Dear PLP Alumni,

Thank you for considering joining us for our first ever PLP Alumni Explore trip. We believe that we have put together a unique, fun, and engaging experience for you to share with fellow PLP alumni. The trip begins with three nights deep in the Belizean rainforest with trips to some of the most extraordinary places on Earth, like the Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave which was rated the #1 sacred cave by National Geographic Magazine. We will also visit the ancient Maya city of , one of the largest Maya cities in the world. After these experiences, we will navigate the clear blue water of the Caribbean to Long Caye at Atoll. From there, we will explore our remote island home and the largest reef in the Western Hemisphere.

Over the last 8 years, numerous PLP Belizean Rainforest students have had the opportunity to travel to Belize as part of our Leadership and Sustainability in Belize class. It is time that our alumni get to experience some of the things our students have in this amazing country. This alumni trip will be led by Paul Kosempel and Linda Olson of PLP. Paul and Linda have led numerous classes to Belize and are excited to share this experience with our alumni.

We invite you to join other alumni in Belize for a fantastic adventure this coming February. Read through the itinerary, lodging, and other details below.

Sincerely,

The Pioneer Leadership Program

1 Itinerary

Sunday, February 18th USA to Belize • Fly from your home airport to Belize - Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport. Flight arrangements are on your own, but should be coordinated with trip leader. • Airport Transfer to Mariposa Jungle Lodge • Night hike to Bol’s Cave Museum

Monday, February 19th Caracol • Visit the Maya city of Caracol, the largest Maya site in Belize. • Explore the Rio Frio Cave and visit natural hidden pools.

Tuesday, February 20th Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) • ATM is one of the most sacred places in the world according to National Geographic magazine • Spend the day exploring this cave and learning about this unique Maya underworld site

Wednesday, February 21st Rainforest to Caribbean • Travel from our rainforest home to Belize City where we will take a boat to our island home at Itza Lodge • Island tour • Island activities - snorkeling, kayaking, stand up paddle boarding, swimming, etc.

Thursday, February 22nd Half Moon Caye and the Reef • . Learn about the sustainable development of this island community. •Visit the managed Half Moon Caye, home of the Blue Footed Booby Sanctuary

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Island Sunrise • Snorkel one of Belize’s many great sites in the Lighthouse Reef Atoll

Friday, February 23rd Island Exploration • An open day to enjoy our island home including chance to SCUBA dive. • Evening bonfire

Saturday, February 24th Belize to USA • Return to Belize City to travel back to the States

Lodging

On this trip, you will get the opportunity to stay at two magnificent resorts. First, we will live in the rainforest at Mariposa Jungle Lodge in the interior of Belize (www.mariposajunglelodge.com). Our island home will be Itza Lodge at Lighthouse Reef Atoll (www.itzalodge.com). Two different options will be available for lodging at each location: comfort and premium.

Comfort Premium

Mariposa Jungle Lodge Triple/Quad Occupancy/ Double Occupancy/Private Bathroom Private Bathroom

Itza Lodge at Lighthouse Double Occupancy/Shared Double Occupancy/Larger Rooms/Private Reef Atoll Bathroom Bathroom

Reservations and Trip Particulars

Reservations will be taken between now and September 30, 2017. Preference in accommodation selection at Mariposa Jungle Lodge will be given based on when

3 deposits are received. To make a reservation, go to: alumni.du.edu/ plpbelizedeposit2018.

There are two options for the program fee based on lodging choice, with rates as follows: Comfort Lodging: $1,475 per person Premium Lodging: $1,825 per person

Program fees include lodging, all meals, ground and sea transportation, program trip activities/excursions. Program fee does not include airfare to Belize, alcohol, SCUBA or additional non-program excursions, or any costs associated with additional travel outside of program dates/activities. The trip is currently only open to PLP alumni, and a $500 deposit per person is required to hold your spot. Spots will be held on a first-come, first-serve basis, and deposits should be submitted by September 30. Final payment is due by November 10. Alumni are invited to bring non-PLP guests with them and all participants must be 21 years of age or older. Some activities require a moderate amount of physical fitness.

Questions?

Contact Paul Kosempel at [email protected] or +1.303.871.3528.

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