I
I I I I I I I
Testimonials
An Open Letter to any Parent considering having their child participate in a "Wonder Trek."
It seems to me that your two biggest concerns in deciding on your child's participation are safety and financial.
Let me address safety first. Scott and Maureen take this VERY seriously. It starts with the meticulous detail in the planning stages. Their research is extensive, with the safety of your child always being their first concern. Then come the hours and hours of brainstorming, the "what-ifs," so they can prepare and plan for any possible scenerio. They research everything from pre-trip vaccinations, to insurance, to having in-country local, trustworthy help and guidance. Throughout the trip, the Frays have all four eyes wide open, so your child's experiences are only good ones. They are on top of everything from making sure no one attracts a local pickpocket to proper hydration and nutrition. You may not recognize your child when they return, from all the maturity and personal growth they will undergo, but they will be safe and sound.
The cost of any trip is always a factor, but there are two important things to consider. After your child's safety, the most cost effect way to accomplish a trip of a lifetime gets plenty of attention. The Frays take a priceless adventure and make it extremely affordable. To send your child on this exciting, educational journey may take some sacrifice and creative fund raising, but let me assure you whatever it takes from calling a wealthy uncle you would rather not talk to, or waking your child up early to wash every car in Sedona, the effort to fund this opportunity will pay a lifetime of dividends.
Make this Wonder Trek happen for your child and you will be providing an experience that will profoundly change them in so many positive ways.
Jim McGilvray
Proud Father of a Wonder Trekker
I must start off by saying this Wonder Treks trip to Peru has changed me forever. I really learned how to handle more responsibility. My knowledge of the Peruvian culture has also grown. We learned a vast amount of information about the ecology of Peru-- the rainforest, the desert, the Andes, the micro climates and the Incan civilization. This trip was filled with amazing experiences that I will never forget and probably never match like boating down the Amazon, sandboarding and dune buggying in the desert, hiking and building shelter in the rainforest and interacting with the animals, life and people of Peru. Exploring Machu Picchu was unbelievable and spiritual and made even better by a challenging hike up Waynu Picchu. I also now appreciate the small things in life like toilet seats and running water as well as the bigger things like technology and electricity. This was a trip of a lifetime. My parents helped me get there and the Frays made the experience enlightening, educational, challenging and exciting! Live Life Fascinated (our new Wonder Treks motto)!
Graham McGilvray
Sedona
August 2009
14 years old
High School Freshman
I want to say that the 2009 Wonder Treks Peru trip was the most adventure and fun I have ever had. It was truly life changing! I never would of thought that I would get to see that many places and so many exciting things in such a short amount of time. It was amazing. We went everywhere from the Amazon, to the mountain, to the desert! Every place brought new adventures and this made it so that not a single day was like the others. We got to experience something new every day. I, personaly, did not have a moment were I wasn't completely fascinated and blown away. To top it off not only were the places we went wonderful but the people we met along the way really made this trip truly special. There were people like George, Luco, and Meghan who spent time with us throughout the trip and, to me, people who really had an amazing impact on my life. There were also the people who we saw briefly like the kids in the Amazon, the people in the village, just the everday people living there lives had made there mark on me. Seeing the way they lived and the completely foreign culture was astonishing and life changing. I also can't forget our two wonderful chaperones (Scott & Maureen:)) who made this trip the best it could be and spending great amounts of time on it all for us. I thank you two so much! I learned not only about the world around me, but about myself as well. This trip has truly changed me as a person. I have such a different outlook on life and I am soooo much more responsible. Though the journey could get rough, I have nothing but good things to say about this trip. It was amazing!
Thanks soooo much!
Marissa Surber
Sedona
August 2009
14 years old
High School Freshman
[Our child] came home a changed teenager, it is hard to describe but she is calmer, more appreciative of her life and her family… [She] is more communicative with me and has calmly transitioned to High School. I believe all of this is because of her experiences in Peru.
Please know you have our full support of your program...
Parent of a Wonder Trekker
I want to thank you again for giving our kids the opportunity to explore new worlds. You did a great job as teachers, surrogate parents and spirited co-adventurers.
