Pacific Northwest Excursion: Whale Watching, Ecological Restoration & Hiking in Washington's Cascades

This was such a unique experience that allowed me to learn more about conservation and the importance of mindfulness about the land that we live on. I was able to learn more about the Snoqualmie tribe while responsibly working and recreating in their landscape. The people I’ve met are so special and as passionate as I am! The volunteer work and experiences that we accomplished in such a small period of time was truly inspiring and got me thinking about a career in conservation and sustainability.

I had such an enriching time in the PNW with Give. I learned so much about being a global citizen, recreating responsibly, and respect to the indigenous and those who came before. I felt everything I did pushed me outside of my comfort zone, in the best way, including hard hikes, hard work, and getting close with strangers. I think this trip is fairly new so I felt it was a little disorganized at times, but overall, It was very meaningful, life changing and eye opening and I’m so grateful i went on this give trip!

Going on this trip was the best decision I made. It was my first time flying alone so I was very nervous. When I landed in seattle I was scared I wouldn’t find my guide who was there to pick me up. However when I saw one of the guides in the blue give shirts a flash of relief came over me, he gave me a big hug and I felt so welcomed and safe.
The people I met on this trip with me were so awesome! Friends that I look forward to meeting again one day, We are already planning a reunion trip!
The guides were amazing, they made us feel comfortable and safe, wanting us to come to them about anything we had on our mind. One thing I was worried about before the trip started was that our guides would treat us like kids, like most other camps do, not letting us go off and have fun or do spontaneous things. But when we all met them it was the complete opposite. They were all for us exploring and spontaneous swimming in waterfalls! I couldn’t have been more happy with the guides! Although I was only with them and the other volunteers for a week, by the end of it I would consider them family. We were all very sad to leave and go back home to different countries. If you take anything from this review let it be that you will make so many life long friendships going on a Give trip.

To anyone who is considering the trip with GIVE to the Pacific Northwest, I would say that it is not an experience that you would want to miss out on and is absolutely worth every moment. It is a lot to consider in terms of money and planning out your travel schedule but once that is all figured out, the trip itself and the organization of GIVE will make you feel great about your decision to go. The team at GIVE is professional, knowledgeable, and most of all a group of great friendly people. Everything with the itinerary of the trip was well-organized and executed with clear communication to all the volunteers involved, never once were we confused or second-guessing what we were doing. Not only will you be doing important work, but you will also be immersed in beautiful places with a fun group of people, with a trustworthy and highly commendable organization guiding you along the way.

If I have anything to say about this trip, it’s take it! This trip changed my life forever and has left me with the most amazing memories and incredible knowledge that I use with me back home. There’s not a day that goes by that I don’t think about to work that I did with GIVE and the incredible experiences we shared together. Being able to share these moments with such an amazing and supportive group of people is a beautiful experience. It’s thrilling to be able to come home and still do a tiny bit of work we did during the trip. I will definitely be seeing PNW and GIVE soon for WILD!!