What Inspired Us to Start the 14 Basecamps Project
Travel has always been at the heart of our family life. Long before our children were born, we explored the world together—hiking in mountains, diving in tropical waters, and skiing down snowy slopes. Once our boys arrived, our adventures didn’t stop; if anything, they became even more meaningful, full of shared challenges, laughter, and learning experiences. But nothing prepared us for the moment that would inspire our 14 Basecamps Project.
It began on a hiking holiday in Kyrgyzstan, at the stunning high Son Kul Lake. We arrived late in the afternoon, with no accommodation booked, and spotted a pair of yurts offering a place to stay. Inside, we were greeted by a young girl and her brother, who didn’t speak English. With Google Translate as our lifeline, we managed to negotiate a night’s stay in the spare yurt.
Her father was out tending the horses, and her mother was making butter while the boy looked after the cattle. We shared a simple dinner of bread, butter, and stew. The warmth of their hospitality was immediate and genuine. Sitting there, surrounded by the quiet beauty of the Kyrgyz highlands, we began to chat with the girl through our translation app.
She told us about her life as a nomadic farmer. During spring, summer, and autumn, her family lived by the lake. Her closest friends were a horse ride away, and schooling simply wasn’t an option. In the winter, the family would pack up and move down into the valley, where she finally had the chance to attend school. Listening to her, we were struck by the stark reality: access to education in remote areas is something many of us take for granted, yet it can change the trajectory of a child’s entire life.
That evening sparked a deep reflection for us, both as travellers and educators. How could we help children in remote locations access education? How could we make a real difference? The seed was planted.
A few years later we were watching “14 Peaks” on Netflix. The film captured the incredible physical and mental challenge of climbing the world’s tallest mountains. At the end, we looked at each other and thought—could we do something similar? Not the summits, but the basecamps. Could our family take on this adventure, pushing ourselves physically while also making a tangible impact on the lives of children far away?
Through the Nimsdai Foundation, we discovered a way to turn that dream into action. The Foundation runs initiatives like Trekking for Education, which combines mountaineering with fundraising to provide scholarships for children in remote regions. We reached out, and the response was immediate and encouraging—our dream of combining adventure with education support could become a reality.
So far, we’ve raised just over £1,000, which is incredible, but we know there is so much more we can do. Times are tough, and we understand the financial strain many families and businesses are under. That’s why we’re not just asking for personal donations—we’re also reaching out to businesses who want to support this cause. In return, we offer logo placement on our shirts, social media shoutouts, and a partnership in a project that combines adventure, family, and education.
This journey isn’t just about us—it’s about the children we hope to support, like the young girl at Son Kul Lake. It’s about giving them opportunities they might otherwise never have, opening doors through education, and helping them build a brighter future. Each basecamp we reach, each step we take, will be dedicated to the idea that no child should be denied the chance to learn, grow, and thrive because of where they were born.
We invite you to join us on this journey. Whether it’s a donation, a partnership, or simply sharing our story, every action helps. Learn more about the Foundation and how you can get involved here:
Adventure has always shaped our family, but this project has given our travels a deeper purpose. The 14 Basecamps Project is not just a challenge—it’s a mission to make a lasting difference in the lives of children who deserve every opportunity to learn.
Family Russell-Smith Travel 