Scotland, Ireland, London, and Paris. These countries and cities are the destinations of the 2025-2026 CHS Europe trip. Going on the fifth year, history teacher Matt Pedlow points out that the lack of participants this year, compared to last year’s trip of 44 kids, may change the dynamic of the trip, and explains the process of choosing countries to visit.

“Because there were three European trips this year, the one I led with has 44 kids,” Pedlow said. “I think that might have to do with the lack of people signing up this year.”

History teacher Matt Pedlow emphasizes the importance of more students signing up for the trip, for if they don't, the experience may be different than years prior.

“Schools with less than 30 kids would have to share a bus with another school [visiting Paris would also be out of the question],” Pedlow said.

Locations are chosen to gain the most student interest. Pedlow emphasizes the fact that he tries to make the trip as fun as possible for everyone involved.

“[The main] focus is to make sure kids will sign up, and if we go to some tiny, little city, no one will sign up,” Pedlow said. “So Paris, London, and Rome are usually at least one of the locations chosen.”

Factors that would affect the number of kids signing up are the cost. Pedlow says he tries to keep the cost down as much as possible while still making the experience worth the money.

“These are usually 10-day trips, so I try to keep the cost down and the days up,” Pedlow said.

With many students showing interest, Pedlow presumes the number of kids signed up will keep growing as the trip comes closer and excitement grows.

“As of now, there are 16 kids signed up, a lot of people have expressed interest, so I am assuming those numbers will go up,” Pedlow said.