of their role in the world. Some of the PCD students, after spending time with the Guatemalan refugees in their classrooms, were inspired to start a community service project to help support the school. "The Belize trip was the kind of educational experience that engaged and inspired students not only when they were traveling, but also affected the way they see the world."