Trekking for kids

Our expedition begins in the capital city of Bucharest where we will spend a day visiting Parliament Palace before heading to the historic city of Brasov, one of the most visited places in Romania. Fringed by the peaks of the Southern Carpathian Mountains, Brasov is resplendent with gothic, baroque and renaissance architecture, as well as a wealth of historical attractions. Founded by the Teutonic Knights in 1211 on an ancient Dacian site, Brasov exudes a distinct medieval ambiance. The location of the city at the intersection of trade routes linking the Ottoman Empire and western Europe.

Before our trek through the Bucegi and Piatra Craiuli mountains, Trekkers will visit Peles Castles. Nestled at the foot of the Bucegi Mountains in the picturesque town of Sinaia 40 miles from Brasov, Peles Castle is considered by many one of the most stunning castles in Europe.

Trek

Our four day trek will begin in the Bucegi Mountains, where we will climb Omu Peak, an ascent of moderate difficulty, and descend to Padina Chalet for our first overnight. From Padina, a hike up the Strunga Saddle and descent to Bran Village, a trek of 6 – 7 hours offering glorious views of the Bucegi Mountains and overnight in Bran, where we’ll have the opportunity to visit Bran’s Castle. Surrounded by mystery and perched high atop a 200-foot-high rock, Bran Castle is framed by imposing towers and turrets, and is the legendary home of Bram Stocker’s Count Dracula.

The next day we will transfer to Zarnesti Town and hike up to Curmatura Chalet in Piatra Craiului Mountains where Piatra Mica Peak can be climbed. Each day, the trek will cover varied elevation gain/loss, lasting about 4 – 7 hours in duration, and requiring moderate, and in some cases, more difficult effort. The reward will be the incredible vistas, history, and charm of ancient Romania.

Our Trek will be led by local guides. We will walk 4-7 hours a day and sleep in mountain huts and local guest houses. We require that all Trekkers be in good physical condition and able to hike for several hours, non-stop, carrying a daypack.

Orphanage

Our orphanage work will take place in Brasov, where Trekkers will put the finishing touches on the capital improvements made with funds raised by Trekkers prior to the expedition. We'll spend time getting to know the Romanian children who live in the pre-selected orphanage, take them on a field trip, and enjoy games and play time. After the trek concludes, we’ll return to the orphanage for a farewell party with the children, complete any unfinished tasks on the improvement project, and prepare to return home.

Please contact Tricia Donaldson, Director of Operations, for more information or visit New World Emerge, a WorldStrides Adventure.

Cost

Trip Cost: Please visit New Worlds Emerge (WorldStrides) website for trip costs and to apply.

Fundraising Commitment: $1000

Included

• TFK trip leader and WorldStrides trip leader
• Service hours and college credit available through New Worlds Emerge
• 4 days guided Trek
• Luggage transfer to Bran during Trek
• Mountain huts and guest house lodging during Trek
• All meals on Trek
• Hotel in Brasov and Bucharest
• All meals
• Field trip and party with the children
• All in-country transportation, including airport pick up and drop off on scheduled arrival and departure days
• TFK t-shirts and luggage tags
• Tips for local trekking guides
• Entrance fees to the Parliament Palace, Bran and Peles castles
• Brasov city tour
• Group travel insurance

Not Included

• RT Airfare to Bucharest
• Soft drinks, or bottled water
• Personal expenses

Expedition Requirements

• 9th-12th graders
• Good health
• Physically fit
• Willing to raise minimum $1000 for orphanage

3 Step Process

1. Apply Please visit New Worlds Emerge (WorldStrides) website to apply.

2. Prepare • Read Information and Fundraising Packet from TFK
• Start a training regimen if not already exercising regularly
• Fundraise for orphanage projects
• Gather all necessary gear for the Trek

3. Experience • Arrive in-country and meet your TFK and WorldStrides group leaders and fellow Trekkers.
• Enjoy a trip of a lifetime!

We are committed to supporting you every step of the way, both before and during your Expedition.

Click here for itinerary.

Details coming soon. Please check back.

Bucharest was once called the “Paris of the East."

Brasov is surrounded by the Carpathians, being in the middle of the country at the crossroads of the Eastern Carpathians and the Southern Carpathians. It is one of the most important centers of Transylvania.

Brasov is a hub for various winter and summer mountain sports enthusiasts and is a special place for its beautiful views of the surrounding mountains, the fresh air and the cool summers.

Previous to World War 1 Transylvania belonged to Hungary.

Piatra Craiului National Park and Bucegi mountains are part of the Southern Carpathians group of the Carpathian Mountains.

Piatra Craiului-The Royal Rock-is probably Romania's most loved mountain especially by hikers and nature lovers. It is a beautiful limestone ridge, about 25km long, from where you have superb views over the surrounding country. The shining glow of this huge white limestone ridge can be seen from afar and it is probably the source of its unusual name.

The Piatra Craiului mountains has the biggest bio-diversity of the country. The wildlife is very divers and there is still black chamois on the high cliffs and brown bear, wild boar, deer and stag, foxes wolf and even lynx in the forests. The Piatra Craiului Mountains are further known for the abundance and diversity of flowers and plants.

The Bucegi mountains own their fame to the spectacular landscapes and the accessibility of their routes. They are the most visited mountains in Romania.

Irish author Bram Stroker based his horror novel Dracula, on the fifteenth century prince Vlad Dracul. The Bran castle still lies in Romania and forms a tourist attraction.

Bran Castle was originally a stronghold built by the Knights of the Teutonic Order in 1212. At that time it was called Dietrichstein.

Peles Castle is considered by many one of the most beautiful castles in all Europe. It was built as a summer residence by Romania's longest serving monarch, King Carol I, who died and was buried here in 1914, just months after the castle’s completion.

The ancestors of Romanians are the Dacians who were fierce warriors. They were subdued by the Romans under Trajan.

The communist rule formed after the 2nd World War and lasted 45 years. It ended with a revolution in 1989.

Fundraising Resources

After signing up for an Expedition, Trekkers receive a Fundraising Kit, and access to the Trekker Resource Center, with online tips and tools to help you succeed.

TFK Brochures • brief version of the website in printed form
• great introduction to TFK for your donors

Personal Fundraising Page
• solicit donations on your page
• set fundraising goals
• track progress in real time
• post a message to your donors
• donors can send a message to you

Other Resources • Ideas for raising your $1000
• form letters to help you get started
• fundraising logs
• receipts and forms
• orphanage project flyer

Contact our Director of Operations, Tricia Donaldson, for more information.