- Parent of a Wonder Trekker
We are enjoying our son's stories and details and the noticeable positive change this trip has had on him. He really is more spiritual and there is a definite new appreciation for what he does have, and what we all have here in America. I look forward in the following days to noticing more of the positive shifts that have taken place in him as a result of this trip. Thanks for the experience and for bringing him home safely.
- Parent of a Wonder Trekker
I am still in awe of these amazing kids (young in body, though obviously old souls!) In such a critical time of their lives, when they can choose to live in a small or big world, they have chosen knowledge, experience, respect and fascination. And to have parents that are so supportive, giving them something that I´m sure they wished they had had...well it just makes my heart swell.
And on a personal note, I have nothing but deep excitement and love watching Maureen and Scott (Escoot Fry as it is pronounced here in Peru!) really dive into something they are so passionate about...teaching, learning and experiencing...for all parties involved. They did a tremendous job, and both of them (plus the kids equally) taught me deeply:) Thank you all for being you, and stepping into the big picture, while we all support each other along the way:)
Okay I'll stop my gratitude list because it will take forever...
Live Life Fascinated! ¡Vivir la vida fascinado!
- Meghan Shannon
Trip Chaperone, 2009
This trip to Peru was indescribable! I learned so much about the environment, the Peruvian ecosystems, and the Peruvian culture. It really opened my eyes to the way that people live. Peru is such a diverse country, with people ranging from wealthy and fortunate to people who are poverty stricken and miserable. But that's the thing, you can't assume that all the wealthy people are happy, or that all the poor people aren't. In Jenero Herrera, I met some of the nicest and happiest people that wouldn't give up their lives there for anything. That's what I found so interesting. It all depends on perspective. From our perspective, the people in Herrera should be unhappy and feel as though they want more. From their perspective, why shouldn't they be happy? They live with their family in a house, they're with their friends at school and they get to learn how to read and write.
Perspective really helped all of us when we were having our troubles with the airlines and with figuring out how to get the sick kids back to their happy selves. It all depends on the way you look at it. To some people, this trip could have been a complete disaster. But to us, and with a little push from Mr. and Mrs. Fray (thanks for that, by the way. (= ) we were able to look at all of our dilemmas and say, "how can we do this, and have the most fun as possible?" By the end of the trip, we were happy to just sit down and play games and talk (and fall asleep) while all around things were going wrong and people weren't doing all they could to help us. (This made us even more grateful to the people who did their best to help us.) We all looked at these situations like, "let's make an adventure out of this!"
I want to thank Scott and Maureen for giving me this unforgettable opportunity, and helping me make me the best possible me I could be! I really learned a lot from you!! Thank you also to every single person we met along the way that listened to our stories, and helped us. Like that doctor on the plane!
For anyone considering a Wonder Trek trip, I say, do it! This is one of the best opportunities you can get at this age. You will learn so much about ecology, the importance of biodiversity, and what you can do to make a positive effect on the environment. You will also learn a lot about yourself, and what kind of person you are, and how to make that person more what you want it to be. It may sound strange, but trust me, it's true! You will make friends that you will never forget, and share a bond with them that will last forever.
Thanks again, Scott and Maureen for the trip of a lifetime. I will always remember what you did for me! And remember, exo-skeletons are only lame if you want them to be! (=
Aviva Tannin
Sedona
August 9th, 2010
14 years old
High school Freshman
"The smell of death filled my nostrils," I said after leaving the catacombs. We all laughed. We had become close on the trip. Closer than I was with some of my friends. I guess when you spend two and a half weeks with a group it tends to happen. We all had so much fun together and had developed many inside jokes. We looked after each other, even through some of the sickness. I will never forget these people and they will be my life time friends.
This was the best experience I have ever had! From Herrera to Lima, the fun never ended. This was an adventure of a life time! We gained new perspectives and knowledge about the world around us. We as Americans, take electronics and electricity for granted. In Herrera, they don’t. They have four hours of electricity and no running water, but they're happy. Americans are never happy unless they have the newest and best thing. They're happy just to have a roof over their head.
