Reflections
2025 will mark the fifth anniversary of Boreal Explorers. I founded Boreal Explorers in late 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic to inspire people around the globe to explore nature and experience the wilderness. Over the past four years, the response has been incredible, with over 400 members from 24 countries and nearly 16,000 pictures posted under the hashtag #borealexplorers.
In 2025, we will open membership to new explorers and launch the Boreal Explorers Raiders, a program for those who want to push themselves further in their quest to explore and live an adventurous lifestyle.
The main challenge now is balancing family life, career, and outdoor adventures while managing Boreal Explorers. The costs for the website, patches, postage, packaging, fees, and other expenses are currently paid out of pocket. As a reference, a patch with postage and packaging costs approximately €10. Several members have generously offered donations and contributions, but the core idea of Boreal Explorers has always been inclusivity—making it accessible for everyone to join. However, I need to find a sustainable solution moving forward.
I encourage all members to use #borealexplorers in their social media posts. At present, around 20% of our members contribute 80% of the photos under the hashtag. Some members were happy to receive their patches for free but haven’t used the hashtag at all. Of course, participation is entirely optional, and I can’t force anyone. However, offering a free patch and membership feels like it should encourage at least one picture under the hashtag, don’t you think?
That said, I’m excited about what 2025 will bring—celebrating Boreal Explorers’ fifth anniversary and launching the Boreal Explorers Raiders program. Stay tuned, keep exploring, and let’s continue to inspire one another!
Regards Fred, founder
