Youth OrganizationsBig City Mountaineers targets youth organizations that work with under-resourced teens in urban centers who, without programs like our, would not be introduced to the backcountry. Some organizations are residential facilities where the teens live; others are after school programs that reach out to troubled communities. These agencies recognize the benefit a program like BCM brings to their youth and have incorporated our programming into their offerings as a means of reinforcing each of their individual missions. The specific type of organization (adjudicated or court ordered placement, residential facility, after school program, foster care, group home, educational institution, etc) is not as important to BCM as many other factors. These factors include: geographical location; profile of the youth served by the agency; ability of the youth program to provide an appropriate staff member to attend the trip; enthusiasm and follow through by the organization to meet deadlines and participate in BCM training; ability of the organization to monetarily contribute to the cost of the trip. TeensThe youth BCM serves are in substantial need of mentoring experiences with adults. Of recent BCM participants:
The teens selected for BCM trips are typically ethnically diverse, generally aged 14-17, and are chosen by the adult team member from the youth organization they are participating through. BCM provides these teens the opportunity to expand their worldviews, imagine a future beyond their urban challenges, and ultimately gain the self-esteem and motivation to initiate positive behavior changes. For specific descriptions of the agencies BCM is partnering with, please see the "Youth Program Profiles" section. For more information about how to get a youth organization in your area involved with us, please contact BCM Program Director Erin McVoy at erin@bigcitymountaineers.org or 303-271-9200 x2.
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