Camas High School (CHS) students have many new travel opportunities coming up in the next few years. These include an educational trip to Peru, where students will explore destinations such as Lima and Cusco, and a trip to Europe, with stops in places such as Switzerland, France, and Germany. The Courts for Kids program is also offering trips of its own to countries like Mexico and Costa Rica.
These experiences range from trips recreational in nature, that give students a chance to explore the world beyond their small hometown, to much more educational trips designed to immerse students in the cultures of the countries they visit. Trips like those provided through Courts for Kids, offer students the chance to build basketball courts for small communities and create tangible differences in the towns that they explore.
Each of these trips is presented with the hopes of creating a unique and transformative opportunity, giving CHS students the chance to broaden their horizons and grow into more experienced well-traveled citizens.
Peru
Jacob Howell, a teacher at CHS, is leading the 2026 educational tour to Peru, titled “Peru: Land of the Inca.” The trip will embark in late June of 2026 and conclude in early July, taking students through the regions of Lima, the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Cusco and Iquitos.
According to Howell, the purpose of the trip is to provide students with an all-encompassing cultural experience.
“It’s about experiencing life outside of what students know,” Howell said.
The trip will include visits to different indigenous communities in the surrounding area and participation in several activities like pottery, weaving, and baking, that serve to preserve and transfer the cultural heritage of the region.
Details about the trip are still somewhat limited due to the date, and information available online is scarce. Students and parents can find more information through the EF Tours website or the enrollment guide at this link.
While space is limited to 25 students, only a few students have signed up. There is no specific sign-up deadline yet. However, Howell encourages students to enroll as soon as possible to secure their spot. A valid passport will be required for all participating students.
Europe
Another exciting opportunity is the Europe tour, led by CHS English teacher Kate Gooding. Scheduled to run from July 7 to July 15, 2025, this trip will carry students of CHS through some of Europe’s most memorable destinations, including Switzerland, France, Germany, and Austria. It offers students the opportunity to adventure into new cultures and gain invaluable life experiences far beyond the classroom.
The itinerary includes seven overnight stays in hotels with private bathrooms, many guided sightseeing tours, visits to wondrous attractions and a high-speed train ride to Bern. Students will be treated to regular European breakfasts and dinners, as well as city walks and comprehensive tours led by local guides.
The total cost for the trip is $4,682, with an option to make seven monthly payments of $661.71 after an initial $50 deposit. A valid passport is required, and the deadline to sign up is one month before departure. For more information or to sign up, visit Europe Trip 2025 Info.
This trip offers a unique chance for students to experience international travel while expanding their cultural awareness, making it an invaluable opportunity for those seeking to explore Europe.
Courts for Kids
Courts for Kids is an organization that partners with diverse worldwide communities to build multi-purpose sports courts, providing a valuable resource while fostering connections across cultures. Students involved in these projects not only contribute to the physical construction of the courts but also form meaningful bonds with local residents, gaining truly unique cultural insights.
Elliona Sanchez, a one-year-graduated CHS student who took part in a Courts for Kids trip to Panama, shared her experience.
“While the idea of going without luxuries like warm showers, air conditioning, phones, and even electricity might seem intimidating, the experiences I had were unbelievably enriching,” Sanchez said. “Being with the local community and taking in the sights are some of my most cherished memories.”
This year, Camas students have two different opportunities to participate in Courts for Kids trips. The first is to Oaxaca, Mexico, led by Derek Nesland, from March 28 to April 6, 2025. The second is to Costa Rica, led by Selene Nesland, from July 24 to August 2, 2025. Both trips will involve building sports courts with the local community, participating in cultural activities and experiencing life in a new cultural environment.
Courts for Kids: Oaxaca
Another unique opportunity for CHS students is the Courts for Kids trip to Oaxaca, Mexico, led by Derek Nesland. Scheduled for March 28 to April 6, 2025, this trip will involve 22 students working with the local community to build a sports court for residents to enjoy. The goal of the project is to foster connections across cultures while providing a valuable asset to the region.
In addition to building the court, students will take part in different cultural activities, learning about local traditions, customs and ways of life. They will connect with the residents, experiencing authentic food, traditional practices and community celebrations. Ultimately making the students into unique, worldly people.
The cumulative cost of the trip is $2,700, with deadlines for fundraising spread out over several months. A $300 deposit is due upon enrollment, followed by payments of $800 in December, January, and February. A valid passport is required, as well as vaccinations for COVID-19, Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid, and other vaccines. Students must also attend a required pre-trip training on February 2, 2025.
The deadline to sign up is Nov. 1, 2024. For more details, students can refer to the Camas SB Trip Packet 2025.
Courts for Kids: Costa Rica
A separate Courts for Kids trip, led by Selene Nesland, will take 25 CHS students to Costa Rica from late July to early August of 2025. Similarly to the Oaxaca trip, the idea is to work alongside the local community to build a playing field, enhancing both the students’ understanding of other cultures as well as local infrastructure.
Students will also engage in various cultural activities, gaining firsthand knowledge of many different Costa Rican customs and traditions. This experience will no doubt deepen their appreciation of different cultures while also contributing to the community’s development.
This trip costs $2,800, and spots are taken on a first-come, first-served basis. The sign-up deadline is in early July 2025. More details can be found in the official Courts for Kids trip packet.
Both trips offer students invaluable opportunities to engage with new cultures, contribute to community projects, and grow through unique life experiences.
Conclusion
Whether it is exploring the ancient ruins of Peru, diving deep into European culture, or building playing courts in Mexico and Costa Rica, each trip is constructed to offer students a chance to step outside their comfort zone and gain invaluable life experiences.
“Life begins at the end of your comfort zone,” Howell said.
