GROVELAND TOWNSHIP-In 1995, Ron Rossi traveled to the Peruvian Amazon rain Forest and believes it may have changed his life.
A friend of Rossi’s introduced the idea to him because both were looking for a unique place to travel and utilize their photography skills. A former Grosse Pointe schools substitute teacher Rossi, thought the idea of bringing students to places they can only read about would change their lives. He moved to Groveland Township a year and a half ago after leaving the Warren-Fraser area.
On his 1995 trip, Rossi flew to Lima, the Peruvian capital, enduring a seven hour flight before traveling by boat to his destination at the island village of Tamanco.
“I couldn’t believe how happy the people were. They barely had anything and their lives were so simple. The children in the United States always want the latest and greatest toys, but these children were just as happy to not have those things because they weren’t exposed to them.”
Rossi returned to Tamanco in 1997 and when the idea of a 2002 trip was introduced, he thought the experience would be just as fulfilling to both students and teachers.
“After leaving Peru and returning to the fast paced life in Warren, I knew I didn’t want to remain around there much longer. We love the environment around here and have loved simplifying our lives.”
In July 2002, Rossi recruited eight students and eight adults and stayed for nine days. Students from ages 13-18, including his 13 year-old son, boarded a plane and headed for Tamanco. The trip was arranged through Explorama, a group which recruits students and educators from around the country to experience a hands-on approach to learning.
Once the group arrived they situated themselves in living quarters that were all native to the area.
“We had thatch roofs and mosquito nets to cover us while we slept. The lodges are all connected as one big area and there are no walls at the end. We would wake up the morning and have frogs, bugs, and insects all from the Amazon rain forest that decided to sleep in the lodge too.”
The group began their day at 6 a.m. and hiked through trails in the forest or went by boat to look for birds, insects, snakes and other rain forest inhabitants.
Teachers and adults would then host an educators session about certain activities they wanted to accomplish for the day or week or certain sights they wanted to see. At night, guides would take the group on hikes to see some of the creatures of the forest in their natural environment.
One unique aspect of the adventure was the chance to go into the canopy of the rain forest where research stations were set up by Explorama.
“A long bridge was constructed from tree to tree that’s about 60-120 feet from the ground. It’s made from things that are in the Rain Forest such as certain fibers from plants. It was really safe.”
The stations gave the group a chance to see the Rain Forest from a bird’s eye view. They learned about animals and insects that can only be found in the canopy.
“We are currently trying to get grants for the stations so we can put in satellite transmitters or other forms of technology to share with other students.”
Rossi and his group traveled to other towns and villages including Iquito, home to approximately 500,000 people.
“It’s a market district. You would commonly see cayman teeth, skulls of Amazon animals and pelts. The dollar means more to them than us because so much of their economy thrives on animals and lumber.”
Deforestation is always a major issue and concern in the Amazon. Rossi explained that some tribes or workers will replant certain types of trees to replace the ones they have cut.
“In the United States, we should realize that if we stop buying furniture or lumber from other countries the demand wouldn’t be so great.”
Some types of deforestation are needed though, such as making room for cattle to graze and roads to be built so villages have more medical facilities and technology.
Another tribe they encountered were theYagau. The tribe’s main money source is from tourists and they would put on shows for different groups and people passing through.
“They wore headdresses and clothing that is true to the tribe. Trading is a big thing to them. We traded fishing hooks, shirts and certain carvings. Our students were just amazed at the simplicity of the people.”
Each tribe they encountered showed them how they lived and survived in such a different environment than any students could imagine.
“The Tamanco people played games with us such as soccer and basketball and held ceremonies and dances in native dress. It was a bonding experience with people that we thought were so different, but really weren’t. They are very warm and friendly people.”
Another trip is planned for May and July, but due to recent events with the threat of war Rossi doesn’t think the group will make the May trip to the Amazon. Rossi will find out in April if the learning will continue for the summer. “We definitely would love to go the July trip as planned, but will just have to wait and see. This experience gives students, as well as educators a completely different perspective on life.”
Anyone interested in information or attending the nine day trip can email Rossi at ron@earthkids.org.
“It’s actually being there that gives you the greatest knowledge of learning,” explained Rossi.