Small Team, Big Heart: Life at the Wilderness Therapy Namibia Office

When people hear “Wilderness Therapy Namibia,” they often picture rugged landscapes, campfires under starlit skies, and the transformational journeys our participants go on in the wild. And they’re absolutely right. But what’s often left out of that picture is what happens back at the office—where the heart of our mission beats quietly but powerfully.

We’re a small team. Some days, it feels like we’re wearing ten hats at once—writing reports, applying for grants, checking gear inventory, and brainstorming new ways to reach the young people who need us most. Other days, it means answering a call from a participant who’s facing a crisis—no food at home, an unsafe situation, or a personal emergency that falls way outside the “program” boundaries. And while it's not in any official job description, we do what we can. Because once someone becomes part of our Wilderness Therapy family, we don’t stop caring when the hike ends. The kettle is always on. The to-do list is always growing. But so is our purpose.

We may not have the biggest budget or the flashiest headquarters, but what we do have is grit, passion, and the belief that healing can happen when young people are given the space to reconnect with nature—and with themselves.

There are days when it’s tough. Funding is a constant challenge. Admin can feel never-ending. But then we get a phone call from a parent saying, “My child has changed so much, thank you.” Or we read a note from a participant that says, “This program changed my life.” And the fatigue just melts away.

We remind ourselves daily: progress isn’t always loud. Sometimes it’s a quiet moment shared on a hike. Sometimes it’s laughter around the fire after a long day. Sometimes it’s the silent understanding between a mentor and a teen who’s learning to trust again.

From this little office in Windhoek, with its scatter of boots by the door and maps on the walls, we are building something powerful—step by step, story by story. The quote: “Think Big, Start Small, Build Deep” – by Edmund Chan, often stays with us, and serves as a reminder that real change doesn’t have to begin with fanfare or big resources—it begins with showing up, staying present, and planting roots that grow strong over time.

So here’s to the emails and spreadsheets, the logistical puzzles and planning meetings. Because behind every wilderness journey is a team that cares deeply and shows up daily—not for recognition, but for the lives being changed, one adventure at a time.

Thank you for being part of our story.