If I have ever been pushed to do my best, it wasn’t even compared to climbing this giant mountain! When we climbed Macchu Picchu, it was so beautiful and intellectually fascinating! This 11,000 foot hike was so invigorating!
There are many more things that were amazing, but I didn’t want to write a 500 page post. This was an amazing trip and would recommend anyone who is interested in science and culture, to take this trip!!! I had the summer of a lifetime!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thank you sooo much for taking me Mr. and Mrs. Fray!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Sophie Copenhaver
August 31, 2010
13 years old
8th grader
I had a life changing experience! Thank you guys SO MUCH for everything that you have done. Taking us to another country for a trip of a lifetime, being there when we needed you, and just being yourself! I learned more than I had ever imagined, about myself and the world around me as well. Everything about this trip was great even the more difficult adventures made me a better traveler;). so many great stories and laughs along the way as well. Looking forward to another adventure and Hope we can all get together again soon!
Morgan 1
August 3rd, 2010
13 years old
8th grader
We have so appreciated all you've done for our child, she couldn't have had better teachers, guides or friends to travel with. Thank you for being you! Blessings always.
Robin and Doug Andrews
Parents of a Wonder Trekker
It really was a fantastic experience for my Peru 2011 Trekker. He is more mature, has a greater appreciation and understanding of people, of the environment and the world cultures. He really loved Peru as his blog indicated and is hoping to continue his friendship with Rudy from Herrera. We are so grateful to you for sharing this wonderful experience with him and the other students. What dedicated people you are and so appreciated by us all. Thank you so much for being 'YOU' and giving him this Trip of a Lifetime.
From a very Happy Grandmother,
Nancy Prestwick
Scott and Maureen- what an amazing trip the two of you created for our kids. Thank you for being patient and understanding, for teaching and for helping them to step outside of their comfort zones in order to experience Peru and life in such a positive way. The pictures were terrific!
Thanks again,
Jill Richardson
What can I say? This has been the biggest, the best, the most awesome field trip of my life. Exploring all over Peru from the Amazon Rainforest to the driest desert on earth; how better can it get? Ever since I got back to the states I have been curious about what my friends in Herrera have been doing. I am sure they aren’t on the computer, or watching TV! My guess is they are either studying or in the river having a great time OUTSIDE. During my travels through Peru I have experienced the different ecosystems, cultures and have learned about the indigenous people on the Amazon. Well now that I am home, I am reflecting and so thankful for many things that Peru doesn’t have. For example, clean water, safe shelter, and toilets that can flush with toilet paper.
Mr. Fray and Maureen, thank you so much for giving me this opportunity to travel to Peru with you!
Skylar
Peru definitely contributed to my growth as an individual. Peru taught me not to take advantage of what I have, stay positive, and make the best of the situation. Attitude is everything. I thought it was great that we were outside in nature the majority of this trip. The most fun parts of the trip was when us kids were all playing hackie sack and laughing uncontrollably. Also the sand dunning experience was pretty funny. Peru is another place to add to the list of my travels. We saw so many mind blowing things. And hey! You never know when you are going to see a kid with a goat in Peru :)
Thank you Scott and Maureen,
Sadie
Peru 2011 was a spectacular and life changing trip! Peru has changed me and inspired me in sooo many ways!! I have also learned so much from this experience.
Peru is truly an amazing place. There are many different ecosystems, habitats, and cultures. If you are in one city and you travel 50 miles north, the culture is very different. It never became boring! I want to stop using a lot of energy so less of the Amazon will be cut down. I hope that in 20 or 30 years, my children will be able to go to Peru and experience the wonderful experience I had. I also learned that while you are on a trip it really helps if you study where you are, because you will know more about what is going on.
Peru 2011 has also inspired my personal life. Now, when I am home, I am not leaving my computer and T.V. on when I am not using/watching it. Speaking in front of 300 children in Herrera really inspired me. In the future I will return to Peru and show my friends, and/or family everything that I learned. I now know that I can communicate with people that can't speak my language. (In the future, that will be very helpful!)
