About Us

How does the Adventure Challenges Program work?
First, choose a trip that you would like to go on. Observe the fundraising target associated with your chosen trip. To earn your free Adventure Challenges trip, you must fundraise for Flying Kites to meet this fundraising target. Adventure Challenges will work with you as an individual to devise the ideal fundraising strategy for you. After you reach your fundraising target, challenge yourself again on your chosen all-inclusive (food, accommodations, airfare) adventure trip.

All profits earned through the Adventure Challenges Program helps Flying Kites rescue and care for orphaned and vulnerable children in Kenya. In most cases, 50% of every trip cost is donated to the organization. However, due to fluctuating exchange rates, airfare, and trip fees this percentage can vary. If you would like a breakdown of the trip costs associated with your challenge, consult an Adventure Challenges representative.

What are the requirements for participating in Adventure Challenge?
To participate in Adventure Challenges you must be at least 18 years of age and in reasonably good physical shape. Minors can participate in many of the Adventure Challenges trips with explicit permission from a parent or guardian. Check with an Adventure Challenges Representative on age requirements for specific trips before submitting a deposit. All Adventure Challenges participants are expected to consult a travel doctor and a general physician before departing for a challenge. If you have unusual medical needs, please inform an Adventure Challenges representative as well as consulting your doctor.

How fit do I need to be to participate in an Adventure Challenge?
Because most of the Adventure Challenges involve extensive physical activity you must be in good physical condition. Please consult our physical training guides and implement a training routine several months in advance. Treks will be arranged to accommodate different levels of skill, but we expect you to train in advance to the best of your ability.

What is included in the price?
All Adventure Challenges trips include airfare and transportation from New York; accommodations (may vary from lodges, to tents, to outdoor camping); all transportation after you arrive; three meals a day unless otherwise specified; all communal camping gear; water during trek days; entrance fees to national parks; all staff including English translator, cooks guides and porters; first aid certified staff and full first aid kits; activity equipment, and other necessary gear; and an Adventure Challenge T-Shirt.

What is not included in the price?
The following things are NOT included in your Adventure Challenge Trip price: Transportation to US starting point; vaccination costs; visas; personal travel insurance; and personal equipment including backpacks and tips for guides, porters and other staff. That being said, Adventure Challenge does not want to limit anyone from participating in Adventure Challenges for financial reasons. If you think the extra costs may be a problem, contact a representative to work out a payment plan that will work for you.

Do I need travel insurance for my Adventure Challenge?
Yes. We require that each participant purchase our required personal travel insurance. To ensure that your insurance encompasses all of your possible needs on our adventure trips we require that you purchase STA travel insurance. Call 1-800-781-4040 to purchase your insurance. Make sure your STA representative is aware of the nature of your selected trip (ex: trekking or kayaking). Insurance should come out to about $100. Send a receipt of your travel insurance to a representative as soon as possible.

Can I organize my own flights and meet up with the group at our destination?
All Adventure Challenges prices are quoted with airfare included. If you would prefer to book your own flight, Adventure Challenge will deduct the cost of airfare from your trip. The deduction will be equal to the actual cost of the flight that would have been arranged by Adventure Challenges. Please notify Adventure Challenges before you pay for separate flights or you may be billed for included group flights. In the event that you fly separately from the group, you are responsible for arranging proper transportation to the designated meeting spot; if you do not arrive at the meeting place on-time, the group may be forced to leave without you and you will be responsible for making arrangements necessary to meet up with the group.

Can I stay at our destination after the Adventure Challenge has ended?
Yes, in fact we encourage you to stay after the trip to volunteer or sight-see. However, we do ask that you inform us before we book flights (four months prior to departure) about your intent to stay. If you decide you want to stay once you have arrived in your destination, we will try to accommodate your request to stay longer. However, tickets for group flights are generally non-refundable, non-transferable and non-changeable. You are responsible for talking to the airline about possible changes and for any costs associated with ticket changes.

Are donations toward my fundraising goal tax-deductable?
The portion of your trip cost that will be donated to Flying Kites is tax-deductible. Adventure Challenges will administer tax receipts, upon request, for any donations of $100 or greater. Due to tax law stipulations, we are not permitted to offer tax receipts for the portion of your challenge that will cover trip costs.

What if I don't reach my fundraising goal or wish to stop my fundraising activities?
When you agree to participate in Adventure Challenges, you are making a commitment to reach your fundraising target. If you do not reach your fundraising goal, you will not be able to participate in your Adventure Challenge. You must meet your fundraising target and submit your funds to Adventure Challenges according to the schedule below. If you cannot meet your fundraising target by this time you will forfeit any funds already submitted to Flying Kites. If you are holding funds that you have raised you must either return them to each donor, or send them to Flying Kites. If you are having trouble meeting your fundraising target, please contact your Adventure Challenge representative. We will do everything in our power to ensure that you meet your goal and go on your trip. However, because securing your place on the trip requires deposits, flight reservations etc, we cannot refund your money at any point after you have made your initial deposit.

You must submit your funds according to the following payment schedule: