View photos from Ecuador

After a full 24 hours of "modern" travel on airplanes, taxis, and public buses, 12 hungry adventurous landed on the side of the highway at Arutam Rainforest Reserve, in the Pastaza Providence of Ecuador. Meet by wood flutes, an impeccable night sky, and three men in traditional Shuar garments, these Eckerd College volunteers began a challenging, rewarding, and most important educational exchange with the Shuar people. After receiving Shuar names and hearing the stories behind each, the group got right into learning the land and culture with a guided hike and soccer game. The next day work began as the group hiked 5kms with metal roofing out to "la Ceiba", staying and working at a building used for jungle retreats. The group spent the next three days hauling wood planks 1-3 kms through the muddy jungle in knee high rubber boots to gather materials to construct a kitchen. With sheer determination and guidance from Enrique (our steadfast Shuar leader), the group hauled over 150 pieces of lumber to the kitchen site. The group also cleared half an acre of land, falling trees and bee hives alike, harvested Yuca and prepared Chica, tried a hand at traditional games, and celebrated with a night of dancing and singing. The work was physically demanding and the group left tired, but accomplished. More importantly then the work completed, or sore muscles, was the connection and education gained from the Shuar. The sharing of cultures over camp fires, the laughs over bruised arms, and the resolve of the Shuar are the true memories that have been taken from the Shuar’s jungle and returned to St Pete.

View photos from Ecuador