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Peru

VMS 2023
see info below

Course Details

DATES
February 16-February 24

9DAYS

Departure City
Denver
TUITION
AVAILABILITY
Application Closed

Alongside our partner, Groundswell Peru, you will learn about ocean health, mental health, and surf therapy and become a part of the Groundswell Casita, a safe and brave space for over 50 local girls and women to reclaim their relationship with the ocean.

Program Overview

This program will take you to Huanchaco, Peru, a land and people with a surf history dating back to 500CE. Groundswell invites you to let go of the classic colonial ideas of volunteerism and show up ready to listen, learn, elevate, celebrate, and be in circle with the girls, women, and community that are the caretakers of this sacred ocean space. While in Huanchaco, you will support their surf therapy program in addition to supporting yoga classes, English classes, eco-brick workshops, and beach cleanups.

*Please note that programs are subject to change based on the health and safety of participants and our partners.

Program Highlights

Practice speaking Spanish with the GroundSwell community

Experience the World Surf Heritage site of Huanchaco, Peru

Support the works of “The Casita,” a safe-haven for women and girls to find community in the sea and back on land together. 

Course Elements

1 is the least rigorous, 5 is the most rigorous

5
LEARNING SERVICE
While in Huanchaco, you will support their surf therapy program in addition to supporting yoga classes, English classes, eco-brick workshops, and beach cleanups.
5
CURRICULUM
Prior to your travels, you will complete an online curriculum to gain background knowledge for your experience. While traveling, you will learn through engaging articles, cultural experiences, and group reflections.
1
TREKKING
You will be based in Huanchaco, a traditional seaside town where everything is within walking distance of the hostel.
2
LIVING CONDITIONS
You will be staying at the Punta Huanchaco Hostel, a small locally owned and run family hostel which is rented just for our group.
2
ON THE MOVE
After arriving in Lima, you will spend a day in Lima before flying to Trujillo which is a 10-minute drive from Huanchaco. The rest of your time will be spent in Huanchaco.
1
REMOTENESS
You will spend the majority of your time in Huanchaco, a small beachside town located in Northern Peru.

Itinerary

1

Depart from Denver at 9:45 AM. Arrive in Lima, Peru at 11:55 PM local time. Spend the night at a hostel in Lima.

2

Full-day tour of Lima, Peru. Fly from Lima to Trujillo (45 Minutes) and settle into hostel in Huanchaco.

3

Introduction to Groundswell Community Project. Excursion to learn about the history of Huanchaco.

4

Preparation for SurfSister Summer Camp. Excursion to learn about the history of Huanchaco.

5

Support Groundswell’s SurfSister Summer Camp and Community Center (Surf Therapy, English classes, Yoga classes, Art classes).

6

Support Groundswell’s SurfSister Summer Camp and Community Center (Surf Therapy, English classes, Yoga classes, Art classes).

7

Support Groundswell’s SurfSister Summer Camp and Community Center (Surf Therapy, English classes, Yoga classes, Art classes).

8

Closing activities with SurfSister Summer Camp. Depart for Lima at 4 PM. Final meal in Lima airport before connecting flight.

9

Land in Denver at 10:12 AM.

NOTE

Itineraries are subject to change based on the health and safety of participants and our partners.

Peru : In Three Phases

1

PRE-COURSE CURRICULUM

Prior to your departure, you will be guided by your course instructors through a series of interactive, online lessons designed to help you engage with other members of your group while gaining important context for your experience.

2

FIELD STUDY

The majority of the days at each site are spent learning from our local partners and serving alongside them shoulder-to-shoulder. You will learn through service and experiences designed to help you understand the local context, culture, and history.

3

LIFELONG NETWORK

Ethical leadership is a lifelong journey. After your experience, you will become a part of the Shoulder-to-Shoulder network. This network of past alumni and partners is designed to inspire and support your journey in ethical leadership.

Travel Journal

During the travel phase of each SStS course, you will spend time reflecting on and processing your experience. Reflections will appear here during the program.

Important Details

TUITION*

*Vail Mountain School will bill families for this program


REGISTRATION

To register for this program and complete all required paperwork, please create a CampSite account with the link below.

Enrollment code: vms-pr

Register

group flight

Departing Flight (February 16)

United Airlines # 699 Denver, CO (DEN) 9:45 AM Arrive Houston, TX (IAH) 1:08 PM

United Airlines # 854 Houston, TX (IAH) 4:20 PM Arrive Lima, Peru (LIM) 11:55 PM

Returning Flight (February 24)

United Airlines # 855 Lima, Peru (LIM) 1:30 AM Arrive Houston, TX (IAH) 6:55 AM

United Airlines # 206 Houston, TX (IAH) 8:40 AM Arrive Denver, CO (DEN) 10:12 AM

WHAT TO PACK

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Immunizations

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TERMS & CONDITIONS

Please refer to Vail Mountain School’s Terms and Conditions for information on payment dates and refunds.

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