From Corporate Life to the Rainforest: Karen's Raleigh Story

Inspired by a life-changing trip to Antarctica, Karen joined Raleigh as a Venturer Manager and site medic in Ghana in 2001, working on an environmental project in the Ankasa Reserve. From building visitor centres to working in the jungle, her experience was filled with unforgettable moments, impact, and a deeper appreciation for life’s simplicity.  

In this blog, Karen reflects on her most memorable moments, the challenges she overcame, and the profound impact Raleigh had on her personal and professional journey. Karen also shares some of the illustrations she created during her Expedition.

From the Antarctic to Ghana  

“I held a senior position in a health insurance company, working long hours project managing a major IT implementation. Twelve months before joining the Expedition, I had a life-changing opportunity to live and work on a Russian base in the Antarctic peninsula thanks to my company sponsoring an environmental project spearheaded by Robert Swan OBE. 

On that trip, I realised there was more to life than working in the corporate world. Our Expedition leader put me in touch with Sue Stockdale, an experienced Expeditioner who had also done Raleigh. On her recommendation, I applied to Raleigh as a Project Manager, which I hoped would satisfy my need for another adventure.” 

Read: Embracing The Unknown: Sue Stockdale’s Raleigh Journey

Making a Positive Impact on the Local Community  

“I went to Ghana in the spring of 2001 as a Project Manager and site medic and was assigned to an environmental project working on the Ankasa Reserve in the southwest corner near the border to Côte d’Ivoire. 

Our work was to complete a visitor centre in the rainforest, which previous Raleigh Expeditions had worked on, to encourage tourists to the region, educate them, and bring in much-needed funds to try and stem the illegal logging and killing of wildlife.” 

Most Memorable Moments  

“So much was memorable! From learning to build a basha, living without power or running water, to looking after groups of 12 young adults, some of whom had never been overseas, let alone had to live in a clearing in the jungle miles away from civilisation. 

Creating a watering system in the river (with no idea of how to do it when we started). Taking venturers (twice) to the ‘local’ hospital 35km away – no mean feat given our distance from the road and ‘interesting’ public transport. Eyes out on stalks, seeing how medical care was delivered in out-of-the-way places with limited resources. 

Having the privilege of being the Expedition group that completed the visitor centre (which then went on to win a BA eco award) and handing it over to the local tourist team.”

Important Lessons 

“I learned so many lessons! 

Patience was definitely one, as the Western culture of ‘get-it-done-now’ didn’t quite work in Ghana. I had to learn the art of mañana—accepting things unfolding at their own pace. 

Learning to let go and let the Venturers take control of their day-to-day living, even if it meant we ran out of certain foods before our three-week phase was completed. 

I learned that I loved the simplicity of life in our clearing. The shock of driving past a village at night after having spent three weeks in the clearing with no power and seeing lights! 

Never take for granted the things we have in the UK as standard – running water, drinking water, flushing toilets, and constant power. 

Always check your boots before putting them on in the morning!” 

Raleigh’s Impact on My Life

“I started understanding there was more to life than just money and possessions and that there is much pleasure in simplicity. 

I appreciated the positives of home in a way that I hadn’t before – as above, all the things I took for granted were luxuries in Ghana (where I was at least). 

I had left corporate life by the time I came on the Expedition, but it reinforced my decision to remain freelance/set up my own business. And that I wanted to go on more ‘adventures’ and live life more fully. It was also the start of my journey into environmentalism.” 

Read more Raleigh International Alumni Stories. 

One of the Best Aspects of Raleigh

“Back then, there was little to no contact with home unless you could find an internet café with enough juice to send emails home. The break from life back home gives great perspective. Until you’re far away from it all, living in basic (and sometimes hard) conditions, getting letters and (melted) chocolate from home was so joyful. You gain an understanding of how much friends and family mean. 

Realising you can survive and thrive with little, learn new things, and push yourself out of your comfort zone, whilst supported by the rest of the team. You have a shared experience that no one else can understand. It’s very bonding.” 

To Anyone Considering Going on a Raleigh Expedition 

“Do it! Yes, there are days when it’s hard, when you’re tired, hungry, and dirty, but they are far outweighed by what you learn and the joy of achieving something that you may never have thought you could do. 

The pleasure of completing a phase, whether it’s on an environmental or community project, knowing you’ve made a difference to a community is priceless. 

Write a diary. I have pages full of microscopic writing and doodles which now provide great memories.”