Flying Kites Outdoor Program

A few weeks ago I received an email from Simon Senegy, the head of the Flying Kites Scouts Program in Kenya.

Reading it, I was embarrassed. Simon told me that our Scouts had spent the weekend camping with other troops, and that the other troops had ridiculed them for their "make-shift camping gear." Where other scouts had sleeping bags, our kids packed wool blankets. And all 40+ of our scouts shared the same harness and climbing shoes. 

In the context of where our students have come from, - some of the poorest families in rural Kenya, - I know that programs and gear for the outdoors might not seem like a top priority -- but our students embody resilience, grit, grace and perseverance, and the work we do with them outside of the classroom is critical to developing the well-rounded leaders they are becoming. Not to mention, these kids absolutely LOVE the outdoors, and it's incredible to watch them embrace new experiences and step outside of their comfort zone.

I'm hoping to rally the outdoor community to help raise $15,000; in order to fund the launch of the Flying Kites Outdoor Program. All money raised will be used for the following purposes:

1. To purchase the neccesary gear (tents, packs, clothing, harnesses, shoes) for the Flying Kites to safley develop their Outdoor Adventure and
Leadership skills. (In-kind donations are welcome, here is a list of our equipment needs )

2. Construct an on-campus climbing tower so that the kids can practice their love of rock climbing on a daily basis. 

Meet some of the Flying Kites kids here

About FKLA:

Flying Kites Leadership Academy is a primary school, teacher training institute, and youth mentorship center for over 300 orphaned and critically poor children in rural Kenya. We believe that providing students with access to high­ quality education and holistic suppo
rt is vital to alleviating suffering, increasing gender equality and promoting economic sustainability. By meeting the needs of the whole child, our integrative programs give students the tools they need to build their best lives and positively impact their families, communities and country.

Learn about our Whole Child Model: