Empower Maasai Children: Secure Africa's Future

Most of you that know me, know that I have developed a love and passion for African wildlife and their surrounding communities. On my most recent trip to the Masai Mara, we stayed with Great Plains Conservation Kenya camps, which was started by world renown photographers and conservationists, Dereck and Beverly Joubert. Their dedication to the communities and the wildlife that live amongst them spans over more than 30 years. Alongside the camps they have created the Great Plains Foundation which funds many important local initiatives. One that has me hooked is led by Dan Tipape, a guide for Great Plains Conservation, and leader of the Great Plains Foundation’s conservation education programs which are developed to inspire the local young people to preserve and protect their incredible local landscapes. ( the opening video explains further). These children are the secret to the future of conservation and the educational camps is where HOPE begins.

To explain further, The Mbirikani Group Ranch, where we stayed, is owned by the Maasai. Great Plains Conservation runs the lodge and camps in a sustainable way, focusing on protecting wildlife habitats, supporting community development, and alleviating poverty. The foundation supports the Maasai way of life and the conservation of the ecosystem. Educating the young Maasai youth about the land and the animals secures the future of this ecosystem. We need them to understand, learn, and fall in love with protecting their land and the wildlife that needs to live and thrive to secure their future too.

I am lucky enough to have experienced Africa and I want it to be there for my children and all the future children of the world. I cannot describe in words the feeling Africa has left inside of me. But, I do know that we are all connected in this world with the earth, and I ask you to support my cause to donate to the future of the educational camps that are held once a year for the local Maasai children.

I am running the Leadville Marathon on June 28, 2025. I will top off at 13,185 feet with 6,157 feet elevation gain. My goal is to raise $6,157.00, and all funds will be given to the Great Plains Educational camps. It’s only a dollar per foot! Let’s do this together!

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www.greatplainsfoundation.com

www.firstlightsafaris.com