Peru – home to some of the most spectacular places in the world, from the High Andes to the Amazon basin; from Lake Titicaca to Machu Picchu, with stunning views and the most amazing array of wildlife.

 

When I first heard about this expedition through my school, I was desperate to find out more about it. I went along to the ‘information evening’, and from that point onwards, I could not stop thinking and talking about it, and what a wonderful adventure this would be. To be able to travel with friends, as a team, and carry out project work to help communities on the other side of the world, for people who are less fortunate than ourselves, would be a truly rewarding and challenging experience. The whole expedition would be like an ‘outdoor classroom’ for me, with all the incredible learning that would take place. I am a very ‘hands-on’ person and prefer to learn by doing, rather than sitting at a desk, as I do struggle at school sometimes, and therefore feel that this expedition would be ideal for me to develop my confidence and self-esteem.

 

I am also looking forward to seeing how other people in the world live, and their different cultures, how they dress, what they eat, and hopefully I will be able to learn something about the Peruvian agricultural methods too, as this is something that I have a very strong interest in.

 

I like the way in which Camps International have designed the trip, in that there is a mixture of community project work alongside environmental project work, and especially the way in which the trip is rounded off, with the trek up to Machu Picchu. I can’t wait!

 

What do I need to do now?

 

The trip to Peru comes at a price: £3890

 

• So from this point on, up until summer 2015, I will be actively fundraising to try and reach this sum, through various fundraising events.

• I am hoping to exceed this amount, as there is also a never-ending list of equipment needed for the expedition, kit that will be required to keep me safe, allow me to carry out the project work to the best of my ability and to keep me warm at nights!

• I am going to start walking lots more, in preparation for the trek

• I am going to start to plan well ahead, so that I make better use of my time and energy.