Trekking for kids

Get inspired for a Peruvian adventure. TFK recently returned from Peru . Watch what we did while we were there. Peru Trek 2023

Plan a custom Peruvian trip with TFK and Mountain Lodges of Peru

TFK Adventurers create their own adventures, and with the help of Trekking for Kids, make an impact wherever they travel. After trekking in the Philippines and in partnership with the nonprofit EDUCO and IHHELPP, a group of college students are working to build a bathroom for at-risk children in the Bicol region.

The bathroom, the first-ever for these school children, will be built from compressed earth blocks designed to withstand the strong typhoons that frequently hit the Philippine islands. This three-week construction project will benefit hundreds of children who attend the school.

TFK is proud to announce a strategic partnership with Universal Giving an award winning platform that connects people with worthy projects around the world. UniversalGiving provides volunteers, donors, and travelers opportunities to make an impact on projects that change lives.

Celebrated author and TFK alumni Allison Gilbert releases her latest book, Passed and Present: Keeping Memories of Loved Ones Alive.

How Celebrating Deceased Loved Ones Can Make You Happier
CNN.com (04-12-2016)

Ethiopia is # 9 on Outside Magazine’s best trips for 2016! Be a trend setter, join the TFK expedition, November 10-21, 2016.

The 28 Best Trips of 2016
Outside Magazine (03-01-2016)

Read about this special journey in Modern Loss online joural Motherless Daughters on the Road and on Hope Edelman's blog

Hope Edelman, author of Motherless Daughters and Allison Gilbert, author of Parentless Parents, announced today they are joining forces to take 16 devoted readers on a once-in-a-lifetime expedition to Peru. The trip, which takes place July 30th-August 9th, is in partnership with the nonprofit organization Trekking for Kids. The group will volunteer in an orphanage near Cusco and then hike to Machu Picchu. The journey is in celebration of the 20th anniversary of the publication of Edelman's groundbreaking book Motherless Daughters.

When the authors learned about Trekking for Kids and its mission to organize purpose- driven treks to improve the lives of orphans around the world, they envisioned a perfect partnership.

Gilbert remarked, "As writers, Hope and I have been fortunate to tell our stories and share the pain of losing our parents. This trip brings together women from across the globe to turn loss into an opportunity to help others."

Edelman added, "Every woman on this trek has grieved the death of one or both parents. Some cared for parents during long-term illness; others suffered the shock of unexpected loss. All of these participants, coming from around the world, share a commitment: to use these unwanted experiences as a catalyst for growth."

Turning Loss Into Service: Motherless Daughters and Parentless Parents Unite to Help Orphans in Peru begins outside of Cusco, Peru where trekkers will work at the Ninos del Sol children's home on sustainable projects to improve the orphanage. Each participant agreed to raise a minimum of $1,000 to fund such initiatives as building a greenhouse and purchasing solar water heaters, a new van, and computers. The women will then trek through the Lares Valley to Machu Picchu. The group will finish their journey with a return to the orphanage.

Trekking For Kids Executive Director Cindy Steuart said the venture is already a success. "This is the first custom trip in our organization's history. Hope and Allison have built a community of readers who are eager to give back. Sign-ups happened quickly and we have a waiting list. We look forward to planning similar tailor-made trips in the future."

The following is a list of participants and their hometowns: Joanna Askew - Dubai, UAE Andrea Barbalich - Larchmont, NY Martha Brower - Camden, ME Cathy Draeger - Huntington Beach, CA Allison Durant - Metairie, LA Hope Edelman - Topanga, CA Allison Gilbert - Irvington, NY Maryjo Green - Edmonds, WA Karen Gresham - Phoenix, AZ Megan Higgins - North Vancouver, BC Shannon Husk - Victoria, BC Erica Keyes - Edmonton, Alberta Laurie Lucas - Newport Beach, CA Renee Lorme-Gulbrandsen - Victoria, BC Laura McCoy - Fort Wayne, IN Katherine Maguid - Boulder, CO Linda Miller - Portland, OR Angela Schellenberg - Chiang Mai, Thailand

