Explorers Connect

ABOUT US

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In 2009, Explorer & Researcher Belinda Kirk established Explorers Connect as a not-for-profit organisation with the mission to help people live more adventurously. Belinda is the leading campaigner for #AdventureMind

I’ve seen adventure change people’s lives and it changed mine, by giving inspiration, building confidence and creativity and bringing people together. The Explorers Connect community believes in making the most of life; together we are making a real difference and having fun.
— Belinda Kirk

WHAT WE DO

We extend people's comfort zones

We run a variety of affordable adventures that are carefully crafted to (safely) extend peoples' comfort zones, as we believe that is where the magic happens:

  • People discover just what they are capable of, which has the power to transform lives and inspire others.

  • People learn new skills that improve self-sufficiency and increase their ability to appreciate the outdoors on their own.

  • People experience new locations and experiences that broaden their horizons, and make them more comfortable with uncertainty..

We believe in adventures with purpose

We design adventures to take you on a journey. Whether it be coast-to-coast, to a mountain summit, or on a journey of personal development, you will achieve something great and feel great as a result:

  • The definition of an expedition is a journey with purpose, and every adventure we offer is an expedition of sorts, led by overseas expedition leaders.

  • To be purposeful in how we operate, for each adventure we schedule just one or two dates per year, putting our hearts and souls into it and ensuring it takes place at the best time and with the best guide.

We are a strong and friendly community

We nurture a long-standing and inclusive community of outdoor enthusiasts, where people quickly find new friends to do all the stuff they love with. We foster an environment wherein:

  • You can be yourself: We actively celebrate individuality, and do not stand for 'cliqueyness' or coolness. Our hosts and partners ensure everyone is included in conversations who wants to be.

  • Everyone is treated as adults and equals: it's a muck-in environment where group decisions are actively encouraged. It's all about empowerment.

We are a thought-leader in adventure for well-being

We believe we spend too much time indoors, stifled by convenience and comfort and it's killing us. It’s impacting our auto-immune systems and causing numerous mental health problems. We promote the positive impacts of adventure on mental, physical and emotional well being, most notably through our new Adventure Mind conference.

Alongside our adventures, events and courses, we run a range of other initiatives to encourage people to live more adventurously:

  • In 2016, we founded Wild Night Out - Britain's National Night of Adventure, raising funds for the Youth Adventure Trust.

  • We run a free 'Join A Team' platform, where explorers and adventurers can find teammates to join them on expeditions around the world.

  • We also manage an Adventure Jobs Board where employers from across the globe advertise vacancies within the adventure industry.

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