Kids in the Wild!
Experience East Africa’s wilderness, while making a difference…
“I never thought, I would see somewhere other than New York City as my home, but the truth is: the Mara became my home.”
Chloé, 15
A Spring Break trip in Kenya…
These days, we believe young people need the opportunity to ditch the gadgets, broaden their horizons, and make meaningful contributions.
In East Africa’s Mara North Conservancy – adjacent to the Masai Mara national park – a vibrant community manages its own innovative development and conservation programs. We created an opportunity for a group of young people to work with this community: to learn, explore, and deliver.
In April 2021, despite the pandemic, our first Kids in the Wild team made a spectacular journey to one of Africa’s most diverse and innovative community and wildlife destinations. We have since taken KITW teams in April 2022, 2023, 2024, and are hoping to do so in 2025!
What we are…
Kids in the Wild is the name we give to an educational excursion for motivated teenagers who are willing to learn about African culture and wildlife, and undertake community service using funds they raise themselves.
This trip takes place in East Africa – more specifically in the Mara ecosystem, in western Kenya.
Over nearly two weeks, the kids take part in activities such as the refurbishment of schools and cattle enclosures, undertake wildlife observation and conservation training, and work and socialize with the local communities.
What participants have said about the trip…
“One of the most memorable moments of the trip for me was getting off the plane and arriving in the Mara.
Growing up in a city like New York it was uncommon for me to have a field of view further than a couple hundred feet so arriving on that airstrip and seeing the almost infinite landscape touched me significantly.
It was definitely one of the most beautiful landscapes I had ever seen and I won't ever forget the feeling of the first time I saw it.”
Alex, 16
“One of the best parts of this trip has been the sheer amount of wildlife we have seen…
Just this morning we observed a cheetah and her three cubs standing up on a termite mound… While a very short distance away, an adult female elephant was leading her tiny baby and his four year old sibling across the valley.”
Hélène, 18
“I will never forget the atmosphere and energy instantly set by all the Maasai people looking after us on this trip. They opened up to us, and they made us feel at home, a home away from home. Playing soccer with all the guys and seeing them out of their uniforms having fun running around kicking a soccer ball really resonated...
What these people have gone through given the circumstances of the global pandemic is extremely saddening. It thrills me to know that we were able to put smiles on all of their faces and give them signs of hope, let them that things will only get better from here.”
Zach, 16
“This trip changed my life. Take me back to Africa!”
Chloé, 15
