A Day for the Birds

The clouds hung low in the sky as the members of Club Aslan boarded the bus for our bird-watching adventure. Despite the chill, the anticipation of discovery kept out spirits high. This outing was a chance for the youth to step outside their village, explore new interests, and embrace trying something new—at a resort and nature sanctuary just a few miles down the road!

The bus ride was short, but we still managed to have a little fun along the way!

Upon arriving, we were greeted by a friendly resident dog and our guide who led us to a winding trail leading through steep hills. Vibrant tropical flowers and lush green forest lined our path. Before hitting the main trail, we spotted hummingbirds flitting around in the garden. And we weren't very far into the hike before the large leaves of tall trees blocked most of the light rain as we listened intently to hear the calls of the birds we'd come to see.

The dog decided to join our group, often taking the lead or wandering off to blaze new trails only to rejoin our tour moments later. His playful energy brought smiles and laughter, reminding us that joy can be found in the simplest moments.

The dog is a local celebrity that brought smiles and laughter with silly antics and an impromptu game of fetch with a large tree limb!

Many of the youth were learning to use binoculars for the first time. They loved searching the hills and sky above through the lenses of several pairs that passed back and forth through members of our group. Steve even challenged several young people to read the numbers printed on an electrical transformer hanging on a post far away as a practice exercise.

The kids loved learning to use the binoculars to search the grounds.

Although we didn’t spot as many birds as we hoped because of the cold and rain, we did discover a peaceful creek and a few hidden waterfalls. Our guide shared important facts about the area’s rich biodiversity, which includes over 40 different species of birds, both local and migrating. The kids learned how simple actions like not littering and preserving trees can help protect these habitats in their own village setting.

Our guide taught us about the importance of conservation and showed us hidden gems like waterfalls in the forest.

One highlight of the day was when Karla, one of our newest volunteers, led us in a fun song about a bird in a tree. We'd stopped to rest, when she took the initiative to engage with the group, cementing her place as a leader in our eyes. With silly motions to go along with the lyrics, laughter filled the air as we sang together, celebrating nature and the friendships we were building. It was a moment that captured the spirit of Club Aslan—encouraging creativity, connection and a love for God's creation.

Karla is a new volunteer who has already become a valuable asset to our team.

This adventure was more than just a bird-watching trip; it highlighted the importance of exploration and growth. Club Aslan is committed to providing these youth with opportunities to step outside their comfort zones, discover new passions and build a sense of community.