During this wonderful trip, I overcame some fears. I am not a germ freak anymore, I am not afraid of bugs or things that fly that are smaller than my hand, and I am not afraid of getting sick. Being in this country and experiencing the way other people live has helped me tremendously!!
"Experiencing the Experience!"
Thank you sooo much Mr. Fray and Maureen for this wonderful EXPERIENCE!!:)
Lezah
Man, Peru was pretty awesome. This trip changed my life. I learned how to be happy for what I have and not take it for granted. All I can say is, "What the heck, why is everything so awesome?"
Mason
I'm not a nature person and that I really don't like being outside at all. Since that was nearly our entire trip, I had almost all of my friends asking "Then why did you come?"
It was a real dream come true… I like to force myself out of my comfort zone. While it was extremely hard for me at times, the entire trip was nothing less than stunning. I was in an entire new world. In Herrera, I finally settled into a "Peru Mentality”… I was finally getting used to adapting, quick thinking, and remaining (mostly) positive. I was looking at the world around me with new eyes, and I was, surprisingly enough, enjoying everything I saw.
The trip really changed something in me, too. Sometimes, even when I didn't seem like a better person, I felt like a better person. Instead of dragging myself out of bed I started to wake up ready to tackle the day, and I'm even dealing with my extremely scattered emotions better. I can't say I feel like a new person, but rather I was remade into something better.
Thank you,
Elodie
I can hardly hold back the tears of excitement knowing how this experience has been ingrained in all of you. You are very blessed to have this opportunity and it is so awesome how this makes each of you a more thoughtful, understanding, positive and amazing individual. Our world will benefit too from your experiences as you grow into awesome adults. Thanks so much for sharing your experiences with us all. Of course thanks to the awesome Scott and Maureen team for their love of children and teaching! Continue to wake up each day to LIVE LIFE FASCINATED!
Parents of a former Wonder Trekker; still following along and still part of the family!
I first met Scott and Maureen in 2010 when they were on their Wonder Treks trip in Peru. I was enthralled by their energy and commitment to experiential learning, the richness of the program they offered, and the caliber of the students on their trip. The Wonder Treks curriculum so gracefully ties together real-life, cross-cultural experiences with the opportunity to learn about Peruvian history, ecology, conservation, and so much more! Scott and Maureen’s dedication to teaching and making learning relevant and stimulating is so glaringly evident in every moment. I cannot imagine a better classroom than Peru, which offers diverse environments for students to learn, taste, smell, see, and explore…not just science, but other ways of life, food, ancient architecture, and most importantly, themselves.
This past July I had the opportunity to join the Wonder Treks family as a chaperone. It was such an immense experience from which I am still glowing. The Wonder Trekkers were delightful (I miss you all so much!). Together we faced and overcame the challenges of experiencing a new country and culture, tried new foods, explored plant life and ecosystems, visited ruins and markets, hiked, played soccer with locals, laughed a LOT, and learned every step of the way. The Wonder Treks’ adventure gracefully marries the experiences of 3 distinct regions of Peru (jungle, mountains, and coast), providing a great platform for reflection, comparison, and perspective.
Scott and Maureen are incredible trip leaders. As educators and outdoor enthusiasts, their dynamic is the perfect recipe for learning and fun. They are wonderful with students, always have safety at the forefronts of their minds, and know that every moment is a teachable one. On our journey this summer I watched the students grow right before my eyes. It is such an honor to be a part of the growing Wonder Treks family. I would recommend this program to anyone who wants to experience Peru while having the time of his or her life.
Jenny Grabelsky
Wonder Treks Chaperone, 2011
I want to start by reiterating what an incredible experience I had with you and the students. It was such a fantastic journey - I loved every minute of it and am so grateful to have had the opportunity. I absolutely loved working with you, and being with the kids, and can´t wait to connect with you more and hopefully do it again next year, and the year after.....and after! So, thank you, THANK YOU, for inviting me to be a part of this wonderful thing that you have created. I am excited to watch and participate as Wonder Treks continues to evolve.
- Jenny
Let me address safety first. Scott and Maureen take this VERY seriously. It starts with the meticulous detail in the planning stages. Their research is extensive, with the safety of your child always being their first concern. Then come the hours and hours of brainstorming, the "what-ifs," so they can prepare and plan for any possible scenerio. They research everything from pre-trip vaccinations, to insurance, to having in-country local, trustworthy help and guidance. Throughout the trip, the Frays have all four eyes wide open, so your child's experiences are only good ones. They are on top of everything from making sure no one attracts a local pickpocket to proper hydration and nutrition. You may not recognize your child when they return, from all the maturity and personal growth they will undergo, but they will be safe and sound.
The cost of any trip is always a factor, but there are two important things to consider. After your child's safety, the most cost effect way to accomplish a trip of a lifetime gets plenty of attention. The Frays take a priceless adventure and make it extremely affordable. To send your child on this exciting, educational journey may take some sacrifice and creative fund raising, but let me assure you whatever it takes from calling a wealthy uncle you would rather not talk to, or waking your child up early to wash every car in Sedona, the effort to fund this opportunity will pay a lifetime of dividends.
Make this Wonder Trek happen for your child and you will be providing an experience that will profoundly change them in so many positive ways.
Jim McGilvray
Proud Father of a Wonder Trekker
I must start off by saying this Wonder Treks trip to Peru has changed me forever. I really learned how to handle more responsibility. My knowledge of the Peruvian culture has also grown. We learned a vast amount of information about the ecology of Peru-- the rainforest, the desert, the Andes, the micro climates and the Incan civilization. This trip was filled with amazing experiences that I will never forget and probably never match like boating down the Amazon, sandboarding and dune buggying in the desert, hiking and building shelter in the rainforest and interacting with the animals, life and people of Peru. Exploring Machu Picchu was unbelievable and spiritual and made even better by a challenging hike up Waynu Picchu. I also now appreciate the small things in life like toilet seats and running water as well as the bigger things like technology and electricity. This was a trip of a lifetime. My parents helped me get there and the Frays made the experience enlightening, educational, challenging and exciting! Live Life Fascinated (our new Wonder Treks motto)!
Graham McGilvray
Sedona
August 2009
14 years old
High School Freshman
I want to say that the 2009 Wonder Treks Peru trip was the most adventure and fun I have ever had. It was truly life changing! I never would of thought that I would get to see that many places and so many exciting things in such a short amount of time. It was amazing. We went everywhere from the Amazon, to the mountain, to the desert! Every place brought new adventures and this made it so that not a single day was like the others. We got to experience something new every day. I, personaly, did not have a moment were I wasn't completely fascinated and blown away. To top it off not only were the places we went wonderful but the people we met along the way really made this trip truly special. There were people like George, Luco, and Meghan who spent time with us throughout the trip and, to me, people who really had an amazing impact on my life. There were also the people who we saw briefly like the kids in the Amazon, the people in the village, just the everday people living there lives had made there mark on me. Seeing the way they lived and the completely foreign culture was astonishing and life changing. I also can't forget our two wonderful chaperones (Scott & Maureen:)) who made this trip the best it could be and spending great amounts of time on it all for us. I thank you two so much! I learned not only about the world around me, but about myself as well. This trip has truly changed me as a person. I have such a different outlook on life and I am soooo much more responsible. Though the journey could get rough, I have nothing but good things to say about this trip. It was amazing!
Thanks soooo much!
Marissa Surber
Sedona
August 2009
14 years old
High School Freshman
[Our child] came home a changed teenager, it is hard to describe but she is calmer, more appreciative of her life and her family… [She] is more communicative with me and has calmly transitioned to High School. I believe all of this is because of her experiences in Peru.
Please know you have our full support of your program...
Parent of a Wonder Trekker
I want to thank you again for giving our kids the opportunity to explore new worlds. You did a great job as teachers, surrogate parents and spirited co-adventurers.
