Big City Mountaineers main volunteer opportunity is the need for qualified adults to join us for our week-long wilderness trips as positive adult role models for the urban teens we serve. We require that BCM volunteers:
be 21 years of age or older (exceptions may be made on a case by case basis for individuals over 18).
have the desire to help under-resourced teens.
reside within 200 miles of Denver, Oakland, Portland or Seattle for backpacking trips, and within the states of Illinois, Wisconsin or Minnesota for paddling trips.
pay a volunteer fee of $100. This amount covers food, lodging and a portion of trip expenses. (Scholarships may be available)
pay their own transportation cost to the trip destination.
are physically fit. BCM backpacking trips average 5-8 miles per day while gaining as much as 2,000 feet of elevation. Canoeing trips average 8 miles and 4-5 portages a day.
have their own equipment: backpack, sleeping bag, etc.
can devote seven days of time for backpacking trips or eight days of time for canoeing trips.
are prepared to handle the tough parts of the day in a positive manner so that the youth learn how to handle their own tough obstacles in positive ways.
are prepared to work with teens that may be: minimally adjudicated, ethnically diverse, inner city street-wise, low in self-esteem, in need of encouragement and support and leaving their city environments for the first time.
If you are interested in become a BCM Team Member, please complete the preliminary application here. Once you have completed the first part of the application, you will be contacted by our staff about the next steps. If you have any questions regarding volunteering, contact our Volunteer Manager, Brie Brower at brie@bigcitymountaineers.org or (303) 271-9200 x409.
Other Volunteers
Planning and fundraising for BCM trips is a year-round process. We rely heavily on volunteers for help in the office, with gear management and special events. If you are interested in helping us in the "front country", please contact Brie Brower at brie@bigcitymountaineers.org or (303) 271-9200 x409.
