Episode Details

Guest Bio

Keren Mikva is the Director of Alpengirl, an outdoor adventure program dedicated to empowering young women through immersive experiences in nature. Originally from Chicago, Keren discovered her love for the outdoors during summers spent at sleepaway camp in the Berkshires of Massachusetts. After earning a B.A. in Political Science from Stanford University, she realized her path lay far beyond the world of politics. She booked a one-way ticket to New Zealand, setting off on a journey that ultimately led her into a career in outdoor guiding.

Over the past decade, Keren has built a diverse resume leading whitewater rafting expeditions, hiking and biking tours, and multi-adventure trips around the globe. She has guided on the Snake River in Wyoming and the Rio Grande in New Mexico, led cycling adventures through Croatia and New Zealand, and coordinated trips across Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks. Now based in Bozeman, Montana, she continues to explore the Mountain West while shaping meaningful outdoor experiences for the next generation.

With a Master’s Degree in Sustainability in the Outdoor Industry from the University of Colorado Boulder, Keren brings both passion and purpose to her leadership at Alpengirl. She is deeply committed to mentorship, environmental stewardship, and creating supportive spaces where girls can build confidence, resilience, and a lifelong connection to the outdoors.

Show Summary

In this episode of the Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Podcast, host Jason Elkins speaks with Keren about her journey from suburban Chicago to directing one of the country’s most inspiring outdoor programs for girls. She shares how early camp experiences shaped her love of adventure and how years of guiding around the world prepared her to lead and mentor young women in the outdoors.

The conversation dives into what makes Alpengirl unique — from skill-building backcountry trips to thoughtfully designed mother-daughter adventures that strengthen family bonds. Keren explains how the program focuses on empowerment rather than competition, creating a supportive environment where girls can challenge themselves, learn practical outdoor skills, and discover their own strength.

Jason and Keren also discuss the realities of guiding, the importance of communication with families, and why outdoor education plays such a critical role in personal growth. At its core, Alpengirl is about building confidence, community, and connection — all through the transformative power of adventure.

Key Takeaways

• ✓ Alpengirl creates outdoor experiences designed specifically to build confidence in young women.
• ✓ Early exposure to adventure can shape lifelong passions and career paths.
• ✓ Mother-daughter trips provide meaningful opportunities for connection outside everyday routines.
• ✓ Skilled, compassionate guides are essential to fostering a positive camp culture.
• ✓ Learning practical outdoor skills helps girls develop independence and resilience.
• ✓ Group adventure travel comes with challenges that ultimately strengthen teamwork and leadership.
• ✓ Clear communication with parents supports camper success and trust.
• ✓ Outdoor programs can be empowering without being wilderness therapy.
• ✓ A supportive, fun environment makes the outdoors more accessible to all experience levels.
• ✓ Adventure travel can be a powerful catalyst for personal growth at any age.

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