- Parent of a Wonder Trekker
We are enjoying our son's stories and details and the noticeable positive change this trip has had on him. He really is more spiritual and there is a definite new appreciation for what he does have, and what we all have here in America. I look forward in the following days to noticing more of the positive shifts that have taken place in him as a result of this trip. Thanks for the experience and for bringing him home safely.
- Parent of a Wonder Trekker
I am still in awe of these amazing kids (young in body, though obviously old souls!) In such a critical time of their lives, when they can choose to live in a small or big world, they have chosen knowledge, experience, respect and fascination. And to have parents that are so supportive, giving them something that I´m sure they wished they had had...well it just makes my heart swell.
And on a personal note, I have nothing but deep excitement and love watching Maureen and Scott (Escoot Fry as it is pronounced here in Peru!) really dive into something they are so passionate about...teaching, learning and experiencing...for all parties involved. They did a tremendous job, and both of them (plus the kids equally) taught me deeply:) Thank you all for being you, and stepping into the big picture, while we all support each other along the way:)
Okay I'll stop my gratitude list because it will take forever...
Live Life Fascinated! ¡Vivir la vida fascinado!
- Meghan Shannon
Trip Chaperone, 2009
This trip to Peru was indescribable! I learned so much about the environment, the Peruvian ecosystems, and the Peruvian culture. It really opened my eyes to the way that people live. Peru is such a diverse country, with people ranging from wealthy and fortunate to people who are poverty stricken and miserable. But that's the thing, you can't assume that all the wealthy people are happy, or that all the poor people aren't. In Jenero Herrera, I met some of the nicest and happiest people that wouldn't give up their lives there for anything. That's what I found so interesting. It all depends on perspective. From our perspective, the people in Herrera should be unhappy and feel as though they want more. From their perspective, why shouldn't they be happy? They live with their family in a house, they're with their friends at school and they get to learn how to read and write.
Perspective really helped all of us when we were having our troubles with the airlines and with figuring out how to get the sick kids back to their happy selves. It all depends on the way you look at it. To some people, this trip could have been a complete disaster. But to us, and with a little push from Mr. and Mrs. Fray (thanks for that, by the way. (= ) we were able to look at all of our dilemmas and say, "how can we do this, and have the most fun as possible?" By the end of the trip, we were happy to just sit down and play games and talk (and fall asleep) while all around things were going wrong and people weren't doing all they could to help us. (This made us even more grateful to the people who did their best to help us.) We all looked at these situations like, "let's make an adventure out of this!"
I want to thank Scott and Maureen for giving me this unforgettable opportunity, and helping me make me the best possible me I could be! I really learned a lot from you!! Thank you also to every single person we met along the way that listened to our stories, and helped us. Like that doctor on the plane!
For anyone considering a Wonder Trek trip, I say, do it! This is one of the best opportunities you can get at this age. You will learn so much about ecology, the importance of biodiversity, and what you can do to make a positive effect on the environment. You will also learn a lot about yourself, and what kind of person you are, and how to make that person more what you want it to be. It may sound strange, but trust me, it's true! You will make friends that you will never forget, and share a bond with them that will last forever.
Thanks again, Scott and Maureen for the trip of a lifetime. I will always remember what you did for me! And remember, exo-skeletons are only lame if you want them to be! (=
Aviva Tannin
Sedona
August 9th, 2010
14 years old
High school Freshman
"The smell of death filled my nostrils," I said after leaving the catacombs. We all laughed. We had become close on the trip. Closer than I was with some of my friends. I guess when you spend two and a half weeks with a group it tends to happen. We all had so much fun together and had developed many inside jokes. We looked after each other, even through some of the sickness. I will never forget these people and they will be my life time friends.
This was the best experience I have ever had! From Herrera to Lima, the fun never ended. This was an adventure of a life time! We gained new perspectives and knowledge about the world around us. We as Americans, take electronics and electricity for granted. In Herrera, they don’t. They have four hours of electricity and no running water, but they're happy. Americans are never happy unless they have the newest and best thing. They're happy just to have a roof over their head.
