Daniel is drawn to the animal shelter work and to the quieter moments of being somewhere entirely new.

“Our trip to Peru isn’t just about doing random volunteering; it’s something I genuinely want to take seriously and learn from. Helping sheltered dogs is a big part of the experience. I hope to make their days a little better by giving them attention, care, and basic support. I think being there in person will make the situation feel more real. It’s a chance to step outside my own routine and focus on something that actually matters for others.

At the same time, I am also looking forward to experiencing Peru itself. I want to learn more about the culture in a way that goes beyond what you see online or in class, whether that’s through the people, the traditions, or the food. Trying new things and being in a different environment will probably push me out of my comfort zone, but that’s the point.

I also think the quieter moments will stick with me, like being somewhere with a clearer night sky and just staring at it without distractions. I hope this trip will help me become more aware, more open-minded, and appreciative of things I take for granted.”

“I am excited to see the scenery and experience a new country, while learning new skills and contributing to the community. I plan to make my work meaningful and helpful through dog care and through hummingbird habitat restoration.

I’m looking forward to working with the dogs, as I’m quite fond of them. In Cusco, there are many stray dogs. I’m also looking forward to seeing our impact on the bird habitat, as I have done similar community work in Vancouver, but I wonder what will change.

One thing I want to achieve by the end of the trip is to create positive memories and connections with the community in Cusco, and to see the difference we make.”

Archer wants to leave something behind: a real impact in the community and memories that will last.

Gazelle is going with an open mind and an open heart, ready for everything Peru has to offer.

“I am looking forward to learning and experiencing the culture in Peru alongside my peers: the food, the language, and the landmark places such as Machu Picchu. I look forward to our volunteer work throughout the week, including taking care of rescue dogs, feeding them, walking them, bathing them, and showering them with love. In the second week, I look forward to helping rehabilitate the habitat of endangered hummingbirds on the farm.

I am most excited to experience the city life with my friends, eating as much food as possible and experiencing everything new I can. I am going into this with an open mind and an open heart, looking forward to fully immersing myself in a part of the world I’ve never been.

“What makes me very excited to go on our Peru trip is volunteering with my classmates in a whole new country with a whole new culture, especially because I can speak the language fluently.

Through the high school years, our class has gone on different local trips. This year will be very different and a whole new experience. It will be one where we might test our patience with each other, but also learn from one another.

I am so incredibly grateful for this opportunity because it’s not every day that students get to experience new countries, especially since we are the last Grade 12 students to graduate from the Vancouver Waldorf High School and go abroad for their year-end trip. I’m also very happy to be volunteering with shelter dogs. I am excited to feed them, groom them, and take care of them with much love.”

Dharma speaks Spanish fluently and is thinking about what it means to be the last class to take this kind of trip.

Nahanni is looking forward to caring for the shelter dogs and to the time with her classmates that only travel makes possible.

“I look forward to helping take care of rescue dogs by feeding them, cleaning their spaces, and giving them attention and love they deserve. Growing up, I have always had a special connection to animals. I am also excited to spend time with my classmates outside of school, and share this experience together. Along with the service work, I hope to explore Peru’s culture, try new foods, and appreciate the beauty of the country. Overall, this trip will be a chance to learn, and create memories that will last a lifetime.”

“I’m really excited to explore Peru’s natural environment while volunteering and making a positive impact. It will be such a unique experience to travel with my class and step outside of our everyday lives. Although I’ll be joining for the second half due to a ballet performance, I am so happy I still get to take part.

I will get to work on a farm to improve the natural habitat of hummingbirds, which I understand are a very spiritual and highly valued native species in Peru.

I am very interested in volunteering and traveling around the world apart from school, so I am excited that my first experience with this will be with my amazing classmates. I believe it will be very fulfilling to work toward making this impact, and I am sure it will be an experience I will take with me through the rest of my life.”

Yena will join the group mid-trip after completing her final ballet performances and is ready for it to be her first experience volunteering and travelling with her classmates.

Mia grew up with dogs and is looking forward to the shelter work in a way that feels personal.

“For our trip to Peru, the experience I am most excited for is working with dogs. As long as I can remember, I have been a dog person. Growing up with several dogs, they were always my favourite animals to be around. I love getting to know all their different personalities and natures. I believe the volunteering will be fulfilling work.

Another big part of the trip that I look forward to is experiencing a different culture. I have travelled a lot and experienced many different places, but I have never visited the continent of South America. I’m looking forward to trying new dishes, meeting new people, and admiring the landscape.”

“I am very excited to go on our upcoming trip to Peru. I can’t wait to learn about the local cultures, taste all the unique food Peru has to offer, and do my best to help out at the dog shelter.

I’m also hoping to see some ancient ruins from a culture long gone, as I am extremely interested in that sort of thing.”

Sam is most looking forward to the dog shelter work and to the history that’s woven into the landscape around Cusco.

Geoff is ready to push himself physically and to take in a landscape completely unlike the North Shore rainforest he knows.

“The thing I am most excited about in Peru is experiencing a new climate and terrain. While we are in Peru, I hope to hike the Balcón del Diablo and, if possible, reach Senqa, a 4,400 m peak. The subtropical highland climate of Cusco is very different from what we have here in Canada. Coming from a rainforest in Vancouver, the dry climate of Cusco at 3,400 m may be a challenge, but also new and exciting.”