For more information: Hope Edelman www.hopeedelman.com Allison Gilbert www.allisongilbert.com Ninos del Sol www.ninosdelsol.org Trekking for Kids www.trekkingforkids.org bridgit@trekkingforkids.org

TFK's efforts to change the life of an orphaned child reaches a significant milestone of half a million dollars raised and donated to support major orphanage capital improvements. This work, in areas spanning the globe, includes improvements on homes in Nepal, Tanzania, Guatemala, Ecuador, Morocco, Romania, Thailand, and Peru. "When TFK got its start, over dinner nearly 9 years ago, this number seemed out of reach. Thank you is not sufficient to express our appreciation to our donors whose direct support of TFK projects make a life-changing impact for children," said TFK founder Jose Montero.

TFK Adventurers have an impact on orphaned children while on individual and family adventures.

The Anton/Swire wedding celebrating a new life together, the Sanders Family trip on the Camino de Santiago is in celebration of many life milestones, including a birthday, and the Mati Expedition to Machu Picchu is a group of friends celebrating a significant birthday.

These individual fundraising efforts, coordinated by TFK, give participants a chance to give back while on their own expeditions.

On December 3, ultimate global explorer Len Stanmore will make history as the only person to ski to the North and South Poles, climb the Seven Summits, and race through the windiest, hottest, coldest, and driest deserts on the planet. The motivation for this now 60-year old is quite remarkable: to raise $100,000 in support of orphaned and at-risk children through Trekking for Kids. Len's final journey in this history-making series - a grueling 250 km race across Antarctica as a competitor in The Last Desert begins November 22.

Read the latest articles and interviews about Len's adventures and commitment to TFK.

Everyday Hero (video)
Global TV Canada (02-21-2013)

The Culmination Of A 12-Year Antarctic Journey
Huffington Post (12-05-2012)

And We're Halfway Across Antarctica's Last Desert!
Huffington Post (11-30-2012)

Adventure traveler Len Stanmore is not your average retiree (video)
NBC News (11-27-2012)

The Fourth and Final Desert
Outside Online (11-26-2012)

Racing for a Cause: A 3-Part Series Chronicling My Race Across Antarctica
Huffington Post (11-21-2012)

Len Stanmore - Ultimate Global Explorer
CBC Canada (11-15-2012)

Len Stanmore Mixes Adventure With Helping Others
Christian Science Monitor (11-15-2012)

Interview With the Ultimate Global Explorer: Len Stanmore
ilivetotravel Travel Blog (11-10-2012)

Out of My Comfort Zone
Running World (11-06-2012)

Join us in 2013 as we travel to Tanzania, February 16-28, to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro, to Peru, June 30-July 9, to trek the Lares Valley and Machu Picchu, and to Nepal, November 4-23, to trek to Everest Base Camp. As always, we will be supporting a local orphanage on each of our treks.

Sign up now!

Trekking for Kids is pleased to announce the generous support of Hana Sykorova!

On October 13, 2012, Sykorova will be competing in the Ironman World Championship in Kona, Hawaii. The athlete has generously pledged to raise $25 for every mile that she swims, bikes, or runs, thus bringing her fundraising goal to an exciting $3,500 donation to TFK! For more information, or to make a donation in honor of Sykorova's impressive efforts, click here!

Is it your dream to trek in the Himalyan mountains and see such iconic mountains as Mount Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse and Ama Dablam? Join Trekking for Kids on its signature expedition to Everest Base Camp, October 29-November 17, 2012.

The three week expedition was voted as a trip of a lifetime by National Geographic, and is certain to fill quickly, so start making your plans!

You will never forget the magic of the setting sun on the face of Everest, the peaceful and kind smiles of the Nepali people, and the most importantly, the children who will forever be touched by your generosity.

