Celebrating 35 Years of Nature’s Impact
Real Stories of Outdoor Transformation

Karbyn
Youth participant
St. Paul, MN
2024-2025
“Karbyn, who was a BCM alumni and was excited to go on his second trip series this year. When we arrived to camp, he immediately jumped in and started teaching youth about fire building. Another participant who was assisting said she had never built a campfire before and was super excited to learn and go home and teach her family. When Karbyn was asked what he wanted to do after graduation, he replied “I don’t know, probably be a boundary waters guide or something”.

Brett
Youth Agency Partner Staff
Minneapolis, MN
2019-2025
“Whether fall, winter or summer camping, MTS Secondary in partnership with Big City Mountaineers, offers its students a chance of a lifetime to leave the city and regular homework behind to head into the experiences of the North woods. Year after year, students explore, step out of their comfort zone and open up their world.”

Alex
Board member
San Francisco, CA
2023-2025
“Volunteering on a BCM trip in Point Reyes gave me one of the most moving outdoor experiences I’ve ever had. I joined a group of teens on their very first backpacking trip, and over the course of a few days, I watched them grow more confident, curious, and connected to the place and to each other. It reminded me that time in nature, especially when shared with others, can be a catalyst for real transformation.”

Lovey
Youth Participant
Minneapolis, MN
2024
“Getting in touch with nature was not only a stress reliever, but it also opened a whole new world I plan to explore further in the future … It was amazing and really pretty; I’ve never smelled air so fresh in my life.”

Nemo Equipment
Brand Supporter
Dover, NH
2016–2025
“We support organizations like BCM that work to inspire adventure and provide opportunities to experience the outdoors, especially for those that may face barriers to entry. Actively bringing more youth into the outdoors also supports our #AdventureForever value by cultivating young conservationists and adventurers to care and advocate for our outdoor spaces and planet.”

Sal
BCM Staff
Denver, CO
2022–2025
“Working with youth at BCM has been a privilege, and the magic that happens on a trip is something that can’t always be explained. The impact we can have on youth isn’t always seen immediately once we get home, but can last well beyond our involvement with the communities we serve.”
What did your experience in the outdoors mean to you?
Stories connect us. They help us remember, reflect, and inspire. If you’ve ever been part of our journey, whether as a youth participant, volunteer, youth agency partner, or staff member, we’d love to hear from you. Share your experience at the form below to be featured on this page and to inspire others to join in BCM’s outdoor adventures.