CONAPAC Volunteers
Each year, CONAPAC welcomes a large number of international volunteers who come to help implement our programs. Without their efforts and financial support, CONAPAC could not effectively complete its mission to provide environmental education in the Peruvian rainforest. These volunteers bring enthusiasm and good will to river community residents, and the opportunity for a cross-cultural experience benefits all participants. We plan to expand our volunteer opportunities and look forward to meeting and greeting new faces in the jungle. Volunteer Mary poses with one of the teachers at a CONAPAC school.
In 2002 I was asked if I wanted to volunteer in the Peruvian Amazon for the CONAPAC Adopt-A-School program. I blindly said "yes," not having any idea where it would lead. One trip and I was hooked. I am a strong supporter of the environment, its valuable resources, and the power of education. The AAS program is a strong supporter of the rainforest, its people, and the education of children and society. Over the years I have traveled to Peru eight times to help with the organization and the deliveries that are made each year. I also have taken on helping to create and make presentations to raise funds, increase awareness, and attract more volunteers. Working with others from around the United States and beyond on this program has been so rewarding. The joy of the students, teachers, villagers, and volunteers each year makes me want to do it again and again. The CONAPAC Adopt-A-School program, in partnership with The Detroit Zoo, is an inspiring and rewarding experience that I recommend to everyone, whether they volunteer in Peru or just adopt a school. The time in the villages has given me a new perspective on my life, and I am sure it will do the same for anyone who travels with us to deliver school supplies and books to the small remote villages along the Amazon and Napo Rivers. The Peruvian people's warmth and gratitude keeps me going the rest of the year.
--Bernadette Gornie, Shelby Township, Michigan
It was truly a remarkable experience. I can't even begin to tell you how much I enjoyed being there. Now that I'm retired, this trip gave me an opportunity to feel that I am still able to make a difference in people's lives. Since I vacationed there four years ago, I was familiar with the quality of Explorama's work. But I'd like to compliment you and CONAPAC for your organization and managing the program. God willing, you will see me there next year.
--Joe Higgins, Woodbridge, New Jersey
Ray Ludwig, Scottsdale, Arizona
For the last 6 years, Ray has helped deliver school supplies during Adopt-A-School week. Some years he has brought his teenage sons, Chris and Erich. Back in Arizona, Ray is a nurse in a busy urban hospital. His skills have come in handy more than once on our trips. Coming from a desert environment, Ray enjoys the opportunity to see, hear, and feel the effects of heavy rain in the jungle. He and his sons keep returning because they enjoy the land, the people, and the company of AAS volunteers, while doing something good and worthwhile.
Going to Peru on the CONAPAC Expedition was a life altering experience for me in the most positive way possible. The people of the rainforest, the guides, and the CONAPAC staff are some of the most amazing people I have ever been lucky enough to meet. You can see in the smiles of the children in the villages the warmth of the entire world smiling back at you. It is an amazing place and an incredible adventure! I tell everyone about CONAPAC, Adopt-A-School, and the trip in general! I even recommend it to the person standing next to me in line at the grocery store.
--Amy Powers, Grosse Pointe Farms, Michigan
Why am I an AAS [Adopt-A-School] volunteer? While reflecting on my experiences that final night [of a 2002 visit to Explorama Lodge], I perused an AAS poster and made a commitment to sponsor a village. That first year, I questioned my donation. Was the program legitimate? I then received my letters and pictures from a village, 28 de 
Octubre. I had a connection with the Amazon! In 2006, I visited that village and many others while participating in my first AAS program. Stepping off the boat at 28 de Octubre was an emotional experience. I distributed a packet of basic school supplies to about 17 children. The school received classroom supplies and textbooks. Villagers proudly showed me their fish farm. I returned to the AAS program in 2009. I felt at home with familiar faces and places. My community proudly showed off their new school and garden. There were now 27 students enrolled. My contributions were making a difference.
Everyone needs a cause or purpose. AAS is mine. After visiting 19 countries, I hear numerous people ask, “What was your favorite trip?” I separate my answer into 2 – vacation and heart. The Amazon has my heart.
--Michael Quimby, Madison, Wisconsin
This volunteer opportunity was an absolute privilege to me!...I fell in love with the culture and its people while I was there. They were so hospitable, genuine, and gracious for everything! The further away I got from the jungle and villages and the closer I got to the city, the more my heart broke. I feel as if I left a piece of my heart there, and it was replaced by the experience that has left a permanent impression on my soul.
-- Missy Jones, Waterford, Michigan
An amazing adventure--so wonderful to finally participate again in the AAS program of 2010 and meet such dedicated volunteers. Special thank yous to all those who work so hard behind the scenes organizing this incredible experience. Your dedication is indeed helping to "preserve the rainforest, one child at a time." Truly an unforgettable week of hard work and much laughter, with the added bonus of making many new wonderful friends. Thank you.
-- Linda Lownds, Kincardine, Ontario
Every moment of this trip was magical. Thank you for making it that way. Everyone went out of their way to make certain that all of our needs were taken care of. The program is so well organized, it really never felt like work.
-- Michelle Seldon, Detroit, Michigan
Michelle has previously been to Perú to set up and monitor primate censuses, to research establishing butterfly gardens as tourist attractions that support local rainforest communities, and to provide expertise and assistance in the management of a zoo at the University in Cusco. Michelle loves the rainforest and cannot seem to get enough of it.
Six years ago, I did the AAS delivery because it looked like an unusual trip. I was hooked. Adopted a school, contributed to projects and have been back every year. The rainforest and the people who live there are beautiful.
-- Bev Len, Livonia, Michigan
Besides regularly supporting the Irlanda village school, Bev paid for repair of the entry bridge and for the new bakery, and for construction of a latrine at the CCC Library.
We came from all different places, different ages and occupations, but we all were there to help make the world a little better. We worked as a team and became like family. CONAPAC staff and Explorama staff met every need, sometimes before we even expressed them. CONAPAC made sure there were surprises for us, little extra things we didn't expect, all pleasant. But, as great as those perks are, they just made an already memorable experience even better. It is the people in the villages, especially the children, who reach out to you with their hands and steal your heart.
--Nancy Kopf (Pachita), Titusville, Pennsylvania
Kristine Perry, Newton, New Jersey
Kristine first journeyed to Peru December 1999-January 2000 for a “Millennium Adventure” with International Expeditions, spending New Year's Eve at the top of Machu Picchu. The week prior to this once-in-a-lifetime experience was an extension trip to the Amazon River staying at Explorama Lodges. There she learned about the Adopt-A-School program and, upon her return to the US, she adopted Santa Marta school. She has been a faithful annual donor ever since. Her return trip here was in 2006 when she signed on to help with the AAS deliveries. She was able to meet her school and many others, too. She returned this year to give the opportunity for a life-changing experience to her 13-year-old granddaughter Cheyanne.
My experience was like none before. It was the most amazing week of my life. The nice people and simpler life style made me want to move down there. My favorite part of the trip was definitely seeing all the villages and meeting the kids. They were so happy to learn and get new school supplies. It really was an eye opener. It made me realize how much I take for granted. I think I really grew up on that trip. I can't wait to go back.
--Cheyanne Kowalski, Andover, New Jersey
Erich Ludwig, Scottsdale, Arizona
Erich first came to deliver supplies when he was 14 years old. Having volunteered for four years, Erich has been an incredible asset to the AAS team. We were delighted to have him back once again in 2010. His willingness to help out and do anything, as well as his ability to converse with anyone of any age, make him a pleasure to have on our team.
Want to join a Detroit Zoo Society-CONAPAC Conservation Expedition? Find out how.
