Celebrating 35 Years of Nature’s Impact

“My favorite thing about nature is when I’m on top of a big mountain, and the wind is just blowing in my face and I see the most amazing view possible. I believe that is the best thing about nature.”

“I fully believe in the physical and emotional benefits of being in nature and I think that all people should have access to these opportunities. I think that these skills that they learn on BCM trips can be transferred to other parts of youth participants’ lives. These opportunities to connect with nature can also help them find a space to return to or deepen their connection when they need it and hopefully, through BCM, they will feel like the outdoors is a space that they belong in and can actively recreate in.”

“”When I make time to get outside, I feel calm, grounded, and capable! It reminds me to check in with my mind, body and heart and feel connected to the natural world. Big City Mountaineers’ mission matters so much because Nature is healing and transformative for all of us! These experiences can have a lifelong impact for personal growth, for building community, and for nurturing our connections and care for the natural world.”

“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”.

“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.”

“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.”

“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.”

“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.”

“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.”