Sign up now!

Do you ever wonder about the children who "graduate" from an orphanage? What happens then? Trekking for Kids is making sure they have a bright future by making a donation to the Orphan Children Rescue Center, where we worked during the Everest Base Camp trip in October, 2010. The TFK Orphanage Sustainability Fund (OSF) is funding the vocational training of five students, who will be studying sewing and computers.

Thanks for supporting the OSF! Your dollars have an impact beyond your expectations!

In addition to a generous donation to TFK from Sony Pictures, the company is helping TFK spread the word of our work to like-minded people this holiday season.

The donation from Sony will enable TFK to expand its trek offerings and enhance marketing efforts to reach more potential trekkers. In addition, a portion of the donation will support the TFK Orphanage Sustainability Fund, which provides resources for small, capital improvements on orphanages where we have worked in the past.

Children from the Warm Heart Children's Home in Thailand, where the TFK/Thailand expedition recently worked, were treated to a Sony Pictures private screening to kick off the partnership in November. For the children at Warm Heart, watching a film in a movie theater was a memorable first. Everyone had a great time!

A heartfelt thanks to Sony Pictures and its employees- TFK is truly grateful for its generosity this holiday season.

Mira Quien Baila - Univision Television's version of Dancing with the Stars, hosted Mexican singing star Priscila Angel as a contestant. As a result of her outstanding accomplishments as a finalist, Univision and show sponsor State Farm donated $15,000. to TFK! Thanks and congratulations to Priscila!

Trekking for Kids announces Campaign TFK: Climbing to New Heights, its first ever capital campaign to grow Trekking for Kids to new heights and secure the future for orphaned children everywhere. Plans include six or more treks per year. In addition to its traditional treks, TFK will offer expeditions for families, college students, corporate, and custom designed trips to give the magical intersection of service and adventure to a growing number of trekkers from around the globe. Highest level professional guides will lead every trek.

Growth plans also include enhancing TFK marketing, web presence, and a small, professional staff to manage and schedule treks, oversee orphanage work, and to tell the story of the direct impact an individual can have on the life of a child in need. TFK is committed to guiding its growth in the most accountable, transparent manner possible. Support TFK to help make this growth possible!

Donors also have the opportunity to make an impact for years to come with the Orphanage Sustainability Project. This project will allow TFK to support additional, high impact, life-changing projects in orphanages where we've worked during our expeditions over the past five years.

Click here to make a donation to Campaign TFK: Climbing to New Heights.

We are happy to announce two new Treks in 2012: Marquee Trek to Patagonia in March and Lite Trek to Romania in July.

Check back soon for more information on our 2012 Treks.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Because of security concerns, Trekking for Kids announces the indefinite postponement of the trek to Mt. Elbrus, Russia, previously scheduled for July, 2011. The safety of Trekkers is one of TFK's highest priorities and the unstable political situation in the Caucasus region is of concern to TFK.

Please consider joining our "Lite Trek" Expedition to Thailand in November, 2011, and check back soon for the announcement of our 2012 Expeditions.

Trekking for Kids’ 2010 expedition to Nepal Everest Base Camp is back after a successful 13-day trek to the base of Mt. Everest at 17,650 ft and to the summit of Mt. Kalaphatar, at 18,513 ft. The journey through the Himalayas was an unforgettable experience that, not only allowed us to marvel, up close, at such giants as Everest, Ama Dablam, Nuptse, and Lhotse, glimpse into the lives of the Sherpa people who make these magestic mountains their home, form life-long friendships with our Nepali guides and fellow Trekkers, but do it for the good of those less fortunate, forgotten children of Nepal.

In addition to an amazing journey in the Himalayas, the 22 Trekkers from the US and Canada spent four memorable days in Bhaktapur with 25 children, ages 6-16, at the Orphan Children Rescue Center. This year’s group of Trekkers surpassed our fundraising goal and raised $58,000,100% of which went to benefit these special children.

