Stories

Real experiences from people who’ve found their peace, healing, and freedom in the great outdoors

The Mountain That Broke Me Open

Chebet Muigei, Class of May-July 2025 I’m not even sure where to begin. Maybe it’s with the 2 AM alarms during the day hike prep days. Or maybe it’s at the moment I stood at Point Lenana, knees trembl...

Jan 5, 2026

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My Assumption That We Could Walk Straight To Point Lenana With No Preparation Was Misguided And Naïve

Muthoni Kamau - Class of December 2021 My idea to scale Mt Kenya was initially pegged on leveraging this momentous landmark to draw public attention to the teenage pregnancy menace in the country. Arm...

Dec 23, 2021

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Hiking Keeps Me Sane And Fit

Rose Wahome - Class of August 2021 At the start of 2020, I was restless, I wanted to do something new, but I didn’t know what. The world was beginning to talk about COVID-19 and how those with underly...

Sep 7, 2021

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I did not grow up an outdoorsy child but taking the leap to being part of the program is something I will never regret.

Nicole Kimani - Class of August 2021 I barely played any sports in school, and I was the quintessential nerdy introvert, who preferred staying indoors instead of playing 'Bano', 'Brikicho', Stuck in t...

Aug 23, 2021

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Mine Was A Journey Of Kindness To Self

Muthoni Mwaniki - Class of August 2021 Being kind to myself. | This statement got a new and real meaning over three months as I prepared for the Mt Kenya climb! Being the extrovert I am, the limited m...

Aug 22, 2021

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I Did It To Honor My Father

Caroline Gateri - Class of August 2021 When I lost my brother, I got a lot of piercings. When I lost my other brother, I got a tattoo and more piercings. But when I lost my dad, I got lost. 💔 A piece ...

Aug 22, 2021

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We have walked side by side, quite literally, for about 140km throughout the program

Daniela Joshua Orwa - Class of August 2021 Hiking has never been a thing for my wife and me, although I’ve toyed with the idea of climbing Mt. Kenya before. It wasn’t until I stumbled upon Outdoorer o...

Aug 22, 2021

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My childhood experiences were holding me back from going out there.

Grace Nyoro - Class of August 2021 Hiking and being in the outdoors was never my thing. The first time I went hiking was back in campus, which was 100% inspired by peer pressure. While I discovered th...

Aug 22, 2021

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I don’t think I have had as many conversations with God as I did while on this trek.

Serah Chavangi - Class of August 2021 Climbing Mt. Kenya in 2021 was nowhere in my plans for 2021. In fact, I remember on my birthday in January, a friend suggested to a few of us that we climb Mt. Lo...

Aug 22, 2021

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I returned to the big mountain with no expectations. But I won!

Majid Nderitu - Class of April 2021 I returned to Mt. Kenya precisely one month since my last failed attempt. I was on a mission to deliver a clear message to my epilepsy: I was no longer afraid of it...

Jun 30, 2021

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I now, more than ever before, believe that we are limitless

Doreen Kinja - Class of August 2021 I grew up on the slopes of Mt. Kenya, where I was lucky to see the majestic mountain every day of my early life. In 2004, my dad retired from the military and we mo...

Jun 25, 2021

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Through adventure, I have found myself

Phanice Olasia - Class of August 2021 I grew up as a reserved little girl who would not leave her comfort zone. I was shy but cheeky. I wanted life as stipulated by society—go to school, find a job, s...

Jun 25, 2021

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