If I have ever been pushed to do my best, it wasn’t even compared to climbing this giant mountain! When we climbed Macchu Picchu, it was so beautiful and intellectually fascinating! This 11,000 foot hike was so invigorating!
There are many more things that were amazing, but I didn’t want to write a 500 page post. This was an amazing trip and would recommend anyone who is interested in science and culture, to take this trip!!! I had the summer of a lifetime!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thank you sooo much for taking me Mr. and Mrs. Fray!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Sophie Copenhaver
August 31, 2010
13 years old
8th grader
I had a life changing experience! Thank you guys SO MUCH for everything that you have done. Taking us to another country for a trip of a lifetime, being there when we needed you, and just being yourself! I learned more than I had ever imagined, about myself and the world around me as well. Everything about this trip was great even the more difficult adventures made me a better traveler;). so many great stories and laughs along the way as well. Looking forward to another adventure and Hope we can all get together again soon!
Morgan 1
August 3rd, 2010
13 years old
8th grader
We have so appreciated all you've done for our child, she couldn't have had better teachers, guides or friends to travel with. Thank you for being you! Blessings always.
Robin and Doug Andrews
Parents of a Wonder Trekker
It really was a fantastic experience for my Peru 2011 Trekker. He is more mature, has a greater appreciation and understanding of people, of the environment and the world cultures. He really loved Peru as his blog indicated and is hoping to continue his friendship with Rudy from Herrera. We are so grateful to you for sharing this wonderful experience with him and the other students. What dedicated people you are and so appreciated by us all. Thank you so much for being 'YOU' and giving him this Trip of a Lifetime.
From a very Happy Grandmother,
Nancy Prestwick
Scott and Maureen- what an amazing trip the two of you created for our kids. Thank you for being patient and understanding, for teaching and for helping them to step outside of their comfort zones in order to experience Peru and life in such a positive way. The pictures were terrific!
Thanks again,
Jill Richardson
What can I say? This has been the biggest, the best, the most awesome field trip of my life. Exploring all over Peru from the Amazon Rainforest to the driest desert on earth; how better can it get? Ever since I got back to the states I have been curious about what my friends in Herrera have been doing. I am sure they aren’t on the computer, or watching TV! My guess is they are either studying or in the river having a great time OUTSIDE. During my travels through Peru I have experienced the different ecosystems, cultures and have learned about the indigenous people on the Amazon. Well now that I am home, I am reflecting and so thankful for many things that Peru doesn’t have. For example, clean water, safe shelter, and toilets that can flush with toilet paper.
Mr. Fray and Maureen, thank you so much for giving me this opportunity to travel to Peru with you!
Skylar
Peru definitely contributed to my growth as an individual. Peru taught me not to take advantage of what I have, stay positive, and make the best of the situation. Attitude is everything. I thought it was great that we were outside in nature the majority of this trip. The most fun parts of the trip was when us kids were all playing hackie sack and laughing uncontrollably. Also the sand dunning experience was pretty funny. Peru is another place to add to the list of my travels. We saw so many mind blowing things. And hey! You never know when you are going to see a kid with a goat in Peru :)
Thank you Scott and Maureen,
Sadie
Peru 2011 was a spectacular and life changing trip! Peru has changed me and inspired me in sooo many ways!! I have also learned so much from this experience.
Peru is truly an amazing place. There are many different ecosystems, habitats, and cultures. If you are in one city and you travel 50 miles north, the culture is very different. It never became boring! I want to stop using a lot of energy so less of the Amazon will be cut down. I hope that in 20 or 30 years, my children will be able to go to Peru and experience the wonderful experience I had. I also learned that while you are on a trip it really helps if you study where you are, because you will know more about what is going on.
Peru 2011 has also inspired my personal life. Now, when I am home, I am not leaving my computer and T.V. on when I am not using/watching it. Speaking in front of 300 children in Herrera really inspired me. In the future I will return to Peru and show my friends, and/or family everything that I learned. I now know that I can communicate with people that can't speak my language. (In the future, that will be very helpful!)
