Are there age requirements for volunteers?We prefer our volunteers to be 21 years of age, but exceptions can be made. BCM is willing to work with our potential leaders on a case-by-case basis to determine if our needs and goals match. Does BCM have minimum requirements for their volunteers?BCM requires dedication to the youth population we are serving. We require an eight day commitment as well as pre-trip training sessions. We require that you provide your own equipment (sleeping bag, backpack etc.). We require you to pass a criminal background check. A BCM trip is physically demanding; being in shape and a clean bill of health is necessary. Each member of the team is evaluated and assigned to a trip where their particular skills will be best utilized and complimented by the other volunteers. This evaluation is a comprehensive questionnaire regarding your experience and history both in the outdoors and working with youth. Will I get to meet the youth group I will be working with prior to my trip?Though BCM tries to match up youth and leaders local to the same area so we can plan pre and post activities; this is not always possible. BCM will do our best to help facilitate these activities and meetings, but we also rely on the leaders and youth to get together on their own. What kind of training does BCM provide their volunteers?BCM has online training sessions we require all new volunteers to view. We also have conference calls with our staff and other volunteers to talk about the upcoming trip and help answer questions. There is also face-to-face volunteer training in some locations. Will I have to pay anything?Volunteers pay a $100 fee that will help cover the trip costs. This fee is due by April 15. Will BCM pay my travel expenses?You are responsible for paying your own travel expenses to and from the trip departure city. BCM will not pay for plane tickets, hotel, gas, food, etc. prior to the start day of your trip. The volunteer fee will cover transportation costs to the trailhead from the city. Who are the other volunteers on my trip?The other volunteers on your team are qualified individuals such as yourself. We do our best to match skill sets on each trip to make sure that there is a variety of expertise spread across the entire team. There will be one Team Leader who has worked with BCM in previous years and we feel is qualified to lead your group through the backcountry. There is also a Team Medic, who is qualified to handle any medical issues that may arise. You will be given your fellow Team Members' names and addresses prior to the trip so you can meet or talk when it is convenient for all of you. Can I pick my trip location?BCM is working towards pairing youth and adults in the same geographical location so ongoing mentoring can occur after the trip. If you are not located in close proximity to a trip destination, you may request a particular geography and we will do our best to accommodate your request. Who are the youth I will be working with?BCM works with youth organizations who serve teens from socially or economically depressed areas who, without programs like our, would not be introduced to the backcountry. The teens have been hand selected by their organization and consider this opportunity to be an earned privilege. The youth may be from a residential placement facility, after school program, foster care, group home, educational institution, court ordered or adjudicated placement. In addition, the youth organization is required to send a staff member from their organization on your trip to help with the teens. Where are your trips?Currently, California and Colorado are our two largest program areas in terms of volunteers, youth organizations and trail systems. We do run trips in other parts of the country including Illinois, Minnesota, West Virginia, New Hampshire, and Washington When are your trips?The focus of the BCM experience is an eight day backpacking or canoeing trip that takes place in the month of July or August. We are also piloting some shorter "follow up" excursions in a select few locations. These events are designed to reunite the same teens and adults from the summer trip for a day or weekend activity. What is the general itinerary of each BCM trip?Each BCM trip is unique, but follows roughly the same itinerary. There is a set timeline and system that we would like you to use a guide while in the field.
Download Frequently Asked Questions as a PDF
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