Strive Trips

My experience as an intern with STRIVE in Peru this summer was one that I will never forget. Going into the program I was not sure what to expect, but whatever expectations I had were far surpassed. The three tenets of the program - service, athletics, and adventure - each served as opportunities to grow and learn with the people around me. Being surrounded with people from different backgrounds but with common interests and values made each day unique. My favorite experience from this summer was cooking dinner each night with the other interns and staff - it was a time to reflect on the day, try our hand at Peruvian bargaining, and form strong bonds. The trek at the end of the trip was an amazing way to culminate the experience and allowed me to get to know some of the high schoolers better - there is no better way to get to know someone than walk 20 miles per day with them! I would recommend this program to any athlete who is interested in traveling, running, service, and a holistic experience.

My 14yo son participating in the Strive Kenya trip the summer before his freshman year in high school. It was a truly amazing experience that forever changed him. Not only did he become a much better runner (he made the varsity cross country team when he returned), but he grew as a person. I almost didn't recognize him when he got off the plane. He felt older and more mature, and he had a new-found confidence in his ability to accomplish challenging tasks. He loved his leaders, and they took great care of him. He also loved the volunteer experiences. Working with little kids at the school and the children's hospital were some of his favorite moments of the trip. And getting to meet Eliud Kipchoge and other world-class runners and coaches was an incredible opportunity for him. He was inspired by everyone he met there. I can't recommend this trip enough. It was life-changing!

I loved the unique service opportunities we had the chance to participate in, since I would not have been able to do the same service in Boston. I also liked how we always had the choice to push ourselves to work hard, whether it was choosing to run longer or deciding to continue hiking, even when the destination seemed impossible. Overall, I loved experiencing so many new adventures and learning how hard I'm actually capable of pushing myself.

Hiking Machu Picchu was one of the most difficult adventures I have ever experienced. However, given the chance, I would not have changed my mind about doing the trek. Although it was hard, it was incredibly fun to spend five days hiking in two unique environments. From snow capped mountains to the humid jungle, I learned more about what it is to persevere.

Strive gives high schoolers a once in a lifetime opportunity to experience travel, athletics, and service. The leaders are phenomenal, and my experiences with other students were always fantastic. Students get to experience all sorts of activities, including teaching, training, learning about service, meeting the locals, and exploring the area. In my experience, teaching and training were two of the more rewarding parts of the trip. While I had fun giving lessons in math and English, the kids undoubtedly taught me more than I could possible teach them. As far as training goes, the altitude is tough, but the feeling of finishing a workout is unbeatable. As a side note, be sure to talk to the locals and listen to their stories (it’s always fascinating to hear about their life). I spent two summers with Strive, and would do it all again in a heartbeat.

Strive trips Kenya was an incredible opportunity to explore a country without being touristy, while doing meaningful work in the community. Iten is an optimal spot for runners and other athletes to train and get authentic advice from world champions. As a participant, you're given the independence to explore, without ever feeling unsafe, and options to tailor the experience to what you and your groupmates want to do. One highlight for me was the interactions and relationships I got to build, both with the community and the other travelers. I was able to make connections with people who live halfway across the world, and to Iten itself. The three weeks you're there allow you to fully immerse yourself, and in a short amount of time you may see Iten as a home away from home. Overall, could not recommend Strive enough!