During this wonderful trip, I overcame some fears. I am not a germ freak anymore, I am not afraid of bugs or things that fly that are smaller than my hand, and I am not afraid of getting sick. Being in this country and experiencing the way other people live has helped me tremendously!!
"Experiencing the Experience!"
Thank you sooo much Mr. Fray and Maureen for this wonderful EXPERIENCE!!:)
Lezah
Man, Peru was pretty awesome. This trip changed my life. I learned how to be happy for what I have and not take it for granted. All I can say is, "What the heck, why is everything so awesome?"
Mason
I'm not a nature person and that I really don't like being outside at all. Since that was nearly our entire trip, I had almost all of my friends asking "Then why did you come?"
It was a real dream come true… I like to force myself out of my comfort zone. While it was extremely hard for me at times, the entire trip was nothing less than stunning. I was in an entire new world. In Herrera, I finally settled into a "Peru Mentality”… I was finally getting used to adapting, quick thinking, and remaining (mostly) positive. I was looking at the world around me with new eyes, and I was, surprisingly enough, enjoying everything I saw.
The trip really changed something in me, too. Sometimes, even when I didn't seem like a better person, I felt like a better person. Instead of dragging myself out of bed I started to wake up ready to tackle the day, and I'm even dealing with my extremely scattered emotions better. I can't say I feel like a new person, but rather I was remade into something better.
Thank you,
Elodie
I can hardly hold back the tears of excitement knowing how this experience has been ingrained in all of you. You are very blessed to have this opportunity and it is so awesome how this makes each of you a more thoughtful, understanding, positive and amazing individual. Our world will benefit too from your experiences as you grow into awesome adults. Thanks so much for sharing your experiences with us all. Of course thanks to the awesome Scott and Maureen team for their love of children and teaching! Continue to wake up each day to LIVE LIFE FASCINATED!
Parents of a former Wonder Trekker; still following along and still part of the family!
I first met Scott and Maureen in 2010 when they were on their Wonder Treks trip in Peru. I was enthralled by their energy and commitment to experiential learning, the richness of the program they offered, and the caliber of the students on their trip. The Wonder Treks curriculum so gracefully ties together real-life, cross-cultural experiences with the opportunity to learn about Peruvian history, ecology, conservation, and so much more! Scott and Maureen’s dedication to teaching and making learning relevant and stimulating is so glaringly evident in every moment. I cannot imagine a better classroom than Peru, which offers diverse environments for students to learn, taste, smell, see, and explore…not just science, but other ways of life, food, ancient architecture, and most importantly, themselves.
This past July I had the opportunity to join the Wonder Treks family as a chaperone. It was such an immense experience from which I am still glowing. The Wonder Trekkers were delightful (I miss you all so much!). Together we faced and overcame the challenges of experiencing a new country and culture, tried new foods, explored plant life and ecosystems, visited ruins and markets, hiked, played soccer with locals, laughed a LOT, and learned every step of the way. The Wonder Treks’ adventure gracefully marries the experiences of 3 distinct regions of Peru (jungle, mountains, and coast), providing a great platform for reflection, comparison, and perspective.
Scott and Maureen are incredible trip leaders. As educators and outdoor enthusiasts, their dynamic is the perfect recipe for learning and fun. They are wonderful with students, always have safety at the forefronts of their minds, and know that every moment is a teachable one. On our journey this summer I watched the students grow right before my eyes. It is such an honor to be a part of the growing Wonder Treks family. I would recommend this program to anyone who wants to experience Peru while having the time of his or her life.
Jenny Grabelsky
Wonder Treks Chaperone, 2011
I want to start by reiterating what an incredible experience I had with you and the students. It was such a fantastic journey - I loved every minute of it and am so grateful to have had the opportunity. I absolutely loved working with you, and being with the kids, and can´t wait to connect with you more and hopefully do it again next year, and the year after.....and after! So, thank you, THANK YOU, for inviting me to be a part of this wonderful thing that you have created. I am excited to watch and participate as Wonder Treks continues to evolve.
- Jenny