Explore Bhutan and Support Local Youth Through Sports
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At Steppin' Out Adventures, we believe travel is more than just exploring new places. It's about building connections and giving back to the communities we visit. This November, we’re excited to visit the Bhutan Baseball and Softball Association (BBSA) to support local youth development through sports, a program that is making a profound difference in the lives of Bhutanese children. 

BBSA was founded in 2013 with the vision of using baseball to teach important life skills like leadership, teamwork, and responsibility. Today, BBSA has grown to over 6,000 registered youth players across the country, with around 350-400 kids regularly attending weekend training camps and practices. The official recognition of BBSA in 2021 by the Bhutan Olympic Committee was a major milestone, giving the organization the platform it needed to expand its reach.

Sanjeevan Raj Gurung, BBSA’s General Secretary, has played a pivotal role in the growth of baseball in Bhutan. Before joining the association, Sanjeevan was a national-level cricket player, with no prior experience in baseball. His passion for coaching and helping youth thrive led him to dive into baseball, learning everything he could from online resources. Today, Sanjeevan continues to coach, using baseball as a vehicle to teach Bhutanese youth essential life skills that go far beyond the game.

As Sanjeevan explains, BBSA’s mission isn’t just about teaching kids how to play baseball—it’s about shaping their character. “When players come to our training, they have the vision to play and to learn: to play baseball and to learn about life,” Sanjeevan shared. BBSA is more than just a sports program; it’s helping kids build discipline, respect, and confidence that extend to their academic performance, home life, and broader community roles.

Challenges remain, however. BBSA still does not have a dedicated baseball field and instead relies on renting school soccer fields for practices. Equipment is also scarce, as most baseball gear must be sourced from the U.S. or Europe. Though BBSA recently received a $10,000 equipment grant from the World Baseball Softball Confederation, there is still a significant need for more gloves, bats, balls, and other essential gear to keep the program running smoothly.

One of BBSA’s most remarkable achievements came in 2022, when 12 Bhutanese youth traveled to the U.S. to participate in a baseball exchange program with the Hudson Valley Renegades, a Minor League Baseball team. The kids experienced professional baseball up close, learned from seasoned players, and brought their excitement back to Bhutan. This international experience further energized the program, showing what could be achieved with the right support.

How you can help: As part of our visit to Bhutan, we’re collecting baseball gear to bring with us and donate to BBSA. Every glove, bat, and ball you donate will give a child the chance to develop their skills, both on the field and in life. Your support ensures that these kids have the tools they need to thrive.

Looking ahead, BBSA hopes to expand its impact, continuing to engage Bhutanese youth in baseball while fostering strong, disciplined, and respectful individuals. With continued international support, the association hopes to one day have its own baseball field, increasing the scope and accessibility of the sport in Bhutan.

While our upcoming trip is already set, there will be more opportunities to travel with Steppin' Out Adventures and make a difference. We’re committed to responsible travel that not only enriches our travelers but also benefits the communities we visit. By getting involved—whether through donations or joining future trips—you can play a key role in helping young Bhutanese athletes reach their full potential.

Want to get involved? Donate today to help provide baseball gear to Bhutan’s young athletes, and stay tuned for future opportunities to travel with us and make a difference in communities around the world.