Let's Save the Turtles!

Valdon Thomas Start Date: Jul 7, 2023 - End Date: Nov 6, 2023
  • Bali, Indonesia

My Travel Story

by: Valdon Thomas Start Date: Jul 7, 2023 - End Date: Nov 6, 2023
      Hey guys! My name is Valdon, but 95% of people I know call me Scooter. I am from Denver, CO, currently an undergraduate at Princeton University, and I am beyond excited to share with you a once in a lifetime opportunity to help save endangered turtles in Bali in the upcoming year. Growing up in Colorado, I've always been an adventurous spirit that wants to do no other than to protect the place we call home and everything else that lives here too.

      In Bali, it's estimated that only 1 in 100 will survive into adulthood, often mistaking human trash for jellyfish and other food as well as ongoing habitat loss. Through this experience, we will learn much more about turtle conservation and protection through a series of activities including beach clean up, training turtles to fish, hatchling releases, and many more. In addition to the sheer amount of personal reward I believe this project will give me, I am equally excited to meet other people with a variety of perspectives on the world entirely while exponentially learning and growing as an individual throughout the process. By being a part of this project, I will be able to come home and educate even more people through this learning, which is just another step towards saving these beautiful creatures.

       This opportunity presents the perfect circumstances for me to give back to the world by doing something that means so much to me, while also embarking on an extraordinarily unique personal adventure of growth and knowledge. This experience is truly once in a lifetime, and I can't wait to experience everything that will come with it. I am truly grateful to be blessed with this opportunity.

      By helping support my trip to Bali in a few months, you too, could play a huge part in sea turtle conservation from all the way across the globe. By doing so, we could, together, ensure a better future for these creatures and all biodiversity within the region too. Thank you so much for taking the time to view my profile! See ya in Bali!


  • Bali, Indonesia