These children have dreamed of experiencing Alaska’s legendary Iditarod. From 2021 to 2024, they exchanged letters with pen pals in Anchorage and Homer, learning about the epic sled dog race that crosses Alaska’s wild terrain. In 2024, their connection to the race grew deeper as they sent handwritten notes of encouragement to mushers along the trail, including champion Dallas Seavey and others, who carried these messages to the finish line.
Inspired by this experience, the kids set their hearts on attending the 2026 Iditarod in person. Though they knew funding such a trip would be difficult, they wanted it badly enough to go all in! They even built their own sled, the first Kenyan-made Iditarod sled!
Their determination inspired Brad Schmitz, co-founder of Alaska English Adventures, to help them realize this dream. Brad reached out to mushers and businesses across Alaska, and soon, Alaskan communities rallied around the cause, offering meals, lodging, and other resources to make this journey possible. Now, all that stands in the way are the costs of passports and airfare.
With your support, these kids can bring their sled, stories, and culture to Alaska. They’re thrilled to share traditional Swahili dances and stories of Kenya -as well as a part of themselves through the world-renowned Masaai Tribe bracelets- and see firsthand the race they’ve only heard about. Your donation can make this cultural exchange unforgettable, connecting two worlds through friendship, determination, and the spirit of adventure.
Want to help these students? Here's how you can donate!
⚪ One hand-made bracelet from kids at the Hope Community Center in the Kerebungi slums of -Nairobi.
⚪ One 40-minute zoom session with group in Kenya and possible other pen pal friends around the world.
⚪ One authentic Kenyan postcard
⚪ Yummy African snacks from My Shawarma House in Anchorage
⚪ Possible African drumming.
Send your email in payment note and we'll reach out to you with the details!
Get ready to embark on an Alaskan adventure with our beautifully detailed "Alaska Dog Sled Challenge" coloring poster! Designed in the signature Debbie Lynn style, this intricate postercaptures the breathtaking essence of Alaska with a touch of whimsy, featuring majesticmountains, the vibrant northern lights, a dynamic sled dog team, and a variety of native animalslabeled in both English and Inupiaq
A portion of funds allocated to cover essential administrative expenses.
Alaska Wildberry Products
Anchorage Museum
Aurora Limosine
Bagoy’s Florist & Home
Bear Tooth Theatrepub
Big Rays
Campbell Creek Science Center
Captain Cook Hotel
Charles Lochner
Costco
Gilead Ministries: The Last Frontier Lodge
The Hoarding Marmot
Olive Garden
Snow City Cafe
Snow White Linen Supply
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About Brad E Schmitz | AlaskaEnglishAdventures.com | [email protected] | (907) 310-5939 | Anchorage, Alaska 99507, USA