Using local labor, an entire new floor was added to the top of the house, creating three new bedrooms, a storage room, a study room, three bathrooms, and a spacious sitting/play area. The new addition allows them to house the boys and girls on separate floors and provides a fantastic space in which to study, play and eventually take in more children. We were also able to bring sports equipment, backpacks, and school supplies from the US and purchase a new set of clothes, school shoes and plenty of food for Dashain and Diwali (special Nepal holidays).

A highlight was taking the children on an all day field trip to Nagarkot, a resort town far from the dust and smog of the city. Good food, dancing, and games were part of the day’s activities. Finally, our last day in Nepal was a special one as we celebrated Tihar (Festival of Lights) with the children. From the traditional fried roti, to the children’s dances, songs and skits, to the lighting of the butter lamps at night, all made for a truly memorable experience.

Greetings from Guatemala! On Friday the 28th of June, Trekking for Kids kicked off the 2010 Mayan Highlands Lite Trek by visiting twenty-two children at the Casa Hogar Feliz orphanage in San Andres Semetabaj. Making a difference in the lives of these children presents the opportunity to fulfill our mission of a purpose-driven trek. During our visit, twenty trekkers delivered backpacks filled with school supplies and provided new shoes for each child. We returned on Saturday for a work day at the orphanage to complete the projects which our donors have generously made possible. Your donations of $34,000 and counting have made it possible to assist in purchasing an additional home, which will immediately welcome three boys & have the ability to accommodate 11 more. At this time, Casa Hogar Feliz is providing for fourteen boys and eight girls ranging in age from 5 to 15.

Your support and encouragement is transforming the lives of these children in a very significant way. All of the Lite Trekkers here in Guatemala thank you as we strive to “Improve today, secure tomorrow…One Step at a Time!”!

Join Trekking for Kids on a second trek to Everest Base Camp, November 8-27th, 2010. Voted by National Geographic Traveler magazine as a 50 Tours of a Lifetime, don't miss out on this great opportunity to not only visit an iconic destination, but to help a group of orphan children in Nepal. Due to the overwhelming interest in this Trek, we are offering another chance to join us in Nepal. The first trek in October is almost full and the second one is filling up quickly so donate delay in signing up. Click here to learn more about this great opportunity.

This year, from June 16-27, 2010, Trekking for Kids will take 17 Trekkers, along ancient footpaths in the Mayan Highlands of Guatemala, from Xela, to one of the most beautiful lakes in the world, Lake Atitlan, then to the top of San Pedro volcano. Each step that the Trekkers take will benefit the Casa Hogar Feliz in San Andres Semetabaj (Lake Atitlan).

As is the case in all Trekking for Kids expeditions, in addition to paying all of his or her trek-related expenses, each Trekker commits to raise a minimum of $1,000 to benefit the Casa Hogar Feliz orphanage, home to 15 boys and girls, ages 5–15. This years group of trekkers has committed to raise $US 30,000 to help open a “Boys Home” for up to fifteen 12-18 year old boys. Boys 14 and older are not allowed to stay in the same home as girls and the Casa Hogar Feliz has many boys fast approaching this age. Trekking for Kids and its volunteer Trekkers are setting out to resolve this problem by purchasing a former B&B near their current home and opening a new “Boys Home” in June. In addition, they are raising funds for computers, educational software, wardrobes, a refrigerator, stove, sports equipment, school supplies and clothing. If you would like to donate to this great cause, visit our Donation Page.

On April 17, in DC, Mio Restaurant and Isabel Milan, a friend of Trekking for Kids, invited TFK to be part of Mio's "Chef for a Day" celebration. Mio's kindly designated Trekking for Kids to receive a portion of the proceeds from this very special evening. This spectacular evening featured the cuisine of Puerto Rico, tastefully accented by the flavors and spices from around the world. It was truly an evening to remember and one that will make a difference for children around the world.