Trekking for kids

Our expeditions range in duration from 10-14 days with the trekking portion usually lasting 4-8 days. Occasionally, we offer an expedition, like Mt. Everest Base Camp that is longer.

No you do not. Anyone can participate on our Treks, as long as you are in good health and physically fit.

Marquee Treks: Signature yearly Trek, often at altitudes greater than 10,000 ft, that are strenuous in nature. These hikes are designed for intermediate-level Trekkers ages 18 and older.

Lite Treks Yearly Trek, usually at altitudes less than 10,000 ft, with moderate terrain and elevation gains. These hikes are designed for amateur Trekkers of all ages 18 and older.

We do offer Treks with varying degrees of difficulty, from our Lite Treks to our more physically demanding Marquee Treks. We are happy to assess which Trek might be best for you.

We offer advice on how to physically prepare for the Trek, such as types of activities, duration, and when to start preparing. We can recommend a training program specific for you if you ask.

Certain trips are suited for children 14+, please check out each expedition page to determine the age requirements.

Group sizes range from 15-25. The maximum number of participants is limited to 25.

Participants must be at least 18 years old for most of our expeditions. Past participants have been from 18-65 with the exception of certain trips that are suited for children 14+. Please check out each expedition page to determine the age requirements.

You are responsible for your own travel and trip expenses. You can receive donations to help you with these expenses, but they are not tax-deductible.

Your trip expenses are not tax-deductible. Only donations to the orphanage are tax-deductible.

No. Each year we currently offer at least two new locations. As we increase the number of expeditions we offer per year we will return to some locations.

The Board of Directors meet each year to determine the next year’s Trek locations. During the year we research different treks around the world that either a former Trekker or Board member has suggested. We assess the orphanage situation, the location’s appeal and safety. Then we take it to a vote to determine the next year’s Trek locations.

The Board of Directors selects the orphanage based on four criteria:

• Degree of financial assistance needed
• Degree of medical assistance needed
• Competence of the management staff
• Willingness and capacity of orphanage to receive the donation in full

We have found that by following these four criteria, we can ensure a reasonable amount of success every time we "trek" for kids. The amount of time and energy spent on organizing just one successful expedition can cost us hundreds of man hours and even thousands of dollars. Since every dollar is so very precious, we must ensure the best possible chance of our Donors, Sponsors, and Trekkers’ success.

Each participant is committed to raise a minimum of $1000 for the orphanage projects. You can pay the $1000 out of pocket if you don’t want to raise the money.

100% of the donations you solicit go directly to fund projects at the orphanage. If excess funds are raised for a particular Trek, those funds are either used for additional projects at the orphanage or are added to our Orphanage Sustainability Fund to support future or current orphanage projects.

Yes. We are a 501(c)3, so all donations to TFK are tax-deductible.

We do not hand over the money raised. We use it towards high-impact sustainability projects at the orphanage, such as renovations and repairs, new furniture, new buildings, income-generating projects, etc., educational needs such as school uniforms, tuition, computers, and school supplies, medical needs, miscellaneous items like clothing, toys, and sports equipment. We also buy a lot of the items locally and employ local labor.

Yes. We will send you a fundraising packet with helpful tips, logs, forms, TFK Promo DVD and brochures. In addition, each Trekker will be able to set up a personal fundraising page to help solicit and track donations. We also have an online “Volunteer Resources” where you can download useful forms and presentations to help you in your fundraising efforts.

If you are not able to raise your $1000 then you will need to pay the difference before the start of the Expedition. Most people find they reach their $1000 minimum quite easily. People are generally eager to help you reach your goal knowing that 100% of their donation will go directly to the orphanage projects.

You can donate to the Orphanage Sustainability Fund. Donations to this fund will go towards current or future orphanage projects or to help with income generating sustainability projects at our past orphanages. Please contact Michael Pearce, our Director of International Operations.

We rely on the hundreds of hours donated by our Management Team and the donations from corporations and private donors that are specifically destined to running our operations.

We welcome donations specifically to the Operations Fund. Our generous donors who support our operations quite literally make the work we do possible. Please contact Cindy Steuart, our Interim Executive Director to make a donation.

Since Trekking for Kids’ first expedition to Machu Picchu in 2005, "Miles the Monkey" has accompanied Trekking for Kids to help spread hope and humor around the world. He is a favorite among Trekkers and orphans alike. He is proudly displayed in prominent locations in orphanages on around the globe.