For parents

A Peru youth trip built for trust

Your teen should come home more capable, more grounded, and more curious about the world. Getting there requires a small group, adults who know them, clear expectations, and faith that is practiced openly rather than left vague.

Group
Kept intentionally small
Mentors
Vetted adult leaders
Ratio
A high ratio of adults to teens
Ages
Designed for teens 15–19
A Kuska traveler and a local woman planting a sapling together during the service weekend

Your teen's leaders

Kuska is intentionally small enough for its leaders to know the young people traveling with them. Read their backgrounds, experience, and connection to Peru before deciding whether the trip is right for your family.

James Stubbs

James Stubbs

Founder

James is the founder and CEO of Kuska Autism Services, an Applied Behavior Analysis therapy provider for individuals with autism. He graduated with an MBA from Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University and an undergraduate degree at Brigham Young University.

In his career and schooling he has focused on mission-driven internships, projects, and volunteer opportunities to serve underrepresented or underserved populations, including:

  • social impact investing
  • small business workshops for local Native American business owners
  • access to higher education for students who were first-generation, of cultural minority background, or of low-socioeconomic status
  • innovative corporate partnerships with local United Way chapters
  • crowdfunding for micro-entrepreneurs in the Philippines

James has traveled to Peru many times and loves giving others a glimpse into the country of his heritage.

Maya Stubbs

Maya Stubbs

Youth Leader

Maya (James’ niece) is so excited to be a youth leader for Kuska Trips! Peru has already made a big impact on her, and getting to share the experience of its culture, people, and incredible history is something she’ll always be grateful for. The trip hits close to home: her grandmother was born and raised in Peru, and Maya loves learning about her grandmother’s country and culture. She was able to attend the first Kuska trip in 2025 in addition to visiting Peru in 2019 on a family history-focused trip.

As a youth leader, she’s especially looking forward to getting to know different perspectives, making memories together, and helping make the trip as meaningful and fun as possible. She can’t wait to return to Peru and experience it all again with a new group of people!

Chase Tippetts

Chase Tippetts

Trip Leader

Chase was a trip leader on Kuska’s maiden voyage in 2025. He is fluent in Spanish and has five years of experience leading teenagers on international educational and humanitarian trips to Guatemala, the Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, Jerusalem, and Peru. He is also a former lifeguard.

By day, he works as a management consultant, which keeps his planning and problem-solving skills sharp. He also has two years of experience as a seminary teacher, and loves nothing more than helping teenagers learn to love others and love Jesus.

Rachel Tippetts

Rachel Tippetts

Behind the Scenes

Rachel supports Kuska behind the scenes, alongside her husband, Chase. Her work with youth and young adults includes teaching English as a Second Language in Cairo, Egypt, and to missionaries at the Missionary Training Center. She is MinistrySafe certified in abuse prevention, and is proficient in Spanish from living in Chile as a child and Aruba as an adult.

She currently works in legal operations at a nonprofit law center. She’s happiest when spending time with Chase or leading singing time in Primary.

Before you commit

A conversation comes before a payment

Kuska does not ask families to complete a checkout and hope for the best. A reservation submits your information to the team, which follows up directly with deposit instructions and the 2027 trip details.

You can also ask a question first. Dates, final itinerary information, and other open logistics should be clear before your teen travels.

Reserve a spot Ask a question

Common questions

These are the answers families need most often. If a question is not answered here, send it directly—the answer may belong on this page for every parent.

When is the next trip?

The next Kuska trip to Peru runs May 28 – June 7, 2027! Applications are open now — reserve a spot.

Who can go on this trip?

Kuska trips are built for teens ages 15–19. Groups stay small, with a high ratio of adult mentors to travelers.

How much does it cost?

The 2027 trip is $2,800 per person, which does not include the international flight — budget roughly $800–$1,100 on top. A $500 deposit secures a spot. See The Trip for the full breakdown, or reach out with questions.

Who is leading this trip?

James Stubbs, Kuska's founder, leads the trip alongside Chase Tippetts, a trip leader on Kuska's first trip in 2025, and youth leader Maya Stubbs, with Rachel Tippetts supporting the team behind the scenes. James has traveled to Peru many times and loves giving others a glimpse into the country of his heritage. Meet the team.

How is safety handled?

Trips run with a small group and a high ratio of adult mentors to travelers, led by vetted adult leaders and chaperones. Full safety details are provided during the application process.

Is this a faith-based trip?

Yes, and we would rather be specific about it than leave you guessing. Faith is one of our four pillars: travelers have dedicated time for scripture study and reflection, spend a weekend on a service project alongside youth from a local stake of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, attend church with those same youth on Sunday, and close the evening with a youth fireside devotional.

Teens of any background are welcome to apply. Knowing exactly what the week involves is what lets your family decide whether it is the right fit. See the full week.

Still comparing programs? Read our transparent guide to HXP alternatives and choosing the right LDS youth trip.

Have questions?

We're happy to talk it through.

Get in touch